Hope, 12/25/2003 - 1/31/2008

On January 31st, our beloved gerbil Hope passed away at the age of 4 years, 1 month, and 6 days. Hope was a very special gerbil, not only because of how long she lived but also because of the way she lived. I've never met a gerbil gentler or friendlier than Hope, and I'm not sure I've ever met a gerbil who had such a passion for life either.

Even when Hope was very old and the arthritis in her hips made her clumsy, she never stopped running in her exercise wheel or begging to come out of the tank for playtime. She loved to run back and forth on the couch, and she also liked to sit right at the edge of the couch and watch TV, too. :)

Hope and her late sister Faith came to Twin Squeaks from the Capital Humane Society, where they were surrendered by their previous owners due to a pet allergy. It was obvious that they took great care of Faith and Hope, and I feel bad that they weren't able to keep Faith and Hope. They were wonderful, wonderful gerbils, and after I adopted her, Hope provided nearly 4 years of happiness in our home. Hope's previous owners and the shelter both took great care of her and her sister, and I just want to say thank you to both of them.

Hope was active right up until the last few hours of her life, which she spent resting in my hand and occasionally drinking organic apple juice and eating pieces of Puffed Kashi. When it was time for her to go, she simply fell asleep in my hand and crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. It was a very peaceful and gentle end for an equally gentle and kind gerbil. It's hard to believe that Hope has already been gone for a month, because her presence is still felt here at Twin Squeaks everyday. Rest In Peace, Hope. We miss you...