@Nightweaver20xx  
Golden Hamsters are native to the Syrian Desert. TJ’s looks like it might be a dwarf hamster, though, and those are from Mongolia.

@Ferrotter  
Wait… Syria?

Eleven months is a pretty normal life for a hamster. And more than she would likely have had in the wilds of Syria. They really are complete little palm-sized lives though, not as smart as some other animals, but real individuals with big personalities. I still miss mine a lot even though the last one died almost 30 years ago. I had gotten them in a similar way too, figuring it wasn’t much of a commitment because they only live a year. That ceased to be a positive very quickly. My condolences.

I’ve been there, with hamsters. They are really different from fish. Just remember that you’re not alone, and that you have our sympathies TJ.

Goodbye, little hamster.

It’ll be okay, TJ.
 
And, “grand scheme” or not, I’d like to think that it always hurts whenever something or someone we care for goes away for good. No matter how big or small, there will always be some pain.
 
I liked what you said about the basil. When my cat, Seven-of-Nine, died of old age, I buried her in the garden and planted mixed marigolds atop her; red, yellow, and orange. Sure, she probably would have peed on the flowers if given the chance, but that’s just something that cats do and in no way meant that she didn’t deserve a pretty send-off all the same. In my mind, cute kitties deserve cute flowers =’) .
 
Take care and stay strong, yo, and know that your artwork has allowed me to stay strong while in dire straits before.

@TJPones
 
You’re a good person. I had a brief encounter with you at BronyCan a few years back and you were such a nice person that you left a lasting impressing on my friends and I, so I can only imagine that Boop would have had a great life with you!

This makes me really miss my old pet rat but I’m glad I was around to comfort him in his final moments. The look of terror in his innocent eyes as I slowly petted his fur, his laboured breathing slowly coming to an almost deafening end.  
Geez, I didn’t even know how much his death affected me until recently. Them bastards really ought to live longer.

They have such big personalities for such small animals. I’ve owned nine rats, and it never gets any easier saying goodbye, but still I’m glad to have known every one of them.

Ouch, my heart. :C

@Binkyt11  

 
I remember how my uncle felt after his dog died last year…

@TJPones  
A fine resting space for a treasured soul~

Anybody with a capacity for empathy like this can’t be anything other than a good person. Here’s hoping you find another great companion to share some of your life with.

Thank you all for your kind words, I understand that in the grand scheme of things the death of a simple creature whose life span is naturally quite short is not a tragedy…but it is never the less extremely sad to find she had passed.
 
In this age of media which portrays death and loss so frequently it is easy to feel you have become callous or cynical to death. In a way, the loss of Boop helps me understand that it is not the circumstances or the “value” of the life lost,but the simple fact that they are gone that hurts us.
 
Boop lived for only 11 months, but she was a constant friend and companion in her simple way.
 
She was buried in my garden, I have sewn basil atop her grave.

;c;(\

@Tavi959  
F. ;o;7

<3

I had a hamster a long time ago…damn thing kept escaping its cage and getting into the fireplace somehow. We lured it out with Tostito chips…

@Tavi959  
F

My condolences. My little sister had a little hamster she really loved, they have way more personality than one might think.

@Tavi959  
F

Aw man, right in the feels… I feel reminded now of when my dog of 13 years passed away. When you form a bond with something and it dies, you can’t help but feel a deep sorrow.
 
Press F to Pay Respect: F

I’m sorry.
 
For what it’s worth…. you did everything you could. Things would have been worse, if not for you.

I know the pain. I’ve had many of my pets pass away (from old age) and every time it was just heartbreaking.

I know your pain, TJ. I recently lost my dog. But everything will be okay, I’m sure your hamster knows it was loved.