(15/4/11 - 3/1/13) Topaz, the devil ham with a halo.

[mangoandmimi]

And I never thought I’d be writing this thread so soon. Yesterday night, I went up to feed the hams as usual, and discovered Topaz had passed away in her sleep. I was utterly mortified, she had been absolutely fine the day before (at least 2 days before, anyway). I have never had a hamster leave with such short notice, it seems like only yesterday that she was monkeybarring and wheeling away.
I got my little Toto at a hamster show in 2011 (Bath if I remember correctly) with her sister, Sapphire. I ended up bringing them as a pair because I didn't like leaving one of them alone! Was quite silly really, as only a few months into having them, they needed to be separated. Turned out it was for the best anyway, as Topaz really enjoyed her extra space and having her own pad to herself. Yep, she got even more active, waking up promptly at 9pm for playpen time. She never liked cuddles, in fact from the beginning she was a little finger chewer, so I mainly left her to her own resources. She didn't mind a bit, begged to be let out but hated physical contact with me But she was brilliant, always up when nobody else was. Running around the cage excitedly, always taking interest in new toys (unlike any other furries in the household) and generally being the #1 attraction in the hamster room. She loved it. I didn't think she’d ever stop, I mean she was twice as active as Mimi, my passed hyperactive Syrian. So as you can imagine, finding her like that in her cage – I was so shocked, none of us saw it coming. I guess I’m just relieved she passed peacefully in her sleep. She looked so at rest, curled up like that, it’s all I could have asked for.
You were the biggest troublemaker Topaz, always demanding more and more. I’ll definitely miss seeing your cheeky face at the bars every evening without fail, those puppy eyes begging me to let you out. Your silly antics, I mean you were like spiderman re-incarnated with your monkeybarring skills I couldn’t have wanted more in a hamster, you were perfect in every way. I’ll miss you my little gem, but enjoy yourself up there to the fullest. Mango, Mimi, Pip, Pop and the others are all up there, waiting for you, so have fun. Sleep tight, sweet dreams xx

[The Hamster's family]

What a beautiful tribute... It really touched my heart... I sincerely hope your heart will heal up soon and that thinking of her will only bring back the greatest memories and amasing smiles... Hugs from Canada xx

Rest well, special girl... Enjoy the Bridge and all its goodies...

Annie xx

[fadedpages]

I'm really sorry to hear that. What a lovely photo, she was a gorgeous girl. Play well at the bridge, Topaz.

[mangoandmimi]

Thanks Today we buried her in the woods, and cleared the cage. The woods is where she'd have preferred out of everywhere, so hopefully it was the right decision over a plant pot.

[Call me Alison]

i'm so sorry she was a beautiful ham!

play well topaz xxxx

[Stockannette]

So sorry for your loss.

[RachK]

I'm so sorry to hear you have lost little Topaz. She was such a sweet little girl. Have fun at the bridge.

[Pompompoms]

A lovely tribute to a beautiful girl, that's such a gorgeous photo. I'm so sorry Topaz was called to the bridge, play well little one xx

[HammieandMerlin]

so sorry for your loss <3 what a great memorial

[souffle]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. She was clearly much loved and had a happy life with you.
Play well at the bridge Topaz x