Harry the degu :-(

[mattandhis3degus]

Harry the degu was fine early yesterday but then stopped moving much and seemed to be very poorly. I thought that perhaps he had eaten too much so hoped that he would recover by today. And now he's dead. I just don't understand what happened.

[uglibug]

So sorry for your loss. Try not to beat yourself up too much, degus are masters at hiding pain and illness so deteriorate very fast. In such a short time frame, even if you had managed to get him to a vet, chances are there was little that could be done. How is his friend coping?

[mattandhis3degus]

Humphrey, my one remaining degu, is very quiet.

[randomname]

Aw no, how sad for you. Such a shock. Am so sorry for your loss, & I hope Humphrey is ok soon too. Give him big cuddles from us.

I know that it's hard to know what to think when something like this happens, but there is some comfort to be found later in the fact that Harry didn't suffer a long, drawn out illness before he passed. I know that's no comfort now, but it may be in time.

You could try making a cuddle buddy for Humphrey tonight. I used a small trainer sock stuffed with chopped straw, sewed closed at the end.

[uglibug]

Give humphrey extra cuddles and treats tonight, and I think a cuddle buddy is an excellent idea. Try and make sure he is still eating and drinking and just let him know he's not totally alone, he is probably a little scared and confused at the moment.

[moletteuk]

I'm so sorry for your loss, you've really had no luck at all, it's so hard.

Humphrey is going to need a new friend, let us know when you feel ready to think about that.

[klbishop]

Iam so sorry, we are sending you much love xxx

[bouncy]

Just turned my phone on again and read this! I'm so sorry to read about Harry! Poor little thing Cuddles to Humphrey x

[mattandhis3degus]

What do people think could have happened? It seems to me that degus are bit like dogs in that they will sniff and eat anything. In a couple of places my carpet is fraying - could it have eaten a bit? And if so, would that have done it?

[mattandhis3degus]

I buried Harry a short while ago on Wimbledon Common. I found a nice quiet spot in an area which isn't normally walked in. RIP Harry.

[kellyhandford]

I'm so sorry to hear you've lost Harry. It's absolutely heartbreaking when any animal passes isn't it big hugs to you and Humphrey.

I had rats and one day all 3 were playing together, all eating and drinking fine, the next day one was curled up and had died in his sleep- I know rats are slightly different but sometimes I think it's not always an illness that causes deaths. It's like us humans have sudden death syndrome which can effect all ages.

I'm no expert so can't say at all if the fraying carpet could have caused it but either way- don't beat yourself up. Just remember those good times and make sure you give Humphrey lots of attention, they say animals sometimes grieve longer than humans so you need each other right now. Xx

[moletteuk]

It's very difficult to say what might have happened. I guess if he ate a substantial amount of carpet it could be fatal, but I'd be quite surprised because of how swiftly it all happened.

[mattandhis3degus]

Thanks for all the kind words. I'm quite impressed that you remember that this isn't the first time I've lost a degu suddenly. I'm going to write a post for the adoption zone, as I don't think Humphrey should have to wait too long with having a new companion. Late last night he climbed up the outside of his cage all to the way to the top, something he has never done before, and it's over 5ft high! I was going to help him down but he was able to clamber all the way back down.

[bouncy]

Matt, I do sincerely hope your experiences so far haven't put you off goos. You obviously love them to bits, and I can imagine Horace going to sit with Harry on the Common It's all such incredibly bad luck.

Humphrey was probably up there looking for his brothers. Spidey regularly climbs anything and everything, and has been up to 6ft before. Unfortunately, he's taught Sillygoo and Squidgygoo the same thing. Does Humphrey climb down properly, or does he just go head first, using gravity and claws to slow his descent?

[Bexi87]

Matt, I have only just seen this. I am utterly devastated for you - I can't believe what you have been through during your short time as a degu slave. Please give Humphrey lots of cuddles and treats from me. I've got everything crossed that you find him a couple of friends once you are both ready

[deguconvert]

I am so very sorry for your second, sudden and devastating loss, Matt! My thoughts are with you and Humphrey.