In a city like New York, space is limited and so is time since so many people are out on #thathustle. While many of us love big dogs and mischievous cats, these animals need space to romp and roam. I’m a lover of animals but also have a comically small New York-style apartment and a horribly busy schedule, so I knew a little hamster would be right for me. Hamsters and similar pets like rabbits and guinea pigs are also common for kids since they don’t need to be walked. These are the reasons I got Triscuit.

Triscuit was a Bushwick Resident for nearly two years, which means she was up there in hamster years. I noticed she was breathing heavily one day, so I searched for a neighborhood vet. I’ve heard great things about Dr. Loose, but an appointment was $75 before medication, which was hard to swing. Also, not everyone operates and examines small and exotic pets.

While searching for a neighborhood vet for my lil’ furry friend, I found Dr. Orlando Diaz. Dr. Diaz is based out of the Williamsburg Animal Clinic on Grand Street. The best part is, he works late – until 7 pm on weekdays – and can take emergency walk-ins which was just what my lil’ hammy needed. While there, Triscuit was stressed from travel, so the staff offered to put her in a back room while we waited away from the other animals.