Short lifespan is emotionally hard

Syrian hamsters are lovely pets, but the short lifespan (my hamster lived 2 years and 4 months) is genuinely hard. He was healthy and happy right up to the end, which I'm grateful for, but saying goodbye after such a short time was devastating. I knew this going in, but knowing and experiencing it are different things. If you can cope with a short-lived pet, they are wonderful — just emotionally prepare yourself.