Georgia, an Australian shepherd mix, was found wandering near a gas station by the US-Mexico border. She was rescued by the Sunlight Dog Rescue, a non-profit organization based in Phoenix, Arizona.
“We care for and find forever homes for abused, abandoned, and neglected dogs of all ages,” the rescue organization shares on its website.
When Georgia was rescued, she was pregnant. The team quickly took her to a local veterinary clinic, where she underwent an emergency C-section and spay procedure. Unfortunately, the veterinarians could not save her puppies, as they were born prematurely. Georgia was devastated and desperate after losing her litter.
“I’ve never had a mother dog lose an entire litter before,” said Anita Osa, founder of Sunlight Dog Rescue, in an interview with ABC 15. “The best way I can describe it is that she was frantic. It was heartbreaking—she kept searching for her babies. She even tore up the mattress we had her on, trying to find them.”
Since Georgia was still lactating, the rescue center posted on Facebook asking if there were any puppies in need of a foster mother. To their surprise, Osa was contacted about three orphaned kittens that were in need of care.
At first, Osa was unsure if Georgia would accept the kittens, but the bond between them turned out to be an amazing match.
“I was definitely uncertain,” Osa admitted. “But I had seen other animals nurse different species before, so I thought ‘worst case, if she doesn’t accept them, I’ll care for the kittens myself.’”
Osa carefully introduced the kittens to Georgia, starting with one and allowing her to sniff it. Georgia accepted the kitten, so Osa brought out the other two. To her surprise, Georgia immediately calmed down. “It’s incredible to see how she instantly relaxed. I think the kittens have no idea Georgia is a dog.”
Under Georgia’s loving care, the kittens thrived, and the rescue center was overjoyed to see them all doing well. Osa shared that Georgia protects the kittens as if they were her own.
We’re happy to report that all four animals were adopted into their forever homes. In fact, Georgia even lives with one of her adopted kittens, as the person who took her in also adopted the kitten.
