Pets at Home: A Flatsharing Hedgehog and Dog
An unlikely pair keep each other entertained while the humans are working
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, Nusbaum says. 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,” Nusbaum says. “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.
Ask an Expert: How to Turn Your Garden Into a Hedgehog Haven
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.
Ask an Expert: How to Turn Your Garden Into a Hedgehog Haven
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,” Nusbaum says. 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.”
“Ozzie is nocturnal and is out sleeping for the entire day unless I wake him up, which I usually do,” Nusbaum says. 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.”
Favorite 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,” Nusbaum says.
Couch: Ashely HomeStore; table: top from Target, metal pipe legs added; couch pillows: TJ Maxx and HomeGoods; browse cushions
Couch: Ashely HomeStore; table: top from Target, metal pipe legs added; couch pillows: TJ Maxx and HomeGoods; browse cushions
Nova’s favorite is this blanket, especially when it’s up on the sofa.
10 Things Homeowners with Dogs Know to be True
10 Things Homeowners with Dogs Know to be True
Ozzie prefers this fuzzy cushion.
He also takes his turn up on the sofa sleeping on his favourite bedding.
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.
“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,” Nusbaum says.
Local adventures: Nova is always up for a car trip or a walk, especially to the nearby off-licence, where they always give her treats.
Rug: RugsUSA
Rug: RugsUSA
When it’s warm in the spring and summer, Ozzie gets to go outside and walk around in the grass.
Hedgehog considerations: Hedgehogs need a warm place to live. Because of that, Nusbaum and Carlin keep their apartment at least 70 degrees at all times. Ozzie also gets foot baths weekly and full baths monthly, which are his least favourite activities, Nusbaum says.
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.
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.”
Bedtime routine: Nova gets ready for bed by sprawling across all the cushions on it.
Pillowcases: Anthropologie; other bedding: H&M
Pillowcases: Anthropologie; other bedding: H&M
Ozzie seeks out Nusbaum, and will lie on her chest or close by while she reads or watches Netflix.
Home, sweet home: “Having never owned a dog before, I was blind to the joys a little four-legged, tail-wagging shadow could bring,” Nusbaum says. “And while Ozzie may not always want my love, he’s the best little prickly pal around.”
Have your ever had a hedgehog in your life? Tell us about your experience in the Comments.
Have your ever had a hedgehog in your life? Tell us about your experience in the Comments.
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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
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,” Nusbaum says, “and like any teenager, sleeps in until noon if you let her.”
Meet Ozzie: This little guy moved in with Nusbaum when she was in college. He spends most of his time sleeping, running on his wheel and finding a new place to sleep.