This Australian Shepherd took on the role of sole parent to five orphaned cheetah cubs, demonstrating to the world that there is nothing that cannot be accomplished by a dog. The infants’ mothers had gone suddenly only a few times after giving birth, leaving their odds of survival very low. However, since Blakely is such a kind dog, each of them was given a second shot at life.
Willow, the mother, was a permanent resident at the Cheetah Breeding Facility at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in Ohio, which is where her five cubs were born. There were three males and two girls among the litter. Unfortunately, the 5-year-old girl went suddenly a few weeks after giving birth as a result of various difficulties that occurred during labor and delivery.
The employees gave it their all in an effort to preserve the cubs, but they were all aware that there was little chance of success. During the first few weeks of their lives, it is extremely important for the cubs to stay close to their mothers. Despite this, they have brought the young animals to the nursery, where they are receiving the highest standard of medical care and are being fed by bottle around the clock. However, maintaining their body temperature was the single most important thing that a person could do. They just needed the warmth of their mother’s flesh. It was then that Blakely came into the picture!
Blakely, who was saved from a local shelter when he was only seven months old and became a resident of the institution over five years ago, is more similar to a therapy dog. Blakely was rescued when he was only seven months old. This was not the Australian Shepherd’s first time engaging in activities of this kind. After another cheetah had to give up her baby, he was at first utilized as a support dog for her, and later he was put in charge of comforting a calf. Therefore, he and the cubs formed a relationship the very first time that they met. The reassurance of a mother is something that Blakely gives to them, and the tiny ones seem overjoyed to clamber all over him and snuggle up with him. But despite the fact that they are getting along so swimmingly, Blakely is only at their side for a maximum of two hours every day. The remainder of the time is spent with them having their relaxation and dietary needs attended to by the personnel.
In any case, the loving dog will continue to stay by their side for quite some time from this point on. According to Dawn Strasser, who is in charge of the nursery at the zoo’s main location, “Blakely’s function in the development of the cubs will evolve from climbable buddy and furry warm body to teacher and role model as the cubs mature.”
