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Sweet Rescue Dog Cuddles Every Foster Kitten That Comes Through the Door

By: Russel Moneva
Russel Moneva, a Viral Content writer at iHeartDogs, finds joy in both crafting engaging content and pursuing his passion for basketball and fitness whenever he's not immersed in his work.Read more
| February 4, 2025

Dogs have long been celebrated for their loyalty, compassion, and deep-rooted maternal instincts, often displaying boundless affection that extends beyond their own species. Their remarkable ability to nurture and protect makes them more than just pets; they are true guardians at heart. In fact, many dogs, especially rescues, seem to develop an extraordinary sense of empathy, as if they understand the importance of second chances. Such traits are especially evident in one extraordinary rescue dog who has become a gentle, loving protector to foster kittens who arrive in need of warmth and comfort.

Image Credit: YouTube

In 2018, Susan Hicks, an animal lover from San Diego, California, was at a local shelter when she came across Ginger, a gentle pit bull mix with soulful eyes. Ginger was pregnant at the time, but the shelter was planning to euthanize her due to overcrowding. This was not the future Ginger or her unborn puppies deserved, and Susan made a life-changing decision on the spot.

“They were going to euthanize her when she was pregnant,” Susan recalled in an interview with The Dodo. “And so, I said I would take her.” She knew she couldn’t leave this expectant mother behind. In that moment, Susan didn’t just rescue Ginger; she opened her heart and home to an animal in desperate need, unknowingly setting the stage for a remarkable journey of love and nurturing.

After bringing Ginger home, it wasn’t long before the expectant mother gave birth to a healthy litter of puppies. Susan dedicated herself to caring for them all, and when the time was right, she found each of them a new home. It wasn’t easy, but she knew the puppies would thrive with their own families. However, when it came time to find a new family for Ginger, Susan’s heart just couldn’t let her go.

“I just couldn’t give her up,” Susan said, reflecting on the bond that had grown between them. For Susan, Ginger wasn’t just a dog anymore—she was family. And so, Ginger settled into her forever home, enjoying her new life with Susan. But as Susan soon discovered, Ginger’s journey of giving wasn’t over yet.

Once all her puppies had found their families, Ginger seemed to have an overflow of love still waiting to be shared. That’s when Susan, a longtime animal foster parent, brought home a litter of feral kittens, hoping to help them grow strong and find new homes. The kittens were skittish and frightened at first, barely knowing what to make of their new surroundings. But Ginger didn’t hesitate. She stepped in to fill the role of a patient, calm, and loving guardian.

“Ginger was wonderful at just calming them down and showing them it was okay,” Susan explained. Despite being a dog, Ginger instinctively knew how to handle these tiny, anxious kittens. Her calm presence helped them feel safe, and it wasn’t long before they began to trust her fully. Over time, they’d even nuzzle close to Ginger, and some kittens tried nursing her as if she were their actual mother. While Ginger couldn’t provide them with milk, she certainly provided them with the comfort and security they craved.

Image Credit: YouTube

Since that first group of kittens, Ginger has continued to be a surrogate mom to every kitten Susan fosters. Her big heart and gentle nature have made her a rock of support for kittens that often arrive shy, scared, and unsure. For the kittens, Ginger’s warm, snuggly presence is the perfect antidote to their fears.

“Ginger is like a living, breathing, snoring body pillow for these kittens,” Susan told The Dodo. She explained how the kittens, who at first stay back with curiosity and a little apprehension, are soon drawn to Ginger’s soothing energy. They nestle into her, climb on her, and often end up falling asleep in her embrace. And Ginger, in her own way, loves every moment of it. It’s almost as if she knows that she’s helping them heal.

Ginger’s unique role as a foster mom doesn’t just benefit the kittens emotionally—it also helps them find forever homes more easily. Her constant presence accustoms the kittens to being around dogs, which is a big plus for many potential adopters who already have canines in their homes. Ginger’s patience teaches them that not all dogs are scary, and that some, like her, have a deeply nurturing side.

“People will reach out to me saying, ‘I want one of your kittens because I know that they’re good with dogs,’” Susan shared, proud of how Ginger’s love helps these kittens transition smoothly into their new families. This exposure to dogs significantly raises the kittens’ chances of finding forever homes, as families feel reassured knowing the kittens are comfortable with other pets.

Reflecting on Ginger’s journey from the brink of euthanasia to her role as a caretaker, Susan often marvels at the changes in her beloved dog. Ginger’s early life may have been rough, but her second chance has allowed her to be a source of comfort for others who need a fresh start. It’s as though Ginger, in her own quiet way, is paying forward the kindness that saved her life, making sure other animals feel safe and loved.

Image Credit: YouTube
Innocent Dog Harmed on Camera
Innocent Dog Harmed on Camera

The heartbreaking story of a man caught on video harming a pit bull with a rod is distressing. This level of violence against a defenseless animal should disqualify the abuser from ever owning or being near animals again.

 

“She’s helping other animals, and calming them down, and helping them get homes, too,” Susan said, watching Ginger with a mixture of admiration and gratitude. “She’s giving back in her own way.”

In Ginger’s world, love knows no boundaries. She’s become a testament to the strength and resilience of rescued animals, showing that sometimes the most unlikely connections can be the most healing.

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