Impressed!

[pinkneon]

Just popped to the pet shop to get a few bits for Sweep. Same shop I got Sweep from, but different lady working today. She started by taking my name and number so she can ring me when a couple of things come back in next week. As she put the carton of chinchilla sand she said "yours likes this too then? Most people don't know how much they love sand!" So I explqined that Sweep's hobby is digging LOL. 4hen said that actually I'd got Sweep there a month ago, so she asked how he was settling and if he was easy to handle. I said not yet, but think it's because the door is at the top rather than the side, and said I'd ordered a new cage. Then said I'd learnt more about hamsters over the past few years since "joining a fantastic forum" than when I had them as a kid.
Just as I remembered to get another bag of food, a couple came in with the smallest cage I've ever seen. They said they'd ordered it online but it looked bigger than it was, so didn't want to keep the hamster in it, and was asking if the shop had anything bigger. The lady said they no longer sold cages for ANY animal (which I'd noticed before but not really thought about) as they felt they were too small. The couple asked what size they should get, and the women first asked what sort of hamster they had. They said Syrian, so she said she wasn't too sure, then looked at me and told them I was part of a hamster forum, so might know. I gently explained the RSPCA guidelines, and told them the minimum they recommend, but the bigger the better. The man's face was a picture, and they were clearly shocked, but the women said they had fallen in love with the hamster, who was a birthday present for one of their children from another relative even though they hadn't really wanted it. So, they asked where to get a big enough cage from, and I suggested a few websites, and also said if they looked online they'd find information about making bin cages. The lady in the shop was listening intently, and after telling me I "had a clear passion for animals", said she was going to tell any future hamster owners about the RSPCA guidelines (which she had also looked up to confirm tonthe couple). Once they left, she told me about her hamster (apparently named "Mrs Squeak" by her son!) and said the minute she got home she was going to order a new cage!
She also let me have a couple of the things I was getting for Sweep for free which was nice of her!
I'm impressed that firstly they refuse to sell cages as they believe them to be too small, and that both her and the couple wanted so much to do the best for their furry little ones by getting new cages! She's also going to print out the RSPCA leaflet and put it up in the shop. The couple were a little worried that the hamster wouldn't be happy whilst they ordered a new cage, but I told them he'll be fine for a few more days. They also bought a few new toys, and asked my advice about wheels too, but the shop didn't have any wheels left today anyway, so they've ordered one for when it comes in next week. I was a little embarrassed, especially as I sort of felt like I was "telling" them whwt to do, but they all said they were glad I'd nhelped them, and just want what's best for the hamsters. The couple have also reserved a new baby for their other child, and willmpick her up once her new cage arrives. (I remembered to tell them they couldn't be housed together!) That baby hammy is sooooooooooo cute! She's a beautiful chocolate color, so of course I had to see all the new babies in there too just to say hello LOL

P.s. sorry about the silly mistakes. I can't edit things on my stupid tablet and am in the car so not got the laptop!

[GreySyrian]

That's a great story! It was a good job you where there

[pinkneon]

Yeah. But it was a little embarrassing ... Still, I have done my good deed for the day, and improved the lives of some little fluffballs! There were also some adorable babies. Would have loved to be able to have more than 1 here, and if I could would have got one today. Strange thing was, they had female babies today as well as males (in seperate cages of course) but when I got Sweep the lady there that day said they ONLY take males as they are easier to handle ... wanted to bring them all back with me cos they were all adorable!

[Coco61]

Well done pinkneon! It isn't easy to offer advice but when you are asked then it is easier. You have made a difference to 3 hammies already and to all those who pass through that pet shop. That will be a lot of hammies in time.

[flowerfairy]

Lovely. Great that the pet shop lady was so keen to take on information. Oh for more pet shop owners/workers like that.

[M3gan]

It warms my heart to hear of people like you, the couple and the shop employee. Well done xx

[Pebbles82]

Brilliant! Except - I thought you were going to sell the couple your maxi duna!

[pinkneon]

I did offer, but they said no. Though where Sweep would have gone til his new Alexander arrives I don't know lol ... Not sure yet what I'm doing with it. Might try seeing if one of the charity shops wants it to resell but not sure if they will or not

[Rsclio197]

Just pop it on Gumtree free to a good home as it might be a good upgrade for another hammy

[pinkneon]

Not heard of gumtree ... Is that like ebay?