hamster passed on (question)

[rescuefriend]

My 7 yr olds hamster passed and of course this was a very sad parting. Weve had him for almost 2 yrs and he was her little friend. Although she is only 7 she took the responsibility of feeding and changin water dishes daily. She loved to carry him around and he was even brought to her school for show and tell.
The thing is she really wants another one. I'm on the fence with this because from what I've read on hamsters, their life spans are not long, so I'm thinking why should she have to go through this all again in another yr or two. Being her mom, I'm trying to save her from future sadness. Am I making the right decision?

[kellys2181]

I think the joy of having the animal (even if for only a couple years) is worth the sadness when the time comes to say goodbye. I have lost 3 hamsters so far. If she really wants another one, I would get one. I am sorry to hear about your loss!!

[Jerica]

You could look into longer lived animals maybe. Sometimes gerbils can live a couple years longer. Otherwise with a 7 yr old maybe even a small gentle dog that can live much longer. She sounds really responsible. But I do think if she really wants another hamster go ahead and get one, they are fun to have and it may help her for in the future when she has animals and looses them she can deal with it more easily. Sounds like the hamster had a good caretaker.

[krazy4birds]

Having grandchildren about that age who have had their share of hamsters and Gerbals and dogs and cats that have passed away for one reason or another. The dog got hit by a car, the cat got killed by the neighbors dog etc...they still continue to get another pet and love it even more because they understand how precious life is and how fast it can be gone. They are stronger because of it. I would opt for whatever she decides on.

[rescuefriend]

Well I think we arent going to get another one, She already has a fish in her room, and Chance (rescued jenday). We do have a mixed breed dog as well, his name is oreo and has been with us for 6 yrs.
I think maybe the loss of the hamster upset me the most :(

[Babee]

Well, it sounds like you don't want to go through it again. Part of life is death. It's something your daughter will deal with though out her life. I don't think she should not be able to have another hamster, because it's to hard on you. Don't get me wrong....I totally understand were you r coming from too..........it's hard to see your little ones heart break over a death of a pet.
Anyhow, it sounds like your mind is made up............give it a couple of months and if she still wants one........maybe you can reconsider.

Lynne

[Pepsidoodle]

I say get a guinea pig. They are bigger and stinkier but may live longer. So much fun too. You might be saving that poor hamster or gp from being fed to a snake. One way to look at it.

[phillydogs]

Guinea pigs are fun, but require more maintenance than a hamster or gerbil. They need more dental care, nail clippings. I think maybe another hamster or gerbil is a good idea for a 7 year old. I personally had pet rats ("fancy rats")that were great, I had them litterbox trained, they are very intelligent and loving animals. But they too need more space and stimulation than a hamster would.

I think that not getting her a replacement if she wants one is a bad lesson to teach. It's like saying just give up if your pet dies, don't share you love with another pet. If she is ready, do it. If that hamster lived 2 years then she was taking good care of it.

There were actually a lot of rabbits, hamsters, gerbils and guinea pigs at my local humane society. Maybe you can take her to a local shelter to adopt one that needs a home, so she can see how great saving an animal from a shelter can be!

[emroul]

I agree with above posters. I had my first hamster when I was 7, and when she died (I was 9 I think) it was heartbreaking, but its a part of life that everyone must go through; and shouldn't, in my opinion, be sheltered from it. I continued to keep hamsters and then many other pets, and I'm glad I did. The joy that came from keeping these little critters was WAY worth having to understand their existence here on earth is so short. I think as long as she understands that a hamsters lifespan is just not that long, and she understands she will have to go through this again, if she still wants one I would let her (going back to my earlier statement of "everyone has to go through it, and shouldn't be sheltered from it"). IF however she understands that and does NOT want to have one, so be it. I know a lot of people that grew up not really liking animals because it was too difficult to let them go in the end. Their choice. I love having the joy of keeping them plus I know I rescued them from who knows what.

Anyway, hope that was helpful, and it was just an opinion. :)
Jennifer

[rescuefriend]

Thanks everyone for all your input, Im deciding to let her have another, maybe in a few weeks, just so she understands he cant be replaced and that we should have a grieving period.
Then in a few weeks we may just get another :)

[Babee]

That sounds perfect. Hugs to the both of you.

Lynne