Doggone it, Shadow's the purr-fect surrogate mum to orphaned kittens
Thursday January 31 2002
Galway dog, Shadow, from Ballyglunin has taken to minding five three-month-old kittens who were left orphaned when their mother was killed in a road accident.
The dog, who has been a mother herself many times, stepped in and took over the care of the kittens.
"Shadow is a big softie with an even bigger heart," explained his proud owner, Tracy Robertson.
"When the kittens' mother was run over by the car, Shadow immediately noticed her absence and began to take care of them.
"The kittens slept with her, were cleaned by her and she carefully supervised their play time.
"They totally took over Shadow's bed at night-time and spent the whole day pulling and tugging out of her, and they even tried to feed from her. But she didn't mind at all. In fact, she thoroughly enjoyed it and put up with all their antics," said Tracy.
"Being a mother to cats was no bother to Shadow because she has lived with cats since she was a puppy," said Tracy's mother, Winnie Robertson.
"In this house the cats behave like dogs and the dogs behave like cats. They all sleep together in a big bed in the shed and get on like a house on fire."
The Labrador was last week awarded runner-up pet of the year for 2001 by Whiskas, Pedigree and Veterinary Ireland, in acknowledgment of her maternal urges.
She was awarded a doggie pamper-hamper by Pedigree, which included toys, a grooming brush and tins of luxury dog food.
- Fiona Tyrrell
