We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelsey Moyer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kelsey, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

When we started Boggy’s Buddies, we were taking a leap of faith into the unknown. It all began with a single hedgehog—one little life that needed saving—and the realization that there was no safety net for small, exotic pets like her in our area. Shelters were focused on cats and dogs, but animals like hedgehogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, and other pocket pets often slipped through the cracks. These animals are just as deserving of care and compassion, yet they’re rarely seen in the same light as cats and dogs. That realization sparked something in us: someone had to step up. Why not us?

The first big risk was financial. Rescue work isn’t cheap, especially for animals that need specialized care. We dipped into our own savings to cover vet bills, food, and supplies, not knowing if we’d ever get that money back or if anyone would even support a rescue for pocket pets. The next risk was emotional. People don’t often realize how many of these animals are surrendered every day—pocket pets are seen as “starter pets” or impulse buys, and too many are abandoned when the novelty wears off. Each surrender call is a reminder of how important our work is, but it’s also a heavy emotional burden to carry.

Perhaps the biggest risk, though, was advocating for animals that people misunderstand. Hedgehogs and other exotics aren’t for everyone—they require more care than people expect. We knew from the start that our mission couldn’t be about adopting out animals as quickly as possible. It had to be about education and finding the right homes. That sometimes means turning away potential adopters who aren’t ready for the responsibility, and it means having tough conversations about why these pets aren’t the best fit for every lifestyle. That approach doesn’t always make us the most popular, but it’s the right thing to do for the animals.

So how did that risk turn out? Better than we ever could’ve imagined. We’ve helped countless animals find forever homes—not just hedgehogs, but guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, and even reptiles. We’ve created a community of adopters who truly care, and we’ve built partnerships with organizations like the Hedgehog Welfare Society to expand our impact beyond our little corner of Wisconsin. Every time we see a once-overlooked animal like Gamble, Juniper, or Jackpot finally settle into a loving home, it reminds us why we took that leap in the first place.

Starting Boggy’s Buddies wasn’t just a risk. It was a promise—to ourselves, to the animals we care for, and to the families who trust us to help them find the right match. We promised we’d do everything we could to make sure that even the smallest, most overlooked pets are seen, heard, and loved. And that’s a promise we’re still keeping, one pocket pet at a time.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Boggy’s Buddies is a nonprofit animal rescue based in Madison, Wisconsin, with a big heart for the smallest pets. We specialize in rescuing hedgehogs and other small exotics like guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, birds, and reptiles—the kinds of animals that often get overlooked in traditional shelters. Our mission is simple: Rescue. Rehabilitate. Rehome. Repeat. We’re here to make sure that even the tiniest, spikiest, or most misunderstood pets get the care and second chances they deserve.

We got into this work after seeing a major gap in the rescue world. There are so many wonderful organizations dedicated to dogs and cats, but pocket pets and exotics often fall through the cracks. They’re frequently seen as “starter pets” or impulse buys—cute little creatures people pick up without realizing the commitment involved. Unfortunately, when the reality of pet ownership sets in, many of these animals end up surrendered or abandoned.

We wanted to change that.

What we offer is more than just rescue services. We provide education, support, and a community for adopters to ensure these pets don’t end up in the same situation again. Every adoption through Boggy’s Buddies includes not only the animal but also a full setup with a cage, supplies, food, and educational materials to set both the pet and the new owner up for success. We even have a “Hedgehome Guarantee” that helps adopters with support and resources long after the adoption is finalized.

One of the biggest problems we solve is fighting misconceptions about these animals. Hedgehogs, for example, are often marketed as “low-maintenance pets,” but they actually require very specific care to stay happy and healthy. We focus on education first, adoption second. We won’t place an animal in a home unless we’re confident it’s a good fit—not just for the pet, but for the family, too.

What sets us apart from other rescues is our dedication to being realistic and responsible about pet ownership. We aren’t interested in rushing through adoptions to increase our numbers. Instead, we take the time to match each pet with the right home and provide ongoing support. We also take pride in being transparent and resourceful. Through partnerships with the Hedgehog Welfare Society and other rescue stations across the country, we collaborate to make sure animals get the care they need, even if that means coordinating cross-state transfers.

What we’re most proud of is the community we’ve built. We’ve connected with so many incredible adopters, donors, and fellow rescuers who believe in what we do. It’s not just about finding homes for animals—it’s about creating a network of people who genuinely care.

At the end of the day, what we want people to know about Boggy’s Buddies is this: We believe every life matters, no matter how small. Whether it’s a hedgehog who needs a warm place to call home or a guinea pig who was abandoned at a shelter, we’re here to give them a second chance at a happy life. We’re a little rescue with a big mission, and we’re grateful to everyone who helps us make it possible.

If you’d like to support our rescue efforts, you can check out our Amazon Wishlist (tinyurl.com/amazonlistBB) or donate directly through PayPal (PayPal.me/boggysbuddies). Every bit of support makes a huge difference for our little critters!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Our most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been word-of-mouth and authentic connection. In the rescue world, trust is everything. People need to know that their pets are going to someone who truly cares about their well-being, and that trust is best built through personal interactions and recommendations.

It started with our early adopters. We poured our hearts into making sure they had the best possible experience—not just during the adoption process, but long after. We stayed in touch, provided ongoing support, and made ourselves available to answer questions and offer advice. Those adopters became our biggest advocates, sharing their experiences with friends, family, and online communities. There’s nothing more powerful than a recommendation from someone who’s had a positive, personal experience.

Another key strategy has been focusing on education and transparency. We’re not here to push adoptions—we’re here to make sure people understand what they’re getting into with small exotics. We’re upfront about the time, care, and commitment these animals require. That honesty has earned us a lot of respect from our audience. People know that if they come to us, they’re going to get real advice and support, not just a quick transaction.

We’ve also grown by being involved in the broader rescue community. Our partnerships with organizations like the Hedgehog Welfare Society and connections with other rescue stations across the country have helped us reach more people who are specifically looking for small exotic pets. By collaborating with other rescues, sharing resources, and cross-posting animals for adoption, we’ve been able to expand our reach beyond just our local area.

On social media, storytelling has been key. Sharing the unique stories of the animals we rescue—like Gamble, Juniper, and Jackpot—helps people connect emotionally with our mission. They don’t just see us as a rescue; they see us as a community of people who genuinely care. That emotional connection has led to more inquiries, more adoptions, and more ongoing support from our followers.

Lastly, we’ve learned the value of patience and quality over quantity. We’ve never been focused on getting as many adoptions as possible. Instead, we focus on finding the right homes for our animals. That thoughtful approach has helped us build a loyal, supportive clientele who appreciates the care we put into every adoption.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When we first started Boggy’s Buddies, building a social media audience felt like trying to shout into the void. We weren’t sure how to reach people who cared about small exotics—after all, hedgehogs and pocket pets don’t get the same attention as cats and dogs. But we realized pretty quickly that the key to building an audience wasn’t about going viral or trying to impress people—it was about building trust and creating a community.

We focused on being authentic and educational, sharing not just adorable animal photos (though, let’s be honest, the cute factor definitely helps!) but also important information about what it really means to care for small exotics. We wanted to attract people who were genuinely interested in responsible pet ownership—not just folks looking for a quick dose of cuteness. That meant being honest about the challenges of caring for hedgehogs, the reasons pets get surrendered, and what people need to know before adopting.

One thing that really helped us grow was storytelling. People connect with stories. Every animal we take in has a unique story, and we realized that sharing those stories—whether it was a hedgehog overcoming a health issue, finding a forever home, or showing off their quirky personality—helped people see the heart behind what we do. It turned followers into supporters, adopters, and donors. They weren’t just watching a rescue from the sidelines—they felt like part of the journey.

We also learned that consistency and community are everything. We kept showing up on social media, even when our audience was small. We responded to comments and messages, shared updates regularly, and made sure people felt seen and appreciated. Social media isn’t just a broadcasting tool—it’s a two-way street. Engaging with our audience and building relationships helped us grow more than any trendy post or hashtag ever could.

Another big piece of advice? Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine. People want to connect with humans, not just brands. We aren’t afraid to be a little cheeky with our captions or poke fun at the quirks of hedgehog care. It makes us relatable and approachable—and that’s what keeps people coming back. Social media should feel like a conversation, not a commercial.

Lastly, we’ve learned that it’s okay to grow slowly. We didn’t get thousands of followers overnight, and that’s okay! The followers we have now are genuine supporters who care deeply about our mission. Quality over quantity is everything in the rescue world—and in social media, too.

For anyone just starting out on social media, our best advice is this:
Be consistent.
Be genuine.
Tell stories.
Engage with your community.
Don’t be afraid to be yourself.

Social media isn’t just about followers and likes—it’s about creating connections and building something meaningful. For us, it’s about turning followers into friends, supporters, and, most importantly, advocates for small exotic pets. And that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://boggysbuddies.org
• Instagram: boggysbuddies
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/boggysbuddies