Of Hamsters and Hibernation

Dear Grammie,

Well, there was sure some excitement tonight. Normally I hear my hamster's wheel going like crazy every time I get up to use the bathroom, but there was nothing tonight. Now, poor little Indi is old so she's been slowing down some, but usually she's running miles at this time of night. I thought I'd better check.

I found her, huddled in her house, barely breathing and cool to the touch. I thought she was dying. I held her in my hand and called the emergency vet. They said that I should bring her in. I did some quick checking of my bank balance on the internet as I got ready to leave. As I was reading, I noticed some activity from the small, furry bundle in my hand. I looked under the washcloth and noticed she had one eye cracked open and was kind of snuffling around. I grabbed the small piece of walnut I had handy and offered it. She took it!!

I immediately ran downstairs and made some sugar water. I also called Kaboodle. She said she'd bring some baby food and Pedialite home. I grabbed a clean Microbrush (one of those little tufted things I use for watercolors) and dipped it in the sugar water and offered it. She licked it off. I gave her more water like this on and off with small chunks of walnut for about an hour all the while holding her. I plugged in the electric blanket and tried to set her in there, but she crawled back into my hand. I decided to just hold her since she seemed to want to be held.

I was so worried! I know she's old, she's just like skin and bones and fur no matter how much I feed her. I got her probably two years ago and they usually don't live past three. Well, I've probably had her more like two and a half years. I can't remember exactly. I'd have to check in my journal, and I don't always write in that, as you know.

I changed her cage stuffing and filled her water bottle with sugar and water solution and I put in a bunch of toilet paper all ripped up so she can make a little nest and then I hauled the whole works downstairs to the TV Room where it's the warmest in the house. Doodis was pretty happy to see me. I cleared everything off my computer table and put her there. She scooted around her cage and checked things out and then even got in her wheel and ran a tiny bit before climbing into her food dish and stuffing her cheeks. I hope she's okay now. She seemed alert and her eyes were open. Her nose was twitching and stuff too.

I think I'm going to run down and check on her. Be right back...

Okay, I'm back, sorry. She's still a little wobbly but I think she'll be okay. I think I startled her a little bit because she squeaked at me when I touched her and she's never done that before. Oops. Sorry, Indi. She went back to her food dish and climbed back in. I don't blame her, I filled that sucker almost to the top. I hope she'll be okay. If I wasn't so incredibly tired, I'd hold her until Kaboodle came home, but I think I'd fall asleep and I certainly don't want to roll over and smoosh her. That would suck the big one. I know she's old and that she probably won't live forever, but I don't want her to die just yet.

Speaking of dying, something is killing off my fish and no, it's not the cats. Most of my angelfish have died and the blood parrot cichlids are sick. My goldfish is also sick. We've put in medicine and moved them out of the tank, so I guess it's the waiting game now. I can't figure out what's up. There have been no new additions to the tank and the tank itself isn't dirty. Maybe the chemical levels are off, but we just did the water change. PetSmart, here I come with a water sample. I don't plan to replace the fish if they die. I think three tanks are too much for us, really. Kaboodle is balking at it, but I'm going to stand firm on this. I'm not going to get another hamster either. I bond to them too much and bawl my fool head off when they die. I think two dogs and two cats are plenty for me. I know you think I'm crazy, and you're right. At least I seem to be able to recognize my limits now. When I was younger I was oblivious. Perhaps some of your wisdom did rub off on me. I'd certainly like to think so!

Well, I suppose I should go since it's really early in the morning and I have yet to see much sleep. I'm sorry if there are a bunch of typos. I probably won't go back and check for them tomorrow, so please forgive me. I'm super sleepy, which is a nice change of pace.

OH! I almost forgot! A friend of D'Nyed is an apprentice tattoo artist so her work is less expensive. I'm going to go check her out and see if I can get the memorial tattoo done for a reasonable price. I'm just not sure where on my body I want to put it. I suppose I should draw it up too before I go. Yeah, yeah I know. I like tattoos though.

Okay, now I'm really going to sign off and go to bed. I miss you, Grammie!


Love you always,
Kit