Kaiser Wilhelm

Kaiser Wilhelm Hamster: 2003 - 2006

Wilhelm was my favorite.

He's the one that started it all... which is why he is currently serving as Chairman Emeritus of the Board of the New York Hamster House. Wilhelm was the first hamster to ever live here. He was born around August 2003, and was caught after traipsing across four lanes of traffic at Broadway and Thayer Streets, in Inwood (northern Manhattan) in August 2004. After a short ride home in a shoe box, it was determined that 1) he was a hamster and 2) he was there to stay.

Thus began the pre-public phase of the NYHH. After about nine months, Wilhelm and Jessica officially opened the NYHH for business. Wilhelm was the heart and soul of the Hamster House. As other hamsters came and went, the Kaiser was here to stay. As he grew older, he mellowed out. His hair grew thin on top, and he started going gray. Sometimes, he would sit with me on the sofa and watch the Daily Show.

Wilhelm was named after a King because, even from the beginning, he was clearly of regal stock. I mean, he walked across FOUR lanes of traffic in Manhattan and came out unscathed! He lived up to his name, and enjoyed smirking at other hamsters and being haughty. When hungry, he threatened beheadings, and was known to invade smaller, neighboring hamster shelters.

Wilhelm lived to a ripe old age, and brought a lot of joy to many people. He made me very happy, and I will miss him.

Here's what everyone is saying about Kaiser Wilhelm:

I am so sorry to hear about Wilhelm. He was extraordinarily adorable and a good boy, it seemed. I know you must be so sad. But he was also a very lucky hamster to have been rescued by someone so big-hearted and he could not have lived out his old age in better care. --Lydia

I think Wilhelm was probably one of the most important hamsters in the last few decades,for if he never made his fateful run accross broadway many lives [both hamster and human] would have not been affected in such a positive way. Rest in peace little one; you are very missed. --Alan and Gayle

Dear, sweet Wilhelm - I know he will be missed by you, and by the all the other furry ones. He was a very special creature to have been the inspiration and first resident of the hamstser house. And a very lucky guy he was to have stumbled into your life.--Jane

Wilhelm was a very brave young hamster, surviving alone on the Inwood Streets until he was rescued and taken in by a kind and gentle soul. Once settled at Nagle Avenue, Wilhem became a loving and playful pet. His cuteness and his fun-loving demeanor not only charmed his adopted caretaker (and her friends), it inspired in her a sense of compassion and charity towards all wayward hamsters. Thanks to Wilhelm, Jessica Wells recognized and responded to the need for safe haven for stray hamsters. Thanks to Wilhlem, the New York Hamster House was born. Thanks to Wilhelm, dozens of hamsters that would have otherwise been homeless, neglected, or sad, now frolick together in safety and comfort. Thank you Wilhlem, on behalf of all the rescued hamsters anda gerbils at the NYHH, and on behlaf of hamsterkind. Hamster Kaiser Wilhelm, rest in peace. --Molly

So sorry about Wilhelm; those of us with little creatures of our own know the sadness you feel. But I'm very glad that you came to meet up with Wilhelm. Had it not been for him, you might not have experienced the joy of living with hamsters. Even worse, perhaps the hamsters you have protected and found homes for might not have happened. Thank goodness for Wilhelm (and you!) --Ellen

He was such a wonderful pet and will be remembered fondly forever by everyone who met him. He had a wonderfully long and happy life with you-- think what would have happened if you hadn't found him and taken him in. I'm sure he is at peace riding the 6 train with Michael Bloomberg now in Hamster Heaven.--Tara

So sorry to hear Wilhelm. Sometimes sadness about a loss is mitigated by celebrating the life... I know he was special to you, and always there as a calming force during times of turmoil. Just remember that you gave him the best life he possibly could have had--especially considering he was abandoned when you found him. And look at all the good Wilhelm started! He inspired the Hamster House and in so doing is helping others of his kind. He's probably the first hamster altruist. Quite a legacy, and quite a good life, I should say. --Katie

Dear Frau Jessica, I am deeply saddened to hear of the Kaiser's passing. I am sure that all of Germany will be weeping today, as well as the entire world. My condolences are sent out to you in this time of your greatest loss. He was a good guy.--Lorenzo

I'm so sorry about Wilhelm. He was so super lucky to have been rescued by you and probably the first hamster ever to have been a catalyst in starting a whole rescue home for his kind. For all of us who knew him and know his story the NYHH will always be the KWNYHH (Kaiser Wilhelm New York Hamster House).--Sara

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