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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

All Good Dreamers Pass This Way Some Day

I know the timing of this entry sucks.

After not having blogged in almost a month, I'm back with probably the only sad entry on Hotel Tuesday. I didn't think it would make much sense to wait a bit, put up a normal, happy entry, then post this later.

Anyway, I got home from work today and after a brief phone call, I went to say hello to Richard Parker, who I hadn't seen in almost two days since I stayed at a friend's house the past two nights. I lifted his house and found him curled in a ball, like he always is when he sleeps. But he didn't stir when I lifted the house and I realized that he had passed away.

Since I've had Richard Parker since freshman year, I knew my time with him was nearing an end (Wikipedia says his type of hamster lives no more than two to three years). And, very strangely, I had a dream just last night that he died. He was very much on my mind today and I do feel like I was somewhat prepared. Still, I am obviously very upset about it.

The reason I wanted to post about it now was because I felt like Richard Parker was a part of not only my life, but the lives of my blog readers. Through Hotel Tuesday, Richard Parker achieved a level of fame his owner envied, and was able to show off his natural good looks, his skills with the ladies, and his amazing talent as a designer.

I hope that my longtime followers will take a minute to remember Richard Parker and his adventures on my blog. In lieu of flowers, go spend some time with your pets if you have any.

19 comments:

vuboq said...

aw. such sad news. *hugs*
Psychokitty Isabella will be getting extra cuddles tonight!

*smooches*

john said...

NOOO!!! Oh Enrico, I am so sorry! Richard Parker very much became a part of Hotel Tuesday and a part of what I enjoy most about coming here. He definitely achieved some fame of his own. The photo of him sitting in the little cup is still one of the cutest hamster pictures I have ever seen.

Richard Parker will be missed. God speed RP.

Chris D. said...

I am sorry for the loss. It saddens me greatly to hear of his passing, but I thank you for sharing this news with us.

I am brought to contemplate the finite bounds of my own mortality and that of the people and creatures I care for. I am also caused to ponder the attachments I cowardly avoid, for fear of loss.

I am thankful for the way Richard Parker has touched lives. Thank you for sharing him with us. I wish you all the best at this difficult time for you.

Tam said...

Awwww. How sad. Poor Richard Parker he was the star of the blog (after you of course). Hugs sweetie. Even if he was "old" in hamster years it's still sad.

adam said...

awww :( so sorry enrico :( RP will be missed

Mel said...

Even when it's semi-expected, it sucks. In his sleep is the best possible way to go, though. May we all have that chance someday.

that's J-O-S-H said...

Love you.

Anonymous said...

im so sorry.. i was excited that you posted a new entry... and was like yay enrico!

but then i got there and it was like.. nooo richard parker!

he was well loved and looked great in socks <3

~Jaime

Anonymous said...

Awwww Nicky I am so sorry!! Poor Richard Parker and Jenny just asked about him on Sunday. Bobesi (Preston) and my BabyBell (Madison) are getting extra hugs and kisses tonight!!

Love you,
tj/talita

Polt said...

Oh, Punkin, I'm SO sorry. the loss of a pet can be one of the hardest things. Treasure you're memories of him (I know I will) and know that he had a good happy hamster life.

He will be missed, and not just by those who knew him personally.

HUGS....

Justin said...

Oh, I'm sorry, Enrico. :'( I know how it feels. I never had a hamster, but I had two gerbils as a boy and I had an albino rat (I called her Alba) after college. I still get sad sometimes even this many years later remembering when they died.

Your Richard Parker posts seem to be mostly from before I started following your blog; thanks for the links. What a cutie he was!!

xoxo

Michelle M. said...

This is awful news. I'm so sorry Enrico. Richard Parker was the most adorable pet ever. It always brightened my day to see his cute little furry face and to hear about his adventures. He will truly be missed.

Ryan said...

Richard Parker always brightened my day whenever he popped up. [I wrote that before reading Michelle's post. Honestly.] It's sad to see him go. He has had a life full of adventures that any hamster could envy.

Milo said...

Oh I am so sorry to hear that :/

RP was a BIG draw for me to this blog and I loved the posts in which he took centre stage. That said - YOU are now the star of this blog and the show must go on. RP would have wanted that.

*Hugs from a far away land*

dpaste said...

Well, I already sent my condolences to you privately, but wanted to add my sympathies here. As I said, you gave Mr. Parker a loving home for his whole life and he was a very lucky hamster.

Craig said...

Oh no I'm so sorry to hear about this. He was a good little guy and friend. May he have all the old toilet paper rolls his heart desires in hamster heaven.

GoKitty said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Richard Parker. I just barely got to read this now and it breaks my heart. Take care, Enrico.

Nathan V. said...

This is somewhat delayed, but condolences nonetheless. His tireless spirit will live on within my car, which as you know, was named after your hamster.

c. said...

I didn't know him, clearly, but I'm really sorry for your lost. I liked very much your blog. By the way, Life of Pi is a great book, also Away from her, it's beautiful. Hope you're well.