Kismet is the Diva.

Kismet was born on March 5, 2008 and came home one month after Hemi died. She's a sweet albino girl that I came across in a pet store in Edmonton, and I fell in love. I wasn't really looking for another hedgehog, but something told me I should take a peek at the hedgehogs this store had to offer.

I'll never forget the first time I laid eyes on little Kismet. She was curled up in the corner of an aquarium, nearly buried by aspen shavings. Her cage mate was fast asleep in a plastic igloo. When I walked up to the aquarium, I was automatically drawn to the little albino, which was very strange. I'd never been a fan of albino animals because of the red eyes, but there was something about her that made me want to pick her up and snuggle her.

So I did. I asked a store associate to take her out of the aquarium and bring her out so I could see her. The associate handed her to me, and I felt the oddest feeling of deja vu - it was almost as if I knew this hedgehog. When she opened her eyes and looked at me, the feeling grew stronger. Looking into those bright red eyes, I saw something pass in front of them, like the hedgehog recognized me. She wasn't scared or hissing like many baby hedgehogs do, but was more content to watch me.

Knowing I couldn't bring home another hedgehog, I kissed the hedgehog on her soft, pink nose before reluctantly handing her back. Imagine my surprise when she quickly licked the tip of my nose, just like Hemi had done.

Leaving the store was incredibly difficult and I had the feeling I was making a huge mistake. This hedgehog was meant to be mine, and I'd regret it if I left without her. I quickly phoned my mother to figure out how much trouble I'd be in if I brought this hedgehog home and was told to make the decision for myself. Rather than running right back into the store, I decided to see a movie and think about what I was going to do. I figured if she was still there when the movie finished, it would be fate.

Four hours later, I rushed back toward the pet store to pick up my newest baby and hoped she was still there. Reaching the store, I saw her sweet face pressed against the glass of the aquarium, watching the entrance. I asked another store associate to get her for me, and was met with a bit of hesitation. Apparently, this little hedgehog has become quite grumpy after I left and had not stopping hissing since. A few people had tried to pick her up, but her hissing discouraged them. The store clerk tried to sell me the other hedgehog in the cage, but I was adamant; I wanted the albino.

The clerk donned a pair of gardening gloves and went in to grab the little animal. This poor creature panicked and began hissing and struggling to get away from the clerk. Eventually, the clerk gave up and I offered to get this baby. Reaching in, I was met with no resistance at all as the baby settled in my hands. She had been waiting.

Kismet quickly settled into her new life as a spoiled brat. From the beginning, she has been extraordinarily social and enjoys scurrying to her cage door as soon as she hears it opening. As far she's concerned, a cage door opening means a new friend holding a treat. I have to warn people to be very careful when they visit her, because she will go hurtling over the edge of her cage to visit. It's rather dangerous for her, because her cage is about two feet above the floor.

In the year I've had her, Kismet never ceases to amaze me at how similar she is to Hemi. Aside from their coloring, Kismet could have been Hemi's twin. When she came home, Kismet simply picked up where Hemi left off and it's as if Hemi was never really gone. She uses Hemi's bowls, bed and toys and is completely thrilled with the treats that were bought specifically for Hemi. Kismet even loves apples just as much as Hemi did, and will literally smack her lips together when she smells an apple.

To protect her from the same illness that eventually claimed Hemi's life, I had Kismet spayed at five months old. It was a relatively simple procedure and Kismet was her usual self the very next day. It brought me peace of mind, knowing that she would never suffer how Hemi did.

Every day, I think that Hemi played a part in Kismet's arrival. She knew I missed the bond we had, so she sent another hedgehog to take her place. She made sure I saw Kismet when I did, and she did her best to guarantee that I couldn't leave without her. In a way, I believe that Kismet is a reincarnation of Hemi because she knew how empty my life was without an affectionate hedgehog to cuddle and dote on.