to be crying because of a hamster

[sparklyfairypie]

Ive had my hamster for 2 years now, hes lived in 3 houses with me. When I first got him he would bite and be scared of people but after 6 months and a LOT of patience he is now so tame, he would just sit and crawl on me for ages, hes so nosey lol And hes just a lovely pet.

Last month he developed a black mark on his head but he was totally fine in himself, however this last week its got much bigger and red arounf the edges. He is still being himself but Im convinced that a lump of that size must be causing him distress or will soon.

So this evening he is going to the vets and Im guessing he will be put down. Im so upset, but then Im thinking its only a hamster and I should get a grip!!!

dont want to tell people in real life how upset I am over a hamster.

Said it was a tumour on his head, very common in hamsters. In some cases they do try and remove them but I said I didnt want that, and vet agreed it would be kinder. A person can understand why they are being put through an operation but a wee hammy cant esp at age 2 when hes old anyway.

I feel sad today but am not crying, I think it was the whole thing yesterday of taking him to be put down, never experienced that before, as a child my pets always passed away in thier sleep. A cat once died in my arms - he got run over and blardy driver drove away and I took him to vets but he was dead. But aside from that its the only time Ive whitnessed an actual death. eg Ive said by to my Granny before she died but wasnt actually with her.

Its my 2yr old charges birthday today so Im sure some lovely smoochy kisses from him will help with the saddness.

Thank you all for being so lovely.

Oh poor old you. It's so upsetting to have an animal put to sleep, no matter how small,but you have been totally unselfish and done what was right for him so he didn't have to suffer.

Both my dds have hamsters and I think they are adorable (much better than gerbils- nsty little ratty things -their tails really creep me out!)

will you get another one?

oh no

I am so sorry for you and YANBU.

When my hamster died I cried all day. He was my baby before I had my son and he was almost 3 1/2 when he died.

Wow hamster aged 3 and half! That's a very impressive age.

wannabe - not yet as i have a rabbit and hes very affectionate so im happy with him just now. but maybe in a few months when ive moved house i might consider adopting a hamster since i have all the stuff anyway. my local pet shop has an adoption service and they are all checked out by a vet etc. seems a really good way to get a pet.

that is an impressive age!!!

Sparklyfairypie I am so sad for you - just had a little weep myself. Ours died peacefully in their sleep and I dread to think what I would have been like if I'd had to go to the vet.

When you're feeling better, try making a scrapbook - it does help and is a lovely memento for the dc's.