Nearly Euthanized Pit Bull Has Now Helped Foster Over 70 Kittens: 'She Waits For Them To Come To Her'

Some animals just have a natural knack for helping others. Just take a look at this senior golden retriever treating a bunny like her baby and this toddler and cat's sleep routine. But would you ever expect a nearly-euthanized pit bull to be the type of dog to help tiny kittens feel safe? Well, that's exactly what this rescue dog named Shari does, having helped over 70 foster kittens feel secure, get socialized, and find their forever homes.

In a YouTube video posted by GeoBeats Animals, Shari's story is shared: She was picked up by her current family one hour before she was supposed to be euthanized, and it took a year to get her to the point of trusting humans. But now, she's a big love bug who lets foster kitties snuggle up next to her while sleeping and even licks them. While she's always interested in new babies when they enter the house, the pittie gives them space and "waits for them to come to her," according to her owner. 

Meanwhile, on the official Instagram account featuring Shari, Florida Foster Babies, the pup's dog mom admits of the kittens, "They don't know she's a dog, they just know she's warm, and they feel safe by her." In the comments, one person said what everyone was thinking, "Best foster momma," as another simply stated, "Kindness is contagious." Thank you, Shari, for being the sweet girl that you are!

Some kittens are completely unfazed by dogs, and there are often a few reasons for that. Unlike older cats, kittens are still learning which situations are safe and which might be dangerous, so if they have never encountered a frightening dog, they may simply see a canine as another friendly animal rather than a threat. Plus, their natural curiosity may also encourage them to investigate instead of hiding.

Early socialization plays a major role in shaping how kittens respond to dogs. Cats that are gently exposed to calm, friendly dogs when they are young can learn that dogs are a normal part of their environment. Positive experiences during this early stage can help them become more comfortable and confident around dogs as they grow.

Also, a kitten without past bad experiences, such as being chased or barked at, has less reason to fear dogs. Each individual kitten's personality matters too, as some are more outgoing and eager to make new friends. (Same goes for dogs, as not all dogs will be kind and gentle around kittens like pit bull Shari.) But at such a young age, almost any kitten can learn to feel comfortable around a friendly dog with careful introduction, positive interactions, and supervision. Yes, cats and dogs can live in harmony, despite the age-old jokes!