Often times, critters that come into the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) require much-needed medical care and attention. Thankfully, Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF)-funded programs, like the SAS vet clinic, provide this much-needed care.
Ziggy, a little albino hedgehog, received the nourishment and care he needed at the vet clinic after being rescued from a deplorable hoarding situation. Ziggy eventually won over the heart of a SAS critter volunteer, Jenny S., who adopted him, and their story was featured in SASF’s 2019 Annual Report. An excerpt of the story is included below.
Ziggy’s journey starts with a common occurrence for a lot of the animals who find themselves at the Seattle Animal Shelter. He was one of many animals rescued by SAS animal care officers from a deplorable hoarding situation. There were so many animals of different species that were found starving, in dire condition, and needing immediate medical attention.
Luckily, Ziggy was able to be fostered by one of SAS animal care officers who took great care to bring him back to health. He was traumatized, would not trust anyone, and would only come out from hiding to eat and drink a little water. With the help of the SASF-funded vet clinic at the shelter, Ziggy’s needs were completely taken care of so that his recovery was guaranteed.
Jenny S. had been a critter volunteer for almost three years when Ziggy arrived on the scene. She remembers being so taken by him that she instantly fell in love. He was so sweet and was such a trooper. She remembers looking forward to seeing him on her days as a critter volunteer and decided to adopt him when she realized how much she would miss him if he were not part of her life.
Every night, Jenny sat on the couch and gently petted him while he burrowed into a blanket or a sleeve of her sweater. Because he needed a lot of socialization and bonding, Jenny found this the best way to ease his concerns and give him confidence in his new surroundings. She found that Ziggy felt cared for and nurtured when allowed to nestle and cuddle on her lap. And now, Ziggy and Jenny’s three dogs like to cuddle up and be with him while he burrows under their blankets. The dogs are very careful with him and appreciate his need for solitude and his night-time rituals. But they love nothing more than to greet him in the mornings with nose sniffs and kisses.
I can’t get over how much of a trooper he is and how loving he is. He doesn’t mind being picked up, doesn’t chew or nibble, and for a hedgehog is very sociable. I just love him. He is so special.
To read more about Ziggy’s journey, explore the SASF 2019 Annual Report.
Consider supporting valuable SAS programs like the vet clinic by donating to the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation.