All About Dani

This is a post that will give utterly useless information about Dani, the nail artist at Popular Polish.

Name: Dani Grego
Age as of this blog: 22
Favourite colour: Green
Favourite animal: Red Squirrel
Favourite video game: The Monkey Island series

First Pets

When I was 19, I was living in Harrogate with an ex partner. I took this opportunity to research getting a pet, as I had not really had pets as a child. (I had a goldfish and a mouse, but I was too young to look after them properly.) I decided on a pair of Roborovski Hamsters. My ex - Let's call him Richard - Already had some toys, shavings, and a small aquarium from his last hamster. We went to pets at home and were asked a couple of questions, like did we have a cage and have we owned them before. We were not tested on our knowledge though, and though it didn't bother me at the time, it now does affect me that people aren't really briefed before buying a pet. I called them Karot and MelOn, after the internet pictures: 

I split with Richard and a few months later met my current partner Andy. We eventually had to separate the girls, as they began to become territorial and fought each other. When one of them had some blood on their back it was the last straw. (I now believe that if they had a cage of a better size they wouldn't have fought.) But they were so precious to me. My perfect little girls.

One morning in January 2012 I woke up and got my cup of tea as usual, and checked on my girls who should have been sleeping (As hamsters are crepescular). Karot was snoozing away and then I looked in MelOns cage. If I had been holding my tea, I would have dropped it. MelOn was on her shelf, lying on her back, little paws in the air, cold and not breathing. She was dead. 

I was hysterical. I didn't know what to do. I called my partner Andy and told him what happened, he was upset too. I was home alone and devastated. I put the cage with her in the study for when she got home, and my mum set up a little funeral for her. We put her in her house and made sure she was all cosy on her journey to the rainbow bridge.

When I was less hysterical, I started doing my research as to what it could have been. My answers ranged from a heart attack to constipation. I did remember seeing her when she had just passed, her back end was open with a lot of seeds in it, so I thought this could have been the answer. It made me feel so awful that I didn't know.

Not long before MelOn had passed away, Karot wasn't sounding too good. She was making little squeaky sniffling sounds. After doing a bit of research on this, we decided to go to the vets for a better diagnosis. They thought it was a respiratory infection, so I stopped using wood shavings and changed to carefresh, and started giving her baytril. She really didn't like it, but I did what I could to make sure got it. Usually putting it on a treat. The medicine did nothing, and she just kept getting worse over a few months. I remember holding her during her final moments, she was wheezing and slipping away from me. I kept reassuring her it was okay to go and whispering that I was there. This was one of the most upsetting things I had ever dealt with. Both my girls in a short period of time. 

Again, I got on the internet. This just wasn't right. I asked other hamster owners who then mentioned fluffy bedding. I was confused. How could a nesting material have any affect on a hamster, or even kill them? The symptoms described were exactly what MelOn and Karot had. and it made perfect sense as to why Karot did not improve with antibiotics. 

My precious little Karot, near the end

Teddy-Bean

Over time I got a new hamster; Teddy-Bean (Beans, Beanie, Madam buns, Muffins, Muffin-Buns). She was originally kept in the Abi cage. She was a bouncy, feisty jumpy golden Syrian hamster. 

6 Week old Teddy-Bean, on her way home with us

She liked to sleep in weird positions...

Yet again, I had done my research but still didn't know everything. When we got her home she seemed to be very stressed. We left her alone in her cage to get settled but she refused to settle down and kept running around and running on her flying saucer. I kept checking on her every 15 minutes or so, and one time she seemed particularly stressed, she was sitting on her saucer looking like she was dropping off to sleep, but she fell backwards off the wheel into that heartbreaking back position that every hamster owner dreads. I panicked. We took the top of the cage off and tried to pick her up. She was breathing. When we picked her up, she leapt off us and on to the floor, and started sniffling around exploring! We are still unsure whether it was heat stroke (We were in the middle of a heat wave), stress, or that she was just pretending as she wanted to get out. But she was immediately fine. To be on the safe side, we removed the wheel for that afternoon and she eventually went to sleep in her house. 

I began taming her after about a month, and I was very nervous as I had never properly handled an animal. She was actually very friendly considering she was quite jumpy to begin with and not too friendly with people other than me. I used a big empty box as a playpen and used this opportunity to put my hands in. She was very happy to step on me and seemed to enjoy having me near. 

The first time I handled her properly

Over time our bond grew and I couldn't go a day without getting her out to have a cuddle or explore. Particularly now that I live in my own place with my Fiance, she likes to be on the sofa with us! She was a bar chewer in her Abi cage, so I decided to have a large upgrade and get the Mamble 100 cage. It takes up an entire side in the kitchen, she has more space than we do!

 

As I type this, Teddy Bean is over two years old and is showing her age, which would be around 75 in hamster years. She developed Pyometra which is a very mysterious infection and unknown as to how they get it. I give her Baytril and Metacam daily and we don't know whether it will work, but she is too old for surgery. I hate to think that one day I will lose her too, but at least I know I have done what I can with her. She has been loved and she has given me strength and inspired me. She is beautiful and full of character. I feel privileged to have each moment that I do with her. 

Old lady Beans having some cat milk

Her 2nd birthday meal

Her retirement set up

Animal Activism

After my previous two angels passed away and I first got Beanie, I decided to do continuous research instead of as and when. I would spend a lot of my time reading books and articles to learn about requirements, the best care, and illnesses. It developed into a passion, I wanted to inform others of the things I previously was not aware of. After I had an unsuccessful P@H interview, I decided to post a blog article on what went on during the interview, which already has thousands of readers. 

Click here to view the blog post (Opens new window)

This was around the same time that I started my campaign to spread awareness about the dangers of fluffy bedding. I wanted to inform people of my story, the dangers, and also contact companies to explain the issues to them. After a year or so I had developed my mini army of hammy people, and I lead the way to get the Rotastak nesting material removed from Pets At Home! This was a huge achievement and inspired me to continue the fight at other places. 

I am also now meat free, a member of the Peta action team, and I support the BUAV leaping bunny using cruelty free make up. I am commonly found posting and 'admining' hamster groups on Facebook.

To view exactly what it is that I do with regards to animals, click here. 

Disney

Disney is a huge part of my life. I had all the classics on video as a child, and the passion has passed through to adulthood. At work about a month ago, I had a child of about 5 and their mother come through my checkout. She whispered something to her mum and the mother said "Tell her!". The child went coy and hid behind her mum. The mother then said "Tell her she looks like Elsa!" I went bright red. I was a big fan of the film and LOVED Elsa so much! 

My video TRYING to get an Elsa doll

The most important Disney film to me is Pinocchio. I can't listen to "When You Wish Upon A Star" without bursting into tears. When I was two, my uncles next door neighbour knitted me a Pinocchio doll, which we named Pin. 20 years later, I still have Pin. He's been my inanimate support throughout my childhood and is still my main comfort now.

  

Work

I have had a few previous jobs. My first was when I was 13, and it was work experience in a nursery. I became attached to a 3 year old boy called Joshua (Who when I think about it, will now be at senior school...). Every time the kids were dropped off by their parents, he would hand up his coat and look round the room. As soon as he spotted me he would run straight at me for a big hug. He would always want to sit with me in the assemblies. He had blonde hair and these cute little bob the builder wellies.

My second job was during college, I worked at BP. My job title was "HR Intern for the Angolan Developments Team". I did the basics like filing, photocopying, neatening documents. I was 17 and I really enjoyed it, it was a great place to work. Huge open office, £5 free for lunch every day, and free tea, hot chocolate etc when working and a free gym membership. I kept crisps in my drawer. 

I briefly worked for a club/bar when I lived in Milton Keynes. I REALLY didn't like it. It just did not suit me at all, this party scene. I originally thought it was a nice restaurant but I was on the door letting drunks in and out, getting blisters until 2am. When we reached my 2 months probation, we sat down and discussed the job, them saying I am not particularly outgoing and me saying I just don't enjoy dancing with drunk people and interrupting people eating. I left, and I've been teetotal since new year 2013.

I did another admin/receptionist job at a recruitment agency in 2012 which I did rather enjoy, but I now work for a Supermarket. It has it's ups and downs but overall I like the job, particularly my colleagues. For each spiteful customer there is another one to tell me what a great job I'm doing, or that I'm pretty or useful.

Buddhism

I discovered Buddhism by accident, I was not looking for a religion. January 2013 I sunk into a dark place mentally due to a combination of factors. It got so bad I needed almost constant care due to instability, and was under daily watch by the Crisis team. I also had regular visits from three different support workers. When things got slightly more stable I started going to hospital to get different forms of rehabilitation. Everything from light exercise to basic living skills, mindfulness to assertiveness. I was also on a confidence building course where I met some amazing people that really affected me. All this opened my mind, listening to other peoples problems made me become a much more tolerant person. To hear what other people go through when looking at them you would have no idea what they go through. I greatly sympathise and it was really refreshing to have other people listen to me too. 

Buddhism had tied in to a lot of the skills I had learnt on this journey, particularly mindfulness. Mindfulness is being aware of a certain feeling, circumstance or emotion without judgement. So say someone cuts you up when driving on the motorway. You say to yourself "That's fine. It's happened now, I accept that, and I understand that I have no control over it." That's being mindful, and it's an amazing skill to learn. To understand that you are in total control of how you feel. Now I'm not a monk, I haven't fully mastered it yet, I still get mopey when I have a cold or grumpy if I don't get sleep. But I'm sure I will get there through regular meditation! 

This is one of the reasons I love Brighton so much. It's full of Buddhist shops and culture. Everyone is different and accepted. I have visited the Brighton Buddhist centre and it's a beautiful place, it feels so right. It feels warm and calm. The people are mellow and accepting of anyone. The first time we visited, we were geared up in our tourist rags; jeans and trainers. But we were fully accepted and welcomed. 

I also attended a Buddhist workshop where I live where we were taught skills relating to mindfulness by a genuine monk. 

There's me on the far left!

 Nail Art

I began doing bits and bobs of nail art around 2011. This would just be the odd manicure with rhinestones, nothing adventurous. Then at the beginning of 2013 I was inspired by Blues Clues to do a design of the dog, Blue. This was my first ever design.

And when Kevin Duala from the show tweeted back to me, I was fuelled to do more nail art! This was the start of an ongoing passion for me. I decided to set up a website and facebook page called Popular Polish. Everywhere I had searched, nobody had taken that name. 

As of May 2014 I have done approximately 90 designs, and I have 24,619 fans on Facebook! I am so grateful for all the support I have got and would like to thank anyone reading that has already liked, shared, commented, or suggested me. If you have not yet, here is the link to like my page! - Popular Polish - FB

Superdrug Winner

E.L.F. Winner

So far I have won two competitions, the first was my minion design for Superdrug. I won with a difference of about 300 likes! The second competition I entered was for E.L.F. cosmetics, which was the 2013 christmas competition. I entered my Santa design, which I thought was weaker than my christmas pudding design, but I still won. Thank you to these companies for their wonderful prizes!

I have also gained a lot of support from other companies, BeautyUK (Which is one of my ultimate favourites!) have liked me on Facebook and sent me a package worth over £40 of their products. 

Future Hopes

I would like a nice house to add my personal touches to. Ultimately I would love my career to be voluntary and revolve around helping animals. But that's just not possible full-time. I would certainly like to marry Andy, who is just so special to me. I would like a Bichon Frise called Woofles. I would like a son and daughter called Joshua (Andys choice) and Zelda (My choice).

This is a post that I believes gives a very general idea of who I believe I am. I have not gone in to depth and I don't want to with regards to some things, because I want to keep this overly positive. I won't go in to detail about relationships as it's a difficult topic. Thank you very much for reading, and I hope I've inspired you to go for the things you believe in and dream of, no matter what hurdles are in your way. 

How To Care For A Hamster

Are you considering bringing a hamster in to the family? Or have you always been a pet owner and are looking for some new tips? Look no further, you'll find them here.

1 - Things to consider

You need to look for healthy signs when buying a hamster, and I would advise buying from a reputable breeder instead of a pet shop.

Unhealthy signs (With any breed) can include:

• Drooping or gunky ears
• Wet nose
• Wet tail (A form of diarrhoea which can be caused from too much fruit or veg, and even stress)
• Lethargic behaviour
• Wheezing or sneezing (Could be a respiratory issue, or even the flu. Yes, hamsters can catch a cold!)

More experienced hamster owners should consider rescue hamsters as they can often be harder to deal with and sometimes impossible to tame. (E.G. The Pets at Home adoption centre.)

2 - What breed?

You need to consider what type of hamster you want, as there are many different species that require different upbringings.

Syrian - 

The Syrian (Teddy Bear/Golden) is the largest domestic species of hamster. They are solitary and territorial, therefore must be housed alone. They are the most common type of domestic hamster and have a lot of variety of coats and breeds. Their life span is approximately 2-2.5 years.

Teddy Bean - Syrian

Chinese -
The Chinese hamster (Listed in P@H as a Chinese 'Dwarf', which is incorrect) is smaller than the Syrian, and has a slightly longer tail. They can be housed in pairs as they are more sociable than the Syrian, however be prepared to get a second cage as some pairs can still end up fighting. It all depends on the hamsters individually.

Hope - Chinese

Roborovski - 
(Robo dwarf) They are the smallest domesticated hamster, and they're probably not even the length of your little finger (looking at mine, which is about 2.5 inches). They are NOT recommended for children as they are very fast and will rarely sit still in your hand. Though they can be tamed just like any other hamster. They are commonly known as the longest living hamster, living on average 3 years.

Karot - Roborovski

Winter White/Campbells - 
These are another two dwarf hamster species that can be kept in pairs. They are so named as their coats can turn whiter in winter, however they are usually a grey colour with a darker stripe down their back. They can also have fluffy feet. The Russian hamster is a hybrid of these two species'.

Thistle & Pippy - Winter White & Campbells 

Click here to view a video describing the difference between Winter White and Campbell hamsters.

Be sure to do your research on the species' individually before buying on compulsion. You need to ensure you're putting that hamsters health and well-being before your own fun.

3 - Housing

You need a suitable cage depending on the species of hamster. All hamsters need a cage with as large as possible floorspace for exercise, and to prevent boredom. This does not include any add-on cages. Smaller breeds require a tank/aquarium type cage, with a mesh roof for ventilation, to breathe and keep cool in the summer. This is as they are small enough to squeeze through the bars and escape, which could result in them having a nasty fall, running away, or chewing on an electrical wire!

The Syrian hamster is commonly placed in a wire cage with the bar spacing being 1cm, and the cage must be at LEAST 80cm by 50cm long, and 45cm tall. Some popular cages are the Mamble 100 and the Alexander. Hamster Heaven by Savic is another favourite, though some people create their own bin cages using large plastic boxes and wire mesh.

Keep in mind a hamster would prefer a larger base to run around than a taller cage with shelves. They prefer hiding and digging to climbing.

If you DO buy from a pet shop, bear in mind the sizes are often wrong. If it's labelled as a Syrian cage, it's more than likely the size for a dwarf (Though do not buy it for a Dwarf or Chinese if it has bars). Try to imagine yourself in a cage of similar proportions, with no space to run around and you just wait for your owner to pick you up so you can get out!
Have a look at this video for a guide to cage sizes: Click here

4 - Bedding

For base bedding most people use wood shavings and others use tissue type clumped material like Fitch (Which can be bought in larger 10/20kg bales) or Carefresh. It is possible your hamster can develop allergies to the shavings, and you don't want the sharp pieces to dig in to their paws or cheeks. Avoid pine and cedar bedding as it gives off toxic fumes when urinated on. Also avoid sawdust, as it can irritate their respiratory system.

For nesting material, steer clear of any 'fluffy bedding' bedding that looks like cotton wool, even if it says "Safe" or "Vegetable Fibres". This is a dangerous type of bedding for two main reasons:

1 - It can wrap around limbs, causing loss of blood flow and they may need amputation, and in some cases, hamsters can gnaw their own limbs off to free themselves! 
And
2 - When they tear the pieces apart to make their bed comfier, they can ingest pieces of the material which will get lodged within their respiratory system causing what looks like a cold, but is incurable. They will be wheezing and struggling to breathe as the bedding doesn't break down inside, and it is a very slow death. It is recommended by the best breeders to use ripped up unscented, uncoloured toilet roll. Cheap and easy!

Those in the UK, sign this petition to do your bit! - Click here

5 - Food

Choose the food that is labelled "Hamster food", do not get one intended for rats, gerbils etc. Harry/Hazel hamster is recommended. You can add some other bits like fennel leaves, dandelion leaves, sage and milk thistle. Hamsters can also have minimal amounts of cooked chicken breast for protein, and small pieces of vegetables like cucumber, carrots and green beans a few times a week. Do not give them too many fruits and vegetables, as it can cause wet tail (Diarrhoea). Do not give your hamster anything that would be unhealthy to a human, like chocolate and crisps. No sugary, salty or fatty foods.

Straw is not suitable for hamsters as it can damage their cheek pouches.

Below is a list of foods you can and cannot give your hamster occasionally:
Click here for the list

6 - Toys and chews

Hamsters teeth continue to grow throughout their life, therefore they need chews and toys to gnaw on to keep them down and prevent them hurting their gums. If a hamsters teeth get too long and it stops them eating or injures them, they will have to be taken to the vet immediately to get them trimmed. Do not attempt this yourself. It can also be caused by excessive bar chewing, which can cause the teeth to grow in crooked.

Below is a list of some chews and toys you can get for small pets to keep them entertained:

Alfalfa blocks
Loofah toys
Untreated wooden chews
Cardboard tubes (Also toilet/Kitchen roll tubes)
Hammocks
Shelves
Walnut dangle toy

7 - Exercise

Hamsters are active creatures and in the wild would run approximately 5 miles per night. This means they need to keep active in and out of their cage, and a lot of owners do this by buying a hamster wheel. Here are some examples of ones suitable:

Silent Spinner - 
This comes in 3 different sizes; 4", 6" and 12".  The 12" would be suitable for a Syrian, and the 6" for a Dwarf hamster. 11" is the minimum size for a syrian to prevent their backs arching and developing spinal problems.

Flying Saucer - 
The Flying Saucer is more suitable for the dwarf hamsters as it can make Syrians turn their backs too much. 

Wodent Wheel - 
This is the perfect wheel for Syrians (The 11") as it's big enough, and it's also quieter than other wheels. 

Trixie - 
This is an imitation Wodent wheel, and my personal favourite. It's rather quiet, and it can be free standing or latched on to the bars.

You must consider all these points and do some research before buying a hamster. You must be able to devote up to 4 years to care for them, and ensure you don't get 'bored' and neglect them. They require daily attention and love just like any animal. If cared for they can be the perfect pet!


Sign The Petition Today!

"No More Fluffy Bedding" Group

Also thank you to ErinsHamsters

Top 10 Things That Make Me Happy

Top 10 things that make me happy

10 - Tea

I drink so much tea. I don't like any fancy types or flavours, it's plain English Breakfast for me. But I function so much better after I've had my morning cuppa. I can go through up to 10 a day, and with the size of my mug I need two teabags. I started drinking tea (Not so often) when I was 9. That's when my dad taught me how to use the kettle.

9 - Films

Preferably comedy films, but I'm partial to the odd action. My favourites are the Die Hard's, Back to the Futures (They have a cameo by the best bassist in the world), Pinocchio, Mulan, Zohan, Role Models and hundreds more. There's nothing like cuddling up on a cold night with a good film.

I've met a few famous people from movies, Robert Pattinson in 2005, Brandon Routh in June 2012, and my favourite of all, Sean Astin, aka my favourite Hobbit: Samwise Gamgee!

8 - Science

Science is intensely interesting. So many branches. So much to learn, yet so much undiscovered. You've got the philosophical side of science, where do we come from, why are we here. As well as the Psychological side; why do we act this way? What are people thinking? Why am I thinking this..? The Freudian biological side of things, which interests me most. What can we link to a persons fetish? Why we are attracted to someone with attributes of our own parents? How everything can be linked in some way to something erotic.

7 - Being appreciated

I love the look on someone's face when I give them an unexpected present. I love when someone notices that I've done or accomplished something. I like the feeling of being needed, even if it's hard work. Making people you care about happy, is what makes life worthwhile! This doesn't happen often, that's why it's made the list.

6 - Music

Everybody is into some kind of music. I like a bit of everything, but my favourite types are Eurovision, Disney, funk rock and game soundtracks. I'm a huge nerd, as you'll also see in number 4. My iPod is full of music from Runescape, Doom, CoI, Plants vs Zombies, Sonic etc.. My favourite legitimate band is Red Hot Chili Peppers, who I've been a fan of for as long as I can remember. My nickname is Dani California, and I was 11 when the name "Dani" was first sung in By The Way. Oh, the excitement! My fantastic Boyfriend bought me the ticket to see them live in November 2011, and I've never been on such a high. The Chili's are the drug without the need of... Drugs!

5 - Games

I'm a huge gamer. I was brought up by a bloke, and he was a gamer too. I prefer vintage games to modern ones, I own a Megadrive and have a lot of classic games. Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, Zombies, Castle of Illusion... I also own a Playstation 2, and enjoy the Sims games,Champions series (Of Norrath/Return to Arms), and Dark Alliance II. I'm a grandmaster (Highest rank) on Miniclip Pool. Games in general are ridiculously fun. A temporary escape from reality!
I'm also a fairly avid Runescape player

4 - Comedy

I live to laugh. I love stand up by Lee Evans and Ricky Gervais. I love the feeling of making someone laugh. I love being a girl that's not afraid to make an offensive joke. I have a strange contagious laugh, which makes others laugh, then I'll laugh because they're laughing at me. It's extending my life! Somebody that greatly contributes to my health is Karl Pilkington. I don't know how interesting I'd be if Gervais hadn't given him to the world. 

3 - Pets

Yes, I'm one of those people. I love animals. Lions, Hamsters, cats, aww. I'm the type of person that gets stung by a bee, but feels sorry for the bee instead of myself. I read somewhere that a girl who owns hamsters will be a nightmare girlfriend. I was, BEFORE I owned hamsters, haha. I'm lucky enough that my boyfriend loves pets too. I've owned three, two Roborovskis and my new Syrian.

    Karot:

    MelOn:

   And my new Missus Teddy Bean:

2 - Pin

How is it possible an inanimate object could bring so much happiness and comfort? It's all psychological. Attachment stems from how long you've been around it, and how important you deem the object. An object won't disappoint or hurt you (Provided it isn't sharp), it won't complain if your music is too loud. It won't tell you you're wrong. It's there if a human has upset you. I've had this attachment with Pin, my Pinocchio knitted doll since it was made for me when I was 2. I've taken him on holiday, I sleep with him, and somehow, I love him. I might be insane, but that's how it is.

1 - My boyfriend - Now fiancé

My fiancé is the greatest human being in the world. He's taught me how to be a decent girlfriend. I'm still learning to date, but I've learned so much in the time we've been together. I've never felt so patient with someone, In the sense that I still love him this much after learning about him entirely. I even love the things I dislike about him. He keeps me calm when my emotions get out of control, he makes me feel loved and needed, and subconsciously makes me feel I'll make a good wife. People say it to each other all the time, but I genuinely believe it when he says "I'd do anything for you".

Things that would have made the list, had it been a lot longer:

Snow, The Simpsons, holidays, staying in a B&B, playing sports, playing in the park (yes), takeaways, giving presents, cuddling in bed, hairdressers, having a job interview, great memories, singing.