An Unlikely Pair: Adorable Fox and Brave Hedgehog Dine Together Every Night

Published on January 5, 2022
Americans don’t see foxes very often because they’re quite rare in the US. However, England is full of them. Since people build homes next to the area forests, foxes tend to get put out with nowhere else to go. Therefore, they started heading to the city and visited people!

It’s common for homeowners near the woods to see foxes in the backyard. While it sounds impossible and incredible, it’s true! In fact, a fox can befriend a human, and it gets weirder than that! Some foxes may even share food with human friends, offering it to other animal species that are just as adorable!

Foxes in England

As you just learned, it’s quite common for a fox to run along an England street. The English are used to it, especially during the night. Having a fox jump and dig a hole in your backyard is seen as normal. Still, most people are shocked to learn that these creatures are friendly!

Foxes In England

Foxes In England

Tasty Treats

Since the English have to live close to the foxes, it’s natural for them to feed the animals periodically. In fact, wildlife officials claim that’s it’s good to feed them because they can’t really hunt on their own. Without a source of food, they could die.

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Tasty Treats

Tasty Treats

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Can’t Provide for Themselves

The poor foxes can’t forage for their food because too many houses have been built near the forest. Since there is less land to roam on, there are fewer things for them to eat. They have to get their food from another source.

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Can't Provide For Themselves

Can’t Provide For Themselves

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Who Could Help

Where do such incredible, up close pictures come from? Many people in England have a problem with the foxes coming for a late-night snack. One person went a step further and chose to capture the creature on camera in a way that hadn’t been done before. This is Lucy.

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Who Could Help

Who Could Help

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Lucy Goacher Is the Name

Lucy Goacher gets visited by foxes each night and lives in England. She’s the one who took the great pictures. These animals chose to see her because she offers them food. Primarily, it’s because she feels sympathy for them.

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Lucy Goacher Is The Name

Lucy Goacher Is The Name

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Don’t Go Hungry

These poor creatures can’t easily feed themselves, and that means they could starve. No one wants to be hungry, and Lucy decided that she couldn’t let them go without if she had extra food they could have.

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Don't Go Hungry

Don’t Go Hungry

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Gentle Creatures

Lucy believes that people give foxes a bad reputation. However, these are gentle creatures and don’t attack humans or try to. All they really want is the food to eat so that they can return home to the woods.

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Gentle Creatures

Gentle Creatures

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Where’s the Food

Lucy has actually been feeding the fox friends for a while. One day, she forgot to add food to their outside bowls. The foxes immediately took notice and ended up doing something to shock her and everyone else who knew.

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Where's The Food

Where’s The Food

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Excuse Me, Please

The foxes had gotten very used to being fed each night in the same place, so they were confused that it didn’t happen. One of them was brave and chose to tap on the back door when they realized there was no food. Isn’t that crazy and amazing?!

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Excuse Me, Please

Excuse Me, Please

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I’m Hungry

However, that’s not all. Lucy tells people this story a lot because it shows others how foxes operate. They’re seen in cartoons as being cunning, but they’re like regular people. Overall, they just need some yummy food, attention, and love!

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I'm Hungry

I’m Hungry

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The Crazy Situation

Since the fox tapped on her door, it means that it was smart enough to know they had to inform Lucy of the problem. They ended up telling her that they were hungry, and she forgot the food. That’s uncanny!

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The Crazy Situation

The Crazy Situation

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A Group of Friends

Do you know how you might react if you noticed a fox in the backyard, sitting patiently and waiting to be fed? You might think it was all a dream. However, that’s a common occurrence for Lucy’s house, even though she normally doesn’t forget to feed her animal friends.

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A Group Of Friends

A Group Of Friends

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Howdy, Friend

Word got out about what Lucy was doing. In fact, she started seeing more foxes than ever, making her wonder if they talk about the nice human being who leaves food for them. Whether the foxes can communicate or not, it didn’t take long before other animals learned of this huge windfall!

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Howdy, Friend

Howdy, Friend

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Everyone’s Hungry

Soon, Lucy got new visitors to the backdoor each night. While the foxes were quite exciting, one adorable animal decided that it wanted help getting some food, too. You could say that Lucy’s backyard is the hip place to grab some grub – for animals, that is.

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Everyone's Hungry

Everyone’s Hungry

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It’s Me, the Hedgehog

Which animal chose to join the buffet with the foxes? This adorable hedgehog heard about Lucy the saint, who feeds animals that were displaced by development. She was offering up free food, so he thought he might pay a visit to her, too!

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It's Me, The Hedgehog

It’s Me, The Hedgehog

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What Happens at Lucy’s

Lucy could not believe her eyes as she saw this tiny hedgehog trying to get into a bowl for some tasty dinner. She started taking photographs like crazy. You are likely to do the same if something like that falls into your lap!

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What Happens At Lucy's

What Happens At Lucy’s

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We’re All Friends

She started to wonder about this little hedgehog. Were both species friends? Lucy was very confused. However, she didn’t know much about hedgehogs and foxes, thinking it was probably time to learn. What happened next is shocking!

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We're All Friends

We’re All Friends

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Just Can’t Wait

At first, the tiny hedgehog was afraid to come to the bowl and eat because there were big foxes there. However, Lucy knew he was hungry. After a short period, he overcame his worry and fear, approaching the bowl.

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Just Can't Wait

Just Can’t Wait

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I’m Going In

All at once, this tiny hedgehog got the courage to start coming earlier in the night to eat before the foxes arrived. He didn’t make it in time, though, and the foxes were right on time. Lucy was worried and held her breath in anticipation!

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I'm Going In

I’m Going In

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Being Patient

What happened next is nearly impossible to fathom. Instead of pushing away this hedgehog, the fox is waiting for its turn to eat from the many bowls. Is that not crazy for a large fox to wait for such a small creature? That’s not the only thing!

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Being Patient

Being Patient

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It’s Tough to Be a Hedgehog

This little guy was very hungry. It took a long time for him to complete his meal, but the fox didn’t get closer during that period. Who knows? It might be pretty tiring to run around in the forest all day! That seemed to be the case since he took so long to eat.

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It's Tough To Be A Hedgehog

It’s Tough To Be A Hedgehog

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Too Much Food

You must be wondering how Lucy feels about having to feed all those wild animals. It’s nice of her to provide dinner, but it has to take a toll on her food bill each month! How might you react in that situation?!

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Too Much Food

Too Much Food

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It’s a Blessing

Lucy really doesn’t mind feeding these animals because she says they don’t eat very much. In fact, it’s the same as feeding a few stray cats/dogs. However, these creatures eat just about anything she gives them and aren’t very picky.

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It's A Blessing

It’s A Blessing

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So Tiny

What worried Lucy was that tiny hedgehog. She liked having him around her home but wondered if the foxes might attack or get angry at him. That little guy couldn’t defend himself against those big foxes. However, there was no need to fear anything.

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So Tiny

So Tiny

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Trouble’s A-Coming

Once, Lucy watched the animals eating. The foxes were there, patiently waiting for their turn so the hedgehog could finish. However, one fox couldn’t wait anymore. Lucy immediately tensed up and wondered if her hedgehog friend was heading to heaven.

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Trouble's A Coming

Trouble’s A Coming

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When You’re Friends

Little did Lucy know that there wasn’t likely to be a showdown between the hedgehog and fox. In fact, the opposite happened. The fox wasn’t there to fight; she wanted to make new friends with this hedgehog.

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When You're Friends

When You’re Friends

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She Just Wants to Get to Know Him

Foxes are curious by nature. As you can see from the picture below, this cute fox wanted to get to know this little hedgehog better. How did this tiny hedgehog react as the fox got closer and closer? You must continue reading to learn!

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She Just Wants To Get To Know Him

She Just Wants To Get To Know Him

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Odd Couple

It’s natural for humans to think that hedgehogs and foxes can’t be best friends. One is a lot bigger and might do significant harm to such a small creature, even unintentionally. Foxes are known to be dangerous if they’re hungry.

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Odd Couple

Odd Couple

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What Might Go Wrong

What could this poor hedgehog have been thinking at that time? Did he worry that he might get hurt or eaten? At first, he didn’t seem to see the fox, but then he realized that someone else was at the food bowl. What did he do?

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What Might Go Wrong

What Might Go Wrong

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They Got Along

Though it seems unbelievable, the two wild animals actually got along very well. Lucy could breathe a sigh of relief and marvel at how these two species became friends. In fact, they started dining together at the same time every night. What did the other foxes think?

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They Got Along

They Got Along

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The Other Foxes

Some people think that those other foxes might not want to wait for their turn, either. However, they never stepped forward. They just waited patiently within the background so that the fox and hedgehog could eat together.

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The Other Foxes

The Other Foxes

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It Worked for Everyone

Lucy is surprised at how this friendship is beneficial to both species. The hedgehog doesn’t have to be scared of foxes because his new friend protects him all the time. Plus, the fox can eat his meal when he wants without having to wait anymore.

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It Worked For Everyone

It Worked For Everyone

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Simple Act of Kindness

However, that’s not the amazing part of this story. If it weren’t for Lucy, that unexpected friendship might not have happened. Plus, it started with her simple act of kindness. Now, she gets excited just thinking about it.

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Simple Act Of Kindness

Simple Act Of Kindness

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One Nice Gesture for Friendship

One day, Lucy chose to give some free food to the wild animals in the neighborhood. She didn’t do it to get famous or rich; she was just being nice. However, she witnessed the incredible friendship unfold between the hedgehog and fox because of her good deed.

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One Nice Gesture For Friendship

One Nice Gesture For Friendship

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What About Them

You’re probably wondering about those other foxes? Do they ever get to eat? No one knows why the foxes didn’t push forward, but the first fox might have been the leader. It doesn’t matter, though, because the hedgehog and first fox weren’t greedy.

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What About Them

What About Them

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They Always Share

While the other foxes weren’t part of the friendship, they might have been shy or scared to approach the hedgehog. No one knows because they can’t ask the creatures. Still, the best friends make sure that the other foxes have plenty of food to eat when they’re done.

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They Always Share

They Always Share

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The Sausage Story

Lucy experimented with giving her animal friends different foods. First, she offered sausages to the foxes, but they grabbed them and ran back home. Though it was comical, Lucy preferred to watch them dine. That way, she knew that they got the food for doing the work.

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The Sausage Story

The Sausage Story

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They Call Me Miss Fox

Lucy made bowls saying “Miss Fox” because those were the animals she encountered first. However, the hedgehog still got his fill. He didn’t care, and that’s probably because he couldn’t read. Still, he eats from the fox’s bowl all the time.

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They Call Me Miss Fox

They Call Me Miss Fox

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The Friendliest Hedgehog

The hedgehog and foxes all enjoy the meal. What they eat isn’t nearly as important as who they meet on their journey. Now, it’s all routine for them, but this little hedgehog is the social butterfly and befriends others, too.

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The Friendliest Hedgehog

The Friendliest Hedgehog

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The Fox and the Cat

This little hedgehog is the most fearless and friendliest animal ever, so it became friends with the fox and started a friendship with Lucy’s pet cat. People could take a page from the hedgehog’s book to give others a chance and see what happens!

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The Fox And The Cat

The Fox And The Cat

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Good Friends

Most people are used to the idea that different species can’t get along. For example, cats and dogs or mice and cats don’t like each other. That could be from the Tom & Jerry cartoons, but that’s not always the case in real life.

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Good Friends

Good Friends

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Living in Harmony

Here’s a story of Hannes and Hessel. They overcame their stereotypes and differences to live with each other. Bert Jonkhans is a professional photographer and captured this moving story with a photo series that’s amazingly adorable.

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Living In Harmony

Living In Harmony

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Hannes and Hessel

Bert spoke to DogHeirs.com and shared the story of how these two formed their beautiful friendship. Hessel is a Labrador Retriever, and Hannes is a cat. They both live together with their Netherlands family.

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Hannes And Hessel

Hannes And Hessel

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Used to It

Bert said that they got Hannes as a kitten, but Hessel was a year old when he came to them. When Hessel was born, that family had a dog, too. Therefore, he was used to dogs already before he came to live with Bert.

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Used To It

Used To It

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Wary at First

Overall, Hessel wasn’t used to having a cat when Hannes showed up. In fact, Bert claimed that Hessel wasn’t too fond of cats. As is characteristic for dogs, he believed that cats should be chased.

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Wary At First

Wary At First

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The New Life

Bert said that Hannes came into his life and was a curious tiny kitten. He followed Hessel everywhere in the house, ate from the dog’s food bowl, and slept on his bed. With time, Hessel got used to living with Hannes in the house.

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The New Life

The New Life

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Accepting Hannes

Overall, Bert initially expected that he might not be happy with his new furry sibling. However, he ended up having a great response to Hannes. Bert claimed that from the first day, Hessel accepted the cat because he was a sweet and silly dog.

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Accepting Hannes

Accepting Hannes

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The Gentle Giant

Many dogs don’t realize their strength and size, and that happened to Hessel sometimes. Bert claimed that Hessel was boorish because he was a Labrador, so he didn’t know that his body was too heavy to lie on top of a cat. Still, Hessel approaches Hannes calmly at all times.

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The Gentle Giant

The Gentle Giant

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Fiesty Kitty

However, Hannes wasn’t afraid to show everyone that he could keep up, even though he was smaller. Bert said that Hannes enjoys attacking Hessel, especially when the dog walks by or is sleeping.

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Fiesty Kitty

Fiesty Kitty

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Hannes’ Antics

Hannes just loves to mess around and have fun with Hessel. Bert said that if Hannes is sitting on the couch’s back, Hessel walks by to Hannes, giving him a whack on the bottom. Immediately, he runs away, hoping that Hessel might come after him.

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Hannes' Antics

Hannes’ Antics

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Peekaboo Hannes

Bert shared that the animals love sleeping together. At first, they couldn’t find the cat and searched high and low. Then, someone noticed a tiny cat tail from under the dog. How cute and adorable is that?!

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Peekaboo Hannes

Peekaboo Hannes

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The Comfort Level

Some people may wonder how Hannes could possibly be comfortable in that situation. However, there’s nothing to fear! Bert claims that it’s a warm place for the cat to lie with the dog, and he actually doesn’t mind that the dog is all over him.

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The Comfort Level

The Comfort Level

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Growing Together

As the years went by and time passed, the two animals grew to love their life together and were in harmony. Bert said that they are much calmer now because they’re older. Therefore, Hannes’ playing and attacking have settled down a bit.

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Growing Together

Growing Together

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Who’s the Boss

Many people wonder if one of the two friends is the dominant one. What’s the answer? Bert claims that they’re still best friends, even through all the years. Still, Hannes is the boss. It just shows people that it doesn’t matter if you’re small; you can be in charge!

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Who's The Boss

Who’s The Boss

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Their Habits

Now that Hessel and Hannes are calmer and older, their antics have lessened, as well. While they still play together a lot, it’s not nearly as hectic as it was when they were younger. In fact, they tend to sleep with each other more than anything.

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Their Habits

Their Habits

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The Big Cat Mentality

For Hannes, his confidence might come because he thinks he’s a big dog like his friend Hessel. Bert says that they assume Hannes believes himself to be a dog. He loves water, eats like a dog, chases balls, hates to be alone, and listens to his name.

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The Big Cat Mentality

The Big Cat Mentality

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A Surprise

Bert suddenly made a choice that might change everything years after the cat was introduced to their family. How might Hessel and Hannes deal with such a sudden change to their lifestyle?

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A Surprise

A Surprise

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The New Friend

Bert wanted to get another dog. He claimed that Millie is 7 years old already and had lived with cats for her whole life when she came to the household. However, how did Hessel and Hannes respond to the added member of the family?!

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The New Friend

The New Friend

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Love Must Be Earned

How did the two friends respond to Millie? Bert says that Millie and Hannes accept each other and might sleep together sometimes, but there’s no bond like Hannes and Hessel have. It may just take more time before Millie is fully accepted in their bubble of friendship and love.

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Love Must Be Earned

Love Must Be Earned

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One Big, Happy Family

Bert says that it’s great to live with them, and his camera is always ready for action. It’s great to see different species getting along well and loving each other, even though they are very different!

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One Big, Happy Family

One Big, Happy Family

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