Mademoiselle Giselle and Finnegan give Mother's Day a strange new twist. It seems that a mother dog adopted an orphaned baby squirrel.
Finnegan was in need of rescue when a kindly lady took him in. But, to her surprise, her little Papillon, who was due to deliver puppies very soon, developed a deep affection for the tiny rodent and adopted him into her litter. Giselle seemed to know, just like any mother would, that the baby was in need of some TLC. Under the watchful eye of his canine mother, Finnegan seemed perfectly content to nurse and nap with the furry ball of puppies.
A dog mother is much like a human mother who nurtures, protects, and teaches her children to live and function in their world. In the early hours after birth, her milk provides them with antibodies to keep them healthy. In the early weeks, a mother dog will protect her puppies, keep them warm, nurse them, stimulate and clean them. As they grow older and begin to tumble about, she teaches them to potty outside the den and keep living quarters clean.
She also teaches them how to interact within the pack and how to submit to authority. It's natural for puppies to play wrestle and establish their rank, but the mother dog steps in, quite firmly, when they do not behave appropriately. If play becomes too rough, she will correct all puppies involved, growling and holding them down until they stop struggling and submit to her authority. That's why it's best for puppies to stay with their mother until at least 7 or 8 weeks of age, although they need some human contact in order to make good pets.
In the case of Giselle and her adopted squirrel baby, her doggy methods of mothering may clash with his instincts, as he matures, and not serve him well in his rodent world. Finnegan will most likely have a hard time surviving in the wild and probably should be placed in a suitable captive environment. But I have no doubt that Giselle's tender loving care helped the little orphan survive those critical early days. Everyone needs the warmth and love of a mother.
The copyright of the article A Dog Mother's Day in Dogs is owned by Joy Butler. Permission to republish A Dog Mother's Day in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Comments
May 3, 2006 8:54 PM
Jennifer W. Miner :
I LOVED this story! It really warms my heart to read about the generosity and natural love of animals. I know it's off-topic, but did you hear about the giant tortoise that adopted a baby hippo orphaned by last year's tsunami? While the animals aren't as cute and furry, the story is also touching. happy Mom's day. Jennifer Miner http://luxuryresorttravel.suite101.com
May 4, 2006 1:19 AM
Joy Butler :
Aren't animals amazing! I thought this gave Mother's Day and whole new twist.
Yes, I heard about the tortoise and the hippo. That was so cute! Also do you remember the lion adopting the little oryx babies a few years ago? I read somewhere that she did not belong to a pride and therefore could not have babies herself so she adopted the oryx babies, which should have been her prey. Amazing!
Happy Mother's Day to you too, Jennifer!
May 4, 2006 3:56 AM
Rosemary Drisdelle :
What a great story - and great pictures! I suppose we probably won't hear what becomes of Finnegan, but one thing's sure - he has a much better chance of surviving now than he did at the bottom of that tree. I wonder if he thinks he's a dog...
May 4, 2006 3:23 PM
Joy Butler :
<i>much better chance of surviving now than he did at the bottom of that tree.</i> That's for sure! :)
He may be a little confused but maybe his instincts will kick in when he starts climbing trees.
Happy Mother's Day, Rosemary!
May 19, 2006 12:31 AM
Dan Florio :
Great story. Sometimes I think animals are nicer than people.
May 19, 2006 9:14 PM
Joy Butler :
That reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw the other day. It said something like, "The more I know about people, the more I love my dog."
