A Goodbye, and a Hello

I wasn't sure if I was going to write this post, but this is something that many of us with pets have to  go through.  On Friday night we found that Kara's hamster Shadow had died.  He lived to the ripe old age of almost 3.  If Shadow looks familiar, you might remember my post about him in January when he went on an adventure in the post Two Cats and a Hamster.

One problem with being a  pet loving family is dealing with the death of the pet.  Kara loves all of her animals dearly, and takes each of their deaths very hard.  The reason why she is wearing her winter animal hat  in 80 degree weather is because she was wearing it when her first hamster Sonic died.  She asked me to photograph Shadow's service for her so she can look at the pictures when she is ready.    While the pictures are for something sad, I think they also  show a lot of beauty and compassion.  Here she is preparing his memory stone.  

Her dad dug the grave and she bravely placed him in it.  He was in his special box she decorated just for him. 

We had a few moments of silence when no one said a word.  We just allowed her to be in the moment. 

Then when she was ready, she helped cover him up. I am sure it gave her some closure.  

Goodbye Shadow, you were a great hamster! 

Now you are probably wondering about the Hello in my blog title..  

Say hello to Mocha! 

We were not planning on a new hamster so soon.  Kara still has Sonny, and was not in a rush.  When we were at the pet store, they just happened to have a hamster that was exact type and color that she had  told me she had wanted  the day before.   We think Mocha is a girl, but are not 100% sure yet. 

Hello Mocha! 

Welcome to the family!