We have a hamster!! Most people who know me will know I absolutely adore hamsters - between teh ages of 12 and 16 I had 3 wondeful hamsters (Harry, Pip and Barley) but when Barley died a year before I went to University, I couldn't get another one as I wouldn't have been able to take him to Uni with me.

But now, after five years, I no longer living in University accommodation, or shared houses... and I have a hamster! Her name is Sammie, she's a lovely ginger/cinnamon colour on top, with a white belly, and is absolutely wonderful. We got her on Sunday, so she's still getting used to everything, but I managed to hold her for the first time last night.

She's been quite timid when we're around the cage, so we opened up one of the openings.... and really didn't expect her to immediately walk right out onto the floor!! After we'd managed to get her into her ball, she climbed out and all over me, started gnawing the tassle on my hoodie, then jumped right over my legs and arms to about half a metre away!! After a couple more incidents when she managed to jump right into the middle of the living room, we decided that she should go back in her cage, but I'd managed to hold her!

She's still quite timid, but was very friendly, no biting... just lots of inquisitive exploring. I can't wait to get home and hold her again. Holding her made me realise that she still has quite a way to go until she's fully grown - she was so light and soft!

I've waited since April 1998 to have another hamster, and now.... well, let's just say I am very very happy. :) :)