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Post by pinky on Dec 26, 2010 17:14:44 GMT -4
My little girl passed in her sleep sometime this morning. I am grateful that the end was peaceful. I feel so good about all I did to make her comfortable in her last days (e.g., her juice feedings), even thought it required modifying my family time and travel plans so that she would be cared for. Ethel was adopted from a Pennsylvania shelter with her brother Frasier after having been 8 months there. She was a chunky 60 grams but lost 1/3 of that after a period of good nutrition and adequate exercise. She was in the spirit of Jayde, cage-aggressive and feisty, making me bleed more than any other hamster I've had, but so sweet in her own way. I loved how she would dart right out of her igloo when I started singing to her. (Her song: "I Think I Love You" by the Partridge Family with modified words. It played on the radio while I was taking her home from the shelter.) As is often the case I grew closer to her in her illness as she became more mellow and more cuddly. We had a lovely playtime about 10 days ago when I thought I'd be taking her to be put to sleep and instead she rallied and climbed all over me. I will remember the feeling of her going up into my hair. So, my "Ethel Ethel," your spirit is free now. Go find Critter, Pinky, Fuzz, Mallory, and Jayde--they're waiting for you on the other side of the Bridge. Love you, pretty girl. Frasier and I will miss you.
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lyn
Rodent Retreat Lover
Just taking life one day at a time.
Posts: 307
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Post by lyn on Dec 26, 2010 23:32:31 GMT -4
Robin, Iam so very sorry about Ethels passing. She went in her sleep like a beautiful little baby deserves, and had the best life on earth that a human mommy can provide. You both were very lucky to have each other. Your health will be better little Ethel, R.I.P. pretty girl.
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Post by Hamsters82 on Dec 28, 2010 0:17:18 GMT -4
Aw, Robin I'm so sorry. Poor Ethel, may she rest in peace. *hugs* Will Frasier be getting another little pal for him to play with?
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Post by Die Fledermaus on Dec 28, 2010 0:25:38 GMT -4
So very sorry. You of course know how I feel from past instances. RIP. I think my Annie the rat will be next to go, but she is still around long after i thought she would. You had Christmas together with Ethel, which is good. Trying our best is always worthwhile: what I went through with Poppy the rabbit was exhausting esp. on my birthday a few years ago. But I am glad I gave it my best shot, albeit it an expensive one. We do grow closer to those with illness, or other issues, be they a deformity or a personality issue owing to abandonment. It is that way with Audrey and me. She has taken years to become a fully trusting lap cat.
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Post by pinky on Dec 28, 2010 0:41:32 GMT -4
Thanks, all.
To answer your question, Katie, a friend of mine has a niece who acquired a young Syrian that proved to be bitey. I have been asked if I might take the hamster since it appears to my friend that he (I think he) is unwelcome/unloved. The situation is still unclear--things may have improved--but it would be an interesting step for me to take on a Syrian. We'll see.
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Post by Die Fledermaus on Dec 28, 2010 0:49:37 GMT -4
You mean OUR "Katie"?? I told a pet store worker I know that Syrians rarely bite. I was never bitten except when the famous Zeb (who died in 2005) was held with all four legs pinned (my mistake!). A few others were sick when they bit. It is very rare for a properly handled Syrian to bite. Same with gerbils. Even more so with rats. There are always the rare exceptions. There are differences in behavior and capabilities! More on that another time.
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Post by Andrea on Dec 28, 2010 14:15:23 GMT -4
*HUGS* Sorry for your loss. She was a lucky little hammy to have such a great caring home.
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Post by pinky on Jan 2, 2011 1:03:57 GMT -4
Frasier seems ok. I cleaned everything of hers that evening so that there'd be no smell of death to distress him. He seems to be sleeping a lot lately but when he's up his mood seems fine. He is absolutely the goofiest dwarfie I have had--how he looks, how he acts. Soooo lucky to have him! I mean, doesn't this make you smile? *wink*
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lyn
Rodent Retreat Lover
Just taking life one day at a time.
Posts: 307
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Post by lyn on Jan 2, 2011 7:26:34 GMT -4
He is a very cute little guy. Kissable for sure, so please give him one for me. How have you been? Are you alright?
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Post by Die Fledermaus on Jan 2, 2011 10:53:44 GMT -4
>>he is absolutely the goofiest dwarfie I have had--how he looks, how he acts.<<
Every one, mice to GP's, has an individual personality. So did sibling Syrians from the same litter. Each IS an individual.
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Post by pinky on Jan 2, 2011 22:25:11 GMT -4
He is a very cute little guy. Kissable for sure, so please give him one for me. How have you been? Are you alright? I'm ok thanks to Mr. Scruffy Frasier. If I didn't have him I'd be pretty morose, yes.
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lyn
Rodent Retreat Lover
Just taking life one day at a time.
Posts: 307
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Post by lyn on Jan 3, 2011 7:27:42 GMT -4
In that case, big time mega kisses to Mr. Scruffy Frasier and to his mommy for being so strong and devoted!
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Post by Die Fledermaus on Jan 3, 2011 20:29:44 GMT -4
>>I'm ok thanks to Mr. Scruffy Frasier. If I didn't have him I'd be pretty morose, yes. <<
Another reason never to get just one. I always have others to give and get affection and care.
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