For the past six months, we’ve been telling you about all the wonderful dogs and cats waiting for their forever homes at the Tri-City Animal Shelter. This week, our featured Pet of the Week asked you to tell us about yourself. Hedgehog…the floor is yours, my friend!
I’m very happy to meet you. We look forward to helping you on your journey to your forever home.
I am resting on my bed in a warm and lively shelter. My body is a little tired, but my heart is not broken. My name is a hedgehog, a nickname given to me after a misadventure with a porcupine. I was curious and maybe a little hungry, but the quill ended up bothering me more than I expected. They were removed, but not before they left their mark on my journey.
I don’t know how long I endured the pain, but I remember feeling helpless and unable to eat with the sharp quill stuck in my mouth. Thankfully, four benevolent souls worked tirelessly to pull them up, and their gentle hands brought me back to life.
Now I sit in this bustling shelter, longing for home. Some people say I’m reactive and will bark or growl when other dogs walk by. It’s true; the world can be overwhelming and I often feel the need to protect my space. But in reality, I want to be close to someone, I want to feel safe, I want to love and be loved.
When I go for a walk, it’s like a little adventure for me. With every step they take, they feel the soft soil beneath their feet and can’t help but look back at humans, their eyes sparkling with excitement. It’s like asking, “Where do we go next?” The world is full of possibilities, and we want to explore them all with you.
Toys don’t grab my attention like warm beings do. I crave the connection, gentle touch, and comforting voice that comes with being close to humans. I’m interested in food, I like to please, and I’m always ready to show what I can do. Sit, stay, come. These commands are like a dance we share, and for me it’s a way to show dedication and a passion for learning.
The staff at the shelter are often surprised by the look on my face. The happiness radiates from my face. Even here, where so many dogs are waiting for their chance, I have hope. I imagine the warmth of home, the whisper of a gentle voice, the feel of a hand on my back as I curl up next to you.
Car rides are my favorite. The wind blows through my fur and I feel free, alive, and full of joy. The world outside the window seems blurry, but in that moment I feel a connection between us, an unspoken bond that tells me I belong here.
I’ve been here since July 11, 2024, and I’m not going to lose hope. I know that somewhere, someone special is looking for me. Someone who understands the need for love and companionship beyond my reactive exterior.
So if you’re reading this, know that I’m waiting for you. My name is Hedgehog, and I’m more than just a dog at a shelter. I am a loyal friend and a bright spirit ready to fill your life with love and joy. Together we were able to make memories, explore the world, and find the happiness we both deserve. Can you drive me home?
The wonderful people who care for me here have asked me to remind them that the Tri-City Animal Shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You don’t need a reservation to see me, but if you already have a dog at home, you’ll need to bring your dog with you so we can get to know each other. Valid ID and $50 required. Then we can go home together. I am neutered, my vaccines are up to date, and I am microchipped so I can always find you.
Meet the Hedgehog…Tricity Animal Shelter’s Pet of the Week
Meet the Hedgehog…Tricity Animal Shelter’s Pet of the Week
Gallery credit: TCAS
