March 2022

As Russia continue their attack against the Ukraine, COVID seems to be quite widespread (imagine that after ending restrictions!). Knowing of quite a few people locally that have escaped COVID so far, but have succumbed, I’m still being ultra cautious.

North Devon are currently 1st in the country with an infection rate of 1449 per 100k.

A Tribute

I can’t believe I’m actually writing this, in the beginning of March, Rupert suddenly went off his food (very unlike him) and just wanted to sleep. I took Rupert straight to the vet who examined him under general anaesthetic, the vet couldn’t find anything obviously wrong so gave him painkillers and antibiotics (which I had to inject).

Two days later he was worse, so I had to take Rupert back in for the day for another general anaesthetic, then he could have an ultrasound, X-rays and bloods taken. There were a few anomalies but again no obvious cause.

Unfortunately, he still wasn’t any better so had to take him back again the following day for another general anaesthetic and more tests. This time we got a diagnosis of pancreatitis, which was odd because Rupert had always had a low fat diet and was reasonably active on his wheel. I was told there wasn’t really a lot they could do for him, if it was caused by an infection then the antibiotics should be sorting it.

I brought him home with some painkillers, the rest of the antibiotics and some antiemetic medication. He initially picked up and ate all his food the next few nights, but on Monday night he was off his food again, Tuesday he was a bit brighter, then Wednesday night wouldn’t eat anything.

I rang the vet on Thursday morning to have Rupert put so sleep and was given an appointment at 5:30. Just after I’d phoned, I decided to get Rupert out and put him on my knee then I could be with him for a little longer. Rupert stretched out and went to sleep, he woke up about an hour later, raised his head made a little grunt and passed away.

I know some people may think, but he’s just a hedgehog, he wasn’t. Rupert was so gentle and affectionate, he’d snuggle into my arm every night while I watched the tv. He knew what time I’d get him out at night and would come and stand in the corner looking for me if I was late. He was also very inquisitive, if I was talking to somebody at the front door, he’d often come over to investigate.

Rupert was a happy soul, it’s quite easy to tell when a hedgehog is relaxed, their quills are flat and they often enjoy being stroked. As soon as they are uncertain their quills rise and if they’re really unhappy or worried they go into a ball.

I was really touched by the messages and comments from the hedgehog Instagram community, and my friend Dandelion Whitecar made this lovely picture in tribute.

Further Adventures

Loosing Rupert was hard, especially as he was so young. I could never replace Rupert in a million years, he was very special. I hated seeing the empty vivarium and there felt such a void.

By coincidence the breeder I’d bought my rabbit Pippin from, had a baby boy hedgehog for sale, so I arranged to go and collect him. Unfortunately, this involved going down a farm track which was definitely more suited to a 4×4. When I started down the track to go home, there was a large bang which sounded like the exhaust had fallen off. My Mum got out to check and everything looked ok.

So I proceeded with caution, all seemed well until I joined the motorway, part way up the slip road the same thing happened again – another loud bang. So, I pulled onto the hard shoulder and rang Greenflag.

I know now that, as I’m unable to exit the car, I need to immediately ring 999 and alert the Police/Highways Agency to the situation. It was scary being stuck in the car unable to get out (also having a baby hedgehog needing to be kept warm didn’t help my stress levels). I was also worried about what would happen if my car needed to be recovered, as I need a car which is a similar height to my wheelchair then I can transfer into it.

Eventually, Greenflag arrived, he couldn’t find anything obviously wrong with the car. As we were close to the next junction, he suggested I drove carefully with him behind me and he’d see if he could see anything.

He checked the car over again and said all seemed fine, so I decided I’d drive it home and get it booked in at the local garage. Thankfully, they couldn’t find anything wrong with it either – which is very odd!

After that long story – please meet baby Zebedee:

Zebedee is very shy at the moment, but hopefully he’ll settle in soon.

take care

Julia xxx