All Creatures Great and Small: Remembering Negan

A few years ago, I went to a hamster show. I didn’t stay long and left early because it felt a bit sad seeing the hamsters being taken out of their cosy homes just to be shown. I wasn’t really cut out for the showing world, but I did stop by the stalls where breeders had hamsters for sale - just to 'have a look'.

After the passing of Hamela, our first hamster, I wanted another little companion. I was looking for an ethical breeder who cared about good genetics. We already had a Winter White dwarf named Hamish, but I thought it would be lovely to have another Syrian, and luckily we had another cage ready.

One Syrian hamster immediately caught my eye. She was gorgeous, chunky, and completely adorable, so relaxed and docile while being held, the kind of hamster you just know would be perfect. Then I heard a terrified shriek from another hamster. Turning to my left, I saw him, a big black lump of a hamster, screaming at the woman holding him to show him to some children and their mother. I knew I had to take him home with me, and I hurried over to ask if I could buy him. She looked at me as if I was completely mad, which, to be fair, I probably was.

It took a little while for him to warm up, and he only shrieked a couple of times after coming home, then quickly realised I was a safe person. When he heard me gently rummage his bedding, he would come running out to say hello. Over time, he enjoyed coming out for treats and would wander onto my hand. As he got older, he needed a little extra care to keep his weight up, and he was utterly spoilt throughout his life. Negan lived to be three years old. His name was a little nod to my favourite character from The Walking Dead.

He may have been small, but he left a huge mark on my heart. Maybe it’s because I could relate to him being socially awkward at first. I said goodbye to him last week, and even though he was tiny, the space he leaves behind feels enormous.

Experiences like this remind me why I love working with animals every day. Every pet has their own personality and quirks, and some need a little extra time to feel safe and comfortable. In my pet sitting business, I make sure to meet each animal where they are, offering the same patience, care, and attention I gave Negan, no matter their size or species.

originally posted 22/8/2025