Few things in life compare to the pure, unwavering love a mother feels for her young. That first moment of meeting her babies is filled with emotion, and the instinct to protect and nurture them is immediate and powerful.
At Jackson County Animal Shelter, in Jackson, Michigan, a Great Dane mix named Kela gave birth to ten puppies. The sight was heartwarming. This gentle giant instantly embraced her role as a mother. But what no one expected was that her heart still had room for one more.
One day, she heard a faint cry in the hallway and rushed to comfort what would become her eleventh baby.
Ten Puppies And A Pool Too Small
This sweet girl originally arrived from Van Buren County shelter in Michigan. Initially shy and reserved, Kela was kept near the office so staff could help her adjust and feel safe.
During her early days at Jackson County, staff noticed she was resting in a kiddie pool that was far too cramped for her and her growing litter. They reached out to the community for help.
Within hours, generous donors responded, and by the next day, Kela had a spacious new pool, and ten healthy puppies.
From the moment they were born, Kela was a devoted mother. She cleaned and cared for each pup with tenderness and attention.
Even with such a large litter, Kela’s nurturing spirit didn’t stop there. She surprised everyone by opening her heart to a baby who wasn’t even her own species.
Her timid nature faded completely as her maternal instincts took over once again.
A Cry From The Hallway
On the other side of a closed door, a stray kitten had just arrived at the shelter. Lydia Sattler, director of JCAS, recalled that as soon as Kela heard the kitten’s cries, she began pawing at the floor, clearly distressed.
Staff opened the door to investigate, and Kela rushed toward the kitten. She sniffed her gently, then began nursing her without hesitation. Her instincts had kicked in again. She wanted to comfort and care for the tiny feline just as she did her own pups.
Kela kept her eyes fixed on the kitten, so the team decided to place the little one in her pool. Kela immediately returned to her spot, lay down, and began cleaning the kitten with the same care she gave her puppies.
It was clear from the start that Kela had accepted the kitten as part of her family. Despite their differences, she treated her as one of her own.
The bond between them amazed everyone. Kela refused to leave the kitten’s side, and the kitten seemed equally attached.
A Foster Home For An Unusual Family
Just days later, it was time for Kela and her babies to transition into foster care. After carefully reviewing options, the shelter found the perfect home, and the kitten joined 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!”
A Heartbreaking Goodbye To A Tiny Sister
Everything was going well for the blended family until tragedy struck. The kitten passed away before reaching one month old, likely due to a genetic condition.
Though heartbreaking, the shelter staff believed this may have been why her biological mother abandoned her. Cats can often sense when something is wrong with their young.
“Kela loved and cared for him as if he were her own, and we couldn’t have asked for a better caregiver,” the shelter wrote.
Though her time was brief, the kitten experienced the warmth and love of a devoted mother for several precious weeks.
Now, Kela and her puppies are adjusting to life without their tiny sister, who will always be remembered.
Rest peacefully, little one.
As for Kela and her pups, we hope their journey leads to loving forever homes filled with the same compassion they’ve shown each other.