On Wednesday, I had to put down my hedgehog, Brick. He was about 10 years old, which is basically the max for these curious creatures. He had a tumor on his jaw, and couldn't eat anymore and therefore was losing weight. Having this hedgehog was one of the most fun experiences, and I will miss it for all that it was.

Brick amazed people. For many, he was the first hedgehog they had ever seen. I can't count on my fingers how many times I have been asked about my "Porcupine". He made people smile, like great pets do, and I highly recommend the experience to anyone.

Here's why.

1. They are unique.

I mean, what other animal is like a hedgehog? (No, porcupines are NOT at all like hedgehogs). They have quills, like to swim, dig holes, burry themselves, eat bugs, and cuddle. They eat so much, poop so much, and can live in a variety of environments and temperatures. They are different, and I loved having a different pet.

2. They teach responsibility.

Any pet can teach responsibility, but this animal can be more of a challenge than most people expect. These critters are so small that if you let them out of their cage and ignore them for more than 3 seconds, they suddenly are out of sight. I lost my hedgehog more times than I can count, which led to lots of yard searches under bushes and in the garden.

3. People will love it (almost as much as you).

For most of my friends, family, and neighbors, my hedgehog was the first one they had ever seen or held. It was exciting for so many people, and I think they loved the experience, even if they were a bit scared of the prickly quills.

4. They make you less afraid.

At first I was afraid to hold him because the quills do hurt, plus he liked to nibble on your fingers it you put them too close to his face. Hedgehogs also puff and push their quills out, which is a natural defense mechanism. It was scary at first, but after a while, I was holding him without a blanket, and without any hesitation.

5. Teach you how to clean.

These little guys are DIRTY. They poop more than any pet I have ever seen, hands down. They smell and require baths often. Cleaning their cage can almost be a daily occurrence, but hey it is worth it!

6. Perfect first pet.

I have never had a dog before, but I think Hedgehogs are a perfect starter pet, because although they are dirty, and very curious when out of their cage, they don't require as much attention as a dog or even a cat might need.

7. Guys, girls love a guy with a hedgehog.

They do, ask my brother. Ask me for that matter. It's true, there is nothing like a guy, gently holding a hedgehog.

8. Ladies, it's quite funny watching guys get skittish.

This is also true. Many of my friends were skittish holding him for the first time, but when some of the guys would come visit him, they were uneasy about holding him and touching him. They got used to the quills and the puffing eventually, but it was quite comical to watch sometimes.

9. Great learning opportunity.

When my family first got him, we didn't know much about hedgehogs so we had to research a lot of information online. But I think my favorite part was teaching others about my hedgehog. I was fortunate enough to take him to my old high school's FFA events, and show him to some elementary classrooms in my hometown. Introducing people to an animal they had never seen before was such an amazing experience.

10. They are so cute.

I mean look at him! How could you not want one?