With a big personality, tiny-puppy origins, and a love for surveying the neighborhood from his favorite tree root, Nugget has quickly become a beloved part of his Hershey home. When Andrea Mitchell’s family welcomed Nugget home in September 2025, he was just 10 weeks old—small, sweet, and the perfect shade to inspire a name that has stuck ever since: Chicken Nugget. Today, Nugget is nearly one year old, with a July 15 birthday on the calendar and a personality that has grown right along with him. Nugget is a Cavapoo, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle mix. More specifically, he is an F1b Cavapoo, meaning his poodle side shines through a little more strongly: his dad is a toy poodle, and his mom is a Cavapoo. His family expected him to stay especially tiny, but Nugget had other plans. He may have started out as a little “chicken nugget,” but he grew into a lively, lovable companion with plenty of charm.

     Nugget’s arrival came after a difficult goodbye. The Mitchell family had previously loved a pit bull named Jaxx, who was 13 years old when he passed away last summer. In a coincidence that still feels remarkable to the family, Nugget was born on the very day Jaxx became sick and passed away. That timing gave Nugget’s story an added layer of meaning. While no pet ever replaces another, Nugget brought new energy, comfort, and joy into the home at exactly the right time.

     Ask Nugget’s family what makes him stand out, and the answer is simple: he is a creature of habit. From the minute he wakes up until the minute he goes to bed, Nugget likes things done the same way every time. His daily rhythm is part of his charm, and his predictable little rituals make him feel even more like a true member of the household. He is also a quick learner with a playful side. Nugget knows how to sit, shake, and give kisses, and he has a special talent for walking on his back legs. Whether he is performing a trick or simply moving through his routine, he has a way of making everyday moments entertaining.

     Nugget’s favorite toys include a stuffed bear and a stuffed chicken—perfect companions for a dog whose full name is Chicken Nugget. Treat time is just as important. He loves bully sticks, Pupsicle treats filled with frozen peanut butter balls, rotisserie chicken, and watermelon.

Around the neighborhood, Nugget has a favorite lookout spot: a large exposed root beneath the gigantic tree in his family’s yard. From there, he sits and surveys his territory, keeping watch over the comings and goings around him.

     The Mitchell family has lived in the neighborhood for five years, and they love the friendly neighbors, the small-town feel, and the convenience of being close to everything Hershey has to offer. Nugget seems to appreciate the neighborhood, too. His favorite puppy friends who pass by are Archie and Minnie Pearl, both of whom have also been featured in Greet Hershey. Nugget also adores the family’s next-door neighbors, making him a social little presence in his corner of town. When he is out and about, Nugget enjoys trips to TJ Maxx for new toys and Agway for Pupsicle balls and treats. Saturday mornings may find him walking to the market in the square, taking in the sights, smells, and activity of the community.

     If Nugget could plan his perfect adventure, his family suspects it would include a park with a water feature, plenty of rabbits to chase, and space to play in the water. It sounds like the ideal outing for a young dog who enjoys routine but still has an adventurous streak. From his favorite tree root to his favorite treats, Nugget has found his place in the Mitchell family and in the neighborhood around him. He may be named for something small, but this cheerful Cavapoo has made a big impression.