Homeless Dog Nurses Stray Kitten And It’s Heartmelting

Apr 20, 2020 by apost team

In 2013, animal control officer Michelle Smith got a call about a dog frantically barking from a creek – something she found peculiar when she went to investigate, as the canine could have easily climbed out without help. 

Smith, who works for Anderson County P.A.W.S. in South Carolina, then discovered the reason for the pups distraught: She was nursing and cleaning a tiny kitten as if it were her own.

According to Smith, the dog, who is a Shih Tzu, could have easily climbed up the embankment on her own, just not while carrying the kitten. The animal control officer is convinced the dog did not want to abandon the kitten, so she started barking for help. 

"I didn't know what to think," Smith said to Fox News 10. "I was shocked and surprised and then of course, awww."

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The pair were then taken to the animal shelter, where they were nursed back to health and kept until the cat was old enough to be spayed. They were given names – the dog Goldie and the kitten Kate – after celebrity mother-daughter duo Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson.

According to the animal workers at the shelter, Goldie was going through something of a ‘Pseudopregnancy’ that allowed her to produce milk to nurse Kate. It was a bond, they claim, like none they had ever seen before.

The heartwarming story immediately became a national sensation, with FOX Carolina doing a special on their unlikely bond. That led to other publications also covering the story, which caused a huge surge in individuals interested in adopting the pair. In July that same year, however, the shelter took to Facebook to announce that although they were glad people had taken an interest, Goldie and Kate had already found a home.

“We are very happy that they are in a home setting and are adjusting well,” their post reads. “They have 24/7 attention and tons of love from their new parents! Kate is growing like a weed and is catching up to Goldie, QUICK!”

Have you ever witnessed such an unlikely bond between animals? Let us know in the comments – and make sure you pass this along to your friends and family!