Oakley, an Australian Shepherd nurses orphaned lambs and other farm animals to good health by taking then under her wing. This nurturing pup lives with Keela Hopkin, a farm owner and her daughters in the small town of Cowley in Wyoming.
- Hopkin has been caring for orphaned lambs, frequently called bum lambs, on their family farm for many years. She explained that they take the lambs when
- their mothers reject them,
- when the mothers do not have enough milk,
- or when the mothers die.
Recently, one of their bum lambs became ill. The lamb unexpectedly had to rely on Oakley, the family’s dog. The lamb suddenly stopped eating. Hopkin tried syringing, bottle feeding, and even inserting a tube, but the lamb still refused. Hopkin was worried for the animal’s life. That’s when the caring dog came in.
Oakley carefully approached the lamb and hiked her leg up. After several attempts, the lamb finally realized the dog was enfouraging her to nurse! This is one amazing way tht this Australian Shepherd nurses orphaned lambs back to good health.
Oakley’s maternal instincts do not discriminate. The dog has also taken other lambs, goats, and kittens under her wing. Oakley has a lot of opportunities to share her affection on the farm. Aside from lambs, goats, and kittens, Hopkin and her family also have rabbits, pigs, and other dogs.
Not surprisingly, Oakley is just as devoted to her humans. When Hopkin returns home from work and Oakley hears her car from a distance, the dog will sprint to meet her at their cattle guard, located about a half-mile away from the house.
Oakley only pays forward the love she receives from Hopkin and her family. Because they actually devote so much time to their animals, they live a happy and comfortable life. The dogs enjoy free reign of the farm and the house, spending lazy days on the couch, evenings snuggled up in their beds, and busy days working with the sheep.
Here is a great story about an intra-species adoption: https://happymutt.org/gentle-german-shepherd-adopts-an-orphaned-opossum/
Credit: This Dog’s Life