When Chris Davies’s daughter initially pleaded with him for a hamster, he was not particularly enthusiastic about the idea.
However, after spending many hours researching, eight-year-old Lily succeeded in convincing her father that these creatures were more than merely “beginner pets,” thus persuading him to allow one into their home.
The NHS nurse bought Popcorn, a hamster he said he knew there was “something different” about from the beginning.
But nothing could have prepared Chris for the “surreal” impact the rodent would have on his life, eventually leading him to the woman he will soon marry.
Shortly after welcoming Popcorn into his home, Chris’ life unexpectedly changed when he went through a sudden breakup.
“I felt shattered afterward,” he stated. Nevertheless, during those solitary periods, it was Popcorn who provided him with unforeseen assistance.
I decided to approach this with an open mind and understand what kind of animal it is.
Chris was astonished to discover that Popcorn acted more akin to a devoted puppy than a typical rodent.
He followed me around persistently, just like a dog,” he explained. “Once we were sitting together on the couch, he drifted off to sleep on my chest. It left me quite astonished.
For Chris, who battles with anxiety, Popcorn quickly turned into a means of finding serenity and building connections.
It was simply a truly wonderful moment. It embodied being present.
As an NHS nurse, some days can be tough and highly stressful, but Popcorn always helps me relax.
Lily and other family members began encouraging Chris to post videos of Popcorn’s behaviour online.
“I was kind of anxious at first,” Chris said. “How many blokes do you see lying on a sofa with a hamster?”
However, scarcely had Chris started sharing Popcorn videos on TikTok when they became incredibly popular.
Over 140,000 enthusiasts were captivated by Popcorn’s distinctive character, his warmth, and his connection with Chris and Lily.
As Chris affectionately put it, he turned into their “miniature dog.”
What ensued were a series of strange occurrences that nobody could have anticipated, according to Chris.
As Popcorn became increasingly popular online, Chris and Lily collaborated on a book detailing the influence this small creature had on their family, with the publication scheduled for May 2024.
One evening, Chris got a remark from another person from Cardiff named Carrie, who told him that his content was “adorable.”
They started talking and quickly found common ground, sharing a deep affection for animals and pursuing the same career.
Although we lived just a mile away from each other, we had never crossed paths before,” Chris stated. “It seemed bizarre.
A few months later, Chris and Carrie finally met in person. When Carrie picked up Popcorn, Chris felt as though something just “fell right into place.”
The family, now expanded with Carrie and her children joining them, tragically bid farewell to Popcorn during the summer of 2023.
However, moving ahead to the present day, Chris and Carrie are now engaged and plan to get married this December.
Their wedding cake will include a tiny homage to Popcorn, featuring his name at the base.
“None of this would’ve occurred without him; he played the part of Cupid, sort of,” Chris mentioned.
Although Popcorn passed away several years ago, his influence continues to be profoundly significant.
For Chris, his companion meant much more than just being a pet. He stated, “There will never be another Popcorn; he was truly one of a kind.”
