The Colonel

[Cherish]

Today we found The Colonel, our little Roborovski hamster, dead in his cage.

We've only had him a month or two, and there seems to be no real reason for his death; last night he was keeping us up all night in his wheel and climbing around his cage, and today he just didn't wake up from his sleep.

I'm okay, my family always had hamsters and gerbils as I was growing up, and occasionally they do die before their time, without exhibiting any health problems first. It's upsetting, but it happens.
But my husband's really upset. I was quite surprised that he even cried, and he's convinced that it must be because we did something wrong. I guess it's because he was never allowed any kind of pet growing up, so this is the first time he's ever had a pet die.

So this thread is in memory of The Colonel, our poor little hammy.

[Great Mysterio]

Just a note, sometimes prey animals such as hamsters and guinea pigs that are sick will not display any indications that they are sick so that, if they were in the wild, the others in their "pack" would not shun them and kick them out. They are very good at hiding their symptoms until it is too late. No one should blame themselves, it is just natures way. The best thing is to go out and get another little pet. There are plenty to adopt from rescue centers, perhaps you could give one a home. Your new pet would be eternally grateful!