a Sweet Thing Like Me?
Someone put me and my cage in a big box, and then they put me and my cage and the box in a shopping cart, and left me outside the door of Petco. (At least that's what I heard. It's kind of hard to see what's going on when you're in a box.) I didn't have any water for awhile -- I was getting a little thirsty. But at least I had something to eat. Someone had given me some pizza crust and a dorito chip. They tasted OK but my stomach didn't feel that good.
But then a nice lady that works at Petco took me out of the box. I stayed in a back room for awhile, because, well, my cage was awfully dirty. No one had cleaned it for a long time. And I'm ashamed to say, I added to the mess. But I couldn't help it. There wasn't any other place to go. So my bed was kinda smelly.
I think I'm a lucky hamster. That very same day, there were lots of people from the California Hamster Association. They were having a show. And some of them took me and put me a clean cage and gave me a piece of apple. It tasted soooooo good! And it quenched my thirst, too. Then I got some good food and some water. I ate and then I took a nap. I felt much better.
Well, I'm living with this really nice person now. I like her. She feeds me, and keeps my cage clean, and plays with me. I overheard her saying that she was going to name me Belle, but she keeps calling me Sweetie. Go figure. (Frankly, I think she calls everyone Sweetie.)
I like where I am. I wouldn't mind staying here. But, alas, I am in foster care. (There are lots of others where I live.) I need a permanent home. I'm really a sweet hamster! I have the best personality in the world. I'm real friendly, and I like to come out and play. I like running around on this real big bed... but for some reason, they won't let me go down on the floor. I know there's stuff down there to investigate! Oh, well.
They tell me I am a Cream-colored Syrian. Don't I look cute in the picture! They're not sure how old I am. Maybe around six to nine months. I don't feel old.
Would you like to adopt me? You won't be sorry. I'll be the best hamster you ever had!
If you would like to meet me, they are taking me to the May 2003 CHA show at that same Petco in Buena Park. I'll be waiting for you. It will be my pleasure to meet you. And when we meet, you will want to take me home with you. Honest!
Love, Sweetie (Uh, I mean Belle)
Story by Belle, as told to Susan Blocher
