Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Golden Retriever Nurses Tiger Cubs



Cross-species relationships fascinate and one can't help but be fascinated by the story of 3 tiger cubs and being nursed by a golden retriever. The story begins at the zoo in Caney, Kansas where the 3 cubs were born. Following the birth, the mother tiger refused to care for the cubs, abandoning them.  The zoo's owner, Tom Harvey, took action and paired the clubs with the dog. The retriever began nursing and cleaning the cubs. The dog saved the otherwise doomed cubs. 

It's unusual for dogs to care for tiger cubs, but there have been reports of it happening. There have also been reports of pigs nursing tigers in China. Luckily tiger cubs develop at about the same rate as puppies, which makes the pairing a good fit.  

(Originally reported by The Wichita Eagle.)

22 comments:

Gauri said...

Interesting Reading !! :)And loved your blog theme..you bet we are in need of a cheerful scoop:)

S Garant said...

World peace may begin with canines and felines. But one wonders how long the good will will last? Surely there is a limit?

Rev. Julieanne Paige, O.M.C. said...

That is gorgeous. Your blog is definitely the place for some good news!

Julieanne

encantadora said...

I'm not so surprised to see a mother dog nursing babies-- but WOW, I want to see them all together when the babies start to grow up! It makes you wonder if they'll still get along.

Tom said...

nice pic! keep them coming

DougVernX said...

Such an endearing story, thanks for all your good news.

Maki said...

Awww, such a heart warming story.. Love it love it love it!!!!!! Thanks always.

Emily said...

awesome!!! i've never heard of that but the picture is evidence!

Jim and April said...

such a cute story! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

That is awesome! I love hearing stories about animals and how they can adapt to situations and benefit tiny little inocents.

Marla said...

you rock... and than you blogger for leading me to the good news...

Dawn said...

Good for you! I found you because you are listed on Blogs of Note on blogger. I liked the title of your blog and was thrilled to see your premise when I got here. I always thought that if our news broadcasts contained happier stories instead of every horrible thing that could ever happen, the world would be a better place. I hope you positive stories will help to make the world just a little better.

DougVernX said...

Love your blog! I hope you don't mind I featured your this story on my main blog today. (http://crazyasacoolfox.blogspot.com) I also added your blog to my bloglist. (http://novuspathetica.blogspot.com)This blog deals with news but with a different twist.
Thanks

Unknown said...

it's me ! Mario !!! pffffffffffffffffrrrrt !

My Days with Daisy said...

I love this and I love the whole premise of your blog. Life is too short not to be "cheerful" Well Done!

missknits said...

i am always checking out your blog because its so refreshing to see good news for a change! thanks for the lift!

Metalhead91 said...

Wow thats really neat! i have never heard of a dog raising tiger cubs! Thankyou so much for posting such an interesting article!

玩偶 said...

Awww, that sure is sweet! I ,love that certain post of yours! :]]

Sabrina said...

keep these animal stories coming - I love 'em!!

DRchiick21 said...

That beautiful Retriever knows best by nursing these cubs. It's actually amazing to hear some news like that, though Tigers are almost in extinction for that same reasons, Tiger mothers are refusing to nurse their own cubs which is some horrible act. That Dog is giving a very good example of nursing a specie that it's not equal as her. I do like how other animals takes care of being their substitute mother of any kind of cubs, I do think that they know it's for the best.

Ninie

Outsourcing Solution

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

I just met these wonderful tiger kittens. They are so cute. I had just packed up my little family (wife and almost 5 year old son) and was heading to a photography opening at ICP here in New York. A hotel that I do massage therapy at had called me as we were walking out the door. They wanted me for a last minute session at 8PM on a VIP guest. When I inquired as to who the guest was, the hotel said that they were going to be on the TODAY show and that they had tiger cubs. My son was so looking forward to the photo opening, talking about it all day. I was talked into coming over and working on the wife, who's back was out, with the promise that we could visit with the tigers. It was so cool. My son was blown away, he had a big time. Tom and Callie are wonderful people and this odd blessing couldn't have happened to any better people. I wish them all the best with their new family members.