Is it time?

[Pompompoms]

My beautiful white robo The Cloud has been ill for some time now with a testicular tumour. He is nearly two and a half, and has up until now still been able to do his hamstery things, just a little slower. He's also been completely fine in himself (well mad, but that is him being himself ).

He's lost pretty much all his muscle, going down to 18g from 37g, he's also recently lost some of the control in his back legs. Last night I was convinced it was his time. He hadn't been too bad in the week, then suddenly he could barely make a few steps before laying down, which he would do until he manged to get to his food/water/back to his nest. He would then sleep for about an hour, all the time cheeping and making a strange clicking sound plus breathing very rapidly. I held him till three this morning,gently stroking him. I told him I loved him so much, but he mustn't suffer and it was time to go and find Jam at the bridge if he needed to.

He would be motionless in my hand for hours just making the noises. Eventually I had to go to bed, I put him next to my bed, and expected him to be gone this morning.

Well, he wasn't, and he wasn't when I got back from the Andover show either. I obviously want him with me, but I feel he is suffering, and I want to do the best thing for him. Tonight he has got up twice, although it is only for about a minute maximum. I have seen him eat and drink since I moved his bowl next to his nest, and made him a little pile of his favorite foods there too. he just collapses back in his nest afterwards for another hour at least.

I think he has new tumors, as I can feel a couple of new little lumps that aren't his bones.

It's hard to know what is best, I've not been in this position before. Would you say it's his time? Or possibly leave him a little longer?

[fluffymunchkins]

It sounds like hes really trying to fight it hun
Unfortunately it looks like he will only get worse and maybe it'd be better to let him go so he doesn't suffer. I can only imagine how hard it must be for you to make this desicion, but The cloud has had such a wonderful life and maybe its now time for it to end so he can be at peace.
Enjoy some time together and spoil him rotten, it might help you to make your desicion.
My thoughts and prayers for you both x

[Hammbone]

If it were me, and if you think he is suffering and in pain, I'd think it be best to help him along the way to the bridge. It's a very hard decision I just had to go through. . Thinking of you and Cloud... xoxo

[wiggle'smommy]

Aww hun I know how difficult it is to let him go, our hams are so special and it's such a hard decision. If you are considering it, it possibly is time. At least he can go peacefully and not be in pain any more, and it may bring you peace to know he's no longer suffering, he's playing at the bridge and you'll be reunited someday...
He's had a long and happy life with you, thinking about both of you...
xx

[Hamtastic]

Aw poor Cloud-ham I think you need to see and decide if he's very uncomfortable and / or in pain. If he's just weak and otherwise okay, I would keep him comfortable. If he's clearly struggling and probably in pain (especially with metastasized tumors), he might really not be himself anymore, dreaming of peace. Whatever you do though, I hope you know how wonderful you have been for him, and he would appreciate whatever care you would bestow upon him at the end.

Wishing you to have strength and calm to go through with this.

[Womblehands]

So sorry you have to go through this, It's an extremely hard decision as when it's done you feel all kinds of emotions as I did with Jangles ( passed before I joined) I felt guilt for taking her to the vets, relief that she was at peace and pride that she fought so hard to stay with me..
I think he needs one last act of love from you to help him find his buddy Jam..sending you all my love..

[RachK]

Oh no. We know how much you love The Cloud (& the rest of us here on HC do too) but I think it would be for the best to let him go.
Only you can make the decision though.
Thinking of you both xxx

[Sammybingo]

Originally Posted by Womblehands

So sorry you have to go through this, It's an extremely hard decision as when it's done you feel all kinds of emotions as I did with Jangles ( passed before I joined) I felt guilt for taking her to the vets, relief that she was at peace and pride that she fought so hard to stay with me..
I think he needs one last act of love from you to help him find his buddy Jam..sending you all my love..

I couldn't really say it better than this. In my mind, when you start wondering if it's the kindest thing to do, then perhaps it is . Only you know though. And you mustn't feel bad for thinking it - it's a sign of how much you love him, that you care this much.

My eyes are rather wet reading this. I adore Mr Cloud, I think he is the most comical character, and a very beautiful little man. A legend amongst hamsters

I know at the end with Chewy, it was nice to make an effort for him, to spend the little time together he could manage, and to offer him his favourite treats and somewhere warm and snuggly. When I went to the vet and she confirmed what I had been thinking, it put my mind at ease, that I was doing the kindest thing for him. I knew it was bad enough for him, and it would only get worse.

No-one can make the choice for you - I know it's a little cliche, but it's true. Only you know what is best here. I know whatever you decide you will be offering him the finest care and love. I shall be thinking of you both.

xxx

[SnickersTheFirst]

I feel that they give you a signal when they are ready, they seem to become really withdrawn and aren't themselves.

I know what you're saying though, you want to do the right thing but it's hard because you don't want to lose them. If you try to put your feelings to one side and consider Cloud's condition, it might be easier for you decide. It worked for me but it was still really hard.

In the end though, only you know him well enough to decide if it's his time.

My thoughts are with you both! xxx

[souffle]

You know already Pompompoms because you can feel it in your heart and you have heard his whisper. He is ready now and I know his path will be gentle and his way paved with love xxx