Our Hedgehog, Sonic

Original name, huh? When my son took his Christmas money to the mall, Adam insisted on buying Sonic. The animal, covered with quills, was surprisingly cuddly.

I was foolish enough to believe that the employees at the mall actually knew how to care for the animals they sold. When I asked about a hedgehog's basic care, I was seriously misinformed. At another pet store I found a book on hedgehogs and was just beginning to learn about Internet search engines. We began to correct some of our mistakes.

Hedgehogs love mill worms. About once a week I brought that special treat home for Sonic. He instantly scooted out from under his box and sucked them down like spaghetti. He could be a very noisy little eater.

All parents know that a child's enthusiasm with a new pet lasts about a week. If the parent doesn't become the primary caregiver, the animal is a goner.

Since Sonic couldn't climb, I sometimes let him run about the linoleum kitchen floor at night. Despite what the pet store employee said, you can't train a hedgehog to stop being nocturnal.

That little animal could hold his own around creatures much bigger. My brother's cat wasn't fast enough to swat him. Sonic rolled into a ball and set his quills up quicker than the cat could pounce. One hiss from Sonic caused both our dogs to turn and run.

Sonic lived about 7 years, longer than the average hedgehog in captivity. It was a very hectic time in my life. Caring for Sonic made me slow down for a few moments each day. He made me smile, too. I enjoyed watching him run. I liked cradling him in my palms and he even learned to respond to my voice.

I walked Sonic in my flower beds, allowing him to dig up yummy insects and slugs. For him it was a breakfast outing. For me it was a way to conclude the day. These walks caused me to pause and wind down, to enjoy just sitting in the grass and watching the setting sun.

When I look back at that busy, busy time where I was overworked and under appreciated by a tyrant employer, I'm sure I accomplished much for the company. Now, it is all a blur. One thing I can remember clearly, however, is sitting in the grass and enjoying the sunsets.