I've never had a hamster before but always wanted one. The past few days I finally decided to really put forth an effort and try to convince my dad to get me one. The problem is, he thinks they are disgusting rats. I started by simply asking him if I could have a hamster. When he said no, the next few days I gave him handouts with reasons why I think I should get a hamster, facts about hamsters, how they are different from rats, etc. But tonight he got mad and said to stop and that he doesn't want a rat in his house. So I quickly typed a letter to him (below). Do you think this might finally convince him to get me one? Other dad's opinions would help or other people with similar negative views about hamsters would help.

Dad:

I think you should reconsider your position in regards to allowing me to have a hamster as a pet. Hamsters are not rats. They are a domesticated animal that thousands and thousands of people keep as pets for obvious reasons. They are sweet, easily trained, and easy to maintain. They make great pets for kids and teens.

But if you refuse to see the bright side of things, think of it this way: I could be asking for a pet iguana, to die my hair blue, or to get my tongue pierced. But I don’t. I am a good kid and I don’t ask for many frivolous things. The last thing I can remember seriously wanting was a scooter, but I only went as far as to put it on my Christmas list.

I like animals. It doesn’t matter why, I just do. And just because you grew up in a house without pets is not a sound reason to deprive me of one. They teach a lot about responsibility and how to care for others. They also create good childhood experiences and memories.

A pet can always be returned to the store, donated to a shelter, or even released into the wild. If you did let me get a hamster and it ended up stinking really bad or being noisy or just being a nuisance, it’s only a 15 minute drive down to PetSmart to return it.

I have always wanted a hamster. I find them very cute and fascinating and I think I would really enjoy having one. Just because I have a pet doesn’t mean we all have to have a pet. If I kept it on the table in my closet, you would never see, hear,, or smell it unless you went into my closet. Hamsters sleep most of the day and are primarily active at night when everyone is sound asleep. I could probably even sneak off and buy a hamster right now and you would never notice a change.

I always try my best to listen to the ideas you have and respect your opinions and ideas. I’m just asking you to respect me by treating me like an adult and letting me make a decision for once. I have done extensive research and would not ask to bring a creature into your house that could harm our environment. I guarantee it would be of no disturbance to you, and if it were I would comply to your complaints and return it to the pet store.

When have you ever seen me want something so much? Probably never. I am trying to be respectful by not talking about it too often or begging and crying.

This is the final “handout”. If you still say no after this, I suppose I will have to give up my efforts and just accept the fact that I will never get to have a pet hamster. But I hope you will at least think about it.

If you eventually do let me get a hamster, I think it would be practical to get it after we return from Chelan. We will have to go to Petsmart anyways to pick up Bear. It will be summer so I will have plenty of free time to get acclimated to my new pet. I calculated the costs it would take to buy all of the supplies necessary and the cost of the hamster itself, and it sums up to about $140. The hamster I would want is a breed called a Roborovski Dwarf Hamster. They are one of the smallest kind and usually gray in color. I decided this based on extensive research about which type of hamster would best suit my lifestyle.

Again, if you still refuse after reading this I will respect that. But I really hope you won’t because I really want a hamster. I think it could be a fun learning experience and a great childhood memory.

Thank you.