A stray dog, much like Mary seeking shelter before Jesus’ birth, found refuge in a humble space filled with straw—this time, to bring seven puppies into the world.
In Palenque, Mexico, a beautifully arranged Nativity scene was set up inside a small tent in the town’s main plaza. The display featured the usual festive figurines in peaceful stillness, but this year, an unexpected guest had joined them—a pregnant stray dog.
The gentle dog saw the Nativity scene as a safe haven and instinctively chose it as her refuge. Seeking warmth from the cold streets, she found comfort in the straw. Local journalist Eric Guzmán noticed her curled up inside and decided to take a closer look.
To his surprise, he discovered that the dog had given birth to seven puppies. With no other shelter available, she seemed to have chosen this serene space as the perfect place to welcome her little ones.
Eric shared his thoughts with The Dodo, saying, “I was shocked but happy to see that her puppies were safe. They were never cold or wet.” While Palenque generally has warm weather, December brings colder temperatures, making it common for stray dogs to seek shelter.
After Eric spread the news, many locals visited the Nativity scene to see the mother and her puppies, bringing food and water to support them. Even local authorities stepped in and decided to let the dog and her puppies stay as long as they needed.
Beyond the symbolic connection to the season, the animal rescue group Dejando Huellitas SOS Palenque also stepped in to ensure the dogs receive proper care and started looking for permanent homes for them.
For Eric, the puppies’ birth inside the Nativity scene isn’t necessarily a miracle, but he hopes it will leave a lasting impact. “Hopefully, people will become more aware of stray dogs and choose to adopt instead of buying pets,” he said. “We should love them no matter where they come from.”
