Saying goodbye to family can leave a deep ache, no matter if you walk on two legs or four. Being returned again and again after adoption has the power to weigh heavily on even the most hopeful hearts.
Yet for Kona, a determined dog from Tennessee, the story took a different turn. Even after facing setbacks, she found a renewed sense of meaning and affection through an unexpected kind of family.
Rather than caring for puppies of her own, she poured her warmth into a litter of tiny kittens, showing that a mother’s love can stretch far beyond species or expectation.
Kona’s Journey To A New Family
Kona, along with her three young puppies, once lived on the streets of Tennessee without a stable home. Fortunately, they were rescued and brought to New York City, where they had the chance to find permanent homes.
While the puppies were quickly adopted, Kona’s path was not as straightforward. She was adopted multiple times, only to be returned each time. These setbacks wore down her spirit and left her feeling uncertain about her future.
Then, everything changed when Kona met Asa. From the moment they locked eyes, Asa knew that this dog deserved better.
After learning about Kona’s difficult past, Asa made the compassionate decision to adopt her permanently.
Asa had experience fostering animals, particularly kittens who needed temporary homes or vaccination boosters before being adopted. While many would assume that dogs and cats don’t mix, Kona quickly proved them wrong.
Every time Asa brought a crate filled with mewing kittens into the house, Kona’s excitement was palpable. Her tail wagged furiously, and she eagerly squealed with joy.
“Every time I bring a crate home she will start freaking out, tail wagging, shrieking, see what’s going on in there,” said Asa.
Kona’s Role As A Loving Caregiver
Kona’s separation from her own pups may have shaped her strong bond with the kittens she cared for. She adopted the role of their mother, showering them with love and attention. Kona would groom the kittens and play with them, making them feel safe and cared for.
She would also stand guard during mealtime, ensuring the kittens finished their food and grew strong and healthy. Kona understood the importance of food for their development and was protective of their well-being.
Her patience with the kittens was remarkable. Despite their small size and occasional roughness, she never showed aggression. If the kittens’ claws caused her any discomfort, she would gently warn them, but always with patience and understanding.
If they do kind of go overboard and start to hurt her with their claws then she will kind of warn them. But she is never aggressive.
On the rare occasions when Asa didn’t have any kittens to foster, the house would feel quieter, and Kona seemed a bit down. She would become lethargic, lying in bed with little energy—a rare sight for such an active dog.
However, as soon as a new batch of kittens arrived, Kona was back on her paws, ready to embrace her babysitting role once again, full of energy and enthusiasm!