Meet Quillomina: From the Scottish SPCA to her forever home

Today is a very special day because we officially adopted Quillomina from the Scottish SPCA! She is an African Pygmy Hedgehog who was relinquished by her previous owner. I’ve always been a bit hedgehog mad but I think you’ll agree she’s the cutest thing.

African Pygmy Hedgehogs are smaller than their European counterparts and they also require warmer temperatures so cannot live outdoors. Indeed they require a heated vivarium as even indoors, especially in Scotland, would be too cold.

Unfortunately, Quillomina has not had much socialisation and is still quite fearful of humans. We are hoping that with patience and time we can bring her out of her shell. She noticeably relaxed the moment we put her in the enclosure. I don’t think she had a properly heated setup during the first 18 months of her life so the warmth was a welcome comfort.

Much like hamsters, African Pygmy Hedgehogs like to run on wheels so we have a giant wheel for her. I don’t think she had one previously so she wasn’t sure how it works but hopefully she’ll figure it out in time.

Quillomina was at the Aberdeenshire SPCA centre in Drumoak which is just across the road from the historic Drum Castle so we took the opportunity to go for a walk and get some refreshments at the castle before meeting her.

Adopting a rescue pet rather than buying from a shop or breeder is a very rewarding way to give an animal a second chance. If you aren’t able to adopt there are other ways you can help the SPCA:

• Volunteer: I recently signed up as a volunteer with the Scottish SPCA. They have lots of volunteering roles to suit different skills and schedules. I opted for the micro volunteer role which is a small role that’s perfect for people who want to help whenever they have a spare moment but without committing to permanent hours.
• Adopt: If you want to adopt like we have you can see all the animals looking for homes at Find a pet.
• Donate: You can also support their efforts to rescue and rehabilitate animals like Quillomina through financial contributions via Ways to give page. I am a monthly donor to the SPCA. It’s just a small amount but small amounts from lots of people can add up to make a big difference.