Bobjack, please expand on "get a hamster". The vein of this thread is very enlightening and I would go so far as to say very helpful to persons that are either in a lonely environment or have been. I can - as it happens personally understand the benefits of a pet under these circumstances, and indeed having a hamster. In my case it has proved to be a very worthwile companion - be it for the noise of it going round in its wheel to break the silence of the long days, or the daily task of feeding it. Have you found the same with your hamster ?