by Early this morning our dear little Petey finally left us.
Both his brothers left us some time ago, but the littlest one of them all
hung on until this morning, lasting just a couple months shy of 3 years with
us.
We got all 3 brothers together, and had to split them up shortly after due
to constant fights. Petey was the smallest by far, about half the size of
his brothers. We had assumed he had some genetic issues and thus would
likely be the first we'd lose. He proved us so very wrong.
A lively little fellow, he was difficult to handle, like every Robo we've
had, but at one point in time I could handle him pretty well, and not worry
about losing him as he darted off. I'll always remember those times, brief
as they were. After a while he reverted back to his old skittish ways and
couldn't be handled anymore.
He was always a lively little one, playing all hours in his wheel when he
was younger, and even doing his best to keep up the miles in it as he got
older and his joints started to stiffen on him. He had good teeth right up
until the end, having nipped me only a couple weeks ago as I startled him
when placing some tofu in the tank, (a treat he loved). He had been
spending many a night recently gnawing down some wood sticks, making more
progress than you would ever think those little teeth could. As he got
older his tank was filled with more and more tissue for bedding so he would
be warm and comfy. He spent about equal time in both his houses and also in
a toy globe that sat in one corner.
We did everything we could to keep him comfortable and happy as he got older
and older. I often though of him as the "little miracle" of our house,
always on the go despite his small size, and such a joy to watch.
As one of the last Robo's we'll likely ever own, Petey has left us with
wonderful memories, and a feeling that we were so blessed to share his long,
busy life.
Rest in peace little one, I'm going to miss seeing you every time I walk by
the spot where your house was, you were so very special.
The few pictures we had are here, some taken on his 2nd Birthday with us,
and a couple when he first came home.
http://pets.webshots.com/album/573720894OVrPFC
If that link doesn't work, the link to all the albums is here....
http://community.webshots.com/user/limahl
Brian & Judy & The Little Hamster Horde