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Colby and the Dwarfs
09-03-2014, 03:30 PM
I do not know.

Why is this happening?

What did I do?

What is wrong with me?

Over the last 24 hours 5 of my beloved pets have died.

Rebel, Daisy, Colby Jack(hamsters), and (my gerbils), Honey and Vanilla, have died.

"Every time you lose an animal, it's like losing a brick from the house. Pretty soon the house just falls down, you know?"
Bindi Irwin


I don't know what happened.


Yesterday when I got home I went to check on them, the trio first as always. Rebel was cold and stiff. My heart stopped.

Daisy was breathing heavy. Lying on her side.

I wrapped her in tissues, and sang and cried and told her to tell her sister I loved her.

I left to check on Phoenix(who was fine).

When I came back, she was gone. Rebel and Daisy were a little over 1 year old.

Neither girl had a scratch.

This morning, Honey and Vanilla were gone. Not a scratch on either of them.

Now my beloved Colby, for which my username was named after, is gone. Not my baby boy...not my first syrian. Not my little man. Surely not. He cannot be dead. I don't accept that! No no no no no. No. I just want to go to sleep and wake up and it all be over. I just want it to end. This can't be happening. Not to me.

Not to someone who loves their animals more than they could comprehend, not to someone who gives all their time to them. Not to someone like me.

But it is over. My babies....are gone. Just.....no.


Rebel.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m85/ColbyandtheDwarfs/imagejpg1_zpsf6881fa3.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/ColbyandtheDwarfs/media/imagejpg1_zpsf6881fa3.jpg.html)
At two weeks old you escaped. You moved to the other corner of your cage and made Zelda carry you back as you screamed. You had so much character...you were crazy. You escaped everything, chewed up everything, made a gender switch which resulted in Phoenix, yet I still love you more than you will ever know.

Every morning I get up early. You are always the only one awake, greeting me and begging for a slice of carrot. Now no one is awake. The morning is sad now. You brought light to my life, you were something to look forward to.

You were smart. Gosh, you are intelligent. And brave. And fearless. You were my little soldier, taking on anything and everything. Being tiny never stopped you.

Rebel, you beautiful little hamster, you are simply the most brave, smart, funny little creature I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. May you play well at the Rainbow Bridge until I can come get you. xxx


Daisy
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m85/ColbyandtheDwarfs/imagejpg4_zps12cbf376.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/ColbyandtheDwarfs/media/imagejpg4_zps12cbf376.jpg.html)
Sweet little girl. So sweet. At a mere 42g, you were tiny and long. Your size worried me, but you just were built like a ballerina, and you were beautiful.

You were smart, kind, loving, amazing. Your little paws and your big deep red-brown eyes could melt a heart. You loved your mother, your sister, your brother, your niece. You played nice and never started or finished a fight. You often sat on your blue house to watch for me to come home in the afternoon.

Daisy, you sweet little girl, you are the most kind, shy, sweet, loving, beautiful little girl, and I love you to the moon and back a trillion times. 'Till we meet again, pretty hamster. xxx

Vanilla

While your sister made the trouble, you kept it under control.

You watched, waited. You were cautious, and quiet, and eager to please. You loved to cuddle up and watch my iPad screen. Your perfect white fur was so soft and shone, and your eyes were a deep, dark red. You were stunning.

You had a lovely temperament, and a sweet disposition. You are silly, funny, and....you.

Silly little girl, I will always miss your sweet face and the love in your eyes. See you soon, xxx

Honey

You are intelligent. Your intelligence made you easily frustrated, and you showed me when you were mad. But that did not make me love you any less.

You liked to sit in my lap and eat seeds, and climb your waterbottle. You were too smart for me, you could escape anything.

You pretty, funny, good little trouble-making furball, I cannot wait to see you again, so you can continue to amaze me with your antics and incredible little personality. Until then, be good for me sweetie. xxx
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m85/ColbyandtheDwarfs/imagejpg3_zps0aed857f.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/ColbyandtheDwarfs/media/imagejpg3_zps0aed857f.jpg.html)


Colby Jack
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m85/ColbyandtheDwarfs/imagejpg2_zpsd4bf3c9b.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/ColbyandtheDwarfs/media/imagejpg2_zpsd4bf3c9b.jpg.html)

No. No. No. I'm not writing this. I can't. Where are the words to express my feelings for this small, heart-warming creature?


My sweet, caring, affectionate, well-meaning, beautiful, loving, perfect little boy...*sigh*. I just cannot process it...

This will be short and sweet.

Colby Jack, I love you. You are too perfect for this world, you know that? You are too sweet. Too...you.

I do not fear death. Not if I get to have my babies back. Until then, I will make new memories. And when I get there...they'll be waiting. I know that.

Goodbye, my sweet little angels. I miss you more than you will ever know. Bye xxx

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m85/ColbyandtheDwarfs/imagejpg5_zpsb515fbba.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/ColbyandtheDwarfs/media/imagejpg5_zpsb515fbba.jpg.html)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m85/ColbyandtheDwarfs/imagejpg1_zpsa98ddc71.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/ColbyandtheDwarfs/media/imagejpg1_zpsa98ddc71.jpg.html)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m85/ColbyandtheDwarfs/imagejpg3_zps0a44ee04.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/ColbyandtheDwarfs/media/imagejpg3_zps0a44ee04.jpg.html)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m85/ColbyandtheDwarfs/imagejpg2_zps2c5e5a7d.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/ColbyandtheDwarfs/media/imagejpg2_zps2c5e5a7d.jpg.html)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m85/ColbyandtheDwarfs/imagejpg4_zps1252affa.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/ColbyandtheDwarfs/media/imagejpg4_zps1252affa.jpg.html)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m85/ColbyandtheDwarfs/imagejpg7_zpsf2956e5c.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/ColbyandtheDwarfs/media/imagejpg7_zpsf2956e5c.jpg.html)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m85/ColbyandtheDwarfs/imagejpg6_zps009e17d8.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/ColbyandtheDwarfs/media/imagejpg6_zps009e17d8.jpg.html)

becky1412
09-03-2014, 03:38 PM
I am so sorry to hear this it's bad enough when one goes but this I can't even try to imagine. You gave all of those little one's such wonderful lives filled with happiness and for that you should be proud. *cuddles*

starshme
09-03-2014, 03:46 PM
Oh Colby, I don't even know what to say. I'm so sorry that you've lost so many of your pets so quickly. I can't even imagine what you must be feeling right now. Your photos of them are gorgeous. The picture of Honey and Vanilla just made me stop and stare for a minute. I'm just absolutely stunned that this happened. My deepest condolences, I honestly don't have any words except that I'm very sorry.

NiceCrocs
09-03-2014, 04:06 PM
Oh my gosh, Colby, there aren't any words. I'm so so sorry, I can't even imagine.

Sleep tight, little fluffs, and play well.

Colby and the Dwarfs
09-03-2014, 04:23 PM
Kirby and Parm are gone too.

What do I do?

NiceCrocs
09-03-2014, 04:42 PM
Colby, I'm so sorry this is happening. Please remember we're here for you. It must be devastating to lose so much so quickly, but you're so strong, I know you'll pull through it.

We love you so much, Colby, and we grieve with you.

kyrilliondaemon
09-03-2014, 04:44 PM
Can you speak to a vet in the morning? For now I'd check the temperature and if you have gas in the house I'd make sure there aren't any leaks or anything if you can, carbon monoxide is always an unlikely possibility too

I'm sorry for all the losses

BrainGirl
09-03-2014, 05:42 PM
Oh Colby, I'm so so sorry:( I second talking to a vet and having the air quality tested. It might not be enough to bother a human-sized creature but hamsters are so tiny and so sensitive. I feel so badly for the pain you're going through x

Hekomi
09-03-2014, 05:54 PM
Both SO and I are sorry to hear this too - SO immediately though food or bedding contamination? But air quality... something should help.

Sending you hugs. x

twix and oreo mates4life
09-03-2014, 06:06 PM
No!! Not Colby!!!! I had something similar with my babies. I went in and one was dead another was breathing heavy. The next day another one died and the day after that two more died. Then another a few weeks later. I'm so sorry colby

Colby and the Dwarfs
09-03-2014, 06:43 PM
Colby, I'm so sorry this is happening. Please remember we're here for you. It must be devastating to lose so much so quickly, but you're so strong, I know you'll pull through it.

We love you so much, Colby, and we grieve with you.

Aw thank you so much. Everyone's support is really sweet. Losing 7 so quickly is bad, but not knwing why....*sigh*

Can you speak to a vet in the morning? For now I'd check the temperature and if you have gas in the house I'd make sure there aren't any leaks or anything if you can, carbon monoxide is always an unlikely possibility too

I'm sorry for all the losses

I will try. The temp is normal (74f). I will have a look around for anything else. Thank you.

Oh Colby, I'm so so sorry:( I second talking to a vet and having the air quality tested. It might not be enough to bother a human-sized creature but hamsters are so tiny and so sensitive. I feel so badly for the pain you're going through x

Will do. Thank you xxx

Both SO and I are sorry to hear this too - SO immediately though food or bedding contamination? But air quality... something should help.

Sending you hugs. x

I just got new bedding...but only Rebel and Daisy were on it. Food is normal. I really am so lost. Thank you though xxx

No!! Not Colby!!!! I had something similar with my babies. I went in and one was dead another was breathing heavy. The next day another one died and the day after that two more died. Then another a few weeks later. I'm so sorry colby

You know, I actually thought about that. Did you ever figure out what happened?

Thank you.




-------------

Yoshi is looking lethargic. I don't think he is going to make it through the night.

Thrifty Hamster
09-03-2014, 06:47 PM
I second, thirded, fourthed whatever anyone here is saying. Go through all the bags of vegetables, fruits, take out any toys that they are using that smell like they have pee on them or poo - or any smelly objects - what if a pet has an infectious virus thats going about? Who knows. Clean the cages. Check the air vents in the morning after you call the vet, call an A/C guy, etc.

Restock on EVERYTHING. Food, toys, supplies. It's hard and expensive but you want your babies to be safe and sound, a massive wave of loss just hit you - dont let this happen again. Bake any wood logs or just throw them out completely would be my advice. Clean cages RIGHT NOW. Schedule vet appointments for EVERYONE.

Wether or not they're sick, make sure they are checked over.

Best wishes and I hope no more losses until your able to do some of the things I mentioned.

Denisekay
09-03-2014, 07:10 PM
If it's something to do with the house then maybe you should try to take them outside? I mean, don't leave them overnight of course but as long as you can perhaps? Or maybe even a different room, if they're all in the same room that is.

DrKMcK
09-03-2014, 07:59 PM
I just came on saw this. Colby,something is seriously wrong...especially with the gerbils dying too. Something killed them. This is not normal at all. Nothing to do with age. You have got to have a vet do a necropsy on them. I'd definitely get the gas company in to check CO2 levels. That's just crazy! You cannot bring any other animals in until you find out what did this. I've never heard of this many animals dying at once., Colby Jack, OMG. All the dwarfies, even the babies. I can't imagine what this is like for you. I'm so sorry. I don't believe this. Are there any animals left in the house? Dear Lord, This is awful :-(.

Colby, what about Swiss? Is she okay?
OMG! Biscotti!! Is Biscotti okay?

Look at this...I'm so upset I'm mixing up my hams...Biscotti is Hekomi's baby boy. :-(

Nancy's Hamsters
09-03-2014, 09:09 PM
My first thought was CO2 levels as there are few illnesses that are this quick to kill. Were they all sleeping when they died? That would indicate a Co2 leak somewhere near by the Hamsters and Gerbils. Other thought was did you do a change of water to all that died? Just a week ago in Toledo they had a huge water contamination that was so deadly even touching the water from the faucet could KILL a dog or a human. The water had Toxic Algae in the drinking water. You need to report all these sudden deaths to the proper authorities as the deaths may save lives of others. Were all these animals in the same room and same area of the room? This is defo more then coincidence for sure. Huge Hugs to you as you mourn the loss of so many furry friends in so short a time.

Denisekay
09-03-2014, 09:17 PM
What about the dogs and the cat? Are they okay?

twix and oreo mates4life
09-03-2014, 11:02 PM
You know, I actually thought about that. Did you ever figure out what happened?
Quote



I'm not really sure what could have happened. I know it wasn't poor breeding because the 3 that lived are doing great.

It could have been because they are eating their poop,

They were too cold

They got randomly sick,

Or it was just some random thing that happened. When it started happening I was afraid to go in my room because I didn't want to see any more of them dead. I know what your going through, Colby. Twix and I are sending hammy hugs your way and I'll bet Colby and the others are playing with Oreo and the babies as we write

Truffle
09-04-2014, 01:22 AM
I am completely lost for words, I don't really know what to say other than the fact that I am so sorry. It is so hard losing just one pet let alone seven, especially in such a short period of time. All my thoughts and prays are with you. xx

cypher
09-04-2014, 01:38 AM
I can't even begin to imagine how devastating this must be, can't add anything to what has already been said but I am so very sorry for your loss.

Teddy001
09-04-2014, 01:56 AM
Something that they all had, food, water, something- can you think of anything that they had that the rest of your hams did not? No words can express the deep sorrow, that im feeling for you and your hamster.. I'm so sorry.. And I agree with everyone, hope you find out what is causing, this to happen..xx

Munchalot
09-04-2014, 02:28 AM
OMG... Colby, words don't even begin to express.... I'm so, so sorry. I can't imagine what you must be going through. So many precious little beings, snatched away like this. Its heartbreaking. :( xxx

But I echo everything already said, there is something very wrong and sinister about this. As mentioned, check the gas and the water, and any contaminates in the environment.
DEFINITELY take them to the vets. If its a virus it can sweep through a collection.
A friend of mine who was a NHC breeder had this happen to him. Somehow a virus got in and just swept through the hamstery almost over night, and he lost them all. If I were you, I would seperate the rest of them, thoroughly sterilise everything and share nothing between them, not even cleaning equipment. Even change your clothing between cages. Treat it like wettail.

I'm so sorry this has happened to you. :( Thinking of you xx

kyrilliondaemon
09-04-2014, 04:14 AM
I wouldn't advise changing everything over (food, water, completely clean cages e.t.c). Unfortunately if this is contagious then chances are its already passed between animals and the stress of massive changes could increase the death rates. It could be worth a go but then it could do more harm so I'd speak to the vet before taking action likely to cause so much stress.

I have thought of one more thing though. Could you ask the vet to do an autopsy? I know a lot are uncomfortable with the idea of an autopsy being performed but it helped us a lot when we had multiple unexplained mouse deaths last year - the autopsy showed it was a subacute illness that the entire group probably had and just weren't showing. We treated them and every other animal survived - without the autopsy that might not have been the case.

SinNyx
09-04-2014, 04:27 AM
I am so sorry to hear about what you've had to go through, your hamsters/gerbils were lovely and it's hard to lose so many at once, especially when it's the unknown.

These things happen, don't blame yourself for it, stay positive for the rest of the little furballs you still have. Definitely give everything a good check, especially after bringing a new pet home, make sure she isn't carrying anything.

Sweet dreams little ones x

Willow Wisp
09-04-2014, 05:01 AM
OMG this is simply horrendous, I am so very sorry Colby.
I agree with everyone, there's something going on here.
I was just wondering about Swiss, she's a new arrival, pathogens, is it at all possible she could be carrying something that isn't effecting her but is alien to the others?
I have no idea, just clutching at straws.
My heart goes out to youxx

NiceCrocs
09-04-2014, 06:41 AM
My sister brought up the possibility of someone in the area spraying pesticides that somehow got into the room? Just thought it might be worth bringing up.

My sisters both send their sympathies, Colby, we all hope you're doing okay this morning <3

Bobbeh
09-04-2014, 06:58 AM
I'm so sorry that that has happened to you, that's awful :(
It does ermine me of something a friend of mine told me a few weeks ago when I said I'd be getting Russian Dwarfs. He used to breed them, and he got to a point where he had TWENTY FOUR dwarfs. He had them all in separate cages and they lived almost 3 years, when twenty three of them died in the space of 24 hours and was left with one.
*hugs*

JBH316
09-04-2014, 11:18 AM
Oh my goodness, I am so sorry :(

I have to say that my first thought when reading it was something like carbon monoxide poisoning. You can buy a detector relatively cheaply but you really need to get that checked out asap.

XRubyRoseX
09-04-2014, 11:19 AM
I am very sorry for your loss Colby, I can't imagine what you're going through right now. I hope you find out the cause of it to save any of your other pets. My thoughts are with you Colby. xxx

AmyHague
09-05-2014, 02:15 PM
Oh Colby, I have just read this thread,

I am so so sorry. This must be absolutely heartbreaking. I cannot believe you have lost them all. :(

I have to agree, it does sound like there is something that has caused this. I hope you find out what it is.

Big hugs. Thinking of you xxx

fluffydd
09-07-2014, 01:53 AM
I'm so, so sorry to hear this. It is such an awful thing to happen. I hope you find out what happened and that you and your other animals are safe and well xxx

Nancy's Hamsters
09-07-2014, 01:26 PM
Colby any News yet on what took all your dear fluffs? I know it is hard to keep going and not just go into mourning but the cause may prevent others from having this occur to them if it be something involving their food or bedding.

My Hammy Harriet
09-16-2014, 05:51 AM
Oh my God I'm so sorry this has happened to you! I'm sorry I haven't been there! This is terrible! I hope you'll be ok soon xxx

souffle
09-16-2014, 06:35 AM
I am so very sorry for your losses. I can see this is heartbreaking for you. I would also check with the vet and maybe consider a PM on one of the animals just to set your mind at rest. Is there any way there could be some sort of contamination of food or bedding? Rodent poisoning or weedkiller or such like?
Play well at the bridge little ones x

Kim_Gus
09-16-2014, 12:21 PM
Colby, I am so, so sorry for your losses. I hope you find out what happened to your beautiful furbabies.

Trust that now they are playing happily together at the bridge.

DanniDorrito
09-16-2014, 08:32 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about this, I'm heartbroken for you :(

At least they are no longer suffering, I hope you are able to find out why this happened to them.

Sending all my love and thoughts your way x