Whats small furry and eats cheerios

Peter Stewart

And so I had my first pet. He wasnt even supposed to be mine, I was only supposed to be looking after him while his rightful owner, my sister, was away on holiday for a week. I enjoyed looking after Spike - his name - for this short period.

The week passed, and I knew Spike would have to be returned, so I was slightly down for a couple of days. I wondered how long it would be before the doorbell rang and my sister would be there, ready to reclaim her hamster. But that moment never seemed to come. The days passed, but Spike was still there in his cage in the living room, nibbling away on a bit of cereal, or running in his wheel. One day I heard my mum talking to my sister on the phone. I listened in, and the moment I heard Spike I feared the worst. My mum put the phone back in its cradle.

So? I said resignedly.

Well, my mum said, She says we can keep him a bit longer if you like, since you seem to like him so much. From that moment on, Spike was ours, and would be forever. ... (continues)