Well, it’s the end of an era, our last home bred male died today. No more Siena or Dakota lines left.

I think he’d had a stroke, as so many Gerbils seem to die of. I’ve seen it far too many times, I guess there’s no nice way to ‘die of old age’. He was on top of the bedding, back legs unable to move (feet were), his sides were sunken and eyes bulging so I decided to give him some of my blended strawberries I have in my breakfast smoothie…

As I offered him the Strawberry puree on a spoon I could see he was gasping, sadly also something I have experienced too many times and knew he wouldn’t last long, at all. Past experience tells me not to try holding a Gerbil in this condition as they begin fitting and die in your hands. Again, not something I like and it’s very disturbing to know you killed your pet, so as cruel as it sounds to leave them there, the vision of them fitting your hands and dying doesn’t go easily.

So, goodnight Oran sweet dreams my grumpy old man:

There’s only Paddy left now, who sadly also looks very rough at just over three… I had expected him to leave us before Oran to be honest…