A Fuzzy Confession

Okay, yesterday I did something crazy and impulsive . . . I had my youngest son with me and two of his friends, and we did an impromptu stop at PetCo. Let me just tell you, I’m amazed how much pampering goes on with some people’s pets . . . but that’s getting off on a tangent.

Anyway, we were looking at the furry, teddy bear hamsters, and I have to admit I fell in love. Ten minutes later we were pulling out of the parking lot after spending $37.95 for the cage, food, etc . . . and with a new fuzzy brown pet named Shadow.

The kids were all excited, but my husband just gave that “are you nuts?” look when I arrived home. You see, we already have a teddy bear hamster, a white one named Speedy. He’s the most cuddly creature on the face of the earth–seriously. Maybe it’s because he’s nocturnal–or perhaps he really does love me best, but honestly, when I walk by his cage Speedy stands on two legs with his paws in the air as if saying, “Hold me please.” And I usually do. And he usually curls up in the pocket of my fuzzy, pink sweat jacket pocket and takes a nap.

So, this is a truth reveal to the public the first time, anywhere . . . sometimes the most heart-wrenching, tear-jerking scenes of my riveting war novels are written with a .023 ounce hamster curled on my lap.

In reality, the whole reason that I bought Shadow (I later realized) is:

1) I was giggly after finishing my last novel.
2) I felt a little guilty for ignoring my kids so much this summer as I wrote.
3) What other type of fuzzy cuteness can you buy and sustain for under $40?

I’m hoping that, with lots of handing and care, Shadow will soon be as friendly as Speedy. Then, who knows how much writing I can get down with double the pocket pets?!