We only had Gizmo a short while, 8 months. He was given to us by one of the security guards where my other half works, who said he was about a year old then. His cage wsa cleaned regularly. He always had clean water & food, so finding him curled up in his bedding yesterday was so upsetting. I've now buried him in the garden. I feel so bad because my daughter is at Brownie camp and knows nothing about it. I've got to tell her when she comes home tomorrow afternoon.

I've not posted on here for a long time. But often check in to read messages left by others.

Oh poor little Gizmo. I'm sorry for you and your family. It can be hard on kids. I'm sorry you were the one who found him. He had 8 great months with you. Who knows what happens to the tiny ones? Sometimes they just go, it's just their time.

Thinking of you and your family

I'm sorry you lost Gizmo and I know it's hard to have been the one who found him.That happened to me when I was a child.It was terrible.I'm sorry too that you'll have to tell your daughter when she gets home but you will get thur this together.Just be gentle with her and tell her what happened.It's not your fault,these things just happen.It was his time to go to the rainbow bridge and you'll see him again one day.You'll be in my thoughts and prayers today.Sincerely,Renee (Sox's mom)

I'm so sorry for your loss of Gizmo. Losing a loved one is never easy, especially when its so sudden, with no warning that anything is wrong.

I hope your daughter is doing ok and that you were able to explain things to her and comfort her about Gizmo.

Thanks everyone. Yes, telling her was tough and we got the tears we expected.

Last week we got a new hamster, it was her choice. He's tan coloured and is named Custard. I'm getting used to saying Custard rather than Gizmo, but it's hard.

It's taking him a while to get used to having such a big cage all to himself. We would've got two hamsters, but the man in the pet shop advised us against it, saying they get aggressive about sharing when they get older and might fight.

My daughter is over Gizmos passing now, whereas me, I still get these horrible pangs of guilt................

topaz 64

I so happy you have Custard now. Try not to feel guilty, I'm sure you did all you could for Gizmo. It is hard to get the name right, I still call my Majik, Moose. Then it hurt for a bit.

Love

Dear Topaz ~~

I was so sorry to hear about your dear little Gizmo. You may have only had him a short while, but I'm sure he enjoyed being with your family. I'm glad your family is enjoying your new hamster, Custard! I know what you mean about mixing the names up. I still call our Ramses, Caesar sometimes. Moose Mom is right... when that happens, it sparks those feelings that always seem to be just a heartbeat away.

You don't have to feel guilty, as I'm sure Gizmo had a wonderful time with your family. Take care, *hugs*.