After several puppies and an older dog were found abandoned in a field, an animal rescue centre has shared heart-rendering footage of how the older canine’s ‘motherly instincts’ kicked in
Puppies dumped in a field alongside an older dog left animal rescuers heartbroken earlier this month after they discovered how the canines had bonded amid adversity. The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control made the grim discovery in a California field on November 3 before handing the dogs into the care of the nearby Lancaster Animal Care Center.
The Centre has since taken to Instagram to share sweet footage of the six pups and their older pal – named Tia – all of whom are seeking a new forever home. The clip begins with a number of the youngsters snuggling up to Tia, who is believed to be around a year old.
“Tia was found in a field caring for 6 little ones who weren’t even hers – just a gentle ‘auntie’ doing her best to keep them safe until help arrived,” the Centre revealed.
The video continues, showing loving Tia gazing up at the camera with hopeful eyes, while the puppies playfully run around her.
Since it was posted, the Centre happily reported that Tia has been adopted – as have puppies, Alyssa, Ivan, and Bernadette.
Little ones Paulette and Serenity remain homeless however, while the identity of the sixth puppy hasn’t been disclosed.
The Centre goes on to advise: “Serenity has shown occasional head tremors and mild circling. These could possibly be related to a neurological condition. A follow-up with a veterinary neurologist is recommended so an adopter can get a full evaluation and treatment plan.”
Meanwhile, the Centre’s volunteer, Noemi told Newsweek of Tia’s kind nature: “It doesn’t appear that she gave birth recently, so we don’t think they’re her puppies. But she was caring for them and was very sweet and loving to them.”
Indeed, Tia’s motherly instincts clearly kicked in, which is likely to have saved the puppies’ lives following their apparent abandonment.
A study published by the journal, Animals, in 2019 found that 61% of dog breeders observed signs of alloparental behaviour – the act of caring for youngsters who aren’t biological offspring – such as nursing, licking and cleaning.
Research also found that young female dogs who had given birth themselves showed a stronger interest in whining puppies.
Writing in response, one Instagram user gushed: “So happy they’ve almost all been adopted! Someone please save Serenity now please please!”
A second person added: “Praying this the rest of the family makes it out alive.”
A third added: “This is so unfair… some saved while others are passed up… PLEASE… anyone out there to foster/adopt?”
While a fourth Instagram user praised: “That’s so sweet. She’s taking care of them as if they are her own. What a sweet, loving mama. Please help this sweet family. Rescue this mama and her little angels.”
