Woman Gets Shock of Her Life While Caring for Injured 'Baby Hedgehog'
A lot of us have soft spots for injured, lost, or abandoned animals. We are the people who put the bird in the shoebox to take to the vet, to pull our cars over to move the turtle out of the road, and to try and save every stray cat and dog we see.
Well, a woman in Cheshire, England, has proven to have the biggest soft spot for animals out of anyone when she brought in what she thought was a baby hedgehog to the Lower Moss Wood Reserve and Wildlife Hospital. Except it wasn't a baby hedgehog. Not even close.
The shelter hilariously posted on Facebook, "Our hearts melted as a kind soul thought she was rescuing a baby hedgehog, only to discover it was a fluffy pom pom from a bobble hat!"
The Independent shared, "The vet on shift Janet Kotze told The Independent: “She was an older lady, maybe sixties or seventies, well-spoken and well-meaning. From a distance you take it at face value. She didn’t handle it at all - she scooped it in a box with some cat food and left it alone in a warm, dark place. She did everything so well. She barely peeked at it because she didn’t want to stress it out. She said she could see something on the roadside that looked like a hedgehog."
Related: Video of Dog 'Getting Mistaken for a Cow' Is Totally Irresistible
I just love this woman's big, sweet heart! I can see myself doing pretty much the same thing without wanting to get too close or disturb it. At least the Pom Pom is okay!
Do Hedgehogs Make Good Pets?
Hedgehogs can make great pets for the right owner, and if they are legal in your state. They do require a big enclosure with room to roam, explore and exercise. A small box kept inside the cage will provide them a place to hide in and sleep during the day. Try to keep the room temperature comfortable as well.
These little guys are nocturnal so that's something to keep in mind as well.
They usually eat once or twice a day and they eating insects and worms, but finely minced rice and meat or a low-fat cat or dog food will suffice in case you don't have fresh bugs to feed them. You can also give them some fresh fruit on occasion.
One drawback to hedgehogs is that these creatures will bite if they are sick or feel threatened in any way. They can also curl into a ball or hiss if they feel threatened. They certainly are adorable and for the right person can be a very wonderful pet.
If you do consider getting a hedgehog, make sure your veterinarian can care for them because they can be prone to certain health conditions and skin issues.
Or you know, you could just adopt a pom pom!
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