Elle Vampa

Okay, first things first: I am grieving the loss of my friend, which is weighing heavier on me than I realised. So last week, I didn’t blog because I just didn’t feel like it.

(I did feel like crying, by the way, which is what I spent last Thursday on, in case you were wondering.)

Second, here’s a long overdue picture of my degus, Ash and Diego:

Why share one now and not in Two Simple Steps In Becoming A Better Loser, you ask?

Because I wanted to keep all imagery on here crispy clean and AI-based. For in a World where often too much is shared, I desire to hold on to the illusion that I can remain anonymous by hiding behind art that’s mine, yet not me.

But since Ash and Diego have another starring role in today’s post, you might as well see them for what they are: cute little hairballs with big ears and bright eyes.

However, don’t let their adorable exterior fool you. These tiny critters possess more ferocious energy than all my past pets combined!

One minute they sleep together as portrayed above, the next they chase each through their imperial castle they call home, squeaking and biting each other’s tails.

Idiotically cute, yet dysfunctional idiots.

Add to that boxing, kicking, jump-kicking (not a lie) and pushing, and you get somewhat of an idea why I separated them last Saturday.

Resorting to my last resort, I called the man I got them from.

I told him what was happening and even before I could ask, he interrupted with a reassuring: “This is normal. It’s mating season, their hormones are driving them mad. Don’t worry.”

Only to end it with the words no degu-owner wants to hear: “It will last until April.”

Well, that’s just… Dandy isn’t it?

2 months of fighting degus – every year.

Fighting over mating season, only to be best mates 10 mins later…

It’s a good thing they’re cute!