Hey Pet Parents & Pet Lovers,
I’m going to give another trigger warning for this post as it is about the passing of one of our little ones.
My hubby and I were still finding it hard to cope with the passing of our little one and so we reached out to a hamster expert about her passing. While it was still hard to talk about, I’m glad we could reach out to someone who comforted us by telling us she doesn’t think it was our fault or poor husbandry.
Although it’s difficult to be certain what the causes of death were (as we haven’t performed an autopsy) the expert let us know that she thinks the cause of Twitch’s passing was a stroke. Unfortunately, this is something that a lot older hamsters pass from, and she let us know that there wasn’t much we could do for her. She comforted us by telling us that hammies often hide their ailments, and won’t let their pet parents they know that they aren’t doing so well. Unfortunately, this news makes me a bit afraid to adopt another hammie as I’m so used to being able to tell if my little ones are sick or if there is something I can do to help them out.
My hubby and I are happy to be reassured that how we were taking care of Twitch was deemed “good pet care” but we’re definitely going to be diving even deeper with our knowledge of these little cuties before adopting another one.
We’re actually looking to link up with a small mammal rescue in hopes of adopting a little one that needs a home, rather than a baby that was bred to sell. But again, we’re going to take our time this time since we have the opportunity to and make sure that even if her passing wasn’t our fault, we’re aware of everything (or most things) we need to know about hammies.
We miss you dear one and hope you’re having a great time over the rainbow bridge <3
To read more about our adventures with Twitch check out this awesome archive.
To read how Twitch was brought into our life please read here.
Dennis the Vizsla says
September 24, 2017 at 10:15 pmhello pets overload its dennis the vizsla dog hay i am sorry to heer that yore littel twitch had to go to the rainbo bridj reesently my mama and dada yoozed to hav pet rats and i no they stil miss them after they went to the rainbo bridj!!! i no that wotever smal frend yoo adopt nekst wil be lukky to hav a home with yoo!!! ok bye
Johnny Salib says
September 25, 2017 at 9:52 pmawww thanks Dennis! This was very comforting to read, and yes it is still sad and we miss her still
The Swiss Cats says
September 23, 2017 at 4:10 pmWe’re glad you could talk to an expert and get reassured that you did the best for your sweet Twitch. Purrs
Johnny Salib says
September 24, 2017 at 7:14 amThanks Swiss Cats, we’re happy about that too <3
Mary Kirkland says
September 20, 2017 at 1:27 pmI’ve had my share of hamsters and strokes do happen and there’s nothing you can do about it. Just like with the rats and mice I had, rodents have short life spans and some common ailments that can come along no matter how well you take care of them. But know that Twitch was happy while she was with you and that should make you feel better. Don’t mourn her death as much as you celebrate the great life she had with you.
Johnny Salib says
September 20, 2017 at 6:10 pmThanks Mary, this is also very, very reassuring. <3 <3
William's Kith & Kin says
September 19, 2017 at 7:48 pmIt’s hard to lose any creature we care for; big or small, grief seeks its own size. Let yourselves feel it and whenever it abates, it abates. Purrs to you both.
Johnny Salib says
September 19, 2017 at 8:39 pmThanks William. For sure. I’m definitely not a fan of “hiding it.” I’m glad our readers let me be so candid about everything.
The Island Cats says
September 19, 2017 at 5:08 pmSometimes it seems harder to deal with a passing of a pet when you don’t know why. So many questions. But we’re sure you did everything right for Twitch. Sending you comforting purrs….
Johnny Salib says
September 19, 2017 at 8:38 pmThanks Island Cats <3
Kitties Blue says
September 19, 2017 at 4:49 pmIt is so difficult to lose a member of the family, whether human or pet, and in many cases we never know the reason. Cats are equally good about hiding symptoms and health issues. Please accept our condolences on losing twitch as well as your grandpa. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo and Cooper Murphy
Johnny Salib says
September 19, 2017 at 8:38 pm<3 thank you for the condolences. I'm lucky to have one little one who tells me he's feeling sick (Beau).
da tabbies o trout towne says
September 19, 2017 at 3:23 pmMy brother had four hammies over the course of maybe two years; and each died
in a different manner; one was super sick, two passed in their sleep and the fourth had
some intestinal issues so she was put down out of compassion.
it was always our understanding that they typically have a life span of only maybe
two years. ??? and I think rats and gerbil are about the same
I think you both did your utmost best Johnny, and I agree, I don’t think either of you
did anything “wrong”
it was just ‘twitches time”…sadly. ♥♥
Johnny Salib says
September 19, 2017 at 4:39 pmFor sure. It’s for sure weird to have a little one that only lives for a few years, especially when you don’t know how old they were when you got them. Ya know?
mommakatandherbearcat says
September 19, 2017 at 2:01 pmI understand why you’re analyzing and going over everything you did and everything that happened. Not having answers is very hard. Questioning our care complicates grief. I’ve been there. I probably hold myself responsible for things I couldn’t have changed. Twitch knew she was loved. And how broken up you both are proves that you were good pet parents. So many people wouldn’t give it a second thought – that it means so much to you means you did everything in your power to take care of her. If I ever figure out how to forgive myself, I’ll let you know … certainly easier said than done 😉
Johnny Salib says
September 19, 2017 at 4:40 pmThis is very true and very reassuring. Thanks for this <3
Tamago says
September 19, 2017 at 12:14 pmGlad you could talk to an expert but I do understand that you feel afraid to adopt another hamster. You are very responsible and caring parent. I hope the further learning will help you feel confident to bring another one home some day! Please take time you need 🙂
Johnny Salib says
September 19, 2017 at 4:41 pmThank you Tamago! And yes, we’re definitely discussing bringing another one into our lives very soon <3
Rosa @ Cat Lady Confidential says
September 19, 2017 at 11:40 amI’m so sorry for your loss
Johnny Salib says
September 19, 2017 at 11:48 amThank you Rosa <3
Lee and Phod says
September 19, 2017 at 11:29 amSo sorry for you loss. We understand your grief. Hugs.
Johnny Salib says
September 19, 2017 at 11:49 amThank you Lee & Phod <3
Eastside Cats says
September 19, 2017 at 10:55 amAgain, so sorry for your loss. You have lots and lots of love to give; please don’t allow fear to hold you back. Research and knowledge is great, and so is having a wee sweet hammy to smooch.
Johnny Salib says
September 19, 2017 at 11:26 amFor sure! We’re looking into what type of hammy would suit our lifestyle this week and potentially adopting another one <3