Mookie

One year ago, I woke up with an impulse. This was a rare feeling for me because I'm a pretty conservative dude who, up 'til recently, had lived my life pretty conventionally. I was known for making rational decisions after thoroughly examining all possible outcomes & then choosing the one I felt was most beneficial to me. However, on this special day, I wanted to live dangerously. Ok, maybe dangerously isn't the right word, but I wanted to do something life-changing. I wanted to own my first pet.

I had been deprived of a pet my whole life. Like, wtf mom... you couldn't even get me a fuckin' fish?! That's just bad parenting. (I'm kidding, my mom is amazing) There was a void in my life that needed to be filled, preferably by a furry creature. Those close to me know I had been tossing around the idea of getting a hamster for a few months. One of my best friends had owned one & I thought they would be the ideal pet. Small, low maintenance, inexpensive. All great qualities that fit it in w/ my superstar lifestyle. I could be out late in the club popping bottles of champagne w/ Diddy & not have to rush home because I had to walk my pet outside so he can take a monster shit. Perfect!

On September 18, 2010, my pet virginity was viciously taken away from me. I gathered up two of my homegirls and we visited a few local pet shops on the hunt for the most adorable hamster. You might think this would've been an easy process but it was anything but that. We had gone to three stores & I had yet to build a connection w/ any of their hamsters. With one more local option left, Petland Discounts, the situation was looking bleak.

We arrived at Petland and headed straight for the hamster section. Their variety was jaw-dropping. Tons of baby hamsters spilt up between three cages, all sleeping (hamsters are nocturnal). Well, all except one. One of the hamsters was running around with what appeared to be a piece of bacon in this mouth. Hold up... I think we're onto something. He looked at me. I looked at him. It has been love ever since.

The rest is history. I purchased him & all the essentials (cage, bedding, water bottle, food, casa, wheel) & soon enough, he was part of the fam. I wanted to give him a name that had meaning. It was only natural that I referenced my deep love for the Mets & named him after my all-time favorite player, Mookie Wilson. The legacy of Mookie was born.

My first year as a pet owner has been incredible. It has given me a heightened sense of responsibility, an increased amount of patience, but most of all, a stronger understanding of love. Turns out that ever since I've had Mookie, my life has changed drasitically, most notably in the ladies department. I've gotten way more attention from the female demographic. Coincidence? I think not! Although it would be nice if he wouldn't be going ham on his squeaky ass wheel while I'm trying to make love. Not cool, lil dude. Even with that said, he is easily the best $5 I've ever spent.

Happy birthday Mookie <3