In a heartwarming turn of events, the Instituto Amor em Patas (IAPA) recently encountered a pregnant mother dog who had been abandoned at their gate. Natajuli, as she came to be known, was nine weeks pregnant and in dire need of help. When the compassionate volunteers at IAPA found her, she was weak, unable to stand, and consumed by fear. Her vulnerable condition tugged at the hearts of those who came to her aid, and they embarked on a journey of care, support, and new beginnings.
Natajuli’s previous owner had left her at the gate, driven by fear of her impending motherhood. Initially, Natajuli’s fear manifested in her protective behavior, as she guarded herself and her unborn puppies from the unfamiliar faces of the volunteers. However, with time and patience, she began to open up and trust those who extended a helping hand.
One volunteer recounted the moment they first encountered Natajuli, sharing, “Look at her belly – it may contain 13 or 14 precious lives. We are planning to schedule her tests for tomorrow as she is quite weak.” The concern for Natajuli’s well-being was palpable, and the volunteers rallied to provide her with the care she needed.
The anticipation grew as the volunteers prepared for Natajuli’s ultrasound to ensure a safe delivery. Despite her weak state, Natajuli returned to the shelter under their watchful eyes. The momentous occasion finally arrived – Natajuli successfully gave birth to her first baby, a lively young boy.
The heartwarming surprise was unveiled as Natajuli continued to give birth – not to a few, but an astonishing 14 adorable puppies. The sight of Natajuli and her 14 babies evoked a mix of emotions in the volunteers, ranging from overwhelming joy to the sense of responsibility that lay ahead.
A trip to the vet followed, where Natajuli and her 14 little ones underwent check-ups, ultrasounds, and blood tests. Their health was a top priority, and the relief was evident when Natajuli emerged red-faced but strong. The puppies were no exception, each plump and healthy, a testament to the care and dedication poured into their well-being.
One volunteer shared their sentiment, saying, “I was nearly brought to tears when I saw Natajuli’s smile, and her puppies are just too adorable – I can’t help but want to shower them with affection.”
As this heartwarming journey unfolds, the volunteers find themselves faced with the delightful challenge of naming the 14 tiny wonders. An invitation is extended to all who share in their story to suggest names that hold meaning and resonance. These names will become a part of the tale of resilience, hope, and unwavering compassion that defines Natajuli’s journey and the lives she brought into the world.
Bobi, the world’s oldest known dog ever, dies at 31
Bobi, the world’s oldest known dog ever, passed away last week at an animal hospital in Portugal, Guinness World Records announced Monday.
“Bobi lived to be 31 years 165 days old and spent his entire life with his loving owner Leonel Costa and his family in the Portuguese village of Conqueiros,” the record-keeping company said in a news release.
Bobi was recognized as the oldest dog ever known in February, just two weeks after a 23-year-old Chihuahua named Spike tried to claim the title. His death leaves Ohio-born Spike as the oldest known living dog.
In dog years, Bobi was roughly 86 years old. He was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a Portuguese breed of farm and guardian dog with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
His age was confirmed by his 1992 registration with a veterinary medical service in Leiria, Portugal, and with a Portuguese government-owned pet database, Guinness said.
Bobi was born in a litter of four puppies; the three others were put down by owner Leonel Costa’s parents because the farm already had too many animals.
“At that time it was considered normal by older people … to bury the animals in a hole so that they would not survive,” Leonel said in an interview with Guinness.
Costa said he hid Bobi from his parents after he discovered that the dog had escaped his siblings’ fate by hiding in a stack of wood. When Costa’s parents found out, it was too late to put Bobi down.
Costa said Bobi was never tied up or leashed, drank plenty of water and ate human food exclusively. Costa attributed Bobi’s old age to his “calm, peaceful” life.
On Bobi’s 31st birthday, in May, his owner threw him a traditional Portuguese birthday party, attended by more than 100 guests, Guinness said.
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