Play well at the bridge, dear Darwin

[Kiki_3173]

Darwin was my first hamster that I’ve had as an adult and to be perfectly honest, I had never intended to have any hamsters as pets in my adult life either. My heart ham came into my life (kind of) unexpectedly.

I am a teacher at an elementary school, 4th grade to be exact. A little over 2 years ago, on a Friday, one of my students came into my class and told me that her hamster had babies over the summer. She asked me if we could have one in the classroom as a class pet. I contemplated the idea and I told her, I wasn’t so sure, but that I would talk to her mom. W-E-L-L…that next Monday, in walked that little girl, with a box in her hands and announced that she had brought the class pet with her!! You can imagine my surprise!?!? I hadn’t even spoken with her mother yet! Here I was, hamster in box…no cage, no food, no water, and no remembrance of taking care of them when I was a child…nothing! It was one of the few times as a teacher, that I was completely…speechless We took care of Darwin for the day, having borrowed some substrate, food, and an extra water bottle from a fellow teacher…and our story grows from there.

He rode shotgun to and from school with me every Monday & Friday for 2 years and I talked to him all the way there and home. What a great buddy he was to have with me on those short drives. My students fell in love with him immediately…I mean…how could they not?!?

Darwin was the reason that I found this wonderful forum and the reason I have connected with so many wonderful people. I wanted to know all that I could. He was such a lovable boy, that I searched for every way that I could give him a wonderful home and life!

Which is why it gutted me to find him peacefully curled up in his house, last Sunday, in his forever sleep.

Play well at the bridge my dear boy!! xx Until we meet again, I will forever miss your sweet snuggles in the crook of my elbow, the way you would crawl under my chin, and the annoyed chirps you would always give me as I bumped and banged around in your cage. Good night my sweet Darwin <3

[DrKMcK]

Hello Kiki. Your memorial for Darwin is just beautiful, as was he. He will be missed so much on HC. Your relationship with Darwin was so special. As a regular travel partner, to and from school, Darwin had a consistent contact with you over and above the normal shedule most of us follow. Not only will you miss him when you look at where his cage resides in your home, but it will also be missing at school. More sadly, he won't be in the car for you to chat with. Who will listen to your secrets that only a hamster can know? The holes this little man will leave in your life are really significant. I am so sorry for his loss in your life. Darwin, be at peace old man.

[Esmy]

I'm sorry for your loss Kiki. I know you adored him and I'm sure he adored you.

[JustMyName86]

I am sorry to hear about Darwin. I lost my baby today too.
Now they can play together at the bridge. I will be making my own little post about my baby soon.

[cypher]

I'm so sorry Kiki.
Play well Darwin.

[Teddy001]

Kiki, beautiful tribute to Darwin. I can't say how sorry I am that he has passed over the bridge. I understand, about being adult age, and getting your first hamster. First hamster's find a very special place in our hearts, and will forever be remembered. May you find peace, and heal gently, and Darwin, play well over the bridge. xx

[Willow Wisp]

That's a heartfelt beautiful memorial for little Darwin.
I am so sorry for your loss Kiki.
Play well at the bridge Darwin x

[fluffybumolivia]

Sorry for your loss, what a sweet story. Hugs. Xx

[Skyblue2001]

So Sorry for your loss, i can picture him playing with the other little ones

[Truffle]

I am so sorry that Darwin has passed on, this is a beautiful memorial for a very special hamster. I know that I will miss seeing his little face here on HC, he was a true heart ham. Sleep tight little one xx