It's pretty well known that animals are a lot better than humans at making friends despite differences in outward appearances. They can just sense when someone, no matter what they look like, has a good heart.
Even when on the outside they might look downright prickly!
And in the case of Maude and MacArthur, we do mean "prickly" in the most literal sense.
That's because Maude is a porcupine.
Maude lives with Ann Bryant, a wildlife rehabilitator and founder of Lake Tahoe, California's BEAR League, which works to protect and preserve the region's wildlife, particularly bears. But she's more than happy to take in other kinds of animals in need, whether temporarily or permanently.
A porcupine might seem like an animal you'd shy away from, but as Snickers the friendly porcupine taught us, they're actually sweet little creatures, if a bit… pointy. And the whole thing about shooting their quills? That's a total myth. No projectiles here.
And like Snickers, Maude has proven that she's as friendly as any other creature, and has become fast friends with Bryant's three bulldogs, who love and accept her just like one of their own. Unexpected? Maybe, but it's also so adorable!
[H/T: The Dodo]
Many years ago, Ann Bryant, founder of BEAR League animal rehabilitation center, rescued a porcupine from the side of the road.
After being hit by a car, the porcupine, named Mia, suffered from permanent neurological damage.
What Bryant didn't initially realize was that Mia was pregnant, and she soon gave birth to Maude.
Today, Mia has passed away, and Maude is happily living with Bryant, who raised her.
She enjoys going for rides on beautiful Lake Tahoe in the boat.
And driving through the area's lovely forests in the car.
She's also made friends with Bryant's two bulldogs, Bitsy and Mosey.
Because she was raised in a home and is so comfortable around dogs, Maude can't be released into the wild. She's too acclimated to domestic life.
"She is under permanent care and lives here," Bryant says, and says that Maude often accompanies her places. "I think she thinks she's a dog," she adds.
Recently, Bryant adopted another bulldog, an 8-week-old puppy named MacArthur, or "Mac" for short.
"Everything was new to him," Bryant says," especially the porcupine. At first, he just stared at Maude… and backed away."
But they soon became fast friends, and Maude has proven herself a doting, loving big sister.
Mac likes to follow Maude around, who leads him around the yard and property, showing him her favorite places. They also like going for rides in this little wagon.
And of course, like any other animal, they love spending some leisure time in the sun.
And the whole family loves taking trips out on the lake, too.
And it's not just the dogs that Maude likes to hang out with.
She also enjoys spending time with the many other animals that come through the BEAR League in need of a little care.
And in case you were wondering, humans can cuddle with them, too!
This is Ann Bryant and Marvin, another porcupine that once lived at BEAR League. You really can hug a porcupine! Just wear a thick jacket.
But as for Maude and Mac, they've become the best of friends, along with Bitsy and Mosey.
"They all hang out together out in the garden and in the house," Bryant says of the crew, "and each of them is convinced there is absolutely nothing odd about this. I firmly believe they think all households have bulldogs and porcupines living peacefully together."
And their openheartedness and acceptance of those who look a little different is great inspiration for all of us!
You can check out the other animals helped by the BEAR League on Facebook, and if you want to keep up with Maude, she has a Facebook page of her own, too!
SHARE this adorable friendship with anyone who loves finding friends in the most unexpected places!
