Crossword Genius

The sad mongrel - wretched pet (6,7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

golden hamster

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'pet' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both animals as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'the sad mongrel wretched' is the wordplay.
'wretched' indicates an anagram.
'the'+'sad'+'mongrel'='thesadmongrel'
'thesadmongrel' anagrammed gives 'GOLDEN HAMSTER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for golden hamster that I've seen is " Rodent kept as a pet".)

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