Chester came into my life not long ago, and she brought happiness to my every day. When I first got her, I was told she was a boy, so I named her Chester. But when I found out she was actually a girl, I decided to keep the name anyway. It was the first name I ever gave her, and that made it too precious to change.

I had been going through it personally, and Chester became the companion I needed, someone to take care of, someone who gave my days meaning. Seeing her happy made me happy, and I did everything I could for her. I built her a home, gave her the best environment I could, and wished for nothing more than for her to live a long, healthy life.

But about a week ago, her health began to decline rapidly. I took her to the vet and she was put on medication, but when I came home last Saturday night to find her bleeding around her rear. We rushed to the ER, where she underwent emergency surgery through the night. I brought her home and stayed by her side without sleeping, hoping she would recover. But she kept getting worse, and we returned to the ER, where she was placed in the ICU. We did everything that could be done, but she had grown so weak. The vet told me she might not make it through the day, and that letting her go peacefully might be the kindest thing I could do. It absolutely wrecked me, but I knew that every moment I held on, she was suffering. So I made the hardest decision, and I let her go.

I wish I had given her more of her favorite treats. I wish I had loved her even more. It still doesn't feel real that someone who brought me so much happiness in such a short time is already gone. I miss the feeling of her tiny paws on my hand, her soft fur, her smell.

I wanted to bury her, but I was afraid she'd be dug up by animals, so I've decided to have her cremated, so she can rest peacefully.

To some, she may have been just a hamster. But to me, Chester was real family. I loved her until the very end, and I did everything I could to save her. I'd do it all again.

That said, as a graduate student, the medical bills have been a real burden. If any of my friends or family are able to help, even just a little, I'd be so grateful.