Newt the Cute

found 6 April 2007--passed away 12 November 2009

A few weeks ago, Newt started to show signs of kidney failure. She was having a hard time getting around, and she had stopped eating. Hamsters only live two to three years, so we knew it was her time. I removed obstacles from her cage so she could get around easier without being hurt, and I changed her to a lower-protein diet to keep her comfortable. She didn't appear to be in pain, so we kept her at home and enjoyed what time we had left with her. I fed her baby food each day by hand, and then she'd fall asleep in my lap.



On November 12, she died quietly in her sleep.

I want to remember Newt by adopting another hamster from a shelter some time in the future. There simply aren't enough people who adopt from animal shelters, and I feel that small animals have it especially tough. People don't take in neglected hamsters when they can buy them for a few dollars at a pet store. I will keep my home open to little ones who need me.

Thank you, Newt, for adopting me. You will be missed.

Today's the second anniversary of Newt's rescue! She's as cute as ever, stuffing her cheeks and running on her wheel. We've gotten a lot of mileage out of our little Dumpster Hamster. Or maybe she's gotten a lot of mileage out of us. I'm not sure which.

Have a fuzzy cupcake!



And smile for the camera. ^_^

( Dear Newt... )

Know what we haven't done in awhile? Checked in on Newt! Newt got a fancy new home today, and she's quite impressed.

( Let's catch up with Newt, shall we? )

I just got out of the shower this morning and came into my office, when I noticed that the top of Newt's cage was pushed up and back. The containers next to her tank were toppled over, and her brush was on the floor. I picked up Newt's house, and she was gone! O_O

I did a little sing-song, "Neeewt... where aaare you? I know you're in here." At least, I was hoping she was. And sure enough, I heard one of her quiet hamster sneezes. She was under my desk! There were some boxes in front of my desk, so I pushed those aside. Newt just walked right up to me.

Best hamster ever.

Hopefully, she didn't get into anything harmful. She must have taken quite a tumble off her shelf, but she doesn't seem hurt. Poor hamster! I've put a book on her tank topper, and I'll be keeping an eye on her.

One year ago today, Kris and I found a cold, scared, baby hamster in the garbage bin behind our store. That hamster is now big, healthy, and afraid of no one. ^_^ I gave Newt her birthday treats:



( one more )

G'morning, Newt! I haven't updated in awhile, so here's a little Newt Overload to start your morning off right. ( Newt gets a snack )

Why so serious, Newt? And here's a bunch of other, blurry photos. I keep forgetting that I actually have to focus this camera. :P

( Read more... )

I'm salvaging photos from the old camera, and we're long overdue for a Newt Overload. And now, a break from all the politics:



( Newt's First Peanut )

I got to carve my very first jack-o-lantern this year. Never got to before because my mom thought pumpkins were nasty. I drew the face, and my husband carved it! :D We played with the pumpkin shell, and Newt got to play with the pumpkin innards. ( Halloween Fun )