This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, February 21st from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, please submit an application in advance at https://www.dpsrescue.com/adopt/dog-application/. Adoption fee: $700 Meet Hedgehog, affectionately known as "Hedgie," a 10-12 month old Yorkie …
This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, February 21st from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, please submit an application in advance at
https://www.dpsrescue.com/adopt/dog-application/.<br>Adoption fee: $700
Meet Hedgehog, affectionately known as "Hedgie," a 10-12 month old Yorkie type mix weighing 12.8 lbs who proves that sometimes the quietest pup in the room is actually the brightest spark waiting to shine.
Hedgehog was rescued from a shelter where he had been living in a room with several other dogs. While the environment could have made any young dog withdrawn, Hedgie stood out immediately - he was the friendliest one there. He came right up for treats, climbed straight into our laps, and offered the sweetest little kisses, as if to say, "I'm ready. Pick me." That open-hearted spirit has only continued to blossom in foster care.
A Typical Day with Hedgie
Hedgehog starts his day around 6:30 AM with a quick bathroom run, followed by breakfast at 7:00. After eating, he relaxes, plays with his toys, or naps until late morning. Around 11:00 AM to noon, he heads out for a 20-30 minute walk to stretch his legs and explore. He enjoys a light snack afterward, then rotates between playtime and snoozing until his evening walk around 5:00 or 6:00 PM. Dinner is served at 8:00 PM, followed by more relaxing, toy time, and a final bathroom break around 11:00 PM. If there's time, he happily accepts an extra evening stroll.
He is currently working on crate training. With a little brief protest, he'll settle in for short daytime stints, but he much prefers snoozing in his cozy dog bed outside the crate at night - and he sleeps through the night beautifully.
When Hedgie first arrived, he was sweet but hesitant. He didn't initiate much contact and didn't even know how to play with toys. He was nearly housetrained, though!
Within just a few days, once he realized he was safe, his true personality emerged. Out came the playful, puppyish energy. He discovered toys. He discovered fetch. He discovered that cuddling might be his life's calling.
He is a total snuggler - a true cuddlebug who loves being close to his people. During his first week, he was very much a velcro dog, following his foster from room to room. Now, he's gaining confidence and learning that short separations are okay. You can see him growing more secure every day.
One thing that has never changed? His love of food. Hedgie is always ready for a meal, a snack, or a training treat. He has perfected the soulful "please may I have that?" expression. The upside is that he is extremely trainable. He learned "sit" in one day and "down" the next. He is sharp, eager, and impressively fast at picking up new commands.
Energy and Play Style
Hedgehog is playful and energetic with definite puppy vibes. He loves fetch, run-and-chase games, puzzle toys, and interactive play. He enjoys walks and exploring the world. While he can happily nap for long stretches during the day, he is more active than sedentary and thrives with engagement and mental stimulation. He likes to be part of whatever his people are doing and brings a lively, joyful energy into the home.
Leash Skills and Social Life
On leash, Hedgie is enthusiastic. He tends to walk ahead and has strong opinions about where he'd like to go, so he is currently working on heeling and reducing pulling. He loves to chase small birds and squirrels and does bark at most other dogs when out on walks- but that's just his way of saying hi! This is an area where he'll benefit from continued positive training and consistency, and given that he's very treat-motivated, training should be a breeze!
Living in an apartment complex has given him exposure to many people and animals. He can be selective at first - he warms up quickly to some people, while others (including some children) may get a bark initially. The good news is that treats work wonders, and once he associates someone with snacks and kindness, he's much more comfortable.
Housetraining and Home Habits
Hedgehog is almost fully housetrained. His only accidents tend to happen when he gets extremely excited and happy. Continued routine and reinforcement should help him solidify this skill. He is a chewer and will need plenty of toys and dog-approved chews to keep him occupied. He would likely also benefit from puzzles and brain games!
What sets him apart most is the combination of sweetness and spark. He looks soft and slightly bashful, but he's actually a power-packed, affectionate, playful young dog. He is deeply loving with his people, eager to learn, and always ready for the next adventure - whether that's a neighborhood walk, a puzzle toy challenge, or a cuddle session on the couch.
Hedgehog brings heart, humor, and a little bit of harmless mischief wherever he goes. If you're looking for a smart, affectionate, engaging companion who will keep life interesting and fill your home with warmth, Hedgie may just be your perfect match.
