An animal lover quickly brings what she thinks is a sick baby hedgehog to the vet, only to realize it is actually a hat pom-pom.
A well-meaning animal lover in England recently had an unexpected adventure when she mistook a hat pom-pom for a baby hedgehog.
The story took place at Lower Moss Wood Nature Reserve & Wildlife Hospital in Cheshire.
It shows the importance of examining situations carefully before making assumptions about animals in need.
The unexpected rescue
The elderly woman was walking along a road when she spotted what she believed was an abandoned baby hedgehog.
Alarmed by the sight of the small, unmoving creature, she quickly sprang into action.
She gently picked it up and placed it in a cardboard box lined with newspaper. She even added some cat food, hoping to provide nourishment for the seemingly sick animal.
Throughout the night, the woman kept a watchful eye on the tiny ball of fluff, checking on it regularly.
However, the “hedgehog” remained motionless and showed no signs of life or appetite.
Growing increasingly concerned, she decided to take it to the wildlife hospital the following morning.
A surprising discovery
When she arrived at the Lower Moss Wood Nature Reserve & Wildlife Hospital, the woman spoke to Janet Kotze.
She explained her situation to the hospital manager.
“The lady came in with a box, saying she had found a baby hedgehog on the pavement,” Kotze recounted. “She was very worried because it hadn’t moved or eaten all night.”
Kotze, intrigued by the unusual find, took the box into a separate triage room to examine the supposed hedgehog.
Upon opening the box, she was taken aback by what she saw.
“I thought, ‘This is definitely not a hedgehog. Perhaps it’s some other kind of fluffy creature,'” Kotze said. But as soon as she picked it up, the truth became evident.
“I realized it wasn’t animated at all,” Kotze explained. “With the weight and feel of it, I could tell it wasn’t a hedgehog or any animal. It was just a bobble from a bobble hat.”
Kotze informed the woman of her mistake, and she was understandably embarrassed.
Additionally, she even asked if Kotze was joking.
Despite the mix-up, Kotze assured her that her intentions were pure and her heart was in the right place.
“She was very sweet, bless her,” Kotze said, appreciating the woman’s good intentions.
This humorous incident serves as a reminder of the importance of careful observation when it comes to wildlife.
The woman’s efforts to help what she thought was a baby hedgehog were commendable. However, it’s crucial to ensure that what we’re rescuing is actually in need.
As Kotze noted, “I don’t think she’ll make the same mistake again. I think she’ll check next time.”
Though it turned out to be a false alarm, the story has a heartwarming conclusion.
It showcases the kindness and compassion people can have for animals, even when their efforts are a bit misplaced.