Dog Welcomes Squirrel Into Her Litter Of Pups

[matcom]

<snip>

SEATTLE --Animal lover that she is, Debby Cantlon didn't think twice when someone asked if she could take in an orphaned newborn squirrel and nurse it back to health.

It also was apparently a no-brainer for Mademoiselle Giselle, her pregnant Papillon.

The black and white pooch with long-haired butterfly ears dragged the squirrel's cage to her bedside -- twice -- before she gave birth to her pups on Sept. 9.

Cantlon was concerned at first, but ultimately decided to allow the squirrel out, then Giselle actively encouraged the little rodent to join her litter.

Since then, cameras have captured images of the squirrel nursing right alongside his canine brothers and sisters.

His name: Finnegan. "As in, 'Finnegan, begin again,'" Cantlon said.

http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2005/10/12/dog_welcomes_squirrel_into_litter_of_pups?mode=PF

[LaurenG]

1. The dog must be a democrat

I can't imagine a republican dog being so loving. Good article.

[RedCloud]

2. She must be nuts!

[Shell Beau]

3. I saw that on GMA! That is the most precious thing

I have ever heard! Dogs Rule!

[Mutley]

4. I love stories like that.

Like that lioness who raised the baby gazelle...

[Shell Beau]

5. And the dog who carried the abandoned baby across

a busy street and kept it safe!

[Mutley]

6. Yes!

When I was a kid we had a kitten who would try to nurse our dog. The dog was a male, so it wasn't happening, but he would roll over on his back, and the kitten would climb on his stomach and do that kneading thing that cats do. It was so cute! I miss those guys. :cry:

[Shell Beau]

7. Aw, how sweet!!

A couple of years ago, I found an abandoned squirrel. I brought him home until I could get him to my vet. My little girl dog was licking it like she would a pup. I was nervous at first. The squirrel was the size of my palm. Eyes still closed and everything. But it was precious that my doggie was concerned. Let me tell you, it was tough taking care of that squirrel. I had to feed it every 3 hours and had to make it go to the bathroom. I was very glad to get it to the vet.

[Mutley]

8. Taking care of newborns of any species is difficult...

But so rewarding.

[Shell Beau]

9. It was rewarding. When I got him to the vet, they said

you did so well. He is in great shape! I felt so proud. And the fact that the helpless squirrel was given another chance.

[Mutley]

10. What happened to him after he grew up?

Could they release him back into the wild? Would he know what to do with himself?

[Shell Beau]

11. Once he was old enough, they took him to the Wildlife Refuge.

He was basically in the wild. I am assuming he is a happy healthy squirrel. That is what I want to think anyway!

[Mutley]

12. How wonderful!

That's what I'll think, too. :D

[fleabert]

13. where's the pictures? !!! nt

[CatWoman]

14. I posted about this last night

It was so adorable :loveya:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x4142754

[Lisa0825]

15. I saw that yesterday! A momma cat did the same....

http://www.scarysquirrel.org/special/movies/kittymovie/