This little guy came into our lives in August of 2005. We’ve just started working, earning money to make a living. Having just moved into a rented apartment with a few friends and longing for an animal companionship, we went out to get 2 pet hamsters.
We came home with identical hamsters, Oatmeal and Peanut. One very reserved and shy, one happy-go-lucky. Oatmeal will shiver and quiver everytime we even step foot near the cage. Peanut, stronger of the two will boldly approach the side of the cage, gives us a sniff or two, quiver a little but will not run away.
We separated them because they started fighting. One lived in a habitrail safari cage, one in a colourful-forgotthenameofthecage-cage. The next day, Oatmeal disappeared. I assume, smarter of the two, Oatmeal figured out how to open the outlook compartment and fled away. That was the last we saw/heard of Oatmeal.
So we showered Peanut with everything we’ve got. Whenever we go out, we’d buy treats. Whenever we got lonely, Peanut is there to cheer us up. There was never a dull moment with him.
We bought a gigantic space wheel for Peanut.
But he took it as his home instead, taking all the wood shavings he can find and hiding his food there, making a big mess on the floor.
End of July 2007, we moved into a new rented house and got ourselves a dog, by the name of Max. We were hoping that the two will get along splendidly and imagined having wonderful pictures of both of them cuddling up against each other.
But that dog kept licking his lips everytime he sees Peanut! We were not going to risk it.
Peanut is really smart. Remember when he did tricks? Yeah, he is really smart. 
2 days before he died, we noticed that he had trouble opening his eyes, by now, Peanut was gray all over. We knew his time is coming to an end.
He looks really haggard and was having difficulty in breathing. We tried to make everything comfortable for him but he refused water and food. He stumbles when he walks. He wanted to go for his last run on the wheel but he couldn’t pull himself up on it, so heartbreaking.
Peanut left us to cross Rainbow Bridge on the 4th of May 2008, a Sunday.
I am glad that he does not have to suffer anymore, and that he lived his life almost to the maximum age. His age, 2 years 9 months. He lived a long life.
We gave him a pretty box to lie in. Filled it up with his wood shavings, positioned him nicely so he looks like he is sleeping.
We brought Max into the house for him to say his las goodbye, instead that dog took no notice and licked himself the entire time.
We were very sad but we did not cry. Maybe because we knew that we’ve helped Peanut lived his life this long, took him back from a crowded place and brought him to his forever home. We gave Peanut a place of his own.
*****
Peanut, you are the bestest hamster I’ve ever had the privilege of taking care of. You’re the sweetest most tamest hamster I know. Please don’t tell Fredsorina that if you see her there, I told her the same thing, minus the tamest part. She bit me a LOT of times. And if you see Oatmeal there, tell him he is in big trouble for running away.
*****
May you rest in peace, Peanut.
He will be forever missed. Take care, Peanut.
