"Elf" died today

SWAC Niece lost her beloved hamster, Elf, today. He was a Christmas present two years ago (therefore, named for the movie "Elf" starring Will Farrell), and he had lived longer than expected.

Apparently, a hamster has about a two-year life span, a fact we noted this past Christmas while Elf basked in the limelight as he slept on our laps or nuzzled around our necks.

SWAC Niece is "the keeper of animals" and Elf was one of a number of critters she has adopted and cared for over the years. She's had cats, turtles, a snail, a hamster ... I cannot remember them all. She is our science-oriented girl who has been like this since she was two years old.

It is a sad day for SWAC Niece -- the death of a pet is hard for young children -- so I wanted her to know that Elf was a good hammie and we all enjoyed him. She was his caretaker and took her responsibility seriously, keeping his cage clean, changing his water, feeding him on a regular basis, and showing him love. We will all miss him.