Ruby's owner, Brittany Callan, breeds Dobermans on her family's farm.
Surprise discovery
One day, Brittany was busy helping to clean out her aunt's gutters when she heard a strange meowing noise from the garage. Animal-lover Brittany just had to investigate.
To her astonishment, behind the garage was a helpless little kitten.
Brittany and her cousin Nicole kept watch for the kitten's mother but eventually took the kitten inside when the mum didn't appear and they became worried about coyotes.
Nicole named the tiny kitten Ramblin' Rose after her late father's favourite song.
With part of a dried umbilical cord still attached to her, it was clear that the kitten was only a few days old. Knowing that the kitten would need milk to survive and unsure how long it had been apart from its mother, Brittany came up with a plan.
Surrogate mum
Ruby was still nursing her puppies, so Brittany thought she'd introduce her to Ramblin' Rose and the canine mum readily accepted the new addition to her brood.
In fact, Ruby not only allowed the kitten to nurse alongside her puppies but also formed a close bond, often carrying Ramblin' Rose around the house in her mouth. Despite the size and energy difference, the kitten and puppies got along well, even snuggling together at night.
Once they are ten weeks old, the puppies will be off to their new homes, while Ramblin' Rose will live with Nicole when she's finished nursing. But as Nicole and Brittany live close to each other, the kitten and her beloved surrogate mum, Ruby, can still see each other, which is great news.
We love a happy ever after!
