We always love seeing dogs and cats shattering the stereotype that they don’t get along. In some cases, they’re the best of buddies. Even when dogs have paws larger than a kitten, they can be such gentle giants. And kittens raised with a nanny dog have a better chance of finding a loving home! Here’s an example that left us feeling warm and tingly: an oversized dog named Gunner the Stunner who helped raise foster kittens in the UK.
Gunner the ‘House Hippo’ Loves Cats and Kittens
Gunner the Stunner is a registered ‘American Bully’ dog hilariously nicknamed a ‘House Hippo.’ On social media, he and his mom, O. Pavez, are raising awareness about the “American XL Bully,” which can be incredibly gentle but is banned in the UK. Whenever he goes on walks he wears a large muzzle as required.
‘Uncle Gunner ‘might be an extra-large boy, but he identifies as a Mama Cat. Recently, when the family took in a pregnant tabby, she got upset when Gunner wasn’t standing guard outside the box where she was ready to give birth!
“My XL Bully was my cats birthing partner,” shared Pavez.
As the mama cat was about to go into labor, Pavez escorted the gentle giant out of the room.
But amazingly, the cat protested, crying and looking around for Gunner. Only when he came back into the room could she relax and settle back into her box.
“He stayed for hours with her being very patient, keeping her company.”
Gunner stayed nearby, checking on the tabby until she finally gave birth.
From the beginning, he was a model Nanny to the kittens.
As the cat nursed her littler, Gunner sweetly laid beside them and was always incredibly gentle.
Video by Gunner the Stunner:
Gunner the Stunner is the Sweetest Nanny
As the kittens grew up, Gunner remained their constant guardian beside their play tent area. Instinctively, he remained still as they played around him. And the mother cat trusted him completely, nuzzling him affectionately. It seems she knew from the get-go that this gentle giant would help her with her babies.
“She loves and trusts him,” Pavez said of the tabby.
When the kittens were weaned to solid food, Gunner would even share food with them!
Foster Kittens Raised with Dogs
Kittens raised with gentle dogs have a better chance of finding homes. And sure enough, a family adopted each of the kittens.
As we’ve shared many times, raising foster kittens with a trusted, gentle dog can be a wonderful idea. And witnessing the adorable interactions is such a reward! What could be cuter on this earth?
Here’s Gunner with the family’s adult British Shorthair. As you can see, this dog’s gentle and tolerant nature knows no bounds!
Gunner the Stunner is on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube