The Big Habitrail in the Sky

photo of Captain Hill taken yesterday.

Over the last two weeks I've noticed Captain Hill's health deteriorating. Her movement becoming more laboured and restricted. It got to a point where she couldn't climb up the 90 degree tubes any more. Then even crawling into the next pod seemed to take all her energy just to get to the water.  The last few days I have had to feed her by hand as she couldn't even make it to the food bowl.


Tired, Captain Hill falls asleep in my hand.

It wasn't a huge surprise when I woke up today to find her deceased. At least she looked comfortable.  It looked like she died in her sleep.


"I'm glad I found her like this, in a rest position. It would have been terrible finding her stuck in a tube, death from over excursion (heart attack)."

Hamsters have an average life span of 3 years.  Given this knowledge it shouldn't come as a surprise that they will die in that time frame.  I'm saddened by the passing of my small adventurous friend.  I suppose I got more attached to her than I thought.

One of the reasons for getting a hamster, other than they are cute photo ops and inexpensive (on sale for $5 !), was that they have such a short life span.  It's perfect for a pet owner that doesn't want the responsibility for years and years (imagine owning a turtle?).  You could get a goldfish, but then you'd have to change the water every so often and keep the water temperature at a constant.  I suppose cleaning a hamster cage would be the same thing.  Travelling with a fish would be more difficult.

A hamster is perfect.  Perfect that is until you get attached to them.  Then you wish they lived longer.  Another day for another adventure.


The sun was just coming up over High Park


I buried her with her dino on wheels chew toy N43.645024 W79.460031

I'll miss this furry fluff ball.

Goodbye Captain Hill may you have more adventures complete with snack foods where ever you are.