The sweetest

 

Leo

He was the most sweet and pure being I have ever met - and I have met many beautiful beings. There was something about him though. Lovely and loving. Not a push over though. If he didn't like something he would let me know. 

Could not resist him

Fist time we met was when I popped into the pet shop. The lady in the shop went and picked up this gorgeous chinchilla, gave him a kiss and said he was such a lovely guy. I bought him, but had to wait a couple of weeks for a cage, big enough for him, to arrive. He needed space. We gave him the name Leo. 

Building trust

He needed a group of chinchillas, but was sold on his own. So I used to let him out every morning, into the bathroom, where he could run about for at least half an hour, with me sitting on the floor. He would approach me when he was ready to. After a few weeks we were proper buddies. I kept doing this for 6 months. There was a moment when I knew, felt, that trust was just there from both sides. That was magical.

His new flock

After those months we properly knew each other. I let him out in the afternoon, every day, let him run around in our big hall, living room and bathroom.  Usually he would run and sleep under the coach. When he woke up he would come to me and sit on my shoulder or arm. Or behind me on the sofa. I was definitely part of his group.

 

Leo's words

It's coming up to 5 years since he had to leave, due to problems with his teeth. He was only 6 1/2 years old. For me it felt far too soon. He could have lived until he was 15. I still miss him and think about him a lot. In the past few days he has been very present. This is what he tells me:

"I have been here before. I'm sorry I had to leave so early. I love you, and you are pure, just like me. Soft, full of love, sweet and kind - but not a push over. We stand together - always! I can feel your heart. I know you know mine too. Always!"

Roses

Still, whenever I see roses, I think of Leo. They remind me of him enjoying munching my roses whenever I had some. I would buy the small roseplants as well and let him eat as much as he wanted. As a Swede I have hyacinths for Christmas and Leo enjoyed them too - not that I wanted him to.  A constant battle I always lost. 

Thank you, Leo. I love you and will never forget you and your sweetness. 

Agnetha 🥀