I was recently tidying my book shelves and rediscovered a book a friend had given me last year called Prickly Poems. As you may have guessed from the title it is a collection of hedgehog themed poems. As I flicked through its pages I was reminded of some of my favourite poems. So I've decided to share some of them with you. I hope you enjoy! Luv Poem by Benjamin Zephaniah The Mower by Philip Larkin
In Defence of Hedgehogs by Pam Ayres - why not listen to this poem being read by the poet Hedgehog by Paul Muldoon - why not listen to this poem being read by the poet Hedgehogs in the Garden by Angela Wybrow There was another poem I wanted to share called Hedgehog by Spike Milligan. However I've been unable to track down a copy online. As it's in copyright I can't share it in full here but if you'd like to read it then why not track down a copy of Prickly Poems (although out of print there are second hand copies available). I hope you enjoy these poems and if you have a favourite hoggie themed poem please share the link OR if you've written your own please feel free to share.
As is normal when a new year dawns you start to think about the previous year. So as a follower of tradition I've decided to share a few highlights with you.
2012 was the first year in almost 20 years that we had to make the very hard decision to close the doors of HQ for two months (July and August). However our work did not stop. We still took calls and provided advice. Our fosterers continued to care for our disabled hedgehogs and carers took on the task of hand rearing a number of very small hoglets.
Sophie's hoglets - all successfully hand reared and released
Although we lost a few hogs we also had some great successes. These not only included the hoglets above but also hogs like Helen who came in very unwell in March. We were not 100% sure she'd make it but to our delight she did. We even have video proof of how well she was doing (taken prior to going into hibernation):
Helen and friend enjoying a feast
We raised money by giving talks, presentations and attending fairs. We also had the pleasure of taking part in the A120 vets open day, which was not only enjoyed by a large gang of bikers (who support Mutts In Distress) but also some four legged friends as well.
Just a few of the four legged friends who joined the A120 open day
Due to a very strange breeding season last year we were in-undated with very late babies. Thankfully most survived including both sets of entire litters that came in during October.
Mum with her babies (still suckling) rescued from Harlow
For the first time ever we set up a wish list. This has meant that our generous supporters kept all the hogs in our care fed for almost the entire month of December. However having just closed our 2012 books we are £250 short of our total running costs for 2012. But compared to other years this is a great result!
Just some of the food donated in December
THANK YOU!
We have already received our first call for 2013 from Medivet in Stanstead Abbots who are looking after a small hoglet. We will be picking him up in the next couple of days once he is given the all-clear by the vet.
