Woman Breastfeeds Orphaned Puppy, Sparks Controversy

A Colorado woman decided to breastfeed a puppy in an effort to save its life, a debate about the appropriateness of her actions with the orphaned animal quickly ensued. The unidentified woman posted a photo of the breastfeeding puppy on Facebook and noted that what she did is considered taboo, but claimed she was desperate to save the dying animal.

During an interview with a local media outlet the Colorado woman had this to say about why she chose to breastfeed a puppy:

“I just felt like he just had an hour left. That’s how weak he was, he wasn’t moving and I just did it. I didn’t know what else to do, I was desperate and I just couldn’t bear sitting there watching it die. Literally what clicked in my head was like, put him on you, just pray to God he will take something and not die. The dog is alive because I took that initiative.”

The orphaned puppy allegedly would not accept a bottle nipple or K-9 formula. Within 24 hours of the breastfeeding puppy story hitting the local news, thousands of folks commented about the incident, including hundreds of animal rescuers. Some posters chastised the woman for saying that she did not want public backlash over her decision and then taking and sharing photos of herself breastfeeding the puppy online.

National Mill Dog Rescue member Cheryl Evans was initially “shocked” when she heard about the Colorado woman giving breast milk to a puppy.

Evans said:

“Because it’s not something we would typically hear of someone doing. When I actually viewed the whole story and took into consideration what would I do if I had the same opportunity and was presented with the same situation … like I said, I would do anything I could to help a baby [dog] to survive. It’s almost like you can’t explain what if it means for your heart. It’s rewarding to hear that you’re helping such a helpless being.”

The woman who breastfeed the orphaned puppy still feels that she did the right thing. “I can’t let criticism bring me down when I did something right and I saw the results,” she added.

Although the comments made by and about the woman surround the breastfeeding of just one puppy, the photo posted on Facebook indicates she cared for an entire litter in the same manner:

“Yep, I’m breast feeding all 5 pups. Some may think it’s gross. They are 4 DAYS old. Their mother was killed. And I am happy to be able to provide them with something better than formula for pups.”

What are your thoughts on breastfeeding puppies?