Alright guys. I need a strategy!

[hemi_mygirl]

Recently, it came to my attention that a girl I know via another forum had a hedgehog surrendered to her after it's owners decided they didn't want him/her. Since she runs an animal rescue, she can't keep the animal, but is looking to allow others to adopt it. I'd love to adopt it, but my parents don't want another hedgehog. So...

I need your guy's help to convince my parents that they love Hemi and they could love a second hedgehog too. I'll be moving out within the next year or so, and I graduate college in 4 months (yay!). Anyone who are parents on this board... would asking for the hedgehog as a graduation gift work? If I was willing to pay for it myself? I just can't stand this baby to go into the care of someone who didn't know about it.

Any other ideas/strategies are greatly appreciated. :)

[Melody]

First of all, I could offer to adopt you. And your hedgehogs. I WISH my kids had been as interested in pets as I am! Okay, not a viable option - lol.

If you have been a responsible student with good grades, and have taken good care of your existing pets (which we know you have), I would point this out in a nice way. Explain how you have PROVEN your maturity and responsibility in multiple areas of your life. Explain that taking care of a pet not only brings you tremendous joy, but enhances your understanding of taking charge of and being responsible for something other than yourself. Ask if there is anything else you could do in exchange for their allowing you this special thing (like doing an extra chore for them around the house). Of course you should offer to pay for it yourself, and all the stuff it needs, and work out a means to do that. Or ask for it as a graduation present (it's cheaper than a car - lol).

Sort of "beg" for this opportunity to once again prove to them your maturity. Promise that if you fail to live up to your end of the bargain in taking care of this new pet, you agree to relinquish it voluntarily upon their request. (PS It will never come to that, but it is an offer they will find difficult to argue with!)

A well-timed teardrop doesn't hurt, but avoid hysterics at all costs - that's not mature.

Good luck! The above always worked when my kids used this on me! Just don't give these trade secrets away!!!! LOL

[hemi_mygirl]

You should adopt me... I do my own laundry! lol.

LOL, I've just been showing my mother pictures of babies again. She's easy. Dad is the difficult one - he thinks all animals should be kept outside. ahah.

Paying and caring for the animal is no problem. I've done that for Hemi too, and I haven't really worked since starting college. I budget carefully. ahah.

As for grades, I'm sitting at about a 92% average, which is distinction at my college. I just may use that... ahah.

[Melody]

Another pointer --
Point out in semi-dramatic fashion how other parents have to deal with the trauma and anguish of kids who are on drugs/alcohol, have lousy grades, drop out of school, no ambition, etc. Then mention they should be thrilled and feel blessed that the "ONLY" thing you are asking for is another hedgehog - such a little thing!

[hemi_mygirl]

hahah, now THAT is genius...

[HamorHollow]

You should adopt me... I do my own laundry! lol.


If you promise to do our laundry and help with cages, you can come live at Hamor Hollow. Just imagine how much fun you would have with all the hedgies here! :p

-K

[hemi_mygirl]

If you promise to do our laundry and help with cages, you can come live at Hamor Hollow. Just imagine how much fun you would have with all the hedgies here! :p

-K

I don't think you should tempt me like that. I don't mind cleaning cages... it's easy compared to cleaning horse stalls and I liked that.

[bloane]

She likes cleaning up after horses? Too bad Kelly, you can't have her. She needs to come HERE. I won't even make her do my laundry. And since our horses are primarily pastured, there are very very few stalls to clean out. But we have foals play with and halter break, and hedgehogs to play with, and and and and. ;)
Becca

I don't think you should tempt me like that. I don't mind cleaning cages... it's easy compared to cleaning horse stalls and I liked that.

[hemi_mygirl]

She likes cleaning up after horses? Too bad Kelly, you can't have her. She needs to come HERE. I won't even make her do my laundry. And since our horses are primarily pastured, there are very very few stalls to clean out. But we have foals play with and halter break, and hedgehogs to play with, and and and and. ;)
Becca
Now THAT is tempting me. I worked with Standardbred racehorses for 3 years.. and playing with foals was one of my favorite things to do. Brushing them was my VERY favorite thing in the world. ahah.

[hemi_mygirl]

Quick little update... the rescue hedgehog is indeed female, so that makes it easier to convince my parents. And... if Hemi and the new one will accept it, they could be housed together. God, I'm already thinking ahead.

I'm excited, and I haven't even talked to my parents yet..