Oct 24 2008
Fluffer Nutter - A Surprising Lesson About Life
I remember it like it was yesterday. Taking my four year old to the pet store to pick out her very first hamster. She carefully scrutinized the tank, looking at each and every Teddy Bear hamster before making her decision. And then, a tiny golden head came out from under the shavings - and a bond was born between the two that would not be broken. That is, until today.
Fluffy, also known as Fluffer Nutter, died in his sleep last night. Amazingly, Fluffy lived two years past his life expectancy. At four years old, he was a very VERY old hamster. Towards the end, a tumor had begun to form under Fluffy’s stomach. I knew that if he didn’t go quickly, we would have to put him to sleep. For the last week, we hand fed him several times a day - grapes - his favorite. Then he would munch on his seeds in a spot that became his permanent - and final - hangout.
My daughter and I had to have “the talk” on Sunday. If Fluffy didn’t pass to Rainbow Bridge by this weekend, we would have to have him put to sleep. He was very comfortable at the time, but the tumor was growing quickly and I explained that we didn’t want him to suffer. She thought about this a lot as she lovingly fed him. We even said prayers to St. Francis to take Mr. Fluffer Nutter to Rainbow Bridge soon.
Last night I could tell it was time. I snuck into her room with some Holy Water and put a little cross on him. I can’t help it - it’s just what us Catholic’s do! Then sure enough, this morning I found he had crossed to Rainbow Bridge.
My daughter took it well. She was prepared. Sad, but prepared. Looking back at this past week, I am amazed at what she learned. She learned about life. She learned about caring for the sick. She learned about compassion, and finally, she learned about death. My little girl didn’t fall apart. She was strong and stoic. She did what she had to do, and knew what her decision would be, had he not passed on his own.
Aren’t you amazed every day at what your child can do? They are small and dependent upon us, yet at the most unexpected times they show their absolute strength and resilience. My children are my rock. And as I cry while I write this, I realize that sometimes, my little girl is even stronger than me!
[...] Fluffy , also known as Fluffer Nutter, died in his sleep last night. Amazingly, Fluffy lived two years past his life expectancy. At four years old, he was a very VERY old hamster. Towards the end, a tumor had begun to form under Fluffy ’s …[Continue Reading] [...]
My daughter had a beta and when he died she was so upset. We had a funeral and everything. Children don’t see the size of a pet.. they see the value of it’s life no matter how small!
When my son was little he had a hermit crab which was HIS PET… very important. When he died I was so scared to tell him. I thought all day about how to tell him. Then I finally sat him down and told him… he looked sad - went to get him, looked at him, then casually tossed him in the trash can and walked off! All that worrying for nothing!
Butterfly was upset but she realized that is she not ready for a pet that is dependent on her completely. We have dogs but they let you know when they are hungry, thirsty, etc. I don’t want her to give up, so I think in another year I will bring the subject up again.
Give her a hug from us
It’s always sad when a pet dies. I’m glad your daughter is taking it well, which had so much with you. You did a good job to prepare her.
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
They are amazing. My daughter’s gerbil had a stroke and Mouse held him and petted him while he died. Then she cried and asked if she could make a garden stone for him.
Thanks for blog hopping by- i like your blog :O) It’s very cute. I’m bookmarking it for a future visit.
Aw. Sniff, sniff. Reminds me of my first hamster. Teddy lived until the ripe old age of four, too. Even now, I love hamsters! Wish I could have one. But if our two cats didn’t get him, my overzealous son would probably hug the hamster to death!
Thank you for visiting my blog during the UBP. I was sick and pregnant (OK, I’m still pregnant!) and am just now getting back to responding to people who stopped by!