If you’ve ever had a hamster, you know that they are cute, fuzzy, mammals. Translate– domesticated rodents! I am not the most enthusiastic owner of this critter, Magic, but I have allowed him to hang out in the basement for almost a year. We adopted him from a shelter with the understanding that he was completely James’ responsibility. Since 11 year olds don’t really pay attention to small domesticated rodents unless the mood strikes, Magic has had a few close encounters with death. Rich and I have given him a few late night feedings and exercise sessions in the ball.
Yesterday, I noticed that I didn’t see him in the cage. James, glanced up from Guitar Hero and says: “Yeah, you can never see him. He’s always hiding.” I accepted this and moved on with the afternoon.
Today, the kids are out of school for a “teacher work day”. As you may know, our house tends to be the gathering place for the neighborhood kids and today is no exception. A few of the boys came inside and I guess James was gonna show off Magic to the crowd. He’s gone missing. Yep. You read that right. Missing!
Panic ensues. James holds back tears. He’s instantly VERY worried about the domesticated rodent. We begin an all out search which makes me wish I had a clean house! Six kids and I are literally turning the basement upside down in search of the critter. Dust balls are mistaken for Magic. Deductions are made… “Look for poo!” Of course. But that got me thinking of the tool closet; it’s where he always seems to roll off to in that ball. I start flinging stuff out of the way and then there’s a sighting. We lure him with carrot and apple.
About 30 minutes of my life has now been spent searching for a critter that’s not my responsibility. Not my responsibility. Hmmmm. Why was I the one orchestrating the rescue?!
Why did “look for the poo” make you think of the tool closet? And know why you were ” orchestrating the rescue” – because you don’t what to find Magic eating his way through some of your sewing and craft junk! Or finding a rodent in the laundry. Or … Have to be honest – didn’t know you had a Magic until just a few weeks ago.