I can't believe I am writing this, but RIP Romeo.

Mweekie · 05-02-2015, 04:33 AM

I do not believe this, but Romeo has just died in my hands about 15 minutes ago!

He fell off the stupid half shelf that's in his cage and began shaking with rasping breaths. I got him out to check him over and he didn't even try to run away from me and so I put him in a soft blanket on my lap and was just holding him. I was just about to contact the vet when he passed on.

I have just told Rhys's Dad, Lewis, about it and he is now breaking the news to Rhys. I've just burst into tears as I should have bought him a better cage, even though Romeo is over 2 years old, I still should have got the Alexander or Barney cage I was planning on getting my next hamster when I adopted Romeo. I feel really, really bad for Rhys and I don't know how on earth what I am going to say when I next see Rhys.

I've only had Romeo for a matter of weeks and I loved him and was actually getting a good bond with him.

I'm now unsure if I want to get another hamster now, but I will see as time goes on, but for now, I am having to say a hard goodbye to a really great big boy.

RIP Romeo, Rhys and I will never forget you xx

Thin Lizzy · 05-02-2015, 05:18 AM

Mweekie, I've already posted on Romeo's thread but, I'd just like to say how sorry I am to hear about Romeo, this was an accident, so please don't blame yourself and don't let what happened put you off getting another hamster. You've got a lot of love and attention to give to another.
Just remember that Romeo had a wonderful few weeks with you. xx

Mweekie · 05-02-2015, 05:32 AM

Thanks Thin Lizzy, it was just such a shock the way it happened as it was so fast.

I am still going to get another hamster, but I am going to throw everything that I had that was Romeo's and start from scratch as most of the stuff I had was pretty well used up and that cage is now in the dustbin for the bin men to collect on Monday.

Romeo was really sweet and I actually found his presence at night time quite a comfort, despite the fact I could hear him even when I was wearing my earplugs to sleep lol. I'll never forget yesterday when I gave him the wax worm lol.

Mweekie xx

Artisans_uk · 05-02-2015, 05:39 AM

Hi Mweekie - I am very sorry to hear about Romeo and I totally echo what Lizzy has said. Romeo had a lovely time with you. You loved and cared for him with such dedication. Accidents happen, that's why they are accidents. Of course Rhys will be upset, as are you but you don't be hard on yourself.

Don't make any snap decisions about future hamsters. You need time to grieve for Romeo. In the coming days and weeks then you can think about what you would like to do. Some people need to go out and get another hamster immediately, others prefer to let more time pass, some decide not to have any more but these are all personal choices that only you can make, when you have had time to deal with your current emotions.

Thinking about you lots and sending hugs.

RIP Romeo, play well at the bridge little one.

cypher · 05-02-2015, 05:51 AM

I'm so sorry to hear this Mweekie, it must have been a terrible shock & will take time to come to terms with, as the others have said don't be hard on yourself, accidents can happen to any of us so don't blame yourself.
Give yourself some time to grieve, you'll know if & when it's right to get another ham, we all deal with this kind of thing differently so don't think too much about that kind of decision now.
Romeo's time with you may have been short but it couldn't have been more full of love & care & I have no doubt he was a very happy little guy while he was with you.
Run free & play well at the bridge little Romeo.

Thin Lizzy · 05-02-2015, 05:53 AM

I agree with Artisans, everyone's different when it comes to getting another hamster, it's up to you when you get another, people deal with grief in different ways.
Sending hugs to you also xxx

Pebbles82 · 05-02-2015, 05:57 AM

I am so sorry for your loss Mweekie. Romeo could have had a small stroke which might have caused him to fall off his shelf. He was quite an old man in hamster terms - about 73 in our years, and had a good life and some lovely times with you. He was lucky to have you holding him when he died and is now at peace, but you must be feeling terrible. Crying is good - better to let it out, then say goodbye. Don't let it put you off getting another Syrian when you are ready - your next one will be an active perky little baby!

Mweekie · 05-02-2015, 06:00 AM

Thanks Artisans_UK and cypher x

Artisans_UK - I am already planning on getting a new hamster and I am getting brand new accessories for Lily (hopefully getting a girl). The reason why I have now thrown out all of Romeo's stuff is because most of it has pretty much worn out and I am never going to even think about using that cage again, but also, I tend to dwell on things too deeply sometimes, especially if I have something that reminds me of Romeo, and so planning for my new hamster has actually started to help me out.

Romeo was really sweet, even when he was swear...er....vocalising lol and he will never be forgotten, but starting the research for getting my new hamster is helping me out and I am looking forward to snuggling with my new little one.

Serendipity - sorry I hadn't realised that you had posted the same time as I was typing this. Thank you for your wishes and I am looking forward to getting my new little crazy baby lol. I think you are probably right about Romeo having a stroke or something, because it was so sudden the way he just fell off the shelf and was dead within minutes. My Mum also agrees with your statement as well xx

Mweekie xx

Piebald · 05-02-2015, 06:13 AM

So sorry Mweekie but I am sure Romeo was happy to have had his last days with you. As soon as I read your post I thought he probably fell because of the stroke, not stroked because of the fall. You were lovely to him never feel any way bad about your time together. RIP Romeo. Enjoy your play at the bridge. xx

Artisans_uk · 05-02-2015, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mweekie

Thanks Artisans_UK and cypher x

Artisans_UK - I am already planning on getting a new hamster and I am getting brand new accessories for Lily (hopefully getting a girl). The reason why I have now thrown out all of Romeo's stuff is because most of it has pretty much worn out and I am never going to even think about using that cage again, but also, I tend to dwell on things too deeply sometimes, especially if I have something that reminds me of Romeo, and so planning for my new hamster has actually started to help me out.

Mweekie xx

I read your update post after I had posted my message.

It's great that you are planning for another companion and that is helping you. I know how you feel.
I love researching things and that is how I found Hamster Central, just like many others. I am currently researching the best way to make my own cages so I know how satisfying and distracting it is to get absorbed in a project.