We often look for the “perfect” hamster when we are buying/adopting.
“Is it tame?” (so that I won’t be bitten)
“Do you have a photo” (so that I can see if it’s cute enough)
“How old is it?” (coz I only want cute little bbs)
“is it healthy” (I want healthy hams, please)
“Is it toilet trained?” (so that I can spent minimal time cleaning the cage)
These are some of the most common questions that one often get asked from potential adoptees.
It is hence enlightening to read of how one hamster lover, HoppingHammy (HH writer and forum member) adopted a presumably “biter” hamster who was also not in the best of health when she was being put up for adoption.
Read the full inspiring story, written by HoppingHamster herself.
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“The lady from the rescue immediately said, “Oh you don’t want her, she will bite you and is a devil.” … which only made me want her even more.”
“Mom, I’ve decided to get another hamster, but this time I want to adopt one.”
That was what I said around April, when a little dwarf hamster’s ad popped up online at Petfinder. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. She was absolutely beautiful, and had colors and markings that were rarer then most dwarfs. I had debated for such a long time on whether or not to get another hamster, but was enjoying my Syrian so much, it only seemed right to bring another furry into my life. I had heard, in the past, about hamsters being dumped at rescues or shelters, and always wanted to adopt, but never found any listings. This time, however, was different, and I couldn’t pass this little one by. For some unknown reason, she tugged at my heartstrings and wouldn’t leave my mind.
I took the step to call about her, as there wasn’t a lot of information online. The lady from the rescue immediately said, “Oh you don’t want her, she will bite you and is a devil.” … which only made me want her even more. I arranged to pick up the dwarf the next day, but had no idea what I was getting myself into.
Mom and I arrived at the rescue, and much to my surprise, the hamster was being kept outside in the hot/humid weather. Even more shocking was how wobbly and how unhealthy she looked, in comparison to the photo that was online. To put it plainly, she looked on the verge of death. I immediately filled out the paperwork to adopt.
Cookie’s past life was a sad story. I came to find out that she was abandoned in a box (for who knows how long!?) in an aisle of a local pet store. A couple purchased her “out of pity” and brought her home. According to them, she used to be very sweet and let everyone handle her, but suddenly turned “mean” and became a biter. They say she was jealous of their new guinea pig……yeah right! Worst of all, it seems she was abused by them and/or dropped without receiving treatment for her injuries.
The first couple of weeks Rosy (renamed “Cookies ‘n Cream”) needed round-the-clock care and nursing. She was in horrible shape and couldn’t walk properly, had red, irritated, oozing eyes, squeaked at almost every movement, and appeared blind, deaf, and had diabetes. I became attached to her the minute she came home and never left her side.
I’m proud to say this little dwarf, who seems to be strong-willed to survive everything she went through, is now in much better health (though not fully healed) and even lets me pick her up and stroke her gently….certainly not the “meanie” she was un-fairly made out to be.
Cookies ‘n Cream has been in my care for five months now and is so special. She certainly has been through a lot and would have passed away without someone to adopt her. She officially got me “hooked” on adopting, and I will never again buy from a store.
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