This 100-Pound Great Dane Is A Protective Mama To All The Foster Puppies
When Kathryn Mongrain rescued Etta, she never imagined how important she would be for her rescue facility.
Etta’s journey goes from her start as a struggling puppy, to being a 100-pound dog mama caring for other vulnerable puppies.
A Doomed Puppy
Etta’s life began under challenging circumstances. She was rescued by The Bottle Brigade soon after her birth.
Source: @thebottlebrigade
She faced severe health issues that threatened her survival, including infections that led to the blackening of her feet, and a life-threatening condition that rendered her nearly septic.
Despite the grim prognosis and nights filled with discomfort and cries, Etta’s fighting spirit shone through.
She was a fighter from the start, determined not to just survive but thrive.
Healing & Helping
And she did fight, indeed!
At just 2-months old, she surprised anyone by getting up on her feet. Despite her slim chance of survival, she made it.
Source: @thebottlebrigade
As Etta began to recover, her role within the nursery evolved. She became more than just a patient; she turned into a caretaker.
The same space that once provided her with critical care became her domain to give back.
The nursery staff observed Etta’s keen sense to mother the crying babies, perhaps remembering her own vulnerabilities as a puppy and the comfort she received.
A New Role Emerges
With her health stabilized, Etta soon embraced her new role as the nursery’s unofficial “Bottle Brigade Mama.”
Her presence in the nursery became a source of comfort and motivation for the puppies, many of whom required intensive care to survive their first weeks of life.
Source: @thebottlebrigade
Etta’s visits to the incubators were not just routine checks; they were missions of mercy, giving the puppies the strength to keep fighting.
Etta’s impact on these puppies goes beyond simple companionship. Her presence offers them a connection to a maternal figure, helping normalize their environment and stimulate their development.
Source: @thebottlebrigade
The simple act of snuggling against her or even catching her scent can significantly reassure and calm the puppies, teaching them that they are not alone in their fight for health and happiness.
Etta’s Legacy
Ultimately, the bond between Etta and the nursery grew so deep that the decision was made for her to permanently join the family that runs it.
This choice allowed Etta to continue her mission of nurturing indefinitely, providing a continuous source of love and support to countless puppies in need.
Source: @thebottlebrigade
Etta’s journey from a patient to a protector highlights the incredible ways animals can heal, inspire, and care for each other.
Her story is not just one of recovery but of giving back, proving that even those with the toughest starts can grow up to make a profound difference in the lives of others.
