Margot, my pet hedgehog, passed away today (Saturday, May 3, 2008). She was six years old.
Margot’s health had been failing for a week or two. I noticed that she hadn’t been eating, so Ryan and I got her out of her cage one night and saw that she was so weak she could barely walk. She would take a few steps and then collapse. We tried feeding her wet cat food (recommended), but all she would do is lick it. Ryan held her in his lap in a towel for a couple of hours and fed her sips of water, which she eagerly took. We tried doing this for a few more days, but she had gotten past the point where she wanted food or water.
Last night Ryan went to a movie, so I got Margot out of her cage and kept her on the couch with me all evening. I tried giving her food and water, but she wouldn’t take either. I knew she was close to the end since hedgehogs only live 5-7 years, so I knew there was nothing a vet could do. And I didn’t know what else to do besides make sure she was comfortable and loved. I had a terrible feeling that she wouldn’t make it through the night.
She was alive this morning when I checked on her, but barely. I got her out and held her for a few minutes, and when I put her back in her cage I told her that I loved her and that she had been a very good pet just in case it was the last time I had a chance to say that. Turns out, it was. I checked on her again this afternoon around 2:45 and she was gone.
I’ll miss her surly attitude and sticky kisses. She had fun in the yard a couple of weeks ago. She had a good life overall, and had a house full of good friends. In the end, I think that’s all anyone can ask for.
