Ashley has been pestering us for YEARS that she wanted a pet. Unfortunately, our work schedules just don’t allow us to properly care for a pet that needs attention, like a dog. Kayla and I are allergic to cats, and we don’t have the space (or desire) to care for things in the guinea pig, ferret, rabbit family. Ashley finally decided that a hamster would be perfect. Small, doesn’t need to be given loads of attention, easy enough to care for (like any other pet). We made her research it for weeks, getting to know the care needs, how to clean the cage, when to clean, what needs to be in the cage, how to know if it is sick, etc.. She created a full scale report!
For her birthday, she received a habitat, food, and ball. Kayla bought the travel case. We researched a place in Libertyville called Animal Education and Rescue. It is a humane society that rescues animals and places them in foster homes until they can be adopted. The adoption fee is a little higher than buying a hamster at a pet store, but that fee covers a full vet check-up and any vaccinations. Ashley saved her money for the adoption fee, and we applied. We had intended to adopt a different hamster. We were supposed to pick it up yesterday morning. That hamster escaped its cage Friday night and somehow got into the walls of the foster family’s home. We got a call this morning that it could take a long time to retrieve that hamster (if ever, which would not end well), but that a sister hamster could be adopted today. Nibbles is 11 weeks old, and hamsters usually live about 2-3 years. Her birthday is Feb. 2nd. And so here we are!
Ashley also used her money to buy the “penthouse” suite you see installed there. Nibbles already likes that part of the habitat! Here she is inside the saucer dome.
Ashley has full responsibility for this critter (we will keep an eye on things of course) and she has to use her allowance money to pay for the upkeep and food and such. She planned it all out as part of her report.
Gizmo got to meet Nibbles when we stopped at Mom’s house. He went BONKERS! Mom has video…..
More to come for sure!
How exciting for Ashley! Yes, Gizmo went bonkers! After you left, he searched and sniffed for an hour, very sure that little critter must be somewhere in our house. 🙂
Nice apartment Nibbles has there, with a penthouse room and everything!
We have not had anything smaller than a Gizmo, except one time when Aunt Tiffanie gave Aunt Erin aquatic frogs. One got out of the aquarium and came all the way down to the kitchen. We got it before it went down the heat vent!
Have lots of fun, Ashley! Having your own pet for the first time is something you’ll never forget. Nibbles is lucky to have gotten you to be her “mom”!! 🙂
Lots of love and hugs,
Gramma xoxoxoxo
Good morning from the Lake House!! Welcome Nibbles!! What fun!! Nibbles is quite the cutie!! Enjoy your adventures with her Ashley!! We just know that Nibbles is one lucky hamster!! She will have love and the best care ever!! Way to go Ashley!! You will have lots of fun with her. Enjoy!! Lots of love and many hugs!! 🙂