WickenburgNews.com 

Mother Theresa’s often quoted wisdom to “Do small things with great love” is a powerful dictate to improve one’s own life as well as the lives of those around you.  This past weekend a small thing entered our home and was the recipient of great love…our daughter adopted a dwarf hamster. I have to admit that after giving permission for yet another pet to enter the household, my thoughts of a small mouse like creature – a member of the rodent family – taking residence gave me a shiver.  It was our daughter’s enthusiasm and dedication to setting up a wonderful home for her new pet that quenched my hesitation.  We inherited a cage complete with a wheel, water bowl, and exercise ball. The library provided two resourceful books about hamster selection, care, and training.  Our preparation was done.  It was time for our daughter to obtain her desire.    The pet storeowner is familiar with our daughter as she frequently visits.  This weekend was not just a visit, but an actually purchase – a lively young dwarf hamster paid for with a baggie full of coins.  The dwarf hamster, a gray ball of fur with slightly pink crescent ears and a stub of a tail reminded me of a mouse (again, the shiver effect occurred)…but to our daughter was  “the cutest thing in the world”.  Soon christened “Sweetie”, the animal quickly settled into her living quarters.  Great love is an underestimate for what our daughter displayed these last days for that small thing.  Her changing of the water, her presentation of food, her gentle hold of the creature..all done with great love.  I’m not so sure that Mother Teresa meant caring for a hamster, but if I can approach all of my responsibilities and tasks, my works of charity or works of dedication with the great love that our young daughter has displayed during her care for that dwarf hamster…I am destined to be happy.  Isn’t it amazing what a profound effect a tiny little rodent can have on a person?  (Besides the shivering!).

Kathryn Makeever

Family Reporter : contact her at  : family@wickenburgnews.com