If you're alone, I'll be your shadow. If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder. If you want a hug, I'll be your pillow. If you need to be happy, I'll be your smile. But anytime you need a friend, I'll just be me. ~Unknown
Realizing that lessons would be out of the question, her mind just could not focus, I decided to run a few errands in the afternoon and then visit a pet shop. The Princess had just enough spending money to purchase one teddy bear (long haired) hamster. I wanted to give it a few days and set some new new rules, but I felt it would be best to do something constructive with our afternoon. My only stipulation in her choice was it had to be male; too many times people have gotten females unknowing there were more on the way.
At lunch, the Princess asked the Lord to lead her to a hamster that did not look like Dan, but had the same heart. After looking over all the choices, she narrowed it down to two solid colored hamsters, one red with darker eyes and a gray with dark reddish eyes. She liked the gray at first, but then wanted the red. They were both half grown. The red did not like being held as much, but the gray, even at such a young age, would tolerate being held for a short time while he considered you. This was definitely Dan-like behavior. She again changed her mind, after watching their reactions to being held and the gray was purchased.
On the way home, we went through a list of names. Finally, I said that Shadow was a name that I always wanted to use for a pet, but I never found the right pet for it. I liked it for a gray furry pet and because a shadow is always with you. She liked that idea and so Shadow has been spending some time exploring his new home, our home. He is energetic, yet interested in people and definitely is one who does not mind being handled.
I have decided that since she is older this time around, the Princess will remove the used bedding area daily and clean his cage regularly all by herself. I also decided that she will take financial responsibility for his food, bedding, and treats. To do this, I will take her to the store to see how much everything costs and then sit with her to write out a budget. Then we will make an envelope just for the hamster's expenses and I will raise her allowance enough to cover her budget, but she will have the responsibility of purchasing the necessities for Shadow.
Oh, before I forget...I did write in my last post that the Princess loves having parties for any reason and for no reason: She wanted to have a welcome home party for Shadow.
At lunch, the Princess asked the Lord to lead her to a hamster that did not look like Dan, but had the same heart. After looking over all the choices, she narrowed it down to two solid colored hamsters, one red with darker eyes and a gray with dark reddish eyes. She liked the gray at first, but then wanted the red. They were both half grown. The red did not like being held as much, but the gray, even at such a young age, would tolerate being held for a short time while he considered you. This was definitely Dan-like behavior. She again changed her mind, after watching their reactions to being held and the gray was purchased.
On the way home, we went through a list of names. Finally, I said that Shadow was a name that I always wanted to use for a pet, but I never found the right pet for it. I liked it for a gray furry pet and because a shadow is always with you. She liked that idea and so Shadow has been spending some time exploring his new home, our home. He is energetic, yet interested in people and definitely is one who does not mind being handled.
I have decided that since she is older this time around, the Princess will remove the used bedding area daily and clean his cage regularly all by herself. I also decided that she will take financial responsibility for his food, bedding, and treats. To do this, I will take her to the store to see how much everything costs and then sit with her to write out a budget. Then we will make an envelope just for the hamster's expenses and I will raise her allowance enough to cover her budget, but she will have the responsibility of purchasing the necessities for Shadow.
Oh, before I forget...I did write in my last post that the Princess loves having parties for any reason and for no reason: She wanted to have a welcome home party for Shadow.
~ Thank you, my Lord, for the sweet reminder that life, as it is, not only has its share of death, but also of birth and renewal and hope. Thank you for blessing my daughter with another good pet that she loves so much. ~
