**-Rest In Peace Melonberry-**

[Lauukin]

Melonberry passed April 22nd at the good age of 2.5yrs but I was clearing out some photos on my phone and came across a lot of old ones of her. I was tearing up, and I thought I wanted to share. I posted about it on Facebook but sometimes people who aren't hamster obsessed can find it odd when you have so many tender and hard emotions over these little creatures so I figures I'd share my emotions/story with those who can empathize.

I have only had 3 hamsters but Melonberry was my heart hamster, without a doubt. She wasn't totally keen on being handled, she tolerated it, but she was the sweetest thing. I had her when dealing with the death and medical deterioration of a family member and when I would be broken and crying, i'd look to her cute face and watch her play and she offered some distraction and happiness in that dark time.

A few of these photos were taken the day she passed and it is hard not to cry looking at her, so thin and fragile compared to how fat and round she was as a baby. She had gotten older and slower the month she passed. She still chewed up her toys and her toilet roll tube treat balls I made. She was a frisky little thing but aging is always inevitable.

The day she died, I had come home from a night of being with my friends. I walked to her cage just after coming in the door, usually she was awake at this time but I didnt see her. I dont usually disturb a sleeping hamster but I'd been aware she was old so I was worried she was passed away. I lifted her home and she was laying there, legs lightly struggling to movd and nose twitching. I picked her up and she felt very still. I bawled my eyes out, I posted on HC for help, then I sat in my quiet closet. I put on a 'sleeping music' video and pet her softly until she finally passed. I am grateful, she passed just about 10 minutes after me coming home. If I had done anything different that night, used the bathroom, went to a store...anything. I would have missed it and she would have been alone. I am forever grateful fate let me comfort her into her parting to the rainbow bridge 💜🐹💜

[Drago]

I'm so sorry for your loss

Melonberry looks and sounds like she was the sweetest little thing. It's good you were there to comfort her into her very last moments. She'll always have those of her last memories and that's the sweetest thing you could leave her with. You have her a good home and she'll always appreciate that. Play well at the bridge sweetheart X

Pet Loss Grief Support Community Resources at Rainbow Bridge

[dreamtree1234]

Lauukin, I am truly, TRULY sorry for your terrible loss of both your family member and Melonberry. I know how difficult and heart-wrenching it can be to lose one that has helped to pull you through one of your darkest moments by adding a little sunshine into your life when you needed it the most. I am so happy that you and Melonberry had one another to love and cherish for 2.5 years. I know that you must have provided her such a lovely forever home, and she must have been so appreciative of it. I know you are heartbroken, but please take comfort in knowing that you helped ease and comfort her during her final moments. That was a true blessing for you both. Although she is no longer physically with you, I know she will forever live on in your heart and memories. She sounds like such a sweetie, and her pics are quite adorable. Please know that we are here for you, and I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Take care and try to focus on all of the wonderful memories that you shared. You touched the life of a hammie and gave her the greatest happiness of all - your love. Rest in peace, little Melonberry. May you run free, happy, and healthy at the Rainbow Bridge, and may you continue to shine a ray of sunshine on your Mum so she can be reassured that you will be reunited again one day. Hugs from me, and whisker kissies from Eros.

[cypher]

I'm so sorry for your loss Lauukin.

That is a lovely tribute to Melonberry, such a special girl, it's always so hard to lose them but she had a wonderful life with you & you shared such a great bond, she will always be there living on in your heart.
I'm so glad you could be there with her to comfort her at the end.

Run free & play well at the bridge Melonberry.

[BorisPasha]

I'm very sorry for your loss Lauukin Such a beautiful tribute to Melonberry, it brought tears to my eyes. I'm glad she was there for you when you were going through a difficult time in your life and pleased that you were there to share her last few moments before she went to the bridge and I'm sure that would have been a comfort for you both.

Hugs to you Lauukin and have fun at the bridge Melonberry x

[Thin Lizzy]

Lauukin, so very sorry about Melonberry, such a beautiful girl who had a long life of unconditional love and care from you.
Such a heartfelt tribute, my eyes filled up.
So glad you were there for her as she passed away, she will have appreciated your comfort and love. You both shared a bond that will never be forgotten, big hugs to you xxx

[Hamsterita]

I'm sorry for your loss, but I'm glad that at least you could spend her last moments with her

[souffle]

I am so sorry for your loss. She really was special and left some beautiful pawprints in your heart.
Play well at the bridge Melonberry

[Lauukin]

Thanks to all commenters. She's dearly missed. :'(