Colum and Joella each got a hamster this summer. I was able to get the hamster, cages, exercise balls, food, etc for free. We got them from two different owners who couldn't keep the hamsters for various reasons. It is working out good. The kids are required to make sure the hamsters have enough food and water every day. They must handle the hamsters for at least 10 minutes daily and clean out the cages twice a week. Colum and Joella must be really motivated to have a dog for a pet. We'll see if they can keep this up for as long as the hamsters are living. That is the deal! The hamsters are kind of fun. Even Ray, who hates pets, has to admit that the hamsters 'are alright'.