[Chicleteer]

This is to share the sad news that my sweet little Chiclet, at a couple months shy of two years old, passed over the rainbow bridge this morning. She was my first hamster, and indeed the first pet I've ever had completely on my own. I absolutely knew this day would come eventually, and yet that does not make it easier, as I imagine so many of you already know.

She was a lively little Syrian as a youngster, running marathons in her wheel and enthusiastically investigating anything new, different, and of course chewable that she came across. As time wore on, she was less frenetic but still quite active until she gradually slowed down the last few months.

The past several weeks she began to decline markedly, no longer wanting out-of-cage playtime or running in her wheel. The vet checked her out and didn’t find anything amiss, other than potential arthritis and general aging. I focused on making sure she continued to eat, drink and eliminate, and inviting (but not pushing) her to spend at least some time out of her cage for a little activity.

By a week ago she was only emerging to get food/water and use the litter box, and was having more difficulty walking. I moved her food bowl closer to her nest and put a shallow bowl of water next to it, since I didn’t think she could maneuver her water bottle anymore. I’d take her out occasionally and just hold her and stroke her for a little while.

This morning she no longer wanted to eat, and could hardly walk without falling over. Her breathing was very labored, and I began to think I needed to take her to the vet to help her pass on. It’s such a hard decision to make when you just don’t know whether the animal is in pain! I took her out and held her, trying to make that difficult decision, when she took her last breath in my hands.

It was painful, poignant, and yet such a gift that I was able to be holding her at the very end. I feel very blessed to have been given that opportunity.

Chiclet, you were the sweetest companion to me, and gave me that unique joy that only a special pet can provide. I will miss you, my dear little girl. May you play well and run free at the rainbow bridge. <3