Princess Whinalot: Can I have a hamster for my birthday in September?
Me: No
PW: Well then I’ll ask Santa for a hamster?
Me: He’ll have to ask my permission first and I’ll say no.
PW: If I get enough money for Christmas & Hannukah, I am going to buy my own hamster.
Me: I still won’t let you.
PW: Daddy said he might let me get a hamster but I have to talk to you.
Me: No hamster – we have 4 cats and I’m not cleaning any more animal messes.
Hubby: But she’ll only be 8 once in her life – can’t we get her a hamster – please?
Me: No
PW: wahhhhhhhh!
Hubby: Come on honey, she is old enough to take care of it by herself.
Me: You know I’ll end up taking care of it.
Hubby & PW: Please – she has enough money.
Me: Whatever – get the freaking thing. But we are all going to the pet store to consider our options.
Family: Off to Adventure Pets in Mandeville to learn about rodent pets while owning 4 indoor cats.
Pet store owner: You should really consider a rat or maybe even a gerbil.
(PW sticks her hand in to pet hamster and it bites her badly and she is bleeding and crying)
Me: (Cheering & comforting at the same time) Maybe it is not a good idea. Maybe we’ll just stick with cats.
Smart pet store owner: Like I said , gerbils are nicer.
Me: Well they aren’t as cute
PW: I want a gerbil.

Welcome “Princess” the gerbil to the family. Let me tell you how so NOT thrilled I am about this new family member…The first time it starts smelling up the house – I’m sending the cats in to clean the cage!