So maybe not a hamster....

DD11 chose a gerbil instead because gerbils are more active during the day (while hamsters are more active at night).  She's quite tame and named Cinnamon for her coloring.  She does have red eyes, but not nearly as red as the flash of the camera shows!

Another factor that led to the choice of a gerbil was that our new youth minister's family has a gerbil.  A boy named Pascal.  Hmmmm....better not take Cinnamon over to visit Pascal, or we may end up with more gerbils that we care to have!

I'm just very grateful that dd11 only wanted a hamster or gerbil....the pet shop had snakes and tarantulas as well.  NO THANK YOU!!!