Have you hugged your porcupine today?

Meet Stinkers. Before becoming an online sensation of viral video,  Stinkers lived a life on the slopes of Telluride Colorado  where his name was Snickers or Stickers to some – depends on who you ask.    Snickers could have been an appropriate name because he came to rely on the chocolate goodness and treats skiers would provide him on the slopes.  His antics were well documented on film as he batted his big brown eyes and begged for yummy treats.   ANd because those big brown eyes don’t see so well,  he sometimes didn’t know the difference between a ladyfinger and a lady’s finger.  OUCH!    He had become dependent on hand-outs, so for his safety and the safety of others,  Stinkers now resides in an Alaska Wildlife refuge.  Take a look here — ( I’m having some difficulty with embedding the video – if you don’t see it below – click “meet stinkers” at the beginning of this post)

What struck me most when I watched this video was this:  Porcupines need hugs, too!   Well, of course they do.    Think about it.  How many times have you had a lousy day.   Your head hurts.  Your body aches.    People are getting on your very last nerve.    You’ve got a scowl  on your face.    Your mood could easily be described as “prickly”.  Then… someone you really care about says, “come here”  And wraps arms around you. Gives a BIG squeeze  and just holds you.   Things seem to get better right?
Now think about this.   How many people cross our path’s each day that the word “prickly”  would be  the NICEST thing we could say about them.  When threatened, they shoot their quills of critical words, hurtful looks, or ignore you altogether.  Of course, I may be given to oversimplification but what if you misjudge all those prickles you see.  What if those quills are there to hide their very own hurts and insecurities.  It’s true, some people are mean. They Just are.  But most of those we quickly dismiss as meanies are really  just big ol softies underneath. Sometimes I forget that and put my own stickers out in defense.   I appreciate Stinkers/ Snickers/ Stickers reminding me –   Everyone needs a hug.
Even porcupines.