Winnie, a goofy Great Dane known for her love of people and her indifference (if not dislike) toward other animals, recently had a change of heart that surprised everyone. When her parents stumbled upon two orphaned kittens hiding in the bushes, they decided to bring them home, unsure how Winnie would react. They anticipated indifference at best — but what happened next was nothing short of miraculous.
“When I introduced Winnie to the kittens, I was closely observing her body language,” shared Lisa Gerken, Winnie’s owner, in an interview with The Dodo. “She had never shown a nurturing side towards any animal before.” But to Gerken’s amazement, by the second day, Winnie had the kittens snuggled up against her, seeking warmth and comfort. By the third day, they were trying to nurse from her — and while she had no milk to offer, she provided them with all the affection they needed.
The kittens seemed to awaken a maternal instinct in Winnie that no one had ever seen before. She quickly became their protector, showering them with unconditional love and care.
One of Winnie’s favorite things to do with the kittens is to smell them, explained Gerken. “It reminds me of how humans are fascinated with the scent of newborns. Winnie just can’t get enough — she presses her nose against them and takes in their scent, almost like she’s bonding with them in her own way.”
Sadly, Winnie’s family already has four cats, which made it impossible for them to keep the kittens. Fortunately, both kittens have since found loving forever homes. But Winnie has discovered a new calling in life — one that could benefit many more animals in need.
Inspired by Winnie’s unexpected transformation, Gerken is now considering fostering more kittens in the future. “Watching Winnie interact with these kittens showed me that she has a true gift for nurturing. I’m excited to see her continue to grow in this new role,” said Gerken.
From a reactive dog who avoided other animals to a devoted foster mom, Winnie’s journey is a touching reminder of the power of love and second chances. Her story is sure to inspire others to open their hearts to fostering and adopting animals in need.
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