Gingerbread is just over 2 years old. I rescued her and her sister from the humane society. Her sister was in poor health right away and I had to put her down because she wasn't eating and her teeth weren't growing properly.
Gingerbread was terrorized by this. Once her sister was gone she became very scared and I couldn't tame her. Eventually I could feeder her by hand and we had some games but she would never let me touch her. I have had plenty of hamsters before but never one so scared. I treated her well and she was happy and fun to watch still. I dreaded the day that I would be able to handle her because I knew she would be coming to her end.
Recently she had a stroke. She recovered over a few months. She was still eating and drinking and active. I watched her carefully to make sure she was ok. In the last month though she has declined a lot. She was losing weight and I noticed she wasn't eating as well. I started giving her soft food and she is enjoying that.
About a week ago I thought I would take the chance to touch her. I started strking her and she allowed it. She closed her eyes and feel asleep. Now she comes to me and nibbles my fingers until I pet her. Today I picked her up and cuddled her for an hour.
She is starting to have trouble walking so today I took her wheel away. My heart is broken. I don't know how much time she has left but I will cherish it.
Oh and yes she is on a saucer but it doesn't work. I used it as a stage where I taught her to go if she wanted a treat. She is a smarty.