Bright Farm Sanctuary posted an adorable video that defies the laws of nature. The footage shows an English bullmastiff grooming a baby piglet like a true parent. This dog breed would normally have no hesitation in killing the hog but love can be stronger than instincts.
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An unlikely bond
Three-months old piglet Ivan was given to Brightside, a 50-acre sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates all sorts of animals, from cats to camels in Tasmania, Australia, after his mum rolled over and crushed his shoulder and leg. The little porker needed love and warmth, and luckily, this is when Duke stepped in.
The pooch who only has 40% of his vision and needs regular medication so he can live pain-free, became a first-time dad after he took Ivan under his care and seemed to have decided to bring him as his own.
The sanctuary’s director Rebecca Holmes has hailed their ‘special bond’ and says that this is the case where ‘the laws of nature don't appear to apply’.
A heartwarming video
An adorable video shows the gentle giant with a lot of love to give dote on Ivan’s every need, grooming his unusual child after it plays in the mud. According to the sanctuary, the pair had been out running around and Ivan had been a bit dirty so Duke decided to clean him. And he does it meticulously, making sure he doesn’t miss a spot.
Holmes said:
It's rather disconcerting at first because Ivan is just lying there. You think there's a terrible accident, but when you look at his face he's really enjoying it. It's incredible to see. There are animals you see that have a great relationship that just shouldn't and this is one of them.
This beautiful weather at Cygnet meant it is extra hard work washing a pig 😂 Duke decided to wash Ivan yesterday. Ivan loved every minute of it 🥰 The Brightside animals never cease to amaze me. Ps. not a good thing to try at home. Most bull breed dogs would have no hesitation in killing the piglet. In fact most breeds fullstop. Especially if they squeal.
Posted by Brightside Farm Sanctuary on Wednesday, July 27, 2022
The charity describes Duke as a lovely dog who ‘just wants to love and be loved’ and enjoys his parenting duties. They hope Ivan will grow to be as big as Duke but for now, he spends time sitting on his adoptive dad's back and being groomed.
Brightside added a warning to the video urging people not to test this bond with other animals as ‘most bull breed dogs would have no hesitation in killing the piglet'.
Sources used:
- Mirror: 'Giant dog becomes dad to adorable orphaned pig and dotes on his every need'
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