u/ExternalBrick1000

Regarding my most recent post, my baby Sable has passed. He was my first “big” responsibility, and I want to get the image as a tattoo. I want to add his paw prints to it when I get back home from traveling soon. Sunflower seeds and bananas were his favorite. The design will be touched/redrawn. Just a rough and general idea. I already have my childhood cat’s paw as a tattoo, and it would just make sense to get this one as well considering he was a big step in my life.

Edit!!: Thanks to all the wonderful people it’s most likely concluded that he had a respiratory infection. I sincerely appreciate the people who have replied and helped me get through this a little more. You guys are amazing. I don’t plan on getting another hamster for a while due to other priorities in my life (Moving out, etc), but if I do in the future, I’ll definitely come back here and show pictures. Sable was a small, but incredibly bright light in my life. That little creature brought joy to my family so much greater than his size. I will forever cherish the moments I had with him. He was my first “big” responsibility like this, and I’ll most likely be getting a tribute tattoo to him. (Already have one of my childhood cat’s tattoo. Just makes sense to me to continue.) Again, a very big thank you to everyone who sent me their condolences and advice. 🐾❤️

To preface, I am out of state and was not there when this did happen. A few weeks ago I noticed my hamster’s teeth were getting a little long so I booked a vet appointment to deal with that before I get flamed for it. The closest appointment they had was the 16th, but he didn’t make it for that. He was still active, drinking water, and eating so I wasn’t too worried. Just needed a little clean up to be comfortable again. He was a little over a year and a half old. Syrian hamster. His name is Sable.

A few days ago I noticed he was kind of sniffy? Not sure how to explain it. Big sniffing sounds here and there. It wasn’t awful, just here and there, and I figured the appointment would help sort that out as well. Last night my mom called me and told me he had taken a DRASTIC change for the worse. My dad was taking care of him and said he was wheezing of some sort really hard. He kept trying to run on his wheel but would run out of energy really fast. Over the next few hours, he became extremely cold and wouldn’t move at all. (Still alive) He defecated on himself and started agonal breathing I believe. This is the point where I was shown his condition on FaceTime. He was curled up on his side with his mouth gaping wide open and closing really fast every few seconds. (That’s where I believe the agonal breathing was considering it was right before he passed.) I’ve tried looking it up but couldn’t get a clear answer. Hope somebody who knows more specifically could help clear my mind on his condition.

There was nothing we could do at that point considering the only animal ER in my city does not do smaller animals. They made him as comfortable as possible during his passing. He was a great joy to have and take care for. Genuinely the sweetest hamster I have ever met personally. Always so gentle and never bit me except for when he was learning fingers weren’t food. I went into this knowing I wouldn’t have him for a huge chunk of my life, but I miss him so much. That was my baby. I’ll put some pictures of him.