A small tent in the main square of Palenque, Mexico, recently displayed a charming Nativity scene, complete with traditional holiday figurines arranged in peaceful silence. However, they were joined by an unexpected guest in recent days.
Local journalist Eric Guzmán noticed the dog curled up inside the straw-lined display, and upon closer inspection, he realized that the dog had recently given birth to a litter of puppies.
“I was awestruck, and at the same time joyful seeing that she had her puppies in a safe place where they won’t get wet or cold,” Eric told The Dodo. “It’s been cold lately in Palenque, but it’s usually hot throughout the year.”
Without any other options available, the mother dog chose the manger as a safe place for her puppies. The story of the dog and her puppies in the manger quickly spread, and people from Palenque have been visiting them, bringing gifts of food and water.
Local officials have allowed the dog and her puppies to stay, and animal advocates from Dejando Huellitas S.O.S. Palenque have taken steps to ensure that the dogs are well cared for. They have even started looking for homes for the puppies once the holidays are over. Guzmán believes that while the birth of puppies in the manger may not be a miracle, it will leave a lasting legacy.
“Hopefully, we as citizens will become more aware when it comes to dogs, to adopt strays [rather than buy dogs],” the journalist said said. “We should love dogs, no matter where they come from.”
UPDATE.
(h.t: thedodo)