Thursday, September 15, 2011

Gia

(Graphite on Moleskine Large Sketchbook 5x8")
My wife bought a hamster 2 years ago. I thought it was silly because it's just a hamster, not a cat or a dog. She was such a tiny little thing. She didn't eat a lot back then, but she ran a lot...especially at night. She loved her wheel, and her ball.
When my wife's at school, I was with Gia at home the whole time. I'd feed her everyday(I didn't know I wasn't supposed to) and she started to get picky and only ate sunflower seeds because she realized she's got endless supply of those. I spoiled her, she got fat, like a ball of fluff, the cutest little thing ever.
Gia came with us whenever we spend more than 3 days away from home. She hated being in a car, constant movement of her cage was no fun to her at all. She wouldn't come out from her little cage after every road trip, and the fact that we moved twice in 2 years didn't help either. Gia never escaped out of her cage, even when you have her doors wide open. She didn't like to be held or pet either, she's shy all the time
Just about half a year ago, I started to realize that Gia actually "talked" back when you talk to her. She made these cute squeeky and clicking sounds, especially when she's happy that you give her lots of sunflower seed and treats. Just months ago she started to let us pet her, very gently, but she still didn't like it all that much, so we thought we finally tamed the wild beast in the house.
About a week ago, Gia didn't look good. She hadn't been eating a lot.. and her eyes were shut, showing signs of exhaustion. She was frail and weak, having hard time moving around or climbing up her little platform. She's tired, she's old, she needed rest. But she still wanted to move to us when she saw us in the house. And after 2 days fighting natural aging, she gave up, right after my wife telling her it's okay, she could go rest now. I was worried at work, but prepared. We gave her a proper burial in our new backyard, her own little spot.
I caught myself looking at her empty cage everytime I walk pass it... and I would whisper in my own breath..."Gia...."
Gia is not just a hamster, or just another pet. She's family, and she will always have a special place in our hearts, together with her little brother Oni.

30 comments:

  1. What a sweet story and a beautiful drawing

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful drawing of Gia, nice tribute to her and her life with you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautifully drawn, Gia will always be in your heart!! This is a wonderful way to remember her!

    ReplyDelete
  4. oh so sorry Alex. Such a sweet tale and lovely drawing of her.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm so sorry, Alex... :(
    I know what you feel .. I felt a similar lost some days ago

    (You can read my feelings in that moment in the post named "Today I am very sad" in my blog here:

    http://translate.google.es/translate?u=http://anaisymas.blogspot.com//&sl=es&tl=en&hl=es&ie=UTF-8

    [Sorry for the translator I use now, you know it use to be "curious" sometimes, but I'm sure you'll understand it :) ]

    After a REALLY BAD days, now I feel better but I think of her EVERY SINGLE DAY...

    Best wishes, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  6. We had a little hamster that communicated with us, his name was Boris. I hope Boris & Gia are playing together now.
    I like your new profile photo Alex!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Alex, I'm so sorry about your loss, but it sounds like you gave Gia a happy and loving life. I hope that, wherever she is, she still has her neverending supply of sunflower seeds!

    ReplyDelete
  8. ah alex, I am so sorry....pets are family, I feel your loss...we ourselves have lost 3 pets this past year due to aging....take care, beautiful drawing of your beloved Gia...

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a beautiful drawing and story, Alex. It''s so wonderful when we let a creature burrow it's way into our hearts. I'm sorry that you lost Gia but I'm very happy that you loved her. Again, your drawing is wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Aw - it's so hard to lose any pet they become such a part of your life. This post and your lovely drawing is a wonderful tribute to her.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh Alex, I'm just moved to tears reading this tenderly written story and viewing the lovely drawing of Gia. You've made me miss her too! My oldest daughter once had a hamster named Jade, who died in a similar manner. I'm sorry for the loss of your little friend.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wonderful drawing, Alex. I've never had a hamster, but I had a guinea pig growing up that lived for seven years! We certainly had a full blown memorial for her!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Awww--she's so cute and soft looking. I love the way you drew her little ears. Sounds like she had a good life with you.

    ReplyDelete
  14. that's so sweet, it's so beautifully rendered - the fur is amazing. A wonderful tribute.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Alex, you and your wife have my sympathy on the death of Gia. My son once had a hamster and she was quite different from yours. All creatures have their own personality and can affect our lives. Your drawing is a great memorial of her.

    ReplyDelete
  16. No one. And I mean no one, draws hair like you. And pardon me for saying, but Gia was all hair (at least on paper). Lovable hair with personality, and big button eyes. I would say I am sorry for your loss, but I would feel ridiculous - then again I remember when we lost our cockatiel, sigh.. OK, I get it.

    ReplyDelete
  17. So sad! However, it sounds as if you gave Gia a good life and she had a peaceful end. Your drawing is a lovely memorial to her - far better than a photo.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great drawing Alex, and so sad to lose a pet.
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  19. So sorry, Alex. I'm sure Gia had a fabulous hamster-life with you and your wife. Beautiful drawing--it's a nice way to remember her.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh Alex, I'm so sorry for your loss. Pets are definitely family and it hurts when they leave. Your drawing of her is just beautiful. What a wonderful way to remember her. nancy

    ReplyDelete
  21. Lovely drawing and tribute Alex. My daughter persuaded me to get a hamster a few years ago and , like you, I wasn't sure about them. Uni passed away and we are now on our second hamster who has a totally different personality ( sunflower seeds are his favourite too) I think they make lovely furry friends(although I worry our cats might agree, they don't seem interested)

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a lovely tribute. I think Gia was a really lucky hamster.

    ReplyDelete
  23. What a cute little hamster. I'm sorry you lost her.

    ReplyDelete
  24. This really hit home and brought memories that were good to re live...Thank you---the sketch is such a terrific tribute, too !

    ReplyDelete
  25. Poor Gia, and poor you because it's always profoundly sad to lose a beloved animal. Fantastic drawing of the little hamster lady, anyway. We had a hamster when I was a kid, my father had called her "Amsterdam" - it's a joke because "dame" means "lady", in french ;)...

    ReplyDelete
  26. What a beautiful story, Alex...I cried. We certainly can become very attached to our 'fur-kids'....I know I do. Your sketch of Gia is beautiful and a wonderful tribute.

    ReplyDelete
  27. So sorry to hear about Gia, Alex. A wonderful memory captured in your drawing, though. Take care!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Ah, furkids are so wonderful. It's too bad they can't live as long as we do but the world doesn't work that way. I think she knew she was loved and she loved you back. What counts for more in this life?

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'm so sorry :-( That is a very sweet drawing and story.

    ReplyDelete