Meet Meowmies‘ Pompadour, a cute and innocent looking winter white pearl boy … but who knew he had the hidden special talent of flower arrangement? Pompadour (aka Pompy) is going to show you four easy steps to flower arrangement, the hamster way.

Pompadour’s Flower Arranging Guide

ONE - “Firstly, get yourself a nice big dandelion flower, make sure it is fresh and clean.”
TWO - “Turn it up this way. I feel this helps to show the flower’s outer beauty.”
THREE - “Cut off that unsightly stem.”
FOUR - “… And your elegant centrepiece is complete! The perfect decoration for any home!”

Reminder/Disclaimer:
Remember to give clean/washed/pesticide free flowers for your hamsters to handle, to prevent skin rashes.

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When HH forum member mikachewie saw Meeko’s ad on Pet Finder, she does not even know what Meeko looks like … but not that it matters anyway, because she already has her mind set on adopting Meeko!

Little does mikachewie knows what she has gotten herself into - a super tame hamster, a whole lot of happiness, and the great sense of satisfaction that comes with adopting. Looks like someone has caught the adoption bug! ;p

Read the full inspiring story, written by mikachewie herself.

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“In a world that forgets that hamsters are amazing companions and not just expendable pets for young children, I managed to save one and it felt good.”

I was perusing PetFinder when I came across Meeko at Animal Care & Control (ACC). I couldn’t help but immediately inquire because ACC is no place for a dog or a cat, let alone a hamster. They had no pictures of him, just a description. I went ahead and sent them a message to see if they’d allow me to adopt him. I didn’t really care what shape he was in or what he looked like, as long as he came home with me. They responded and told me that Meeko & another hamster had been dropped off carelessly in front of a pet store in a box during the day. Since Meeko was male, the store refused to keep him, and he was sent off to ACC.

“They had no picture of him, just a description … I didn’t really care what shape he was in or what he looked like, as long as he came home with me.”

I arrived on August 7 08 to pick Meeko up. I was surprised to see a beautiful albino male sitting in a bed of carefresh. He was in a 5 Gallon tank, open top, with cats around him. His cage smelled atrocious. In fact, 6 days later he is still retaining some of the smell, though, with time, it’s starting to lift from his fur. I didn’t notice a wheel or a hiding spot - just food, water, and a chew toy. ACC don’t have space to accommodate hamsters, so I can’t say I was surprised. I filled out all of the paperwork and paid $5.

“I got home and found out you can pluck him straight from his cage or let him walk onto your hand and expect no bite.”

The girl who was handling him said he had been “nippy” and I assumed it meant he wasn’t tame. It turns out to be far from the truth, as I got home and found out you can pluck him straight from his cage or let him walk onto your hand and expect no bite. He loves his wheel and his little TV and he’s about as sweet as anything. He managed to steal my heart and my plan to foster him while I find him a good home failed miserably. I can’t give him up. I love my little Meeko and it was an amazing experience to adopt and save him. In a world that forgets that hamsters are amazing companions and not just expendable pets for young children, I managed to save one and it felt good.

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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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