Farewell My Little Mocho

[Coco61]

11th March 2015 - 17th September 2017.

It was a good long life for my special boy. Mocho enriched my life in so many ways. Because of him, I joined HC rather than just reading threads as a guest. I had started reading when my daughter sought advice here when Dusty became ill. I loved the advice, friendliness and information available here.
His whole life is on his thread and I can always re read it when I want to.
A beautifully bred ham, his temperament and character were a tribute to the remarkable work done by those who are devoted to improvements.
Mocho always seemed contented if somewhat retiring in nature. Handled from the outset, there was no problem with a hand in his cage. He always took treats gently from my hand. Not once, ever, in his life did he bite or even nibble me. Such a sweetheart and indeed a gentleham.
It was a terrible shock when he was diagnosed with Cushings a year ago now. The visible symptoms were awful to contemplate. Thankfully, as you all know, my vet has developed a treatment that hamsters usually tolerate well.
I intend to detail it separately below so that the knowledge can spread to other vets if owners want to do that.
Once the pattern of administering the daily drop of medication was established, he never missed one. I am sure this kept the symptoms at bay so that I got my wish. This was that he would be able to go peacefully in his own nest and with his fur coat intact. Yes, he lived to be a ripe old age so that his fur was thinner than usual but not ravaged by Cushings.

My darling Mocho, thank you for staying with me for as long as you did. I gave you the best life I could and I hope that you were happy here.
Rest in Peace my special boy. You will be missed every day and never ever forgotten.
All my love from your heartbroken Mum. Xxx

[Coco61]

42875

42876Two photos from Mocho's first birthday party.
'Charlie' on the left and 'Twinkle' on the right

[cypher]

A lovely tribute to a very special man Coco, Sir Mocho would be proud.

He was a gorgeous boy & had a long happy life with you, such a special bond between you & you cared for him so well, he really couldn't have wished for more.
Such a little trooper he did so well to contend with the Cushing's & continue to live contentedly for so long.

I'm sure he was sad that it was his time to leave you for the bridge but he will be looking down on his Mum with love & continue to be forever in your heart, I know he will be very sadly missed but in time the pain will ease & the memories will bring so many smiles in times to come.

Run free & play well at the bridge with your friends & hamily Mocho.

[Coco61]

Mocho's resting place. My husband and I chose a lovely pot and Hebe plant.
This is so that he can come with me if we move house.
I will be ordering a memorial stone for the pot. 42877

[Pebbles82]

Such a lovely tribute to Mocho and a lovely blue pot and flowers, and the photo of happy times with Charlie and Twinkle. He was such a sweet boy. Play well over the rainbow Bridge little Mocho. You had a kind caring Mum and I'm sure he knew that right to the end. So hard for you, even if expected xxx

[Coco61]

42878Thank you both for your kind and comforting words here cypher and Serendipity.
Strange day here. Sunshine and showers outside. Much the same inside.
I have done some tidying but Mocho's table was not to be moved. The gap will take some getting used to but for now his foodbowl, treat bowl and bendy bridge to his house are there with Charlie and Twinkle watching over them.

[Pebbles82]

Those are nice memorials on his table. His little yellow pot will always be remembered. So sorry for the gap in your life, and on his table but he will always be in your heart xxx Sunshine and showers are perfect for a rainbow.

[Thin Lizzy]

Coco, a beautiful tribute and resting place for your beautiful boy. The pics made me smile seeing Charlie & Twinkle watching over a few of Mocho's things.
The hebe plant is perfect.
Sir Mocho Rattle had such a long and wonderful life filled with so much love. He stole my heart and melted it over and over. He will always be Sir Mocho Rattle, so deserving of his special title.
He led The Electric Hammy Orchestra and put on an amazing show, he experienced the Hamousine, the Hamborghini, the express jet, the Air Meals and in return he got so much love and respect. He gave it back.
Sir Mocho will be missed by so many but, will never be forgotten. He was a warrior, he battle Cushings with the love and help from his mum Coco.
Thank you Coco for sharing your beautiful amazing boy with us.
Big Hugs to you xxx
RIP Sir Mocho Rattle lots of love Lizzy. XXXX

[dreamtree1234]

Coco, I am so, SO sorry that your gentle Sir Mocho's passed to the Rainbow Bridge, but I am certain that he will be greeted and cared for by all of the loving, departed hams that have passed before him. We have all grown to love and cherish your most precious sweetheart thanks to you sharing his wonderful journey with us, and all of us on HC will miss him greatly. He had touched all of our hearts so deeply and our hearts break for you and all that you are going through right now. Sir Mocho is one truly special and unique ham with the determination of a warrior and a gentleness of an angel. Your tribute to him is truly lovely and the pictures are so touching. I'm sure Sir Mocho is looking down and approves of his resting place in the flower pot with brightly colored Bebe plant. It will bring you comfort that you will never have to leave him behind if you ever choose to move in the future. I believe that you are receiving sunshine and showers outside because Sir Mocho is trying his very best to send you and your husband the loveliest shimmers of a rainbow possible in order to let you both know that he loves you and is having yet another exciting adventure so not to worry. Coco, my thoughts and prayers are with you. RIP, beloved Sir Mocho; you will never, EVER be forgotten. Hugs to you, Coco. xxx

[Coco61]

Thank you Serendipity, TL and dreamtree for taking the trouble to post on both threads about Mocho's passing. He was a very special ham to his devoted Mum but to hear that he was treasured beyond home in HC means so much to me.

[flowerfairy]

Aww bless bim. Rest in peace Mocho x

[Ruth Edwards]

So sad for you, Coco. You were clearly very close to your lovely Gentleham. Things like giving him his medicine every day make the bond stronger, don't they.
You could put your favourite picture of Mocho on the table, because he's not completely gone, he's in your heart. Xxx

[Fluffagrams]

I'm so sorry to hear this Coco.

Rest in Peace little Mocho.

[Coco61]

Thank you ff, Ruth and Fluffagrams. It has been hard this evening because all the things I used to do for Mocho had become part of the routine. Now they are not needed anymore.

[Josie]

Such a lovely tribute to Mocho, so sad to hear of his passing, play well at the bridge beautiful little boy, hugs to you xxxx :(

"Do not worry about me when I am gone and on the other side. Life is Eternal"

[dreamtree1234]

I know especially the evenings with be extra hard for you. It is like a surreal bad dream that you wish you can wake up from since your emotions are so raw, but I will be praying that things will get easier as the time passes. Although our hammies are so very tiny and aren't able to be with us as long as we would hope, they certainly live their lives to the fullest and leave such a significant, huge hole in our heart when they pass. May time and all your precious memories of him turn your current feelings of sadness and emptiness into moments of happiness to celebrate the wonderful life you were able to share with your sweet Sir Mocho. You were so very blessed to have found such a loving and unforgettable bond with one another. I am sure that Sir Mocho is lovingly looking down at his amazing mum and sending you whisker kisses tonight. Take care, Coco! Know that you are very dear to us at HC, and we are here for you always. I am sending you extra big hugs, and Eros and Snickers are twitching their noses to send whisker kisses, too! xxxx

[cypher]

The pot & hebe are lovely Coco, a really beautiful memorial.
Love the photos with Twinkle & Charlie too, so sweet.

It's always very hard when they've needed extra care & you're so used to the routine of preparing & giving things & can seem a little unreal at first but it will get easier with time.
Thinking of you.

[BorisPasha]

I was so so sad to see that Mocho had passed :( I've been holding my breath everytime I checked gentleham Mocho's thread hoping that he was still with us. I knew his time here was running out but it was still a shock to see it in black and white.

I get so attached to the hammies here and you and Mocho have been such an inspiration, the way you have tended to Mocho and stayed strong for him and the way he battled the cushings this last year.

I'm happy that my boys got to be part of the EHO along with Sir Mocho Rattle and everytime I have some cheese on toast I will be reminded of him ;)

He was a very special boy and we will miss him so much. Sending big hugs to you Coco and my boys send whisker kisses.

Have fun at the bridge Mocho, you will always be loved and never forgotten xx

[Hamsterita]

As you know I'm not as active here as I was, but when I have a little gap in my schedule I try to load the website and read a couple of threads. That's why I knew that mocho was slowing down and his health wasn't looking as good as in the past. Anyway, knowing his death was a terrible new.

Thanks to you, you care and dedication, he was able to live a long life, a life that other hamster diagnosed with his disease couldn't had imagined. I am sure he knew that and wherever he is he will be forever grateful.

Rest in peace little Mocho, and a lot of hugs to you Coco.

[Thin Lizzy]

You're so used to that routine, having that special time in the evening. I too found it hard, I would actually prepare Twinkle's veggies and then it would sink in. It's going to take time Coco, remember there's no time limit for grieving, we all deal with grief differently but, I know with myself, it took a long time with mine.
We all understand what you're going through and here for you.
The great thing about HC is being able to express your feelings and not feel daft for doing so.
We all have one thing in common 'We love hamsters'.
XXX

[SKB_Hamsters]

I am so sorry to hear that Mocho has gone to the bridge - it was so sad when I saw this thread and I have tears in my eyes. Mocho was so handsome and he was so lucky to have a wonderful loving home with you. He lived to an great age despite being diagnosed with Cushing - I'm sure Mocho is very gratefully to you for finding such a excellent vet! Those are such lovely photos of Mocho with Charlie and Twinkle and his memorial pot and hebe plant looks lovely too.
Mocho will forever remain in your heart.
Play well at the bridge Mocho.

[dreamtree1234]

As Thin Lizzy said, there definitely is no time limit for grieving so just take it one day at a time and know that if you ever need comforting or an outlet to express your feeling, we are always here for you no matter how much time may pass. When you love and care for a loved one as much as you did for Sir Mocho, you are sure to have your up and down emotions which will be overwhelming at times; please know that you are not alone and we truly understand what you are going through and want to be there for you however we can.

Coco, I also want to commend you and tell you how truly touched I am by your steadfast desire to improve the lives of all hamsters striving to overcome Cushing's Disease. I'm sure your unwavering willingness to share your vet's treatment regiment for this disease will drastically increase the odds that many more hamsters ailing from it will happily live their lives to the fullest and, when the heartbreaking time comes for them pass to the Rainbow Bridge, they will do so peacefully at a ripe old age. What a truly deserving legacy for your gentleham to pass on to others. xxx

[Coco61]

I have come home from work today to find such wonderful posts on both threads. By chance I had some time off work just when Mocho needed me the most so that was fortunate. The support, understanding,comfort and good wishes have been a huge help. Last evening was tricky and waking up in the night is never good for the thought process.
Today at work was not a normal day. I was part of a small team representing my work at a local church service and a reception hosted by the mayor. The church service was lovely. The boys choir singing was glorious and so moving that I was a little tearful. Back to my desk after lunch but a good distraction.

[Coco61]

So to what I hope will be part of Mocho's legacy.
All that happened to him over Cushings is on his thread but I thought I could summarise it so that it can be found more easily. I hope those interested in hamster illness as well as owners who have to deal with this, can ask vets about it. It is just a question of spreading knowledge. I make no pretence to any vet's knowledge nor am I promising a cure.

The first sign in Mocho was fur loss on his lower back but not around the scent glands. My vet performed a blood test. This carries risk because a hamster needs a whiff of gas. The blood test is to check for the level of cortisol. This is the stress hormone and the pituitary gland over produces cortisol, thus Cushings. Any mammal can suffer from this.
For a hamster, normal is a reading of 25 in the blood. Mocho was 47. The vet has seen over 100. So he was highly likely to have Cushings. The vet will not do a second blood test after medication to see if the level has reduced as too risky. I assume that with a dog say, this would be done.
The medication was the dog one. One capsule of VETORYL was broken open and the powder emptied into a medicine bottle. This must be diluted with 9mls of water. Then one drop a day. Each bottle lasts a month. So once the expensive blood test has been done, the treatment is very cheap. In Mocho's case, all the typical symptoms were kept at bay. His fur re grew over the bald patch.
This treatment will not help if the cause of the malfunction of the pituitary gland is a tumour growing and pressing on it.
My vet is Matthew, the senior vet at CJ Hall in East Sheen. I know they are always willing to speak to other vets for second opinions. Contact details on their website.

I hope this will help others as it is a distressing condition.

Error Alert!

Re reading my description of Cushings, I realise I have made a basic error. Cortisol is produce by the adrenal gland not the pituitary gland and Cushings is the result of overproduction.
The treatment will not help when there is a tumour pressing on the pituitary gland which results in the wrong messages being sent to the adrenal gland.

[Pebbles82]

That is really good resource for other hamster owners Coco. It will also help people to ask their vets for a diagnosis and treatment or to find another vet if they aren't getting much help in that regard. Your day with the church service sounds very fitting and I can imagine the singing triggered emotions.

[dreamtree1234]

I believe this will be greatly appreciated by vets and other hamster owners. It will give them a sense of hope and a way of working towards alleviating the symptoms and hopefully one day creating a cure. I'm sure Sir Mocho is looking down with pride and appreciation for all that you do to help hammykind.

The boys' choir raising their lovely voices in song must have been extremely moving, especially today. How fitting since Sir Mocho Rattles was awe-inspiring the EHO to forever play music with such finesse. Whenever I hear music playing in the distance, I find myself smiling and imagining the grand master conductor, Sir Mocho Rattles himself, graciously instructing a stage full of hopeful ham musicians to play their various instruments to their hearts' content. xxx

[Coco61]

Thanks to you both Serendipity and dreamtree. I do hope it will help because it is so straightforward. However it is not a licenced treatment so most vets will remain unaware of the possible treatment.

[Pebbles82]

I think it's really important owners and vets are educated about it then, because Cushings is a nasty disease. And Metacam is contraindicated in hamsters with Cushings (worsens it apparently), so it's even more important that Cushings is treated. By putting the information on here, other hamsters may get the treatment they need. Thank you.

[Thin Lizzy]

Thank you for that, you and Mocho dealt with Cushings so well, of course it helps when you've got a knowledgeable vet and knows her stuff.
I smiled at the choir you saw today at the church and it made me think of Sir Mocho Rattle and The EHO.
Master Harvey's determined to keep practising and learn new instruments, he's also keen for the EHO to link up via the hamnet and have a session in honour of his best ham-friend. No one will be taking his place as Sir Mocho taught a few of the hams how to come in to the song by counting or tapping their paws to the beat.
Master Harvey sends his condolences and ham-love to you and thanks you for introducing him to your beautiful and wonderful boy xxx

[cypher]

I can only repeat what the others have said Coco, that will be a really useful resource & the way you & Mocho dealt with the Cushing's is sure to give hope to others in the future.

[BorisPasha]

Thank you so much for sharing this Coco, it is sure to be a great help :)

[Coco61]

I certainly want to encourage the EHO to keep up their practice but now under the guidance of Master Harvey. Eros too has been hard at work with her practice.

As for Cushings, it would be good to see benefit coming from more treatment. I read in the newspaper earlier this month about a woman who has Cushings. She had remained undiagnosed for a very long time and suffered as a result. Once properly diagnosed the awful symptoms were under control or vanished.

[Pebbles82]

I felt very much like that too Coco, when Charlie went. And I'd particularly like to see more progress in pain relief for hamsters so they can stay comfortable to the end rather than needing to be helped on their way. I was horrified to find Metacam couldn't be given to a hamster with Cushings.

[Thin Lizzy]

Totally agree Serendipity, very limited medications for hamsters and that annoys me, just because they're small doesn't mean they don't feel pain/discomfort.
It's like they don't matter, well it does matter.

[souffle]

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss Coco. Mocho was a real darling and a favourite on the forum of mine. I think that the story of his fight and treatment against Cushings will be a legacy of hope to other hamsters needing treatment in the future.
Play well at the bridge Mocho and send a rainbow to your mum x

[Coco61]

I want to thank everyone who has posted here on Mocho's memorial thread. I had no idea that it would stretch now to 4 pages. Together with his main thread, you have all helped to create something that I have read so many times this week and will return to regularly in the future. He was so special to me, but I have been so touched to know he meant so much to others as well. It has been a huge help during this difficult week.
I phoned his vet this week and left a message with a nurse to pass on. Not only was it to say thank you, but also I wanted his vet to know I considered his treatment to be successful. That way his case can be added to his pool of knowledge.
On that note, I intend to repeat the post about the treatment in the healthcare thread. If it is of sufficient interest, then a moderator can make it a sticky.

[Thin Lizzy]

Coco, your Mocho will be forever remembered, I feel I've been on a long journey following his thread and enjoyed every second of it. He captured so many hearts, he was your first pet after so many years and it's no surprise how much you loved him. It's felt throughout his thread.
So good that you left a message with his vet, her Cushings advice, care and medication so helped you and Sir Mocho who truly benefited from this.
I think putting the Cushings Treatment in the Healthcare thread is a great idea.
Thinking of you xxx

[flowerfairy]

A sticky about the cushings treatment is a great idea. My lovely Woodstock (rip) has cushings and was eventually pts so I have a particular interest in it.

[AprilPearl]

Oh gosh, no! I couldn’t believe it when I saw this thread. I am so so so sorry for your loss, Coco. Mocho’s thread was one of my favourites and he was such a lovely boy. You took amazing care of him and he really could not have had a better life. He got to a grand old age, despite the Cushings, and was clearly a brave little fighter. I hope you are feeling ok - I know that the passing of a pet as special as him can be truly devastating. Sending lots of love xx

[Coco61]

Thank you for your thoughtful words AP.

[Rads]

Coco,
I was shocked to read this thread, I am so sorry for the untimely departure of Sir Mocho I like the idea of him being planted in a pot with a plant so you can take him where ever you may go, that is a wonderful idea and a smashing tribute to him too.
I hope where ever Mocho is now he has met up with Pip and Forrest and they are creating their very own kind of Hamster Mayhem and not giving a hoot about it either..
Thinking of you guys can't do much except send an e-hug from Ghost and myself.

[Coco61]

Thanks Rads, I was thinking of the gorgeous Pip being amongst the ham pals who met him across the bridge. Mocho was a quieter lad but Pip would show him some fun.
Your photos of Paris and other places were quite stunning but my posting was quite subdued at that time.
I have ordered a memorial beach stone which should fit in place of one on the pot (there to ward off urban foxes or whatever). I will show it when it arrives.

[Coco61]

43061Mocho's stone arrived today. I am thrilled with it. It's from Pets Remembered.
I am reluctant to put it out on the pot yet as I can't see it there ( and it might get cold outside!) so it is on the table with his things and Charlie and Twinkle.
A couple of recent visitors have done a double take on seeing 'Twinkle' thinking it was a real hamster. But then..who knows..She is looking after my little boy so well.

[SabreRose]

What a lovely tribute.
Mocho sounds like he was a little genlteman. I’m sorry for your loss and I can only imagine how missed he is x

[Pebbles82]

That is a lovely stone, and it looks very natural - perfect for the pot. The Twinkle Hamster does look very realistic :-)

[Thin Lizzy]

Perfect tribute for Sir Mocho Coco.
Bless Twinkle & Sir Mocho.
I've heard that Sir Mocho is being looked after and that Twinkle & Charlie met him and they hugged for ages, in that time the bridge had filled with so many hams all taking it in turns to welcome your boy. There's been a lot of time listening to Sir Mocho's stories and a lot of music being taught.
Your boy will love his tribute stone.

[Coco61]

Thank you SabreRose, that is a very kind thought.
Serendipity and TL, as the Mums to Charlie and Twinkle, I am pleased and touched that you both approve of Sir Mocho's memorial beach stone. In time it will blend in outside but as 'Charlie' can never go outside, I am strangely reluctant to spoil ' Twinkle' in the pot at the moment. Charlie sat on top of the barney cage for many months so I love seeing everything together on the table for now.
It is comforting, TL, to think of them together across the bridge. Archie too of course. They would have all enjoyed catching up on the gossip. At least he had his ham pals to welcome him and his special girl to look after him.

[cypher]

The stone looks really lovely Coco, perfect for Sir Mocho a very special memorial tribute for him.
I'm sure it will look lovely on the pot when you're ready, I've felt the same way sometimes & just want to keep memorial stones close by me for a while before I'm ready to take them outside.

[SKB_Hamsters]

The memorial stone for Mocho looks really nice. It will look very lovely in his flower pot when you are ready but I do like how it looks on the table beside his things alongside Charlie and Twinkle.

[BorisPasha]

Mocho's memorial stone looks really lovely Coco, I think Mocho will be very happy with it :)

[dreamtree1234]

Coco, Sir Mocho's memorial stone looks lovely. What a beautiful tribute to your sweetheart! It will look wonderful in the pot when you are ready to place it outside, but I truly understand that you want to keep it close with you for the time being. Mocho's things, Twinkle, Charlie, and the memorial stone look so precious together on your table. I'm sure that Mocho will love it. Big hugs to you, Coco. xxx

[SunnyOy]

You gave me a great idea how to memorize my passed hamster. I berried my first hamster Ducia in the park on the mountain, so everytime we want to visit her, we kinda have to spend the whole 2 hours to come back and forth.
Your hammie was very cute, and may him rest in peace. You are a great owner!
May I ask you how long he has lived? You've said he had a long life, and could you please tell me how's his lifestyle and how to extend hamster life?

Thanks!

[Coco61]

Thank you cypher, SKB, BP and dreamtree. You all know how it feels. I emailed Pets Remembered and thanked them but I also asked about preserving it outside. The reply, as always, was very nice but said the stone was designed to be outside and would weather into its surroundings which was part of the memorial. But it will stay inside until I am ready.

SunnyOy, thank you too. Mocho's exact dates are at the start of my first post here. He was from a breeder so I knew his date of birth. He was just over 2 and half years. My daughter had a close relative born just one day earlier. Jarvis lived only days passed his second birthday. I cannot answer why Mocho lived another 6 months. I did not expect that especially as he had to have a drop of medicine daily for Cushings. He had a big cage with plenty to do. I did not change much or clean that much because he used a potty and I needed to avoid stress because of Cushings. I tried to give him a healthy diet. He also did not want to play outside his cage that much but as I am an older owner that suited me too!
There is no magic answer. Many experienced owners and breeders here lose hamsters unexpectedly young and that has nothing to do with how they are cared for.
I hope your hammie has a long and healthy life with you.

[SunnyOy]

Thank you cypher, SKB, BP and dreamtree. You all know how it feels. I emailed Pets Remembered and thanked them but I also asked about preserving it outside. The reply, as always, was very nice but said the stone was designed to be outside and would weather into its surroundings which was part of the memorial. But it will stay inside until I am ready.

SunnyOy, thank you too. Mocho's exact dates are at the start of my first post here. He was from a breeder so I knew his date of birth. He was just over 2 and half years. My daughter had a close relative born just one day earlier. Jarvis lived only days passed his second birthday. I cannot answer why Mocho lived another 6 months. I did not expect that especially as he had to have a drop of medicine daily for Cushings. He had a big cage with plenty to do. I did not change much or clean that much because he used a potty and I needed to avoid stress because of Cushings. I tried to give him a healthy diet. He also did not want to play outside his cage that much but as I am an older owner that suited me too!
There is no magic answer. Many experienced owners and breeders here lose hamsters unexpectedly young and that has nothing to do with how they are cared for.
I hope your hammie has a long and healthy life with you.

Thank you Coco! Luckily, Mocho has lived a long happy life, with you and with your family. Mocho was an old hammie who passed away naturally.

[herbi7]

I'm sorry for your loss coco. What an inspiring story with the Cushing's. I'm so glad you kept him so well and happy and to have the information available is so important for vets and other hammy owners to see. And a lovely memorial to him. You must miss him!

[Coco61]

Thank you herbi. Yes, I do miss him badly at times. It is the little things that catch you unawares at times.

[Coco61]

On the front page of this thread is the blue pot and hebe plant that is Mocho's final resting place. Last year the plant grew well but there were no flowers. This spring I cut back and reshaped the plant, to encourage flowers. I have been rewarded and the plant looks wonderful. A fitting tribute to my special boy.
48564

48565

[flowerfairy]

That is beautiful and a fitting tribute indeed.

[Pebbles82]

It looks wonderful! I don't know much about Hebe but it is really lovely and a very nice shaped plant as well. It's really grown.

[Thin Lizzy]

Absolutely Stunning Coco, Just seeing the beautiful blooming colours made me think of Sir Mocho and brought tears to my eyes.