Scar Face Pompom

[Pompompoms]

On Sunday evening just hours after Billy was PTS, my little rescue Scar Face quietly faded from this word and joined the bridge. I found him sleeping outside his nest very cold, so wrapped him up keeping him all warm and cuddled for the last hour of his life as he slowly and peacefully drifted away.

Scar Face didn't have the best start in life, he was found in a box in a field along with several other robos, there were also a couple outside the box, so it's difficult to know how many had been left there. They were taken in by two ladies who kept them for over a year, not being hamster owners, they were all kept together, and another litter appeared, followed by another, then sadly a last litter that were all still born and many missing limbs. After the final litter, those that survived were separated into different sexes. Although kept safe, they were in tiny conditions, with a few living in small tupperware containers, not knowing about hamster care they weren't cleaned or well fed, and all but three were injured in some way.

I took five of them home, three more had homes with HC members, so all were ok. I hadn't planned to keep any as I had homes all lined up, but because of the fighting I had one little one left. He had cuts all over his face so I'd called him Scar Face, I did think about changing it when I knew he was staying, but it stuck, and so Scar Face became a pompom.

He didn't look so good when he arrived.....



He was also incredibly shy not having had any human contact, so he spent a lot of time here



For a long time I didn't see an awful lot of Scar Face, just a bum disappearing as soon as I approached. I would sometimes be able to spy on him without him knowing so I knew he was gaining weight, the wounds had healed well, and that he was looking much more like he should do. A few months into being here he became brave enough to stay out long enough for a pic, I was really chuffed!



As time went on, little by little he gained in confidence and I could talk to him softly and give him treats without him scarpering, I think he began to realise he was ok and that life was going to be alright here.





Once he had settled, he moved into a larger cage, and it was so heartwarming to see him enjoying all the levels and the space, he even started to come out and was happy to sit on the sofa with me of an evening, a point I never thought we'd get to.







Scar Face had grown into such a happy peaceful little ham, he became friendly, he wanted to come out and interact, he was relaxed and trusting. When one of Billy and Lulah's pups Tinker turned out to have neurological issues, I was confident Scar Face would care for him really well, and be laid back enough to be able to cope with him.
Tinks and Scar Face made a fantastic pair, initially there was a little confusion as Scar Face would try to follow Tinks as he span, but he quickly realised that Tinks was just Tinks, and his circles were his own thing, not worth trying to join in with! They settled down really well together, and I loved watching them.

[Pompompoms]

From what the girls had told me I worked out the he was one of the original hams, and this did seem to be the case as he did start aging at the right time. He would either have been born at the end of March, or beginning of April, so early in April this year we celebrated his second birthday with some blueberry muffin.



At just over two, Scar Face had a little stroke, and although he was completely fine, he was left with a weakness in his left side, and would struggle to get up if he was over. The problem came with him living with Tinker as sometimes his spinning would knock Scar Face over and he'd be spending a long time trying to get up again. Tinks was upset by it, Scar Face was using energy he didn't need to, so I decided that as an older ham now it was time for retirement.

Scar Face lived nearly four months in his retirement, he was the same happy friendly little chap, he loved eating and sleeping the most, but he was always ready to come out and say hello, he was always Mr.Poms favorite, and got a huge amount of fuss.





The final six weeks of his life were more difficult, a huge stroke which I can't believe he survived meant he completely lost the use of his front left leg, he became completely deaf and blind, which changed the relationship I had with him. For the first two weeks I couldn't approach him as he had no idea I was coming, knew he was vulnerable, and would run as fast as he could. I would quietly watch him, and as his quality of life was still good it wasn't time to help him pass. Gradually he gained confidence again, and would stay relaxed when I approached so I could interact with him again, and I'd watch him for ages pottering about, and give him more than his fair share of treats. He was very small by now, and often I thought looked like a little Scotty dog.





Over the last week my little man continued to fade, I didn't know when he'd go, such had been his health that every day for the last six weeks since the stroke I was happy to find him still going. He became so so tiny and weak, and lost much of his fur, but he was still getting out and about a couple of times a day, and still wanted to say hello.

Last two days alive, weak little body, huge strong character.





As I cuddled him up over his final hour I thought about how much Scar Face had given me. How happy I was helping this terrified little hamster with bites all over his face slowly become as healthy and confident as my poms born and raised here. How I saw the huge difference in shape and size between my pure bred fluffs and this little fella and how he had made me smile every day for the year I was lucky enough to have him.

I think Scar Face just wanted to hang around as long as possible, but he'll have an amazing time at the bridge. Play well little fella, you found love and safety eventually and it was such a pleasure caring for you. Love you little pom xxxx

[kimlck]

Oh Pompompoms....

Scar Face play well at the bridge dear boy.
Xx

[kyrilliondaemon]

Goodbye Scar Face, you were a really, really special boy and I'm very, very glad that you got to join the Pompoms. You deserved the care and love they showed you and its fantastic how far you went in life.
Rest in peace little lad

[Nikkigrace]

What an amazing life Scar Face ended up with, full of care, attention and lots of pompom love. He loved the life he found with you so much that he just kept soldiering on at the end to get every day with you that he could. I'll really miss him on the forum and when I visit, but so great that I was able to meet him.

Run free little one, I bet you and Billy are having a great time together and with all the other Poms! xxxx

[DrKMcK]

As with Billy's lovely memorial, you've done such justice to Scar with your lovely tribute to this amazing little survivor. Pompompoms, the day you came into his life was magic for you both. From an awful situation, and with love and patience from you, Scarface managed to overcome his terror, fear and mistrust of a world that had treated him badly. He went from that to a happy little ham who charmed us all and made us happy just to see his little face and hear about his life. I'm utterly amazed he hung on so long. Like Billy, Scar will leave a hole in your heart, quite likely, every bit as big as Billy's because of his circumstances and the bond you developed with him. His trust in you says a lot about the kindness in you in reaching out to a poor little creature in need. One day in a field, someone did a terrible thing. That same day good people reached out and changed the lives of small creatures who were helpless. Scarface met you, his good person, and the rest, as they say, is history. Thank you for saving him. Thank you for sharing him.

Play well at the Bridge Scarface. Big Billy's there to protect you and your Human Mom's thinking of you always.

[ANGELBABIES]

What an incredible journey you and Scarface have had . Thanks to people on HC that my heart fills with s o much warmth and gratitude that we can take on a helpless little life and make a big difference. Thank you Pompom for giving little Scarface a wonderful life and thanks for sharing him with us. Run free little boy play well with Billy fluff. Xxxx

[evel_lin]

What a beautiful tribute

[racinghamster]

An amazing storyboard for a brave little lad. It`s sad to see the way they lose condition as they age, but still retain that robo lust for life. They are wonderful little hamsters and I was recently given my third chance to be a roborovski owner again and loved every moment.

Run around free Scar Face, we will all be thinking of you today wee man. x

[LoveMyHams]

Billy and Scar Face are both being greeted in Heaven by my robo Kiwi who also recently passed. I'm sure they are their own little band of pompoms up there It must have been so hard to loose 2 in one day, stay strong.