Fifteen-year-old Mason wanted a pet more than anything in the world.
At first, he wanted to get a hedgehog, but then he began thinking about getting a dog instead. He began looking at different shelter websites, trying to find the right pup for his family. None of the dogs seemed right until he saw a tiny puppy with big, sorrowful eyes.
Mason and his parents went to visit the pup, and when they got to the shelter, they learned his sad story.
The puppy had spent most of his first few months of life outside, tied to a tree. He had experienced very little love or care, and because of that, he was afraid of everyone and everything.
Mason decided that he wanted to bring the puppy home and show him the love he deserved. He named the puppy Hedgie.
When Hedgie first got to Mason’s house, he was terrified. He spent the entire day curled up under a table, too scared to interact with Mason or his parents.
But that all changed on Hedgie’s first night in the house. Mason brought Hedgie upstairs with him, and the pup slept next to Mason in his bed. By morning, the two were inseparable!
From that first night on, Mason and Hedgie shared the most incredible bond. Hedgie spent all his time by Mason’s side, and he slept in his brother’s bed every night. Mason’s mom was amazed to see how dedicated they were to each other!
Mason also taught Hedgie lots of tricks. The smart pup quickly learned how to speak on command, and he learned how to high-five.
A few months after Mason brought Hedgie home, the dog started having trouble walking and keeping food down.
Mason and his mom brought Hedgie to the vet, where they learned he had megaesophagus and myasthenia gravis. This disease makes it difficult for dogs to eat, and some vets will recommend putting the dog down. But Mason and his mom knew that wasn’t an option—they were determined to do whatever they could to give Hedgie a good life.
Mason and his mom bought Hedgie a special chair to eat in. This chair uses gravity to make it easier for dogs with megaesophagus to swallow food. This worked perfectly—when he was sitting in the chair, Mason was able to eat like any other dog.
Hedgie does need a bit of help eating in the chair. He always waits for Mason to feed him!
Hedgie is now all grown up, but he’s still as close to Mason as he was when he was a puppy.
Hedgie still sleeps in Mason’s bed every night—he takes up a bit more room now, but Mason doesn’t mind. He’s happy to share his bed with his furry best friend.
When Hedgie first arrived at Mason’s house, he was scared and withdrawn. But thanks to help from his dedicated brother, Hedgie is now a friendly, outgoing dog! If you want to see more heartwarming photos of Hedgie and Mason, check out Hedgie’s Instagram page.
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