[sarahomnia]

i can't spend much more time with him then to feed him, give him fresh water, and clean his cage weekly right now.
reason for this, my mom just had a 7 hour spinal surgery and i have to be there for her and take care of the house while taking care of myself through a chemo-like antibody treatment.
after being at the hospital all day with her, i'm too exhausted to do much with hector

i want to keep him, as the only person that i could give him to in my area is the humane society.
but i don't want to be unfair to him.

is it okay if he goes a few weeks with minimal contact?
i try to make some time to at least get him out 4+ times a week to give him his mealies.
and i absolutely adore the little guy.
i actually just got my senior pictures taken and he's in them

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/3775/img6787r.jpg
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/6105/img6796r.jpg
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/1787/img6794r.jpg

 

[Zalea]

Sorry to hear about your mom. Hope she heals up quickly!
Are you going to be able to spend time with him after those few weeks? If so, as long as you take him out and interact with him for a little while each day, even if it's only 15 minutes or so, a few weeks shouldn't hurt anything. You have to be sure to get him out and check on him during this time, though, and can't leave him on his own for a day or two at a time because if something were to get around his leg or he were to develop a respiratory problem it could be fatal. As long as it's a temporary thing and he's still getting some interaction during the few weeks, I wouldn't think there will be much of a problem. If you're not going to be able to give him the interaction he needs after that time, you may need to think about re-homing. The Hedgehog Welfare Society has a rescue list of different places in each state that will take in a hedgie in: http://www.hedgehogwelfare.org/rescue_list.htm. They also have an area where they will screen applicants on petfinder and send you the best applicants so you can choose the new owner while you keep the hedgie: http://www.hedgehogwelfare.org/relinquishment.htm Either is an option if you find you won't have time after a few weeks, and both are definitely better than just giving him to the humane society.

 

[HedgeMom]

If this is a temporary situation, the by all means keep Hector. A few weeks, even a few months of less attention, will be ok and better than the stress of rehoming. That said, the ONE thing you need to be aware of is that, no matter how little time you have to spend with him, you need to put it to optimal use. Do thorough health checks as often as you can. Try to be hyper aware of his behavior so you don't miss an illness. Those are much more important than bonding and cuddling. Do the routine maintenance like nail clipping and stuff and you should be ok.

 

[LarryT]

If this is a temporary situation, the by all means keep Hector. A few weeks, even a few months of less attention, will be ok and better than the stress of rehoming. That said, the ONE thing you need to be aware of is that, no matter how little time you have to spend with him, you need to put it to optimal use. Do thorough health checks as often as you can. Try to be hyper aware of his behavior so you don't miss an illness. Those are much more important than bonding and cuddling. Do the routine maintenance like nail clipping and stuff and you should be ok.

I agree with HedgeMom

 

[Herisson]

The pictures are amazing! I hope you will be able to keep him. It looks like Hector adores you also.

 

[shetland]

I am so sorry about your mother. Such responsibility for a young woman. How wonderful you are! I too hope you get to keep your Hector. Having him in your Senior picture-well doesn't that just show how much you care about him and how important he is in your life. Lovely pictures too!!!!!!!!!!!!