Hello All. Erin here. I have some very sad news to share with everyone and I just couldn't bring myself to announce this until now and I am not sure I am fully ready. But here goes. Bernard passed away Saturday night. My favorite little buddy who was my everything is gone. It hurts my heart so badly to say he jumped from his cage when I was giving him some kale and I wasn't fast enough to catch him. He fell to the carpet and although he was still conscious, I knew something was wrong. His little body was limp. I raced him to the ER and they took X-rays but I knew my boy wasn't coming home. The vet said there were no broken bones and he some injuries aren't visible on an X-ray. It could be head trauma or a disc injury. Either way he was in pain and she could send me home with meds and hope for improvement but we both knew that wasn't fair to Bernard. I told her we were ready to let him go. Two of my dearest friends met me at the ER in support but also to say goodbye. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. We cuddled and I sniffed him so hard trying to remember how lovely he smelled. The ER team took him in the back to put him to sleep. I was sad I wasn't able to be with him but secretly grateful I was spared that scene. You all know how much my nerd meant to me. I hope to have the courage to write a lovely memorial soon. This is all I can manage for now. I have included the last picture ever taken of Bernard just before he passed away. He was adorable even then. We have 2 new litters to focus on and distract us from the sorrow. I hope his funny little personality will live on for generations to come. #bernardthehamster #memorial #heartbroken (at Foothill Ranch, California)