It's been a long absence but I thought I'd say hi!

Mrs Livingston · 08-03-2018, 09:04 AM

Hello everyone, I hope I find you all well and your hamsters in their prime.

As some of you may remember I am the proud mother of Dr. Franklyn who is the most beautiful and sassy hamster ever (sorry, but she is). I am using the present tense which unfortunately is inaccurate as yesterday my husband and I had to make the worst decision. She had been suffering from the dreaded pyometra. She'd been responding reasonable well on baytril (initially, at least) but we knew the only solution was surgery. At almost 2 years old I couldn't face putting her through that. I gave it a long hard think but she was ageing gracefully, bald from the waist down and it didn't feel right. She continued for a good long while but yesterday her eyes were barely open, she had gone from 210grams to 172grams and she could no longer clean herself. We are both heartbroken, she was the kindest and most loving little girl and will always hold a place in my heart.

... Another reason I was so upset that the time was right to help her over the rainbow Bridge is that I so desperately wanted her to meet her baby brothers. That's right, I'm having twins! They are due in just a couple of weeks time and I very much wanted to show her... I promised her that I'd tell them about her and how happy she made me.

With my husband and mines life changing fairly dramatically in the next month we've decided to hold off on getting a new hamster. We wouldn't be able to look after three babies so it's the end of an era for us.... At least for a while until we've mastered the whole twin parent thing.

So how are you all? Thin Lizzy are you still on here? How are you?

All my love,
Han x

Rads · 08-03-2018, 07:24 PM

Wowzers Mrs L, so sorry to hear about Dr Franklyn, they do leave deep paw prints on ones heart, with luck she will be having fun and escapades over the bridge with all the much loved fur balls that now reside there, I'm sure Forrest and Pip will look after her.
Good luck with the twins, what wonderful news for you both, talk about what a handful, I'm glad ours are grown up still manage to be a pain in the butt though....
TL is still on here.

cypher · 08-04-2018, 12:26 AM

Good to see you again but I'm so sorry to hear your sad news about Dr. Franklyn, I can imagine how heartbreaking this time must have been for you, she had a great life with you & it's so sad that she couldn't be with you longer, you did the kindest thing for your lovely girl & although so sadly missed she will be forever in your hearts.
Such lovely news about the twins, congrats! It is sad that your girl never got to meet them but I'm sure she will always be watching over your little family from the bridge & smiling down at you all.

Run free & play well at the bridge Dr. Franklyn.

dreamtree1234 · 08-04-2018, 04:10 AM

Welcome back to HC! I'm so sorry that Dr. Franklyn has passed to the bridge and wasn't able to meet your precious twins, but I'm sure that she will be your little, fur angel happily watching over you and your family. Although it is heartbreaking that you and your husband had to make such a difficult decision, it was the most loving thing you both could possible do for her so she will no longer be in any discomfort; I know she must have appreciated that final, loving gift to her. She was your heart-ham and will forever live on in your heart and memories. Hugs to you and your husband.

RIP, dear Dr. Franklyn. May you enjoy restored health and plenty of fun adventures at the Bridge. You will be greatly missed. Please send the most lovely rainbow to your human parents who love and miss you so.

Congrats on expecting your twin sons very soon!!! I am so thrilled about your wonderful news and hope that all goes well. I wish you and your husband a lifetime of double the overwhelming joy and love with them. Twin babies - WOW, that is the greatest news ever!!!

Have TONS and TONS of fun!!!!

Mrs Livingston · 08-04-2018, 03:00 PM

Thank you very much everyone. Its crazy how much has changed in such a short space of time... Dr. Franklyn got to share some amazing moments in our life... I don't think she could believe it when I told her she was having two siblings!

Thin Lizzy · 08-05-2018, 07:38 PM

Hello Mrs L, welcome back. My heart sank when I read your post about Dr Franklyn's passing. Such sad news and sending you big comfort hugs to you. I know how much joy you're little girl brought you and your hubby. You made a tough decision but, the right one as surgery at her age would've been risky. She's now at peace. Bless her xxx
Congratulations to you and your hubby on the soon to be arrival of twin boys. That's a big change the both of you will take on and do brillantly. Such a shame Dr Franklyn won't be there to share your double joy but, she'll be at the rainbow bridge looking down.
Big Hugs to you & your hubby xxxx

Coco61 · 08-06-2018, 11:07 AM

I am sorry about the loss of Dr Franklyn, Mrs L. I did love her thread and doings. As TL and others have said, the right but tough decision for your special girl.
My congratulations on your impending family expansion! Twin boys will be quite something. Life changing indeed but exhaustingly worth it!

Mrs Livingston · 08-07-2018, 05:14 AM

Thank you all very much for your well wishes. It has been a tough couple of days getting rid of her cage and her toys. It really is an end of an era for us deciding not to have another furry friend... Not yet, anyway. What do we do at night now?! Xxx

dreamtree1234 · 08-07-2018, 05:31 AM

I'm so sorry that it has been so hard getting rid of all of Dr. Franklyn's stuff; I totally understand how emotional that can be. I'm certain that you and your husband will be kept extremely busy at night very soon though. Having twin boys will ensure that for sure, lol. Staying up feeding their hungry tummies, changing them, and rocking them to sleep will be the most amazing experience ever and times that you will treasure always. Then, one day (hopefully not too far off in the distant future), you and your expanded family will welcome another furry family member to your household and you can all share those new memories created with your children as well.

Coco61 · 08-07-2018, 11:03 AM

'What do we do at night now?!' Ho Ho Mrs L, don't think there will be any problem in that direction shortly!