Prickly Pals: A Flat That's Home to a Dog... and a Hedgehog!
This unlikely pair keep each other entertained while the humans are working
Brenna Malmberg
3 November 2017
Photos from Justy Nusbaum
Pets at a Glance
Pets: Nova, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Ozzie, an African pygmy hedgehog
Ages: 2 and 3
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
Owners: Justy Nusbaum, a graphic and UX/UI designer, and Broderick Carlin, a robotics engineer
Meet Nova: She’s a professional napper and has mastered the pouty face, owner Justy Nusbaum says. She’s the first dog for Nusbaum, who has come to love all the snuggles a dog brings to her life. “She makes a great heater in the winter,” says Nusbaum, “and like any teenager, sleeps in until noon if you let her”.
Meet Ozzie: This little guy moved in with Nusbaum when she was at university. He spends most of his time sleeping, running on his wheel and finding a new place to sleep.
Pets at a Glance
Pets: Nova, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Ozzie, an African pygmy hedgehog
Ages: 2 and 3
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
Owners: Justy Nusbaum, a graphic and UX/UI designer, and Broderick Carlin, a robotics engineer
Meet Nova: She’s a professional napper and has mastered the pouty face, owner Justy Nusbaum says. She’s the first dog for Nusbaum, who has come to love all the snuggles a dog brings to her life. “She makes a great heater in the winter,” says Nusbaum, “and like any teenager, sleeps in until noon if you let her”.
Meet Ozzie: This little guy moved in with Nusbaum when she was at university. He spends most of his time sleeping, running on his wheel and finding a new place to sleep.
Unlikely friends
Nusbaum introduced Nova to Ozzie right away when she was a puppy. At first, they weren’t sure what to think of each other, says Nusbaum. Now Ozzie couldn’t care less about what Nova is up to, even when the dog is following him around as he roams the apartment. “They’ve ended up being the perfect pet duo,” says Nusbaum. “I’ve never had to worry about Nova with him, and it actually gives her something to do when he’s wandering out and about the apartment.”
The only thing that had to change when Nova moved in was putting Ozzie’s food up higher so the dog couldn’t eat it.
Nusbaum introduced Nova to Ozzie right away when she was a puppy. At first, they weren’t sure what to think of each other, says Nusbaum. Now Ozzie couldn’t care less about what Nova is up to, even when the dog is following him around as he roams the apartment. “They’ve ended up being the perfect pet duo,” says Nusbaum. “I’ve never had to worry about Nova with him, and it actually gives her something to do when he’s wandering out and about the apartment.”
The only thing that had to change when Nova moved in was putting Ozzie’s food up higher so the dog couldn’t eat it.
Workday activities
Nusbaum occasionally works out of the flat she shares with Broderick Carlin, in a 1920s building that used to be a furniture warehouse. Nova likes to follow Nusbaum around while she works, finding a cosy spot to nap or keep a watchful eye on her. The hedgehog either doesn’t really care much that she’s home or is fast asleep in his cage.
“Ozzie is nocturnal and is out sleeping for the entire day unless I wake him up, which I usually do,” says Nusbaum. He gets most active in the evenings. “I typically will hear him start running on his wheel at around 11 each night. He runs marathons on that thing.”
Nusbaum occasionally works out of the flat she shares with Broderick Carlin, in a 1920s building that used to be a furniture warehouse. Nova likes to follow Nusbaum around while she works, finding a cosy spot to nap or keep a watchful eye on her. The hedgehog either doesn’t really care much that she’s home or is fast asleep in his cage.
“Ozzie is nocturnal and is out sleeping for the entire day unless I wake him up, which I usually do,” says Nusbaum. He gets most active in the evenings. “I typically will hear him start running on his wheel at around 11 each night. He runs marathons on that thing.”
Favourite nap spots
Both animals love to nap on fuzzy pillows, blankets and rugs, “which is probably why we have a million of them around the apartment,” says Nusbaum.
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Both animals love to nap on fuzzy pillows, blankets and rugs, “which is probably why we have a million of them around the apartment,” says Nusbaum.
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He also takes his turn up on the sofa sleeping on his favourite bedding.
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The chair stays
This old leather recliner won’t be leaving the apartment anytime soon because it’s Nova’s favourite piece in the entire place.
This old leather recliner won’t be leaving the apartment anytime soon because it’s Nova’s favourite piece in the entire place.
“If someone happens to be sitting there, she’ll make sure to let them know with quite the sad stare that they’re in her spot,” says Nusbaum.
Local adventures
Nova is always up for a car trip or a walk, especially to the nearby bottle shop, where they always give her treats.
Nova is always up for a car trip or a walk, especially to the nearby bottle shop, where they always give her treats.
Hedgehog considerations
Hedgehogs need a warm place to live. Because of that, Nusbaum and Carlin keep their apartment at least 21°C at all times. Ozzie also gets foot baths weekly and full baths monthly, which are his least favourite activities, says Nusbaum.
For food, he eats cat food. “Cat food has all the right nutrients that hedgehogs need, and since they don’t eat much, it’s really easy to buy high-quality brands without breaking the bank,” she says.
Hedgehogs need a warm place to live. Because of that, Nusbaum and Carlin keep their apartment at least 21°C at all times. Ozzie also gets foot baths weekly and full baths monthly, which are his least favourite activities, says Nusbaum.
For food, he eats cat food. “Cat food has all the right nutrients that hedgehogs need, and since they don’t eat much, it’s really easy to buy high-quality brands without breaking the bank,” she says.
Nusbaum reminds people that hedgehogs aren’t for everyone. You need to do your research and be prepared to be patient. “If you are looking for a furry, low-maintenance companion you are far better off getting a hamster,” she says. But to Nusbaum, “hedgehogs are wonderful balls of cranky love. If you can respect an animal’s wild nature and love it even though you cannot always snuggle it, they are great”.
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Home, sweet home
“Having never owned a dog before, I was blind to the joys a little four-legged, tail-wagging shadow could bring,” says Nusbaum. “And while Ozzie may not always want my love, he’s the best little prickly pal around.”
Tell us
What’s the most unusual pet you’ve ever had? Share your animal experiences in the Comments below. And if you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
More
Read more heartwarming pet stories
“Having never owned a dog before, I was blind to the joys a little four-legged, tail-wagging shadow could bring,” says Nusbaum. “And while Ozzie may not always want my love, he’s the best little prickly pal around.”
Tell us
What’s the most unusual pet you’ve ever had? Share your animal experiences in the Comments below. And if you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
More
Read more heartwarming pet stories
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This seems too "cute ". Dogs belong with people but I'm sure the hedgehog would be much happier outside and free.
Those sure are cute housepets that bring joy!
Adorable! Never had a hedgehog but did have a King Charles Spaniel. Sweetest dog ever.