Goodbye my Mishka

[alpacassei]

As many of you have probably seen from my signature, my little Mishka passed away not long ago. Almost a month ago now but I’ve only just now felt ready to write her post.

She was the sweetest little Russian dwarf hammie, always running around playing! Her absolute favourite toys were her sand bath and flying saucer (many of which she broke by getting sand inside the spinny part). She was blind but never let it stop her from running around exploring (I swear she never slept!) and climbing, sometimes she’d get a bit overexcited and run into things tho! Whenever I called her name or if she even just heard me near her cage, she would run over to the door and pat at it to come out and play! If I tried to kiss her little face, she would scrunch her face up at push me away with a tiny paw (kisses are gross, she was far too cool for kisses).

I remember the first time I saw in p@h, trying to burrow in the thin layer of woodshaving. There was a gap in the side of the tank big enough for her to stick her nose through and sniff at my hand. I just went in to pick up hamster food so I didn’t have ID with me and p@h wouldn’t let me reserve her so I just sat watching her for 2 hours while I waited for my friend to bring my ID.

Unfortunately she developed diabetes at 9 months old which eventually led to glaucoma and cataracts. She was determined to still hamster around as much as possible though!

She passed away at 1 year and 1 month snuggled in my blanket. Her health suddenly took a turn for the worse, she didn’t want to eat or drink, only sleep and all her movement became very slow and clumsy. I tried to give her water and porridge at first but she made it clear, it was her time to go. She didn’t want to leave me and would cling to me when I tried to put her back in her hospital tank so I let her sleep on my lap for most of her last day. When I had to leave her, I put my blanket in her tank, where she snuggled up until she passed away peacefully not long after.

I miss her so much every single day, my new hamgirls have helped me a lot but sometimes it’s just unbearable to think I’ll never see her again. I still expect to see her little paws patting at the cage door when I go over the hamster corner.

Here’s some of my favourite photos of her
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[Coco61]

So sorry to read this alpacassie. It hurts every time we lose a little furry, whatever the circumstances. Your bond was obvious from the last hours together. Now she is restored to full health across the bridge and can have fun with so many others there.
Play well little Miska, but your loving Mum will miss you.

[mangoandmimi]

Aw Mishka was a lovely little thing and you gave her a great life. It's always so sad but at least you can take comfort in the fact that she's at peace now. Rest well Mishka.

[Thin Lizzy]

So sorry to hear about Mishka, such a cheeky, beautiful girl and heartfelt tribute. She oozed so much gorgeousness. You gave her unconditional love and care. I'm so glad your hamgirls are helping you with your grief. Big hugs xxx

[cypher]

I'm so sorry for your loss, what a special girl she was & she had the best life with you, it's always so hard when they go but she has left you with many wonderful memories to cherish.
Run free & play well at the bridge little Mishka.

[JennySTL]

I'm so sorry - she looked so sweet.

[BorisPasha]

Aww I'm so sorry to hear about Mishka, she was a lovely little fluff and you had a lovely bond with her.

RIP Mishka x

[Sasha04]

Oh alpacassei, I have a lump in my throat reading this. I am so sorry to hear about Miss Mishka girl. What a sweet tribute with precious memories of her. She was such a sweet sweet ham with stunning looks. It’s so hard to loss a ham. She was greatly loved and I can tell how much she messed to you. Sending huge hugs to you. xx
Goodnight Mishka

[alpacassei]

I’m really sorry I didn’t respond sooner (rereading this thread is still difficult)but thank you all so so so much for the kind messages!

[dreamtree1234]

I'm so sorry for being so late at posting my condolences; I haven't been on HC much lately due to personal reasons. Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss of beloved Mishka. She truly was a very special, heart-ham, and I know she will be very missed and truly cherished always. She had such a wonderful life with you filled with so much love and pampering, and no ham could have asked for more. I am certain that you have so many precious memories of the time that you shared and she will live on in your heart forever. She was a true sweetheart and was truly lovely. The loving bond that the two of you shared was so evident, and I had a lump in my throat and teary eyes reading about her touching, final day. I know that it must have given her so much comfort knowing that she was with you and surrounded by all of your love during her final moments. My heart goes out to you and I'm sending you HUGE hugs. I'm glad that your hammies are helping you through this difficult and emotional time. Please know that we are all here for you as well.

RIP, lovely Mishka. You were an exceptional ham and will be greatly missed. Have fun at the bridge.