Hedgehog? Where?

As anyone who reads this blog knows, we are all about cute furry animals.  More specifically, we’re about having cute furry animals at our houses.

On Saturday night, at my children’s school, we had a science fair event.  Part of the evening included our local zoo bringing several animals for a visit.  There is nothing I like more than visiting animals.  The flyer said, and I quote, “prepare to cozy up to a hedgehog.”  OMG!!!!!  We love, love, LOVE hedgehogs!  I have never been more prepared for anything in my life!

Really Cute Hedgehog

I immediately texted Amylynn – “You are jealous because I’m going to cozy up to a hedgehog on Saturday night.”  We discussed what size purse I was going to need just in case.   

I swear, I do not own a red purse.

Ed did not find this to be funny.  Ed said I was not to even consider stealing a hedgehog.  Stealing is such an ugly word, don’t you think?  I like liberate.  Ed said I was not to even consider liberating a hedgehog.  Whatever.

For days I practiced saying “What hedgehog?” and “Did you have a hedgehog with you?”

There were two people from the zoo with the animals.  I was hoping for just one but I’m nothing if not adaptable to whatever situation presents itself.  The guy zoo keeper was a bit buff.  I pointed him out to Ed and asked if he could take him.  Before Ed thought about that he said yes.  Then I got the stink eye and “Don’t even think about it.”  My non-response resulted in “I’m not bailing you out of jail.”  This wasn’t a concern because Amylynn would – men never really understand the whole girlfriends as sisters thing.

To my great disappointment, we were not even allowed to touch the hedgehog.  I thought there were laws against false advertising?  “Cozy” up indeed.  The zoo handler held her in a blanket.  Her name was Nike and she was freakin’ adorable. 

At the end, we were allowed to pet the chicken and a snake.  I’ll admit I petted the chicken (she was lovely) but I didn’t pet the snake because it was very snake-ish.  I demanded to be allowed to “cozy” up to the hedgehog, as advertised,  and was told she felt like a cactus.  I insisted I didn’t care about that. 

I’ll tell you what; those zoo people kept their eye on those animals like someone might try to steal one for goodness sake.