Furry friends

My youngest granddaughter just had her 6th birthday. Right from being tiny, she has always seemed to prefer little toys that she can hold in her hands rather than large dolls or teddies. She'll play for ages with Lego figures, or the little dog figurines that someone gave me, that live in a  plastic castle. Or the fairy-like creatures whose home is a watering can kitted out with rooms and furniture like a doll's house. (Toy manufacturers are so creative!)  I've rarely seen her without a little stuffed toy dog or something similar in her pocket or palm. She's also incredibly loving to small creatures. 

With all this in mind, her parents decided to gift her two gerbils for her birthday, who will live in a very large glass tank, with a veritable playground of materials to burrow in, run around on and chew. They came from a 'rescue centre'. I happened to be visiting (my coronavirus support bubble!) when they arrived and was able to see her surprise and delight when the mysterious 'large gift' (the tank, hidden in a guest room, that she has been prevented from seeing for weeks) was finally unveiled, complete with its new family. She was at first a little overwhelmed but soon fascinated. I am sure she will soon learn to care for them and will be considerate in learning how to handle the little creatures and observe their behaviour. They are two males, and seemed to be enjoying exploring their new home. Quite comical to watch, especially when one of them discovered the rotating wheel to run in.