RIP Napoleon the Acrobatic Robo Hamster

All in all, Napoleon's death was not the worst that could have happened for him. He was 3 years old, and had had a tumor taking up about 1/4 of his body weight (that we could see, anyway) for the last 9 months. He never showed pain or illness, only a little irritation that his movement was impeded. Every now and then he'd stumble over himself, and give a little squeak that sounded a bit like "Dammit!"

Yesterday morning, he was bouncing around his tank, flopping on the wheel and playing. I thought this was a good sign, as he'd been acting a little strange lately. He spent 2 days huddled in his nest, chowing on something or other (not himself, but various bits of critter kibble) so hard he was vibrating. We came home from school that afternoon, and he was almost gone, all flopped over and struggling to breathe. Cancer deaths at that age usually at least take days after the first weakening. My grandma took months. He took no longer than a few hours.

We decided to let nature do her thing rather than call the vet, since a car trip would only have scared him and he was almost gone anyway. He didn't seem scared to go, just tired and out of breath. Now he's not hurting anymore, and had a long, deliriously happy hamster life. I'm happy for him, we should all be so lucky.

We buried him under a blueberry bush, his favorite source of snacks, and marked him with a polished green stone that my husband got from a campus rock sale.

Enjoy your next cycle, little dude. Your cuteness will be missed.

 

now he's up there jammin' with Jimi.

 

Flipping in a critter wheel as he jams.

 

My condolences are with you, friend.

My hamster Gilbert died last Thursday I'll miss that little guy!

 

Rip