Our Gracie is way cuter than the picture. She has a white face and yes she is covered with prickles, but they lay down nicely so you can pet her when she is calm. Many people keep their hedgehogs like household pets, but with having dogs, and not wanting to find poop everywhere Gracie is confined to a cage with lots of fun things inside to keep her busy. I think Hedgehogs live for about 6 years. I love your description of the General. I can just see him going bonkers for kids. Dogs are the best!