On February 12th, we celebrated one year of having our sweet little pygmy hedgehog – Durian – in our home…he is the cutest little guy (and is featured on our home page).
I’ve heard that Groundhog Day was originally Hedgehog Day in Europe. Durian told us when spring would happen, so I believe it!
Growing up, I had all kinds of pets – cats, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, fish, guinea pigs, snakes, birds, turtles, and even a skunk and a ferret! I don’t have as much time now as I did then, and I have many more responsibilities, so in order to enjoy the love and fun of a pet, it needed to be low maintenance. Our pet also needed to be non-allergenic – we’ve got dog and cat allergies in the house.
We decided on a hedgehog partially because one appeared to me in meditation – zipping around space with me in my experience that morning. A few weeks later, we were given the opportunity by a friend to take her place on the coveted hedgie waiting list of an excellent breeder. We said yes!!!
Durian is a curious and amazing creature. He reminds us to sleep, eat properly, exercise, and be curious – very basic, good things to remember.He knows us by smell and actually cuddles with people he knows and trusts. He is protective of himself at first, and reminds me to go slow with new, important relationships.
Animals can teach us a lot about ourselves and the world – either as pets or as images to contemplate. Hedgehos teach resourcefullness and effective use of energy.
I hope that if you have the desire to add a pet to your life, that you find the one that is just right for you. Pets can add so much!
Take care….
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