There are only a few things in this world that can compare to the unconditional love a mother feels for her babies. Seeing her newborns for the first time is filled with emotions, and the instinct that follows is truly beyond words.
When Kela, the Great Dane mix mama, gave birth to ten puppies at Jackson County Animal Shelter, in Jackson, Michigan,it was a beautiful sight. This big girl was immediately a loving mom, but no one realized that her heart still had room for more.
One day, she heard a tiny baby crying in the hallway and quickly rushed to take in what became her 11th little one.
Ten Healthy Puppies Born Under Shelter Care
This sweet girl originally came from the Van Buren County shelter in Michigan. At first, she was seen as shy and selective, which is why the staff kept her close to the office to help her re-socialize.
During her first days at the shelter, staff noticed she was lying in a kiddie pool that was far too small for her and her puppies, so they reached out to the community for help.
Within only hours, people responded and donated a larger pool, and by the very next day, she had ten healthy puppies.
From the start, Kela proved to be a devoted mom, carefully cleaning and tending to her babies right after they were born.
Still, no one expected her to be so openhearted. Even after caring for her big litter, she somehow found the space to take in another baby who was completely different.
And as for her timid side, it disappeared completely.
Drawn Instantly To A Lonely Kitten
On the other side of a door, a stray kitten had just been brought in. According to Lydia Sattler, the director of JCAS, as soon as Kela heard the kitten crying, she began pawing at the floor in response.
When staff opened the door to check, Kela rushed straight to the kitten, sniffed her, and immediately began nursing. Her maternal instinct had kicked in again, and she wanted to comfort the little one just as she did with her own puppies.
She barely took her eyes off the kitten, so the staff decided to test her reaction. They placed the kitten in Kela’s pool, and right away, Kela returned to her spot, lay down, and began gently cleaning her.
It became clear that Kela wanted the kitten in her litter from the moment she first heard her cries. She accepted her as one of her own, even though the tiny feline was so different.
Everyone was amazed to see a dog act like a true mother to a kitten, but Kela refused to leave her side, and the kitten seemed just as attached.
The Whole Family Finds A Foster Home
Only a few days later, it was time for Kela and her babies to move into foster care. After searching carefully for the right home, the shelter staff found the perfect place, and the whole group settled in together. The kitten went with them, too.
“Kela finally chose her foster home (she was quite selective)! After turning down several great offers, she, along with her puppies and kitten, are settling into their own little paradise!”
Farewell To A Tiny Feline Sister
Everything went smoothly for this sweet but unusual family until, sadly, the kitten passed away before reaching one month old due to what was likely a genetic condition.
It was heartbreaking news, but the staff believed this was the reason her mother had abandoned her in the first place, as cat moms can sense when something is wrong with their babies.
“Kela loved and cared for him as if he were her own, and we couldn’t have asked for a better caregiver,” they wrote.
Even though her life was short, the kitten had the chance to experience a mother’s true love for several precious weeks.
Now, it will take time for Kela and her puppies to adjust without their little sister, who will always hold a special place in their hearts.
Rest in peace, little kitten.
As for Kela and her puppies, we wish them happiness and the perfect forever home in the near future.