Must have been a Syrian hamster..
This was the other Kerry hamster story but not well known. The hamster, who goes by the name of Rodney, was caught in the crossfire during a rebel uprising. After being wounded by two bullets, Rodney seemed destined to meet his maker. Out of nowhere came John "I served in Vietnam" Kerry who in a rolling dive grabbed the dying hamster and under gunfire zigzagged his way out of danger. He immediately began a blood transfusion by jabbing a straw from his Wendy's soda he was holding all the while. After removing the bullets with his Swiss Army knife he wrapped Rodney in a blanket and nursed him back to health. During his recovery John taught him self defense or biting as it is known in Hamster circles.
Latest release from Kerry aides say the Senator never met this particular hamster and it is just a rumor.
You decide.