Hello again!

Pygmypuff · 11-16-2015, 08:46 AM

Afternoon!

I can't believe I haven't been on here for almost a year - that's nuts right? I've missed you all very much and am very happy to be back!

First of all I'm really sad to say that Pygmypuff passed away a few months ago, she was very dearly loved and is very dearly missed. She'll be in my memories forever - how could I possibly forget that furry little face!

Secondly, I'm in need of some advice. I came to a point in my life where my mental health became so bad I was unable to care for a pet. I had to give away one of my hamsters, Peekaboo, and was only allowed to keep Pygmypuff under condition that my mum (who I live at home with) looked after her until I was well enough to, which I am very grateful for. I haven't had a hamster at all for about 3-4 months and I am sorely missing owning them! They are such lovely, hilarious creatures, they are so entertaining and make such wonderful pets. My question is - should I get another hamster after Christmas? I am mentally in a much stabler place and feel ready to own a pet again, but is it worth the risk?

I hope you and your hamsters and various other pets have all been well!

Thank you,
Forest.

velma · 11-16-2015, 10:32 AM

Hello again! Nice to see you back. I'm sorry to hear about Pygmypuff & hope that Peekaboo is enjoying her new family.

I'm so sorry you've been such a pants time. It's really not a good place to be in. About getting another pet, only you can truly know if it's the right time - it's all about being honest with yourself about what you can manage.
But for it's worth, I believe having a pet is truly therapeutic. I got back into hamsters last year after we moved house as I now have a cat free room I can house them in but one of the reasons I really wanted a hamster again at that particular time was to help me out. I have two cats to care for but they shout at me when they need feeding so I can't ignore them & besides, my OH deals with a lot of their care. I have lots of hobbies but when I'm low I struggle to stick with them. I wanted a hamster because it's as much they are pets, they are also a hobby - researching the right environment, food, care & then providing that for them. I also can't forget them - they won't shout at me for what they want like the cats will. It's a hobby I have to stick with. I've found it really helpful for my own well-being.
Some things I would suggest are a) having that discussion with your mum about what happens if you get to a point where you need help with their care. If she's on board, you know that all care angles are sorted & it's one less source of anxiety. b) you stick with just one. So that if you do need help, it's not more than your mum can take on. c) it's lovely to have a hands on hamster & a lovely feeling but not so great if you're having a bad week or two and you get anxious if you can't interact with them so how about a robo? What I like to call a furry goldfish

maybe not the same experience as having a hamster you know you can get out for a cuddle but if you know you can sit back and watch them (and they are funny) it may be more reassuring for you to know they are fine having a run around as they don't need the out of cage time that a Syrian might.
I'm sure someone else will have a different perspective on it, which is grand. Pick the one that most suits your circumstances and most of all, take very good care of yourself x

Pygmypuff · 11-16-2015, 11:30 AM

Velma - that was absolutely lovely to read! Thank you so so much! That honestly made so much sense and has definitely put things into place a bit.
It makes sense to have a cat free room, and i can completely understand what you mean about hamsters being a hobby - having hamsters was something that took up a lot of my time which I really liked, it kept me occupated when I was feeling low. I will have a conversation with my mum to see if she'd be willing to look after a hamster for a short while if I was unable to. Thanks for suggesting a robo, that also makes lots of sense and I can see why that would be a good idea. You are very knowledgeable!!
Thank you very much, I really appreciate your message. Have a fantastic evening!

x

HarryHamster · 11-16-2015, 12:12 PM

Welcome back, sorry to hear about Pygmypuff.

Life can get really hard and I have found, I couldn't do anything if I didn't have Hugo. Hamsters are such an amazing creatures. Hope your mum is ok with you having a robo. We are always here if you need us.

flowerfairy · 11-16-2015, 12:15 PM

I second what Velma said. I find that my hamster (white fluffy syrian called Woodstock) has been brilliant company for me when I am not at my best. I am also looking into getting a little roborovski hamster (furry goldfish hahaha) as they seem nice and low maintainance and also entertaining.

Hope you manage to find a solution that feels right for you. Best wishes.

Pygmypuff · 11-16-2015, 01:10 PM

Thanks Harry and flowerfairyn

I love the idea of a robo being a furry goldfish!

Josie · 11-16-2015, 05:18 PM

Welcome back, sorry to hear about Pygmypuff

cypher · 11-17-2015, 12:38 AM

Welcome back, it's good to see you again.
Really sorry to hear you've been going through such a rough patch but it's good to know you're feeling better now.
I totally agree with what Velma says, with a little bit of careful forethought to make sure you do have the support you might need if things get a bit rocky again then giving another ham the love & care it needs could be hugely therapeutic, I always find the combination of the responsibility & rewards will keep me on track when life isn't going so well.

Pygmypuff · 11-17-2015, 01:20 AM

Thanks Josie!

Thanks cypher, I agree that hamsters are definitely quite therapeutic pets. Responsibility and rewards is a good combination!

Thin Lizzy · 11-19-2015, 09:46 AM

Welcome back Pygmypuff, so sorry to hear about Pygmypuff.
You've been through a bad time and sorry you had to give up Peekaboo, that must've been heartbreaking to do.
I too suffer from mental health and there's been a few periods where I had to take myself of the forum and concentrate on getting better. It's not easy, but, I find that having a hamster helps me, this is the reason I got a hamster 16 years ago when my doctor suggested it and I've had hamsters ever since. I find they give me a purpose for getting up and keeping to a routine. I find them very therapeutic and the joy I've gotten from every hamster.
I'm glad you're feeling much better, I think you should go for it, this will help you.