Hey Guys. I have just posted in the newbie section about my current hammies. But of course, I want my rainbow bridge babies to have a mention too!
Mik - Gentle Dwarf
Mik was a Chinese Dwarf bought from P@H along with his brother Dunc. I had never really considered a Hamster, I had always had dogs and cats. I had just moved in with my BF (now ex) and was missing having a pet. He was a firm NO on cats/dogs, so suggested a hammy. Mik and Dunc were from the same litter, and I was assured they would get along just fine. They did, for about 4 weeks, then Dunc started picking on Mik. We let it continue until blood was drawn and we then separated. We didn't have enough room for 2 cages, so Dunc was taken back and put in the adoption centre. I regretted it, and after convincing my rodent hating mum, I went to get him back. But he was gone
Mik thrived on his own, snuggling with me on the duvet. Sitting on my hand eating treats. He didn't nip once. He hated his ball though!
Mik was not in ill health (as far as I could see/tell) but one morning I found him dead in his cage. He was 2 years 1 month. He was buried in a pot, with his favourite toadstool on top.
Dixie - Taken too young
After Mik passed, I had the hammy void that most of you will have experienced. Went to P@H and fell in love with a ginger Syrian. He was swiftly purchased, named Dixie, and spoilt rotten. After having him a couple of days, I noticed his eyes were a bit crusty, like human sleep. I looked online, thought maybe it was conjuncitvitus, and tried to keep them clean. We saw no improvement. Then the dreaded sneezing started. I knew something was wrong. I went into P@H who told me he probably just had a cold. We say no improvement so we took him to the vets who diagnosed pneumonia. I was devastated. After a bit of research, I found it was quite a common occurance for P@H to sell unhealthy hamsters. He remained active and kept eating, so we decided to keep medicating. He even wanted his medicine!! (I have attached a pic!) But unfortunately, one night, I had just given him his antibiotics when he took a turn for the worse. I was left in the comfort that he died in my arms. I literally heard his last breath. After 5 weeks back and to to the vets, it was a relief for both me and the little man. He was buried in a pot, with his favourite see-saw on top.
Buzz - Escape artist with the cutest hands!
After Dixie, I decided to look for a breeder rather than buy from a pet shop. I found one and we regularly exchanged emails until he was ready to leave his Mum and come to his forever home. He was unlike a hammy I had seen before. Jet black with long hair. Fluffy butt as I called him as a nickname.
He was a right one. He escaped twice from his bin cage. One escapade lasted 2 days, he lived behind the cooker. We had to eat micromeals for 2 days!! Once I lent over his cage talking to him and without warning, he launched himself at my head. He was so funny and cheeky. Even my rodent hating Mum took to Buzz. She nicknamed him Houdini because he was always looking for his next escape. You couldn't help but fall in love with him.
Buzz was 11 months old when something first went wrong. One night I noticed he was just sat perfectly still, staring. He was happy for me to put my hand in his cage and stroke him, unheard of for him, he usually sauntered off if I dare tried. I left him for an hour and he perked up, even played in his ball. With it being winter and us having the heating on, I put it down to him being too hot.
However, about 3 weeks later, I noticed he was walking with his head turned, and he didn't want to be in his house. He just kept sitting in his beaker. When he walked he stumbled. By this point it was 10.30pm. Even though I thought it was a stroke, I phoned an out of hours vet. He confirmed that he also thought it was a stroke, and that while it was distressing for me, he probably wouldn't be in pain, just confused and disorientated. He said to see how he was next day and if I felt I needed to, to bring Buzz in. Next morning, he was no better. I had to go into work, but once there managed to wangle a lunch time finish. I had read online that feeding poorly hammies baby food can help keep them going, so on my way I stopped off and got him some. Unfortunately by the time I got home he had already gone. It still haunts me now that he died alone, and that the signs were there and I didn't act on them. I honestly thought he would last till mid morning. I don't think I will ever stop feeling guilty.
He was buried in a wooden wishing well planter with his favourite beaker on top
Mary - Nasty Pasty, but the most beautiful face
The story of how I came to acquire Mary is in the newbie section. She showed no signs of ill health. She didn't squabble with Marg at all, but one day, I found her half eaten. I think she may have already died before this event, but I don't think I will ever know for sure. Marg is so gentle, I don't think the death would have been down to a fight. But who can dictate nature? She was aprox 2 years when she passed.
My Rainbow Bridge Hammies
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