I never knew that about Hamsters either, or I would have never gotten one for a 6 year old. The vet told us "he is just dying from old age" and he was one year old!

I know what you mean about replacement pets. The first though some people have is to go get another one to take the place of the one you just lost. But how can you replace the memories of a family member. However, after a while things start to heal and you will find yourself able to start considering a new member of the family.

It is never easy though. Most of the people on here have lost a pet or pets who were the world to them.

Don