Caring Dog Becomes A Dad To Five Cheetah Cubs Whose Mother Died After Giving Birth To Them
This Australian Shepherd proved to the world that "impossible" is nothing for a dog when he became a single father to five orphaned cheetah cubs. The mother of the cubs died shortly after giving birth to them, and given the circumstances, their chances of survival were extremely slim.
But thanks to Blakely, a very caring and kind dog, they all got a second chance at life. The five babies were born at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden's Cheetah Breeding Facility in Ohio, where their mother, Willow, was a permanent resident.
Unfortunately, the 5-year-old female died a few weeks after giving birth to the five cubs due to complications. The staff did everything they could to save the cubs, but they all knew it would be nearly impossible to save her from death's cold hands.
In the first few weeks of life, the cubs need to be close to their mothers for warmth, bonding, support, and, most importantly, early breast milk. Nevertheless, they took the cubs to the nursery, where they received the best medical care and were bottle-fed around the clock.
The most important thing for the staff, however, was to keep their body temperatures warm. They needed their mother's body to stay warm, and that's when Blakely stepped in to help!
The five babies – 3 boys and 2 girls – were born at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Cheetah Breeding Facility in Ohio
Blakely, who arrived at the facility over five years ago after being rescued from a local shelter at the age of seven months, is more of a therapy or support dog. The Australian Shepherd wasn't having his first experience with something like this.
This Australian Shepherd stepped in and became a single dad for five orphaned cheetah cubs
He first served as a comfort dog for another cheetah after she lost her cub, and then he comforted a calf. So he and the cubs hit it off from the start.
Blakely provides them with the comfort of a mother, and the cubs appear to enjoy cuddling with him and climbing over him. Despite the fact that they get along so well, Blakely only visits them twice a day because he has other support work commitments.
Blakely provides them the comfort of a mother, and the little ones look so happy to cuddle with him and climb over him
The rest of the time, the staff ensures that they are properly fed and rested. In any case, the caring dog will be by their side for a long time to come.
"As the cubs grow, Blakely's role in their development will shift from climbable support and a furry warm body to teacher and role model," said Dawn Strasser, the zoo's head nursery keeper. Blakely has truly been a blessing to other animals.
This video shows that the caring dog will remain by their side for a long time
Countless times, the doggos have demonstrated that they are not just any type of animal or pet. Dogs can actually provide support to other animals in times of need, and this is a very unique quality about dogs that has made them stand out.
We know the story of this support dog amazed you. So let us have your reactions in the comments section below.
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