Sherlock

[evel_lin]

We brought Sherlock home when he was around 12 weeks old. He was my first hamster since I was a child and he helped me remember why they are such special little creatures

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As a baby he even fell asleep on me a couple of times, although naturally his eyes opened when I tried to get a photo

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After he was tamed he was a gentle little chap. He wasn't one for cuddles but he liked climbing around in my hands and investigating everything he came across

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He was so gentle with my children as well

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[evel_lin]

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We knew we were unlikely to have a third Christmas with him. As his fur got increasingly thinner I started to suspect something was going on. Last week his bald belly developed some sore patches. We took him to the vets on Wednesday and he was diagnosed with Cushings

DSC_0820 by evel_lin, on Flickr

Sadly the wounds on his belly didn't heal and by Friday evening we knew his days were numbered

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My handsome little boy was a shadow of his former self. He still made me smile by sitting on his not-so-hairy "cushions" for a wash! He was my first boy hamster, I'd never seen how they managed their equipment before lol

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When we looked at him Saturday afternoon we could see his wounds were getting infected. We took him to the vets knowing we probably wouldn't be bringing him home. The vet agreed that it was unlikely antibiotics would ever cure the infection and you could see he was in pain.

DSC_0853 by evel_lin, on Flickr

My little boy was put to sleep peacefully. He's left such a huge hole. He is the third hamster we've lost this year but I'm still finding it hard knowing he's gone.

Run free at Rainbow Bridge Sherly-bum. Thank you for spending almost 2 years with us. We miss you

DSC_0851 by evel_lin, on Flickr

[racinghamster]

What a lovely tribute evel_lin to a beautiful lad. The images clearly tell the story and he soldiered on bravely, as did yourself. It`s so difficult to lose them. I only have wee Fred now and he will be three in August! So if he gets past the milestone that Sherlock reached, I will be so proud of him and Sherlock has shown just what stamina and resolution hamsters can have.

Brave wee man, rest in peace Sherlock. x

[TraceyH]

Awful disease Cushings is. I'm sorry for your loss of lovely brave Sherlock.

[JBH316]

Sleep tight Sherlock x

[DrKMcK]

What a wonderful memorial to Sherlock evel_lin. I loathe Cushings. It does such drastic damage to hammies. I am so sorry this happened to your lovely little ham-man. Play well at the Bridge Sherlock.

[kimlck]

A lovely memorial to a well loved little man.
Play well Sherlock xx

[corrieberry]

I am so sorry another baby has left you It sounds like he had the most wonderful life and his pain is now gone. Lots of love and snuffles from London.

[souffle]

I am so sorry for your loss. He really was a beautiful and amazing little man and will be much missed.
Play well at the bridge Sherlock x

[evel_lin]

Thank you everyone