A/N: This is something I did for English assignment in eigth grade, so don't be surprised if you find grammar mistakes, or if it sucks like crap, b/c I didn't really want to make changes. If you don't know what a chinchilla is, google it. They're adorable creatures with mouse-like ears and a bushy squirrel's tail! Around the size of a rabbit I suppose. No flaming please, this is rather sentimental.

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Dedicated to the most awesome pet chinchilla on earth; Sparky.

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Grief

The pet shop was crammed. It was a busy Sunday afternoon, and amongst the crowd, our whole family was scattered, trying to find a perfect pet. I frantically searched through all of the chinchillas, and then came to a halt. That’s when you caught my eye. I saw you were a beige male, running around the cage excitedly. After a while, you would pause in the wild chase, and then look at me with hopeful eyes. With no doubt, our family brought you home straight away. You were perfect.

It was an ordinary day, and the glistening sun shone brightly onto my face as I made my way back home. But I was about to experience a feeling I never had before: grief. Once home, I rushed to the cage and was alarmed to find it was empty. I soon learnt that my mom had been flustered when Candy, another chinchilla, was giving birth, and forgot all about you having a dust bath in the balcony. Only until an hour later did she realize what she had done. It was a hot day in the summer, and the sun showed no mercy with its widespread, blazing hot rays. Not long afterwards did we discover you had caught heatstroke. After numerous trips to the vet’s and lots of trouble, it all ended with a tearful goodbye.

Sparky, you are the most adorable, affectionate, amazing pet I have ever encountered. When you first arrived at our home, you were definitely not agitated or bashful like I had expected a normal chinchilla to be. On the contrary, you settled in so quickly, and you just loved to interact with every single member of our family. Once you had joined the family, you literally changed us. We spent more time together, laughed more, and our personalities had improved so much that it was simply unbelievable.

I cherish all the wonderful memories we shared together. Like the times when you willingly stood as still as a statue on my shoulder, and not displaying any sign for your fear of heights. It was always delightful watching you rush to the cage front looking at me with the same hopeful eyes as I had seen the first day I met you, and when I opened the door, you’d rush out to explore the deepest secrets of our apartment. You are so very intelligent, and seem to understand the rules of not being allowed to chew on things or to scratch the floor. It was especially pleasing for my parents.

Although it seems like forever, you had only passed away three months ago. Days after you died, the family remained so quiet. The tears flowed out of Mom’s eyes like waterfalls, and she blamed herself for her terrible mistake. Dad remained quiet, but it was obvious how much he missed you. My little brothers were too young to sense our sorrow.

My heart was torn apart; all the beatitude, joy, erased from my life. Every time I think back, it seems so distant, and tears well up in my eyes, blurring my sight. The most awful memory which still floats in my mind is when the vet put you in the incubator. I remember how you struggled to climb to your feet, and then a moment later you’d collapse in a heap, looking so helpless. It was unbearable to watch, so the best option was for you to be humanely euthanized. The ugly thought still tugs at my heart, but it is reassuring to know you are audaciously running across the bright, drawn-out fields in paradise, which are scattered with your favourite treats.

You have been a new addition to our family for just three months, yet it seemed like we had each other for eternity. Your sweet personality, your innocent face, your thoughtful eyes…I miss you, I need you, and I love you. Sparky, you are the best thing that ever happened to our family, you’re irreplaceable.

Sparky, rest in peace. Your name will be forever engraved deep within my heart.