Big Billy Pompom

[Pompompoms]

Billy passed away on Sunday 25.08, he had been fighting an infection for ten days, but there was nothing to suggest the bridge was calling him. He had a huge stroke in the morning, then something ruptured inside him and he had to be rushed to the emergency vet as he was clearly suffering. He lost consciousness and didn't flinch when injection was given. That's how my big fluff passed, but this is how he lived.........

On the 19th of July 2011 the tiny squeaks from Lilly's huge nest told me the latest generation of poms had arrived. Little husky lady Lilly and handsome white boy Whizzbit had four little pups, and for the first two days everything was fine. On the second day we lost a pup, and Lilly didn't cope well at all. She started moving the remaining three babies every half hour, running around with them, shaking them and leaving them out in the open. There was nothing to be done but draw the curtains, shut the door and hope for the best. I snuck in with food and water once a day, and after a few days Lilly settled again.
By a week old the pups had enough fur for me to see I had two whites and one husky, then at a week old we lost the white boy, and were down to two. Lilly coped well this time, and at twelve days old with eyes with eyes just open, I snapped my two little ones for the first time.

Little Billy as he was then giving his sister Minxie a cuddle

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The two of them were soon up and running about, always together, and Lilly did a great job raising them. They were calm, friendly and beautiful from the word go.

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae271/Rican_2010_album/Minipompoms2011/2weeks.jpg (http://s979.photobucket.com/user/Rican_2010_album/media/Minipompoms2011/2weeks.jpg.html)

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Billy was going to be my keeper from this litter as Minxie was to be going to another breeder to help establish a white line. My little husky boy was so special to me from the very beginning, the one remaining from a really stressful litter, and my first that I'd had any problems with.
Billy moved in with his big uncle Dasher at four weeks old, and was smitten with him from the off. he rarely left his side, and Dasher cared for him so well.

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae271/Rican_2010_album/Minipompoms2011/2308113.jpg (http://s979.photobucket.com/user/Rican_2010_album/media/Minipompoms2011/2308113.jpg.html)

In time he was joined by four Agouti cousins, and two baby brothers, and for a while I kept a colony of eight boys, amazing as they all hit puberty at various times, but with big Dasher at the head there was never any trouble. Snuggling and playing was all anyone was really interested in.


http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae271/Rican_2010_album/BillyBday_zps407f0b23.jpg (http://s979.photobucket.com/user/Rican_2010_album/media/BillyBday_zps407f0b23.jpg.html)

Billy always made sure he had prime spot

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I settled Billy and Dasher together as a pair when Billy was about five months old, they were lovely together, Billy wasn't so little anymore.

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae271/Rican_2010_album/1791117-1.jpg (http://s979.photobucket.com/user/Rican_2010_album/media/1791117-1.jpg.html)

In fact at seven months Billy was looking really rather large, and showing signs of what was to come........

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae271/Rican_2010_album/1111113.jpg (http://s979.photobucket.com/user/Rican_2010_album/media/1111113.jpg.html)

Robos stop growing in length at around six months old, they then spend about another six months filling out with muscle, males especially. Billy grew and he grew and he grew and by a year he was 54g with empty pouches!!!!!!!! I don't know for sure but I have never heard of a bigger robo, my gentle giant was just beautiful, and very very large.

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae271/Rican_2010_album/yumyum4.jpg (http://s979.photobucket.com/user/Rican_2010_album/media/yumyum4.jpg.html)

Sometimes it's hard being massive, especially when it's hot!

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae271/Rican_2010_album/003.jpg (http://s979.photobucket.com/user/Rican_2010_album/media/003.jpg.html)

I thought Billy was beautiful, but it was lovely that he did so well in shows too. He didn't mind showing at all, he'd settle down for the day, have a slow amble about for the judges, then doze off again in his show pen. Being a husky robo he was in the non standard dwarf class with all other non standard dwarfs of all species, so I was very proud when he did so well. He wasn't too bothered about winning, he did like the pumpkin seeds though :wink:

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae271/Rican_2010_album/DSC06348-1.jpg (http://s979.photobucket.com/user/Rican_2010_album/media/DSC06348-1.jpg.html)

[Pompompoms]

In the autumn last year the lovely Tallulah came to live with Billy, and I crossed my fingers for a new generation of pompoms. I think Lulah may have lost her first litter as she showed all signs of pregnancy, but then thinned out again, but second time around I was thrilled when eight little poms entered the world, and all made it through. The largest litter I've had while breeding, I think Billy would have been very pleased about that.

Five of the little lovelies together here, but in total six boys and eight girls, six little huskies and two white boys.

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At four weeks old the boys moved in with Billy, it was a bit of a surprise to him initially, but he took his fatherly duties very seriously giving instruction from the sand pit, and turning a blind eye to the bedlam that went on around him.

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae271/Rican_2010_album/DSCF1889_zpscea10cfd.jpg (http://s979.photobucket.com/user/Rican_2010_album/media/DSCF1889_zpscea10cfd.jpg.html)

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When all pups were grown Billy and one of his white sons Rascal settled down together, they were such a beautiful pair known, as big fluff little fluff. Rascal has inherited his dad's relaxed gentle temperament, although he could move at about four times the speed which was confusing for Billy at times, as Rascal would be behind him, and in the time he'd turned round Rascal would have done an entire loop of the cage and down again, and be back where Billy had started! Rascal adored his dad and would sleep so peacefully snuggled up to him. You could see how safe and content he was, and Billy doted on his boy even though he was a whirlwind!

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae271/Rican_2010_album/DSCF4236_zps0e07d793.jpg (http://s979.photobucket.com/user/Rican_2010_album/media/DSCF4236_zps0e07d793.jpg.html)

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae271/Rican_2010_album/DSCF4151_zpse8c39573.jpg (http://s979.photobucket.com/user/Rican_2010_album/media/DSCF4151_zpse8c39573.jpg.html)

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae271/Rican_2010_album/HCDSCF3742_zps42ef10c1.jpg (http://s979.photobucket.com/user/Rican_2010_album/media/HCDSCF3742_zps42ef10c1.jpg.html)

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae271/Rican_2010_album/BillyRascal25_zps4ac11e47.jpg (http://s979.photobucket.com/user/Rican_2010_album/media/BillyRascal25_zps4ac11e47.jpg.html)

Over the summer as he approached and went through his second birthday Billy started to have some health issues, he had surgery for a lump, then some nasty complications. I had to wake him four times a day and remove all poo from the wounds from surgery which would have been so uncomfortable for him. He also got an infection which meant draining two lumps on his abdomen twice a day, and twice daily medication. I think to get what Billy was like, seeing that not once through all of this did he nip, get agitated, or become unfriendly, shows that he really was such a friendly happy boy.

Billy lived out his last eight weeks alone as all the treatment had meant him being in and out from Rascal so I thought it better to leave him out as Rascal was too unsettled while he was away and I knew with Billy's age he would have to get used to it in the end. He was my big beautiful boy right till the end, he actually never went below 45g which is big for a male in his prime let alone over two. He still got so much out of life, although he wasn't too impressed when I bopped him on the head with an ice cube on his 2nd birthday!

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae271/Rican_2010_album/th_DSCF5774_zpsc85b5ed2.jpg (http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae271/Rican_2010_album/DSCF5774_zpsc85b5ed2.mp4)

He was such a special boy, the day he passed the only thing that comforted him was being held against my skin, he would stop squeaking and calm. It was the same after his surgery, he glued himself to me and refused to even move for twenty minutes. When I got him to the vet on Sunday I had him wrapped in a little blanket, he was squeaking and clearly distressed. I unwrapped him, cupped my hand round his body and spoke to him soothingly , he lifted his ears, looked at me and gave a little cheap totally different from his cries of pain, then he lost consciousness.

Final cuddle on Sunday, snoozing peacefully.

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Big Billy fluff you will never be forgotten, funny, gentle, huge and fluffy. Loved by everyone that met you, and a true heart ham. Play well beautiful boy, join the pompom hamily at the bridge and we will meet again one day. Rascal Paddington and Tinks are a credit to you, and you have passed on so many of your amazing traits to them. I miss calling you and see you trundling out, I miss your big cuddles, and I miss bright shining eyes. Love you big fluff xxxxxxx


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[PinkyDinkyDoo]

oh so sorry for your loss, Im actually crying reading this,

[Kirsty1987]

Such a beautiful memorial rest in peace Billy xxx

[Hams&Hermits]

I'm so sorry that he passed, im crying like a baby :,(

RIP billy

[icklemunch]

Absolutely beautiful and very moving memorial. Billy was such a special gorgeous little robo and will be missed x

[SkippyKerrie]

Sorry for your loss :-( what a loving cute little guy and a lovely memorial! RIP little one enjoy the bridge and the next big adventure!

[luxbear]

I am crying too, but that was a lovely story and his life was clearly so full of love. RIP little one. xx

[kyrilliondaemon]

Billy was an amazing, very special hamster. I'm really sorry he's passed :(

[Bailey]

Great story! Sorry for your loss. Beautiful hams!

[Gazmo]

oh im so sorry, he was gorgeous and very special..

[ANGELBABIES]

Words thoughts feelings - nothing I can say can ease your pain Pompom. You gave this delightful little fluff the very best of everything. And he in turn filled your life with such joy. Run free little Billy fluff - send mummy a rainbow or a white feather as a token of your love xxx

[leedsgurl]

Aww I'm so sorry :( what a beautiful tribute to a very special boy.

Sleep well Billy x

[Petite1]

great story, im crying too. A special ham from a special hammy family the poms, so sorry for your loss fo Billy, play well at the bridge little onex

[Kiki_3173]

Such a beautiful memorial for a handsome boy. I am very sorry for your loss of Billy, Pom. Play well at the bridge little one xx

[moonlite]

really sorry for your loss of this beautiful robo...

[evel_lin]

Another one crying here. A beautiful tribute to a very special boy

[racinghamster]

This brought a tear to my eye Poms. Billy sounded very much as though he never wanted to leave and that is because he was loved and cherished and he knew that. Robos are sweet little balls of fluff that speed their way through life and cheer our day. Billy will always be remembered. Sweet dreams wee man. x

[souffle]

I am so very sorry for your loss Poms....but what a life to have shared. He was special, unique and a true heartham. Keep him warm in your heart now. Dance on the stars Billy and send your mum a rainbow. xxx

[nickydeas]

I'm crying after reading this, you write amazing memorials.

Sorry for your loss. Play well at the bridge big fluff.

[Nikkigrace]

What a beautiful memorial for such a special little fluff, and what an amazing fun filled life Billy had with you. You had a special bond which was clear to see and meant you were able to comfort him through his times of need, right up until the very end. Take comfort in that.

Billy fluff, it was an absolute honour to meet the head of Poms and to share cuddles with you and your family. You certainly will never be forgotten by the many people that loved you, but you'll be missed greatly. Run free big fluff xxxx

[Pompompoms]

Thank you everyone for your lovely words, I really miss my big fluff, he was such a special pom xx.

Billy is buried in the garden with his mum Lilly, and Sister Lola as well as Scar Face who went on Sunday aswell, and Millie another of the little rescues that came in with Scar Face. It's a new little plot for the poms as my first one was full. This one is at the top of the garden, surrounded by bluebells in the early summer, and now the blackberries. It's lovely.

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae271/Rican_2010_album/DSCF6126_zps9f2d803d.jpg (http://s979.photobucket.com/user/Rican_2010_album/media/DSCF6126_zps9f2d803d.jpg.html)

[racinghamster]

That`s a lovely, natural little area for the poms to rest and for you to sit by and visit. x

[The Hamster's family]

Sorry for your loss hun... I hope your heart will heal up fast and that you can remember all the good memories you shared with him... You sure have a pretty place for them to rest... He won't be alone...

Play well, little man... Fly free without pain to the Bridge...

Annie xx

[CreamSyrian]

What a lovely resting place for billy and the other poms x

[Queen Of The High Teas]

What a beautiful big fluffball Billy was. I'm sorry you've lost him Poms, you've done him proud with that memorial. Run free at the bridge little man xx

[DrKMcK]

I cannot image how terrible it is to lose two such wonderful, special hammies on the same day. I've discovered through the years that, no matter how many dogs, cats, hams, gerbils, etc., we bring into our homes and lives, when they leave us, it hurts. Billy Pompompoms. Just seeing those words brings all kinds of memories up right away. Knowing that he won't be here on HC with new antics is so sad. This beautiful, big boy, who has left his own little legacy, in the form of beautiful little sons and daughters, will be missed by you so much. It is always so clear in all your posts how much these little furries mean to you. I'm sure Big Billy has left a huge Billy sized hole in your heart. I'm sure Billy is right beside Scar at the Rainbow bridge. One a pampered, well planned, head of a genetic line anyone would be proud of, sitting beside a throw-away, beaten up, unloved little scrap of life. Both being given a wonderful life by their very own person who values these wonderful little furries who add so much to all our lives. I'm sorry Pompompoms. So sorry. :'-(

[Biscotti]

Billy was such a wonderful ham like all your pompom family, it was a real pleasure to get to know him through the forum. Sleep tight big fluff, you will be sorely missed. :(

The plot looks beautiful, if a bit bittersweet. I hope it's comforting to the departed poms that they're surrounded by family.

[caro317]

He really was a special little man and must have been very hard losing him. Another beautiful memorial and I love the pebbles, it's a lovely idea. Sleep well Billy x

[RachK]

Billy you were such a big character in a little popmpom body. RIP little man & run free at the bridge xx

[kimlck]

Play well Big Billy Pompom,
You will be missed.
xxx

[Pompompoms]

Thank you so much everyone, such lovely kind words. Our little fluffs touch our hearts so much xx

[AliKati]

I've always loved the stories of Billy, from the time he was little to how he grew and became himself a big big pom. It's strange in a way, their lifespans, such that we follow the trajectory of a life time of changes for them. He's very very special. Thank you for sharing him with us. x

[frannysparkles]

Very blue for you. He had a lovely life x

[Munchalot]

So sorry Poms, Billy was such a beautiful big boy, so sorry he had to leave you. He had such a great life with you and the pom family, and I loved reading about him.

Sending you and the hamily condolence snuggles. :( xx

[starbug]

Play well, Billy. You made a big impact on a lot of people.

[Pompompoms]

Thank you, he is very much missed my big fluff xx

[pete_w]

RIP Billy :(