STRIPEY UPDATE (5 YRS OLD)

S continues to take her job has pet owner serious. Domesticating Stripey has been a bigger job than momma, daddy or S realized, but one that S takes seriously. Every morning and every evening, momma (or daddy) and S play with Stripey. Momma explained that dwarf hamsters are social creature and need company, i.e. talking to to and petting. S also continues to change out Stripey's food daily. S loves feeding him treats: cheese, eggs, nuts, fruit and vegetables.

For the first couple of weeks, he nipped momma, daddy and S. Now, his nipping has subsided and often comes inquisitively to their hands. The person who handles Stripey best is daddy. S is still hesitant to hold Stripey because he's nipped her more often, probably because she handles him roughly (partly out of her enthusiasm).

Momma thinks getting S a pet has been a great decision. Last week, S said to momma, "Thank you for getting me Stripey" and today S said, "Our family is made up of daddy, momma, Sarah and Stripey."