It is with a heavy heart that I announce Hagrid's retirement from Captain. What began as a scratched eye before winter break, turned out to be lymphoma after multiple vet visits and surgery. Although his prognosis was not good, he has already outlived it and continues to eat, drink, and run on his wheel each night as if he is perfectly healthy. Despite his seemingly normal behavior, his looks have changed quite a bit due to the growing tumor. That is one of several reasons I have decided to retire him from school. I would hate for the children to remember him as a sick hedgehog, rather than his healthy, adorable self. I also want to avoid any trauma that could be caused if he were to pass away at school or in transit. I have been in touch with Hagrid's breeder in Chicago and she believes we are doing everything we can at this point to keep him comfortable.
It is true that I have said I will choose to raise another baby hedgehog after Hagrid, but no other hedgehog will be the original happy hedgehog. For a very small and timid creature, he has certainly made a big impact on my classrooms over the past two and a half years.
As always, I am deeply appreciative of your understanding and support.
