A death in the family

A week ago tonight, Gigabyite the hamster died. It owner, 9-year-old Adam, discovered the hamster's death shortly before his bed time.

Adam loved Gigabyite, and he grieved over his pet's death. A few weeks ago, Adam described Gigabyite as his most prized possession. His mother told him that a pet is not a possession, it is a responsibility. After that, Adam referred to Gigabyite as his "most prized responsibility."

The next morning, I dug a grave for Gigabyite in the hard soil in the woods beside our home. Adam and I said a few words, and we placed a concrete block over the spot so animals would not dig up Gigabyite's body.


We'll probably get another hamster soon. Adam and his older brother, Joey, genuinely like those critters. But it hurts to see a little one grieve like that when a most prized responsibility is gone.

ADDENDUM: I forgot to say that Gigabyite was not just an animal in a cage. About every day, Adam would hold Gigabyite and let him crawl on his shoulder and on his chest. Everyone in the family was expected to let Gigabyite roam on their clothes, and about everyone knew what it meant when Gigabyite stopped to groom his cheeks while resting on your shirt. (It meant you needed to grab a tissue to remove a rodent dropping).

Joey and Adam have had several hamsters and gerbils. Gigabyite was probably Adam's favorite.