What have you done for your hedgehogs?

[Jeanette]

This is just a quick question.
I know that so many of us are dedicated to our animals and would do anything for them... but what extreme (or not extreme) things have you done/ given up for your hedgehogs?

Or, if you just have an incredible story, we would all love to hear it!

[hemi_mygirl]

When Hemi was sick one time, I skipped a big mid-term that counted for 25% of my final mark to take her to the emergency vet. My teacher refused to let me make it up, so I ended up losing out on honors (plus some $1000 bursary).

Then, I called in to work a year later to take her to the emergency vet where she later died. I ended up nearly losing my job because of it. I guess temps aren't allowed to take a sick day with no pay.

The few weeks before her death, I had to be up every few hours just to check on her and make sure she was eating. I'd syringe her food and water, drop into bed for an hour and half and be up again to offer her more food. I was a walking zombie for a few weeks, and then when she died, I couldn't sleep for about a week.

ETA: I clicked the wrong option. I check 'maxed out a CC' when I meant to click 'went without sleep...'

[pricklesnquills]

I've been very fortunate to never have any health problems with my hedgies(not even mites), so I've never had huge vet bills or anything..... The most I've ever spent on them at one time was when I bought 2 of my babies from Maryland & payed for gas & everything.

Of, course, if anything were to ever happen to them, I wouldn't hesitate to do any of the options above(or the ones I'm able to do, as I can't drive & I don't have a CC).

What I do 'spend' a lot of on them is my time, though :winkgrin:

[HedgePigLove]

I've driven more than 1000 miles in a day to pull several hedgehogs from an illegal state.

From October 2005 to December 2006 I was never more than four hours away from Emma Rose (who needed 'round the clock feedings for that whole time). Only exception was a two-day hospital stay (for me).

I have missed family gatherings because of a sick hedgehog.

I have canceled vacations because of a sick hedgehog.

I spent more than 18-hours at my vet's office (in the back), holding and rocking my Penelope Anne when she crashed after emergency surgery for a hemorrhaging uterus (she eventually recovered).

Hedge-A-Saurus, who was with me from Feb 07 to June 07, cost over $2500 in vet bills (including several emergencies).

I drove to a stranger's house at 10:30 at night to meet a dying hedgehog and stay and talk with the little one's caretaker.

I will take in any hedgehog, no questions asked, and will assume all responsibility for their care, knowing that they will eventually cross the bridge and I'll have another hole in my heart.

Django came to me at about 3:30 in the afternoon and was dead by 8:00 that evening - he took my heart.

I ask for donations to my account at the vet's rather than material gifts for birthdays/holidays. (Also ask for donations to hedgehog rescues, too.)

Whenever I have a little extra money, it's sent to a hedgehog rescue (private and 501c).

I don't see these things as being extraordinary - they're what I feel are important to do and I cannot imagine doing anything else. (My family and S/O sometimes scratch their heads', though, 'cause they don't have the hedgie-bug.)

I would do all of these things, and more, all over again. They are what is right for me to do.

[Loves2LoveChins]

Sonic has never been sick but I would go to the ends of the earth for him or any of my animals. I would dig myself a hole deeper that the grand canyon of debt just to save his life if I know it would help.

What Sonic has done for me though is far greater. he has inspired me to do more for other animals out there less fortunate. We help support a rescue here with our hedgehog bath sales. I am active in the cummunity here. Next week Im giving a presentation about hedgehogs to the school i teach at to help educate our students about exotics.

Sonic has also taught me patience and the tollerance for worms. :p He has also inspired me to learn and to self educate myself so I can be the best hedgemom out there to him.

I love him dearly and words are just not enough to express what I would do for him if he were in need.....

[Mopar55]

I've missed vacations for Izick.

[southcalihedgie]

I would have to say all of the above...except sell my car. But I have gotten 2nd, 3rd, and even 4th jobs to pay for care or to rebuild a emergency fund after it is spent on an emergency. You do what it takes.

[LunaMidnight]

I stayed up late with Isis, not a whole day though. I have 3 credit cards now though, one for each hog! Hahaha kidding. But that is the main reason I got them.

[AlbertaGirl]

I stayed up more nights with Irwin than I care to remember. I came home at lunch and got back late, and called in sick several times so that I could give him his medical treatments. I received disciplinary action for missing so many days, but I don't care. I spent about a thousand dollars in a three month period trying to help him get better. If selling everything I own and moving back in with my parents would have saved him, I would have done it without a second thought. I would have dug myself into a bottomless hole of debt if it would have helped. And even if I had known that he would be gone within six months of me bringing him home, I would have done it all anyway. I treasure our six months together and wouldn't trade a moment of it. I miss my baby boy. :(

And of course, I would do the same for Ronnie or any of my animals. When I took Ron in, I knew she was four years old, and frankly didn't expect her to be with me too long. But I figured that even if I could make one day of her life better, it's worth it. I am pleasantly surprised by her continuing good health though (touch wood).

[HedgieMate]

Wow, you guys are such devoted hedgie parents! :applause:

I haven't made a particular sacrifice for Geoffrey yet, but in general I've given up our night life since we adopted him. I used to go to exercise class in the evening -- three times a week -- or go out with friends for dinner or movie. None of it is happening anymore. Oh, wait! I just remembered that last year I stayed home with G missing a family Christmas dinner at my brother in-laws' place, which would have required me to leave G alone at home for two nights. Does that count?