Gus liked to be held snug but also enjoyed climbing about.

Gus skittered very quickly on those tiny little feet.

Jordan and Gus were very fond of each other.

Autumn 2003:

Those photographs are of Gus-Gus.
He is a "dwarf hamster" that also seems to be called a gerbil in some places. This may well have something to do
with the fact that gerbils are illegal in California where as hamsters, dwarf or not, are legal.
Gus came to us from a friend who had saved him from the fate of snake-food.
He is Jordan's pet. We all think he is cute though.

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July 2004:

Our good friend Gus-gus pasted away last week.

He died of an upper respiratory infection that his tiny body just could not prevail against. He took ill three days before. We called a number of veterinarian practices, trying to find someone that would see a small pet on a Saturday as an emergency. Larkspur Landing Veterinary found time for us. We were met by much kindness and what help could be offered.

We nursed him through the nights with an eyedropper of water and some yogurt, as he had stopped eating and drinking on his own. He was also given antibiotics to try and give him a winning edge. As he lay curled in our hands as we did what we could to put him at ease as he fought this battle for his life. He was snug in a nest of t-shirt that belongs to his best friend through this time so he could smell the friends' scent near and take comfort from that.

He went quietly on Monday the 12th of July, 2004.

He was an amazing little fur person. I had not thought he would be so complete and such a character. He carried a tremendous and bright spirit in that single handful of a dwarf hamster body. He was loved dearly by his best friend Jordan. We will all miss him, his bravery and charm.