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January 28, 2007

Hamster Eulogy

Well, it may not come as a surprise to anyone when I say this, but "hamster" and "eulogy" are not two words I ever would have expected to Google. At least not together.

My son Max's hamster, Stripe, passed away this week. Pet loss for children is one of those milestones most all of us pass.

Max was fairly saddened by the event. We did our best to carry out the proper procedures. This included:

• Nice box coffin for Stripe
• Pleasant storage in our onsite mortuary (our garage - enabled by the abnormally cold Colorado winter this year)
• Hand crafted wooden cross (Yellow Pine #1)
• Burial site in our yard

Our preparations were spread over the past few days - like human funerals are I suppose (at least those of close family and friends I've been through). As the funeral for Stripe was today, it came time for final preparations. Settling on the exact burial plot - and, a eulogy. This is where Google came in.

Now, while there were 48,700 hits for "hamster" and "eulogy" - that is a bit misleading. This is not that prevalent an Internet topic.

Even still, I was impressed with Rob Zarzueta's contribution as well as the operators of the Happy Hamstery Home Page. The Happy Hamstery even has a Hamster Memorial page.

I have to admit, when it came to considering a eulogy, I had much the same thought as Sam Jenning did here:

“Beatrice… was… a hamster. But she was also more than a hamster. She… um… yeah, she was a hamster.”

Ultimately, what I chose, comes from an unknown author:

Eulogy for a Companion Animal

Our Father in heaven, we thank you for all creation, for flowers of field and garden, for friends and family voices, and especially for our faithful friend and constant companion, STRIPE.

This beloved pet, though unable to speak, told us in many ways that we were loved by one of Your creation. It has been said that actions speak louder than words. In many ways, STRIPE spoke of his/her constant love, respect and loyalty to us. Would that mankind could do likewise.

We have come here to say farewell to a true friend and loving member of our household. We thank You, Lord, for sending us this beloved companion. STRIPE will not be forgotten.

I found that one while searching for "pet" and "eulogy" I believe. This is a good standby - one to always have on hand for that unexpected pet passing. I think for our next pet funeral I'll attempt to compose one from scratch. We'll see.

Finally, petloss.com had lots of prayers and poems for animals of all kinds.

In any case, Stripe and his passing is now behind us. We had a lovely service and the eulogy was a hit. Well, as much as there can be "hits" at funerals (or should be). Google's results for "hamster" and "eulogy" will soon grow by one with this post.

More importantly, Max has a new pet - a parakeet, as of yet unnamed, which he picked out this afternoon. Life moves onward.

I've got a feeling we'll get pretty good at pet funerals.

Posted by gcrgcr at January 28, 2007 5:25 PM

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