Road to Ragna

[LunaTheHamster1]

not to mess with Schwartzies head but my friend always says heart over head everytime - eak - tough decision schwartzie.

[Schwartzie]

Hi ladies,

This is what I decided. I’m going to be honest and open with my decision. I sat and thought about it the whole day. The decision I made may be viewed as selfish and materialistic by I’m going to be totally honest.

I can’t remember when I joined this forum but those who have followed my journey know the countless hours and time I’ve invested into researching etc. People have no idea how long I sat and drew and redrew cage layouts to make sure that I ordered enough items for Ragna’s cage so that I don’t get disappointed when excitedly open my parcels and enjoying the moments of setting up my cage. I really have put so much into this journey. It wasn’t just about making sure that my Ragna has everything he needs and has a good life...I have so much more to learn but I want this to be done right. I want to be able to tame him without barriers and hiccups that occur by not researching and doing things properly. Having said that, this wasn’t just about the hamster...this was about me doing something that interested me, it widened my knowledge and added to my balance as a person. I’ve been doing projects making things for the cage and loving being creative. This has been about me too...about me preparing to be needed by a breathing soul.

I want to be able to go and choose my hamster. I want to go and decide if it’s really the black and white Syrian that catches my eye or will it be the multicolored? I want Ragna to choose me too.

I have spent a small fortune in items for Ragna and we mustn’t place prices on things but I am going to place a price on this as well...sorry...I’m being honest. I’ve spent over 960pounds/1200USD on things for my hamster and yes, the hamster I get from the pet shop may die a week later for whatever reason where this hamster may live it’s whole life out but the chances are stacked higher with a hamster that comes from conditions I cannot see and inspect. Please, I am not trying to impress anyone with the price I’ve paid...I guess I don’t want people to judge my choice of not saving that poor soul and choosing to go with a pet shop hamster. I know that it’s dangerous to use an old hamster’s logs, hide outs etc with a new hamster because of contamination so am very wary so taking my chances with a place that I can at least inspect like the pet shop.

This might all be very selfish of me according to others but please respect my honesty and allow that to be foremost in your mind.

I am going to wait and enjoy this journey of setting up my cage and then going to choose my hamster.

[Schwartzie]

It was a tough decision...I had a little cry because I feel so bad for those poor creatures. My heart is sulking with my head at the moment but I will be saving another hamster so that is a consolation.

[AmityvilleHams]

I've discussed this topic quite a bit. Pet shop hamsters are not automatically bad, and those with hamsters from pet shops should not be made to feel bad about themselves or guilty or anything like that. What works for some people may not work for others, such as adopting/rescuing or going through breeders.

While we don't really have the toxic attacking of others that some places have, I can definitely say that no matter what species you're considering(hamster or otherwise) there are infinite people out there who will degrade and practically assault people with words instead of do anything constructive. These are not the kind of people you need to bother with pleasing, nor should those sort of people's opinions be the kind to influence you!

Also having said that, I've actually had a hamster from a chain pet store who I never regretted getting. She may not have lived a very long time in comparison to some very healthy breeder hamsters, but she was the perfect little girl in so many ways. I would also still get hamsters and other pets from pet stores, especially the better local ones.

[LunaTheHamster1]

Schwartzie, don't be so tough on yourself, it was never going to be an easy decision to make. As both me and Ria P said it was a no win situation. I'm guessing postal charges have made up some of your hamster purchases, either way that hammy is going to be one lucky hammy when they arrive at their new home. I have spent loads on Luna since I got her, some of my friends think i am nuts, but she had nothing really when i adopted her. She lived in a prison with 1 wooden chew and a small flying saucer. That was it. It broke my heart, and compared to some horror stories like you are seeing/hearing of what Luna went thru is nothing compared to them. Not judging you.It's your life, your money do what you want. The main thing is you have a happy healthy hammy. Hugs.

[Schwartzie]

Thanks Amity and Luna G....

After reflection I have realized that we as humans need to be realistic and make choices that are in the best interest, in the long run, for both human and animal concerned.

Am at peace with going to the pet shop when I am ready. I just checked my parcels and some have reached Dubai...happy days!

Thank you for the support everyone....watch the space for pictures of my shopping haul then cage set up...can’t wait to let my hamster go in his new home.

[Ria P]

Schwartzie, you are not selfish you are being sensible.

You have invested a lot in your quest to get a hamster and i'm not just talking money here so why shouldn't you choose your own hamster.

Reality is that its a cruel world and sometimes its necessary to detach ourselves otherwise we would end up miserable and depressed. We can't save all hamsters but you will save one from the pet shop who has to share with another 29, fight to get food and a place to sleep. The one you feel bad about had his mum and his sisters with him. We don't really know who is worse off.....

My Henry is from Pets @ Home, a commercial, large pet shop frowned upon by some and so far he is a healthy, grumpy, well fed hamster who brings a lot of joy into my life.
So there, lol.

[hamster thorn]

I'm so exited for you to introduce Regina to us! Getting a new pet is always so exciting, and seeing the way it's character & personality develops is always amazing!

[Schwartzie]

Originally Posted by Ria P

Schwartzie, you are not selfish you are being sensible.

You have invested a lot in your quest to get a hamster and i'm not just talking money here so why shouldn't you choose your own hamster.

Reality is that its a cruel world and sometimes its necessary to detach ourselves otherwise we would end up miserable and depressed. We can't save all hamsters but you will save one from the pet shop who has to share with another 29, fight to get food and a place to sleep. The one you feel bad about had his mum and his sisters with him. We don't really know who is worse off.....

My Henry is from Pets @ Home, a commercial, large pet shop frowned upon by some and so far he is a healthy, grumpy, well fed hamster who brings a lot of joy into my life.
So there, lol.

Thanks for being understanding. Lol...Henry makes me laugh!

Yes, excited to go and choose him. My parcels must just hurry up! Lol!

[Schwartzie]

Originally Posted by hamster thorn

I'm so exited for you to introduce Regina to us! Getting a new pet is always so exciting, and seeing the way it's character & personality develops is always amazing!

I can’t wait! Thank you for the support☺️☺️