We held off looking for a replacement after arriving back. Maybe it wasn't fair to keep an animal when we so often take vacations. As they don't live too long, it can be sad it is to have to say goodbye so often. Still the empty cage was there. I found myself often glancing that way when walking into the room.
Then, through a stroke of good luck, we learned through friends, that there was a hamster needing adoption. Lit'l Buddy would need to find a home. Now, we've had more than four days of getting to know the new pet. He's already become a cherished part of the daily routine. Here's a photo:
