The month of June is devoted to our quilly counterparts across the pond. European Hedgehogs face different challenges than African Pygmy Hedgehogs. They live out in the wilds of nature, and must combat automobiles, dog-bites, lawn and gardening tool accidents, maggots, sewer drains, and even being abandoned by their hedgehog moms. Thankfully, there are many fine rescue and rehabilitation establishments for hedgehogs throughout Europe.
The HWS is a HEDGEHOG welfare society, and we believe that European hedgehogs fall under our wings too. So, we are devoting the month of June to do our part to assist European hedgehog caretakers in several ways. We hope to bring attention to the European hedgehog rescue and rehabilitation organizations through the June 2003 HWS newsletter. Several generous individuals have taken time away from their busy days of caring for sick hedgehogs to share their stories with us.
They have also taken time to share their hedgehogs with us through our "European Hedgehog Adoption" program. Through this program, HWS members who donate a $10.00 adoption fee receive stories and photos about their special hedgehog. The "adoptive" parent chooses a special name for their little one. In addition to the adoption fee, the HWS will send a comfy, extra-large Euro-sized sleepy hat or bag to the European hedgehog organizations. Check out the photos of these spectacular hats and bags, stitched with love by Jennifer Plombon, below. This adoption opportunity will only be available during the month of June, so adopt your hedgie today. Contact Donnasue at donnasue.graesser@aya.yale.edu for more information.
Thank you to all our foster parents:
Deb Weaver, Jeanne Stanoch, Jane Kuta, Bonnie and Merle, Penni G., Kimberly Clark and family, Marian and Emily Brown, Naomi Wikane, Vicki McLean, Jeannie Lockwood, Heather Johnson, Laura Wetterau, Melanie Abell, Janet L., Jennifer Simon, Erin and Erik, Laura and Chelle Ledet, Susan K., Janet Ernst, Kuniko, Maurita Plouff, Elana Adler, Sondra and Kimberly Harmon, Natasha Klukach, and Linda Edwards.
We will also be raising funds for Euro-hogs via eBay auctions and raffles. Our sincere thanks goes out to Frances Burcham, who won the first eBay auction for a hand-made wooden European hedgehog plaque; to Deb Weaver, who won the first Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle in our raffle at Niagara; to Lori Keller, who won the Soundprints Hedgehog Haven Set in our other Niagara raffle, and to Elaine Ross, who won the second eBay auction for another Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle! All in support of European hedgehogs!
Finally, European Awareness Month will wind up with RUBY TUESDAY 2003! On Tuesday, July 22nd, Ruby's Rescue Shop (click the link on the left for the HWS Store) will be offering free shipping for any orders placed that day. In addition, our first 25 customers will receive a car sticker (see picture below) featuring a whimsical cartoon of a hedgie from Kis's rescue in Denmark. This is a unique must have item! And, Ruby Tuesday is your only opportunity to get it here in the USA! AND one lucky random drawn shopper will receive an extra-special lavendar-scented hedgie pillow, in an adorable lavendar fabric, hand-crafted by Naomi Wikane. To order from Ruby's Rescue Shop on Ruby Tuesday, contact Donnasue at donnasue.graesser@aya.yale.edu. ALL of the profits from Ruby Tuesday sales will be donated to different European hedgehog rescue and rehabilitation organizations. You may learn more about these wonderful organizations and the work they do by visiting their web sites:
Beds and Herts Hedgehog Rescue
Finnish Hedgehog Society
Hedgehog Friends of Denmark
St. Tiggywinkle's Hospital
The Fylde Hedgehog Rescue Trust
The West Bretton Hedgehog Rescue
©2001-2006 The Hedgehog Welfare Society
