Ruby's Story *Warning: Sad for some*

[HamstersOfHell]

I thought I would share with everyone the story of how I ended up having Ruby, so here it goes (For me, tissues at the ready!):

It starts with the hamster I had before her, Teddy. Teddy was a long haired Syrian from a pet shop and possibly the friendliest hamster I had ever known. He was 12 weeks old when we got him and would happily sit there and listen to me with his paws on my hand. I remember the moment I arrived home to find Teddy displaying the signs of wet tail, I immediately called my mother to arrange a vet appointment for later. Once at the vet everyone made such a fuss of him and the receptionists loved him and he even got a few cuddles. He was given an injection and I was given antibiotics for him and some syringes to give it to him with. As the days passed slowly and I would get up extra early to give him his medicine, he got weaker. On the 3rd night of his medication tears were in my eyes as I watched him struggle, too weak to go in the tubes back to his warm penthouse. I gave him extra bedding and sat with the cage door wide open and stayed up to help him drink water as he struggled to open his eyes and kept falling asleep only to wake up and waddle about some more. I cried that night after seeing him struggle, no animal deserves to be in pain like that. The next morning I found him passed away in his penthouse, he had obviously summed up the strength to go where he was comfortable.
I buried Teddy in an egg box (Sorry for that) in the rockery part of our garden next to two other of my hammies that passed. After losing him I said I didn’t want another hamster, unlike my mother and step dad. Looking at the empty cage made me feel worse and so a few days later on 1st April my mother brought me a surprise home, Ruby.

I did not like Ruby at first, and the feeling was pretty mutual. Nonetheless I continued to look after her the best I could. Ruby was aggressive and no matter what would bite me if I went anywhere near her or her cage. She never drew blood from me but she didn't have to for it to hurt, which made me miss the gentle and sweet nature of Teddy and unfortunately no longer want Ruby. I later made a bin cage for Ruby and my mother bought me a new hamster to make up for it, Judas (Bred by lisab, who I have to thank greatly). I decided I had to at least try for Ruby and for me, I did not want for her to just sit there untamed for her life no matter how short it could be. So, with a pair of gloves and a new mission I stepped forward to tame the hamster from Hell. Each day I would handle her, of course the gloves would suffer but I remained...fairly...unhurt. As the days and weeks progressed it was almost like she and I suddenly both changes our ways, with her becoming more sweet natured and enjoyed coming out. Persistence, patience and reason was all that was needed, and I will never regret it. Now I could not see myself without my little Ruby, and Judas of course.
Now Ruby comes out every day without the need of gloves. She loves exploring and hardly sits still but will rarely enjoy a quick cuddle.
Many animals don't have great starts to life and are often underestimated and treated merely as items worth only money than the creatures full of life, personality and love they really are. I must admit, writing this brought a few tears to my eyes as I remembered it all, but it was all worth it and if it wasn't for Teddy I would never have Ruby and be where I am with her now, reminding me to never give up no matter how great, or little, the challenge.

R.I.P. My darling Teddy, or Wolfie as was his first name which was just not sweet enough for this little soldier and true gentleman.
R.I.P. Also to my other angles, to name a few: Stuart the mouse; Charlie, Penny, Oz and Shaggy the cats; Bun, M.B (Mad Bunny) and Stinko the rabbits; Prince and Meisha the GSDs; Orchid, Pumpkin, Marco and Honey the hamsters; Joey and Peep the budgerigars; Dexter the Chipmunk; Itchy and Scratchy the fish and their friends and all my other babies, I would list them all if I could but I think this will get too long. You all will forever have a special place in my heart.
Forever remembered, never forgotten xx

[MzWiz0915]

Originally Posted by HamstersOfHell

Many animals don't have great starts to life and are often underestimated and treated merely as items worth only money than the creatures full of life, personality and love they really are.

Well put! I couldn't agree with you more! Thank you for sharing Ruby's story, it has a heartwarming ending I admit I was hesitant to open this thread because I didn't want to hear anything sad about the lovely Ruby from your pictures. but I'm glad to read that you gave her the time, kindness and respect she deserves!

[samincittagazze]

This is a lovely story, and I'm so glad Ruby now has the happy ending she deserves.

[flix]

Aww your story is very sweet.

[HamstersOfHell]

Thank you everyone, Ruby now has a happier and better life and I can only hope that if anything bad was to happen that she would be a fighter like Teddy.

[HamstersOfHell]

Just read this again, R.I.P. my lil Ruby x