The common saying, “man’s best friend” holds different connotations for Gavin Funk. This week Her Campus interviewed him on his relationship with his favorite pet, which happens to be a hedgehog. He proves that “man’s best friend” can relate to even the unlikeliest of pets. Read on to learn about the inseparable bond between a man and his hedgehog.
Major: Undecided
Hometown: Parma, OH
Year: Sophomore
Her Campus: What is her name?
Gavin Funk: Marceline the Hedgehog Queen; Marcie for short.
HC: What made you decide to get a hedgehog?
GF: My older sister had her for a few months before she moved to a new place and needed to re-home her. She still doesn’t know I changed her name. Shh!
HC: When and where did you get her?
GF: I personally picked her up this past May from my sister’s place. Of course with a car packed full of friends who wanted to see her. I believe my sister got her from a breeder she researched in southern Ohio.
HC: How old is she?
GF: She will be one this coming December, so she’s 10 months now!
HC: What is your favorite thing about her?
GF: She is equally adorable, adventurous, and grumpy. She always makes me smile.
HC: What kinds of things does she like to do?
GF: She loves to explore, whether it’s a mountain of blankets or just a plain old room. I think the only things she loves more than that are eating and laying on my stomach getting chin rubs.
HC: What kind of food do you feed her?
GF: Surprisingly, cat food! A bit of high protein cat food and the occasional hedgie-safe veggie or insect. She gets grumpy if you don’t give her some variety. I guess even hedgehogs get palate fatigue.
HC: Why do you think hedgehogs make great pets?
GF: Hedgehogs may be odd and independent, but still trust and love you if you take care of them well. They are a bit tricky to take care of. For example, their temperature must be regulated. So if you’re thinking of getting one read up first!
HC: If you could have another pet what would it be and why?
GF: It would be a dog of course! Dogs are magical beings. They’re loyal, adorable (even when they’re not), and they can eat as much as I can! Plus my family’s dog treats Marcie like her own baby. They get along so well.