Compassionate Canine Tolerates Frisky Pup

June 30, 2008

After last week's discussion about aggression in dogs, my friend Dr. Heidi Littman reminded me how compassionate canines can be too. Her parents raise wire fox terrier show dogs, which receive a lot of love and care both in and out of their celeb spotlight.

One of their females gave birth to puppies about 5 weeks ago. The baby of the bunch, Shayna, decided that she still wanted to nurse, despite the fact that she now possesses 4 very sharp canine teeth. Her rather testy mother would have none of that, so Shayna instead went to her more understanding aunt Rosie.

"At first, Rosie was flattered (a seasoned mother herself) and let her nurse...then...ouch the teeth!  So she tried to distract her by teaching her to play ball with a green ball! Isn't she smart!?" Dr. Littman said.

(Credit for all photos: Dr. Heidi Littman)

The tactic worked. Shayna quickly tired herself out, as evidenced by the below.