“It takes a village to raise a child,” goes the old saying, but in the case of Etta, a 100-pound Great Dane, it seems she’s taken it upon herself to be the village for a group of special needs puppies. Great Danes are known for their gentle and nurturing nature, and Etta exemplifies these traits in the most heartwarming way.
Etta’s story began in a household that frequently fostered animals, providing temporary homes for those in need. When a litter of special needs puppies arrived, they required extra care and attention due to their unique challenges. Enter Etta, whose instinctive kindness and motherly demeanor quickly became evident.
Despite her size, Etta was incredibly gentle with the fragile puppies. She would lie down carefully beside them, providing warmth and comfort. Her presence was a source of reassurance for the puppies, who quickly bonded with their towering guardian. Etta seemed to understand their needs intuitively, often nudging them gently or using her body to support their unsteady steps.
The bond between Etta and the puppies grew stronger each day. She played with them, watched over them, and even helped teach them essential social behaviors. Her calm and patient demeanor made her the perfect surrogate mother, and the puppies thrived under her care.
Etta’s actions did not go unnoticed. Her family was deeply moved by her natural ability to care for the puppies, and they made sure to capture and share the touching moments with friends and the broader community. Etta’s story soon spread, highlighting the remarkable compassion and empathy animals can exhibit.
Great Danes like Etta remind us of the extraordinary capacity for love and care that exists within the animal kingdom. Her selfless actions provided the special needs puppies with the nurturing environment they needed to grow and develop. Etta’s role in their lives was a testament to the power of kindness and the impact one caring individual—whether human or canine—can have on others.
Through Etta, we see the embodiment of the saying “it takes a village,” as she became the heart and soul of the puppies’ early life. Her story inspires us to recognize and appreciate the nurturing instincts present in all animals and the incredible ways they can contribute to each other’s well-being.
Etta was taken in as a newborn by The Bottle Brigade, a rescue organization in Houston, Texas, that helps special needs puppies. She was born unable to walk because of an infection. She lost her hind paws due to an infection that caused lack of blood circulation in her extremities. Even though they didn’t think she would make it – Etta fought really hard and survived the most difficult part of her life.
Despite these early challenges, Etta didn’t give up. She began by crawling and, after a few months, she surprised everyone by standing and walking like other puppies.
Initially, Kathryn Mongrain from The Bottle Brigade planned to foster Etta temporarily. However, Etta quickly became an essential part of the household, caring for other puppies. Kathryn’s initial idea was to foster Etta until she found her perfect home. However, being the good dog she is – it was just hard letting her go.
Etta would patrol around the house and check up on all the other puppies like their mama, making them feel better. Realizing Etta’s importance, Kathryn decided to keep her permanently.
Etta has taken on the role of a mother figure for the other puppies at the rescue. Her empathy and protective nature make her an ideal caregiver.
“Etta would be the first into the nursery when there was a baby crying. They become lonely, and Etta was there trying to mother them. Maybe she remembers when she was in there, and now she’s giving back to these little babies. She’s helping to get to a point where she is now.”
Etta’s story is not just about overcoming adversity; it’s about how she uses her experiences to help others in need. Now healthy and strong, she spends her days making sure other puppies feel loved and safe.
Her story is a beautiful example of resilience and empathy, showing how much difference one dog can make in the lives of many. We hope Etta continues to thrive and spread joy among her new family for years to come.
Toledo, United States.
