The pets of SIN
Pipsqueak
By Rachel Garvey
Being a hamster mom is the best thing that has ever happened to me. On January 32022, I took home Pipsqueak in a little box from the pet store while it lashed rain. I held the box inside my jacket so he would be warm and sheltered from any harsh raindrops. He has grown so accustomed to my voice that whenever I greet him, he stands up on his hind teeny paws and looks this way and that way for my hand to come and pick him up to give him a cuddle. He’s my little ball of fur and there’s no better feeling when he cuddles in my lap for a tiny nap. His nickname is Pippins and he loves seeds. He’s not just a pet, he’s my baby, a family member and that’s how it’ll always be.
Peanut
By Dylan Moran Nunn
After a trip to the pet shop to buy hamster food, we ended up falling in love with Peanut, Pipsqueak’s new little brother. While Pip is quite chill, Peanut is very very fast and full of energy. He’s also damn adorable. Often, I’ll hear him running on his wheel like a hamster possessed and I don’t think that’ll ever stop being endlessly entertaining. I’m proud to have him as part of the family and I’m proud to see him come out of his hamster shell a bit more each day.
Bosun
By Caelin Docalovich
I brought “The Bosun” home in April 2021. Like many families, following a year of stress and unknowns, a puppy was a welcome challenge. When I have a bad day, and I come home exhausted and angry, I can hear her claws clicking on the hardwood before I even see her. I open up that door to her face, with the lopsided ears and the wagging tail, and I can’t help but feel that stress melt away, even for a moment. Her tail is always wagging. Every little task, big or small, is an adventure with her. And watching her grow and learn about her world has been a delight. She’s helped me to step out of my comfort zone and meet others in my community. She’s even become a local celebrity: everyone recognizes The Bosun and they take the time to say ‘hello’. I’ve always wanted a dog and now that I have my own, I can’t imagine my life without her.
Nico di Angelo
By Sanjukta Salgaonkar
There are multiple reasons why pets are important in someone’s life; those being they are the best companion, they can help you relax while you feel overwhelmed with stuff, pets can reduce anxiety.
There are many more reasons than the three that I mentioned. Pets are the animals that teach you to love everything about yourself and others. They bring in the positivity in your life that you did not know you needed. I have a cat back at my home in India. His name is Nico di Angelo. He is the naughtiest but the sweetest cat I have ever met. I am glad I took him in the day I did cause even if he has almost torn off my arm, I still love him. I took him in during 2019 and he has always been an important part of my life. Whenever I felt sad or sick, he would always sit by me and make sure I was always happy. As a memory of Nico, I have tattooed his face on my hand, so that if I feel sad, I know he is there with me.
It’s been almost one month since I haven’t hugged him or picked him up since I have moved to Galway for my degree. I always wish to hold him one more time, but sadly I cannot. Nowadays, when I video call my family and I ask them to show him, he will grab the phone with his teeth and then keep it with him and won’t let anyone take it. I hope he knows how much I love him. I will always miss him.
