"Panda"...

... may he Rest in Peace.

Wednesday we had to put Therese's hamster down. It was such a sad day for this little eight yr old animal lover - and so hard for her mother and older sisters to see her in such heartache.

Panda's leg swelled up like a balloon - seemed like overnight - and he was crying in pain. I prayed that he'd just 'go on his own', but that was not to be.

We found a vet's office who took in exotics [seems like anything other than a cat/dog is an exotic] - and they said there is nothing they could have done. After he was put to sleep they told me that it was indeed a tumor as opposed to an absess [which was just as bad - really no treatment for a hamster].

We opted for the "Take the Pet Home, Burial Package" [as opposed to "Group Cremation" - a little more money - or the "Private Cremation" - the most money....and yes, I'm serious.]

So yesterday was the burial. The entire family trekked to the backyard where Paul dug the hole, said a few words, we prayed an 'Ave', Therese and Dani threw their flowers on top of Panda's box, and then the 3 boys replaced the dirt. Done.

And if you're wondering why it took so long to bury him - 4 days: Wed. Therese wasn't 'ready' and it's been raining a lot here. So Saturday was chosen b/c the garage was smelling to high heaven. It was definitely time.

Therese has been coping well. She likes to hold Sophia's Fuzzy - who doesn't get held by Sophia, b/c she's afraid that it'll go potty on her.

I told Therese on Wednesday, "You just tell me when you're ready to get another hamster". She said later that night, "I'm ready". :o)