R.I.P., Techno

I just can't believe it!

Just when I was complaining to my friend Jane about how I didn't feel like changing Techno the hamster's cage, my eldest son came running out of his room with Techno in his hands, screaming, "Mommy, Techno's dead!"

Except he wasn't dead. The poor thing was dying. Still barely alive, gasping his last breaths. I took him from my son and held him until he died, nestled in my hands.

I have no idea what happened. I suppose it was just his time, although I thought hamsters are supposed to live 2-5 years. I guess not this hamster.

He hasn't been sick though. He's only three months old and he's been a happy, healthy hamster. As usual, he was running around like a madman in his exercise ball last night and napping peacefully this morning.

My sons are devastated, particularly my eldest since he helped take care of Techno the most. I'm pretty upset too, because, well, I'm the one who stayed up all night stalking Techno when he escaped. I cleaned his cage three times a week because I have a really sensitive nose. I put him in his exercise ball and let him roam around for 20 minutes at a time. Needless to say, we really bonded.

We put him in a small box and buried him under a tree in our backyard. My eldest is ever the scientist, remarking that "rigor motor" had already begun. He cried so hard as I wrapped the body in a little burial shroud of tissue.

So, Techno, rest in peace and thank you for being a part of our little family. I'm sure we'll be adopting one of your cousins soon.