A stray dog finds shelter in a Christmas nativity scene, gives birth to seven adorable puppies, and brings warmth to the holiday season.dvh

This stray dog, like Mary during the birth of Jesus, sought shelter in a barnacle filled with straw to give birth – but this time to seven puppies

In Palenque, Mexico, a picturesque nativity scene was displayed inside a small tent in the town’s main square. This one has the typical array of festive figures posing in serene tranquility, but they have recently been joined by someone unexpected – a pregnant stray dog.

Apparently, the sweet dog saw the Christmas nativity scene as a safe space and so ended up using it as a shelter. She could take a break from the cold of the streets and provide lighting if needed. Local journalist Eric Guzman observed this and discovered her rolled up in the straw inside it.

On closer inspection, Eric discovered that the dog gave birth to seven puppies. With no other options, the dog seemed to have chosen the Christmas nativity scene as a safe and pleasant place to give birth to her children.

“She was surprised and happy to find that her puppies were in a safe place,” Eric told The Dodo. “They were never wet or cold,” he continued. It should be mentioned that while Palenque is normally hot year-round, it starts to get cold in December and the presence of dogs seeking shelter is quite frequent.

Eric began spreading the word about the dog and her puppies at the manger, and since then, many Palenqueños have made the trip to see them for themselves, some bringing food and drink. Even local officials have gotten involved and agreed that the dog family be allowed to stay as long as they need.

In addition to the allusions to saintliness, the animal lovers at Dejando Huellitas SOS Palenque have also stepped in to ensure that the dogs are cared for now and in the future, and have begun looking for homes for them to live in.

Mother dog escaping from the cold gives birth to her puppies in a Christmas nativity scene

For Eric, the birth of the puppies inside the Christmas nativity scene is not a miracle, but he hopes it will leave a lasting legacy. “Hopefully, as citizens, we will be more aware of stray dogs and adopt them instead of buying them,” said the journalist. “We must love them regardless of their origin,” he concluded.