Thursday, November 19, 2009
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Catchup
I have been terribly remiss in my posting here. I'll be better!
Our house (mine and my husband's) is now home to two lovely girls, Harriet and Bianca. They're rescued sisters, about a year and a half old. They're just delightful! Besides Harriet being a bit hasty with her very, very sharp teeth, they are calm and gentle and snugly, and wonderful examples of hedgehogs to introduce to the world at large.
Nothing dramatic is going on with them right now, which is wonderful. I'm still trying to get them to sleep and poop where it is most convenient for me, but that is probably going to be a battle for a long while. They are their own creatures. Bianca could also stand to lose some weight, but that is difficult, since when I feed them less, Harriet is the one to become thinner. That is the trouble with having two pets in the same space, I suppose!
They are teaching me, as have all my hedgehogs. These girls have taught me about what it means to be a sister. Sister in this instance is used loosely. They are the first hedgies I've had who are used to having other hedgies around them. This changes the dynamic between the hedgies and me, as well. I can sometimes sneak my hand in beside them when they are sneaking, and they'll let me snuggle it beside them, even rolling on their side to be more comfortable. Even though I'm big, I'm "sister" to them, and sister means safe. They love to hide underneath me when they're out of their cage and I'm on the floor, and they adore my hair (especially messing it up). They interact with me in a way I really enjoy. I definitely look forward to learning more for them in our time together.
There you go! You are caught up! On the good stuff, at least. :)
Cheers!
~Kristen
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Milwaukee Hedgehog Rendezvous!
It was pretty awesome, I have to tell you. :) I might write about it later, but until then, check out the pictures at my gallery. The picture here is Lola's costume for the costume competition, for which she placed third. :)
Cheers!
~Kristen
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Yoda's Passage
Yoda was put to sleep last week Tuesday. Here is my eulogy for my dear, sweet boy:
It's with a heavy heart that I share with you that I helped Yoda cross
over to the rainbow fields this evening at about 6pm. He suddenly
became unresponsive and cold, refusing to eat and seemingly unaware of
where he was or who I was. At the vet's office we found he was more
than 10 degrees cooler than he should have been, though my apartment
was 77 and his heating pad was on high. His body was completely limp,
he wouldn't even hold up his head. He and I had agreed that he'd tell
me when it was time for him to go by not wanting to eat anymore, and
that time had come.
Yoda came to me almost exactly one year ago. He arrived to my
boyfriend's family's house in MN from Jennifer P. who got him from a
woman who knew someone in Iowa who didn't want him anymore. Said she
was going to graduate school and wasn't going to have time for him. He
was a sweetie right away, splatting out on Jennifer's lap the night he
spent with her.
He had many health problems and more than once over the last year I
thought I was losing him. Actually, I think I thought his passing was
eminent 4 times. He was a real come-back kid, though. He struggled
with blindness and balance issues that for the last 8 months had left
him unable to get around as good as he used to. This week he got stuck
on his back every night, poor guy, and I'd have to rescue him every
morning. Up until today, though, he loved his backrubs and turkey
snacks and rubs and cuddles enough that I knew he was happy staying
with me for at least a little while longer.
When they gave him a shot to help him sleep this afternoon in the
vet's office, he didn't even flinch. Somehow he had gone from being my
punkin, my sweet little boy to being more gone than here in just a few
short hours. He has left a huge hole in my heart. I'm not sure what
I'll do without my little boy to cuddle. I was so hoping he'd make it
to Milwawukee to meet all his friends from the list, but I guess it
just wasn't meant to be.
Even though I'm sad, and miss him terribly, I know that there wasn't
anything else I could do for him. He gave me a couple lip smacks as he
was peacefully drifting to sleep to let me know it was ok, that I was
doing the right thing and he was happy.
The vet school does necropsies free of charge, and I'm hoping that can
help me learn what had been going on with my dear boy. I'll be sure to
let you know when I've heard anything.
I'm sorry this isn't my best writing. He chose to leave me when I,
too, was sick, so that doesn't help. I'm just glad I got to spend his
last day cuddling and snuggling him here at home. I'm sure that was
his plan.
Thanks for all the support you've given me as I've battled his
illnesses over the last year. We both really benefited from your advice.
Could we save him for the next Circle of Light ceremony? I am in class
for the one on Thursday, and I would really like a chance to light a
candle with you when we remember my special little boy.
Hugs,
Kristen Z. and Lola
Angels Sophie, Heddie and Yoda
It's with a heavy heart that I share with you that I helped Yoda cross
over to the rainbow fields this evening at about 6pm. He suddenly
became unresponsive and cold, refusing to eat and seemingly unaware of
where he was or who I was. At the vet's office we found he was more
than 10 degrees cooler than he should have been, though my apartment
was 77 and his heating pad was on high. His body was completely limp,
he wouldn't even hold up his head. He and I had agreed that he'd tell
me when it was time for him to go by not wanting to eat anymore, and
that time had come.
Yoda came to me almost exactly one year ago. He arrived to my
boyfriend's family's house in MN from Jennifer P. who got him from a
woman who knew someone in Iowa who didn't want him anymore. Said she
was going to graduate school and wasn't going to have time for him. He
was a sweetie right away, splatting out on Jennifer's lap the night he
spent with her.
He had many health problems and more than once over the last year I
thought I was losing him. Actually, I think I thought his passing was
eminent 4 times. He was a real come-back kid, though. He struggled
with blindness and balance issues that for the last 8 months had left
him unable to get around as good as he used to. This week he got stuck
on his back every night, poor guy, and I'd have to rescue him every
morning. Up until today, though, he loved his backrubs and turkey
snacks and rubs and cuddles enough that I knew he was happy staying
with me for at least a little while longer.
When they gave him a shot to help him sleep this afternoon in the
vet's office, he didn't even flinch. Somehow he had gone from being my
punkin, my sweet little boy to being more gone than here in just a few
short hours. He has left a huge hole in my heart. I'm not sure what
I'll do without my little boy to cuddle. I was so hoping he'd make it
to Milwawukee to meet all his friends from the list, but I guess it
just wasn't meant to be.
Even though I'm sad, and miss him terribly, I know that there wasn't
anything else I could do for him. He gave me a couple lip smacks as he
was peacefully drifting to sleep to let me know it was ok, that I was
doing the right thing and he was happy.
The vet school does necropsies free of charge, and I'm hoping that can
help me learn what had been going on with my dear boy. I'll be sure to
let you know when I've heard anything.
I'm sorry this isn't my best writing. He chose to leave me when I,
too, was sick, so that doesn't help. I'm just glad I got to spend his
last day cuddling and snuggling him here at home. I'm sure that was
his plan.
Thanks for all the support you've given me as I've battled his
illnesses over the last year. We both really benefited from your advice.
Could we save him for the next Circle of Light ceremony? I am in class
for the one on Thursday, and I would really like a chance to light a
candle with you when we remember my special little boy.
Hugs,
Kristen Z. and Lola
Angels Sophie, Heddie and Yoda
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Monday, July 31, 2006
Farewell Heddie
Heddie's Story (??? to 7-30-06)
Heddie arrived at my apartment in October of last year. She had been
a classroom pet somewhere in Madison, but the school was no longer
allowing animals and the family who was caring for her had no
interest in keeping her. She showed up at my door in a plastic bin
with soaking wet shavings, a gerbil wheel and a little shoe box to
hide in. She was a huffy, fluffy girl, but she was very curious and
opened up very quickly when held (to the amazement of her prior
owner). I thought she would make a great candidate for re-homing
after I helped her adjust to more regular human contact again.
The first thing I did was get rid of her shavings and wheel. I set
her up in a pen and gave her a nice wheel to run in. That evening, I
let her wander around the livingroom to see how she would behave.
What I saw broke my heart. Heddie had no use of her back legs. When
she whump-whump-whumped across the floor, it was because she ran with
only two legs, while the back two dragged behind her.
So, Heddie stayed. The vet treated her for mites and said to help her
lose weight to increase her mobility, which eventually helped (to a
limited extent). Later, I started her on a low-allergin diet to help
her tummy feel better.
She was ever the gentle girl, once she stopped hissing and clicking
that is, and never ever bit or showed agression. She bit me once in
the time she was with me, and that was after Lola had been agressive
towards her and she was very upset. She prefered to eat mealworms
from the floor, since she had to be soooo careful not to bite my hand
when I held them for her. She prefered to eat the mealies from their
back ends, since she really didn't like when they tried to grab on to
her while she ate them. She was very patient with the vet, and always
polite with her fellow hogs. She was a gentle spirit, regal and kind.
Her illness came at a difficult time. Yoda has been so touch-and-go
lately, and Lola had her emergency spay just over a month and a half
ago. Poor Heddie hadn't gotten as much quality snuggle time until we
bonded over syringe feeding. That was an experience for sure. My
calm, sweet girl faught me tooth and nail, refusing to swallow,
whipping her head around, pawing wildly in the air when I tried to
give her medicine or Boost or baby food. She didn't particularly like
to be held afterwards, but she appreciated a place to hide or a leg
to snuggle. We found common ground and shared some good quality
moments, just the two of us.
Yesterday morning Heddie was gasping for air. Though she improved
when she was placed on her heating pad, she later stumbled about in
her habitat, deficating and urinating, gagging and falling to her
side in her effort to get enough air. She could have stayed alive
only in an oxygen tent, and after two rounds of antibiotics and
nearing complete anorexia, it was doubtful that she could have stayed
long even then. I made the difficult decision to help her cross.
Heddie fell asleep peacefully with Mom nearby. For the first time in
a month she breathed gently, and for the first time she let me hold
her and kiss her before sending her across the rainbow bridge. I am
so greatful to have been able to give her the gift of a peaceful
crossing, and know it was what she wanted.
Heddie will help the vet students at UW Madison learn more about
hedgie kind, and I will share the results of her necropsy with you
when it comes back to me in a few weeks. I look forward to the
closure of knowing why she had to leave me so soon after coming into
my life.
I know she is happy and running on four healthy legs with her friends
across the rainbow bridge. Her fellow Molly Girls are sure to have a
party for the newest arrival, and I know Angel Sophie was there to
welcome her and keep her company until the happy day I will see them
both again.
Thank you for coming into my life, sweet girl. I count you as one of
my blessings.
Heddie arrived at my apartment in October of last year. She had been
a classroom pet somewhere in Madison, but the school was no longer
allowing animals and the family who was caring for her had no
interest in keeping her. She showed up at my door in a plastic bin
with soaking wet shavings, a gerbil wheel and a little shoe box to
hide in. She was a huffy, fluffy girl, but she was very curious and
opened up very quickly when held (to the amazement of her prior
owner). I thought she would make a great candidate for re-homing
after I helped her adjust to more regular human contact again.
The first thing I did was get rid of her shavings and wheel. I set
her up in a pen and gave her a nice wheel to run in. That evening, I
let her wander around the livingroom to see how she would behave.
What I saw broke my heart. Heddie had no use of her back legs. When
she whump-whump-whumped across the floor, it was because she ran with
only two legs, while the back two dragged behind her.
So, Heddie stayed. The vet treated her for mites and said to help her
lose weight to increase her mobility, which eventually helped (to a
limited extent). Later, I started her on a low-allergin diet to help
her tummy feel better.
She was ever the gentle girl, once she stopped hissing and clicking
that is, and never ever bit or showed agression. She bit me once in
the time she was with me, and that was after Lola had been agressive
towards her and she was very upset. She prefered to eat mealworms
from the floor, since she had to be soooo careful not to bite my hand
when I held them for her. She prefered to eat the mealies from their
back ends, since she really didn't like when they tried to grab on to
her while she ate them. She was very patient with the vet, and always
polite with her fellow hogs. She was a gentle spirit, regal and kind.
Her illness came at a difficult time. Yoda has been so touch-and-go
lately, and Lola had her emergency spay just over a month and a half
ago. Poor Heddie hadn't gotten as much quality snuggle time until we
bonded over syringe feeding. That was an experience for sure. My
calm, sweet girl faught me tooth and nail, refusing to swallow,
whipping her head around, pawing wildly in the air when I tried to
give her medicine or Boost or baby food. She didn't particularly like
to be held afterwards, but she appreciated a place to hide or a leg
to snuggle. We found common ground and shared some good quality
moments, just the two of us.
Yesterday morning Heddie was gasping for air. Though she improved
when she was placed on her heating pad, she later stumbled about in
her habitat, deficating and urinating, gagging and falling to her
side in her effort to get enough air. She could have stayed alive
only in an oxygen tent, and after two rounds of antibiotics and
nearing complete anorexia, it was doubtful that she could have stayed
long even then. I made the difficult decision to help her cross.
Heddie fell asleep peacefully with Mom nearby. For the first time in
a month she breathed gently, and for the first time she let me hold
her and kiss her before sending her across the rainbow bridge. I am
so greatful to have been able to give her the gift of a peaceful
crossing, and know it was what she wanted.
Heddie will help the vet students at UW Madison learn more about
hedgie kind, and I will share the results of her necropsy with you
when it comes back to me in a few weeks. I look forward to the
closure of knowing why she had to leave me so soon after coming into
my life.
I know she is happy and running on four healthy legs with her friends
across the rainbow bridge. Her fellow Molly Girls are sure to have a
party for the newest arrival, and I know Angel Sophie was there to
welcome her and keep her company until the happy day I will see them
both again.
Thank you for coming into my life, sweet girl. I count you as one of
my blessings.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Hedgehog Update and X-Rays
Lots has been going on with the hogs. About four weeks ago Lola had an emergency surgery to remove her enlarged uterus. She's doing just fine, and, besides my having to snip a stitch that was being pushed out of her tummy, we've had no problems.
Heddie also had to go to the vet about two weeks ago. When I returned from work I found her panting, even gasping with an open mouth. I couldn't afford the emergency fee (Lola had to go to the vet at 10pm), so we had to wait a few days until the first available appointment. She lived in the bathroom for two days, which I kept hot and steamy by filling the tub with hot water a couple times. By the time we got to the vet she was still not eating well but was breathing better. I gave her some antibiotics and that seemed to fix her up.
In my trips to the vet, I was able to ask my vet to e-mail me the x-rays of Yoda from his vet visit earlier this year. Those are the pictures at the top of the blog. You can see some cloudiness in his right ear on the top-down view. He had an ear infection, and possibly some damage to his inner ear. Poor boy.
Time for dinner. Enjoy the pics!
~Kristen
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