Giant Great Dane Has Raised Hundreds of Tiny Puppies and Kittens | The Dodo

Shelby is a surrogate mom to all of the orphaned puppies and kittens at Dogwood Animal Rescue Project in Sonoma County, California. Her job isn't only adorable, but it's important too! Watch as she teaches the babies the manners they'll need to transition into their forever homes.
To help Dogwood Animal Rescue Project save more animals like Shelby's friends, you can support them here:
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For more of Shelby and her friends, check them out on Instagram: thedo.do/dogwoodanimalrescue.
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For the love of animals. Pass it on.
#thedodo #animals #dog #cat #kitten #puppy

[@bassdmin7436]

She is a gentle giant. She is a natural mama. These people are wonderful human beings. We need more like them.

[@Supinator-iu8fs]

You can say she's a BFGD (big friendly giant dog) 🐶

[@Lamiishere]

Cringe af!

[@Supinator-iu8fs]

@@Lamiishere *h o w d a r e y o u*

[@gabriellakaterina6782]

Indeed! These are wonderful, fabulous human beings... Definitely need more people like this!

[@tammyburke9453]

@@Lamiishere troll.

[@amandacogswell9266]

I love how she can just put her big old paw on them as if to say all right I've had enough but I love watching her teach them so cute 🥰

[@Lamiishere]

Cringe af!

[@bubbles-1020]

Yup, holding down the puppies in order to discipline them is a very mama-dog move. The puppies will profit a lot from her.

[@barbiehagen8838]

@@Lamiishere not cringe at all. Mamas do this all the time, especially when they start weaning. How do u think puppies learn? Its how pups learn they've gone too far. When we got a pup a couple yrs ago, it was amazing watching the older lab not only teach him stuff, but set him straight when he needed to back the f off. Lol

[@linkais3875]

@@Lamiishere pretty sure this is a bot guys pay it no mind.

[@nancyperkins2542]

Hello 👋 Pardon the sudden chat i was just going through the comment session then I found you so I decided to reach you out for some profitable business proposal

[@trinakarr771]

Shelby is right where she is meant to be. The look in her eyes when the puppies climb on her back tells the whole story. My heart melted watching how tender and loving she is with newborn kittens. Shelby has stolen my heart. She is pure love.

[@susanjackson7860]

So many precioys animals so much love is abundent and they all have the love for any animals A wonderful sweet loving and precious dog cat large or l or as i had one tiny Named Beamer after my car and a very frightened large but sweet dog who i named her Shadpw as she was always by my side Someone hurt her and she was so thin but my husband told me to take off the chain and she was my best friend her and Beamer a tiny little boy They are all so precious and sadly some people are not so loving

[@virginiawaters3220]

Who’s a good girl? Shelby’s a good girl! Lots of hugs and treats for this sweet gal!

[@stevenanthony199]

Hello Virginia how are you doing today

[@mrpeppermintpatty7930]

Love how she multi tasks at 2:49 Puppies playing with her face and kitten playing with her tail.

[@cautionTosser]

haha. I just said the same thing

[@reeiy1]

That tail going crazy hahah

[@ItsAllLove4Real]

Just the cutest😻

[@oneminuteofmyday]

I was going to comment on the same thing. 😂

[@Pacificaner]

Exactly...Sweetest Multi-Tasker...Love all around.

[@meganhuggins7494]

Love how she just puts her paw over the pup whose getting just a bit too ‘playful’!!

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

it's hilarious how often you see large dogs using that move

[@dreademperor2094]

@@WeeWeeJumbo she is the definition of a gentle giant

[@oneminuteofmyday]

And she was gentle while doing it.

[@centuravicon9126]

Gentle giant. I had rescued two 3 week old kittens and my male dog adopted them. HE groomed them, grabbed them up by the scruff of their necks, corralled them. Everything. HE was their “mama”. An incredible bond formed between the 3 of them. He was so tender, loving, affectionate, patient, attentive, playful. I really felt helped by him. They turned out to be amazingly well adjusted cats and my first foster fail. I just couldn’t separate them. Once they were grown they would play together, eat together, sleep together. It was precious. Magical. Beautiful. And this video reminded me so much of that special time. All 3 of them went on to help me foster for years. I KNOW it made a difference.

[@ITSONLYMEWATCHING]

What a sweet, precious, and helpful girl. She is definitely earning her keep. Thank you to the rescuer of Dogwood Animal Rescue Project for giving her a forever home.

[@DiegoMachida]

2:15 Not a single angry or out of control movement to discipline that rowdy pup, she truly has mastered loving parenthood.

[@iplaywolfquestandroblox1699]

@flower7 I don't think so, it could just be her personality which might be why she doesn't bark

[@anjelica948]

She just puts her paw over her gently like “Now now, don’t be rude.” 😂😂

[@j.a.g.448]

She looks exactly like my great Dane lily who's almost 10 now & she is always loving with my cats and other dogs. She loves meeting people and the most loving soul I ever had the privilege of having in my life. Best wishes to you & Shelby. You hit the jackpot with her!!!

[@ITSONLYMEWATCHING]

I have met several Great Danes over the years and they all have been sweet dogs.

[@tracyrocha5989]

This is so awesome and that's the way life is supposed to be that is one amazing animal beautiful to me thank the Lord above for her and the people caring for her also

[@Vixsniper]

🙏

[@JustASleepySloth]

I love how she mentions about how important a role shelby plays, with people who rescue/raise orphaned kittens or puppies an adult of their species is an incredibly important thing to be present; they cannot learn how to be from humans and we can make their futures very bleak if not raised correctly with respect, love and understanding. Part of that understanding is knowing they need their own kind to learn from, shelby does this job admirably not only is she helping the puppies socialise and experience having a mother she's also allowing cats to go into dog friendly homes with a sense of confience. Whilst they won't learn how to be cats from her they will learn compassion which is equally important. It's clear from how affectionate the cats and puppies are with her that she's a vital part of this operation. I'd find it really interesting to see if she would allow you to attach the bottles to her to allow for a more natural feeding experience, since they can press into her feel her heartbeat and her heat which isn't always present when a human feeds; usually a distance from the body and not snuggled up. I think that might further give comfort to these rescues, assuming that the great dane would allow this.

[@nanajiloh]

Kittens this young (less than 2 months old) also benefit A LOT from a warm body with a beating heart and fur, because it gives them a sense of comfort and reminds them of mama cat, so even though she can't teach them grooming and other skills, she definitely helps them grow up in a way that is healthy and reassuring for them, which prevents a lot of stress and erratic behavior for cats. She's all around great for all them babies.

[@jacksonwilliams5399]

There is nothing more sweet to me than the gentle giant type. Reflects greatly on the potential moral character of many animals that she is willing to do this for hindered of animals that are not her own and other species that are not her own. It’s really beautiful.

[@dww2006]

My day isn’t complete without these stories. I love the videos. I love that animals find great homes and have great lives because of these angels.

[@gabriellakaterina6782]

Exactly! Angels indeed...

[@nalathenoodlegator7435]

I agree. I absolutely LOVE these videos!

[@KENTUCKYUSA1]

Same here, I love the heartwarming stories.

[@hillogical]

2:50 just made my day. Kitten in the background playing with the tail while the puppies play. Doesn't get better.

[@debbieking3575]

That cracked me up too! LOL

[@oneminuteofmyday]

I was going to comment on the same thing. lol

[@LisaApril]

Everyone deserves a mom they can recognize closely as their own. This beautiful lady dog gives all these fosters sense of being with their mother with her warm fur and gentle love. There is so much beauty in the world and we see it through Shelby’s story and many other Dodo stories. I personally am very grateful to Dodo For bringing these stories to everyone.

[@Acuity8]

Thank you, Shelby & Shirley for make this world better with you loving care of all of these precious pets getting off to a loving start and hopefully a continued wonderful life!

[@MissEpicMess]

This is truly heartwarming.. What a beauty. Everytime I get pleasantly surprised how much love dogs can give and how much personality they can show.

[@yusufbektas1961]

They taste great too!

[@mjreikiriot3302]

@@yusufbektas1961 You're Haram.

[@thejaminanimal4690]

@@yusufbektas1961 No they don’t!

[@yusufbektas1961]

@@thejaminanimal4690 yummy yum yum

[@Lamiishere]

Cringe af!

[@lisamoore9888]

No that's the epitome of a gentle giant

[@KittyKittyBangBang249]

Let’s not forget that Shelby is exactly the way she is because of her amazing human parents. Thanks for all that you do ❤️

[@lulumoon6942]

I have no doubt the Lord meant for Shelby to be right where she is! What an angel on earth 🙏❤️🐾💞🌈

[@stevenanthony199]

Hello Lulu how are you doing today

[@y_fam_goeglyd]

She's the definition of the gentle giant. And she's as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside 💞

[@AEIOUx2]

No. She’s even more beautiful on the inside.

[@kb9072]

I consider myself to be a tough no nonsense man but this video melts me. That big dog is so loving and gentle. The instinct to mother is strong with her. What a fantastic asset to fostering she is. Reaffirms my belief that big dogs are more gentle and predictive than small ones.

[@irishuisman1450]

Tbf small dogs can also be sweethearts, they just get the stereotype of being absolute gremlins because very often owners don't really train them or correct their behavior (mainly because a small dog biting you is going to hurt a lot less than a big dog doing the same, among other undesireable behaviors)

[@kb9072]

@@irishuisman1450 Some of it must be nature. I've been bitten by a Jack Russell. I was just walking past a lady walking 2 of them on a lead. It just jumped at me, no warning. Bit through my trousers and broke the skin but not too deep. An ex girlfriend had a Jack Russell that would lunge at anything and everything. Once started on a Great Dane. Thankfully the Dane (not on a lead) just looked at him and didn't move or react at all. The same dog wouldn't let the Dad (who worked nights) get into bed because it had fallen asleep with the Mum. On the other hand had experiences of a large dog (Mastiff) getting pulled by it's tail along a tiled floor by kids and just put up with it. Very placid dog but extremely protective if someone came near the baby of the family. Would always put it's self between the stranger and the baby.

[@DrOtto-sx7cp]

... am I getting jealous with a Great Dane ?! 🤔😆

[@lordkalvan816]

Not necessarily. We had a male beagle and a male terrier mix that both used to be great "moms" and with helping to raise small animals that were orphaned. They helped us raise dozens of baby rabbits, squirrels, opossums, kittens and puppies over the years - once even a baby coon. You just told them "they're babies" and those two were good to go. They'd even keep the other dogs away from the babies until everyone was used to each other.

[@vincepaulsel8710]

Great Danes are amazing!

[@deborahdaniels3106]

Shelby is a blessing!❤ This story made my day it's nice to see & good things happening God bless you & your organization ❤🙏

[@daviddiego1238]

Yeah that’s True Hello Deborah 👋How’re you doing today?

[@melindanix7363]

How beautiful Shelby is ; Mother Theresa to all tiny puppies & kittens ! Shelby's generosity of spirit is powerful !

[@daviddiego1238]

Yeah that’s really nice 👍 Hello Melinda 👋How’re you doing today?

[@kaykoffroth2031]

Great Danes are amazing!! I would not trade mine for the world! They are like having children, without the growing pains!!

[@paxhumana2015]

Unfortunately, you have better have a bit of money, as well as a lot of space, to raise one, as they are super big doggos.

[@Cranialdrilling]

Same. Love mine. She's a dope lol but a loveable dope.

[@Cranialdrilling]

@@paxhumana2015 This is true. Some people get big dogs (or any animal really) without thinking about the cost and care associated with those animals. I have a Great Dane and she's certainly been an expensive pet to own. When looking at Great Dane rescues you commonly see stories of owners who dropped off (abandoned) them because "he got too big" or "I didn't realize how expensive food or vet bills would be". I'm not sure what those people were thinking. It's a Great Dane you didn't think he/she would get big?!?!

[@Supinator-iu8fs]

Such a big dog, with such little puppies (and kittens)! So flippin' heartwarming!

[@bonnieking5493]

What a wonderfully kind Great Dane. How lucky were you to find her.

[@debbiegubala6677]

Absolutely wonderful. I rescue cats and this warms my heart. So sweet..😽♥️😸..

[@stevenanthony199]

Hello Debbie how are you doing today

[@raelewis9957]

She's a gentle giant for sure!

[@gabriellakaterina6782]

Omg! She is so sweet! What a cutie... Everyone looks like they're having such fun!! Thank you so much for helping to save so many animals.... and being such a wonderful fur-baby parent. You're a true hero!! 😍🙂🥸

[@teresamoscatelli239]

be like her ❤️ adopt, foster, donate, volunteer, share rescue posts, spay/neuter yours, raise awareness

[@marvilenelivingston7304]

@@teresamoscatelli239Boxes if we can help you or someone you care for call for your free product sample pack and $45 m

[@Holly-ro3yq]

This is obviously her purpose in life. So loving ❤

[@Sapnaasingh45555]

So cute little babies ❤️❤️

[@hollytaylor5935]

I absolutely love these stories you put out. It is a blessing to have a break from all the chaos!!

[@loobylou1484]

What a lovely Great Dane with so much patience,love when the puppies were hanging on her jowls

[@Yerrrr96]

She isn’t just a Great Dane she’s a GREAT DOG !

[@flocorrea8]

Gorgeous furbabies!!!😍💗🐶🐈💕🥰

[@janetharned4343]

Such a gorgeous Great Dane!! Is she a Harlequin, as my friend owned one? What a beautiful Angel she is!! Thank you Shelby; we Love ❤ you!!

[@girlgeeker5683]

yeah she is we had one many years ago he had less markings and was all black with a few white patches, he really was a gentle giant. He died in 1997 aged 11.

[@tiffanypittman04]

Shelby is a wonderful foster mother. So gentle and patient. 🥰

[@paxhumana2015]

@Tiffany Pittman, hello, beautiful.

[@cindygoddard1671]

Shelby has a purpose in life.❤

[@theresawelch5761]

Aaaah Shelby is BEAUTIFUL, a born Mother I think, I hope Shelby is still well and happy, helping you and your family nurture, the Dear little furbabies. GOD BLESS you 🙏🥰❤️

[@fralinsandfriends]

That's a special foster dog. Who'd imagine a dog so huge would be so tender with tiny living things. 😁😁👋👋💖💖

[@raellskys4083]

That's a dogs heart, some are so pure it's like a bright shining light of love

[@joshuamohlman]

0:22 the puppy putting its paws on her nose is so adorable

[@JohnHF1957]

I particularly liked the bit towards the end, where Shelby's head was interacting with the puppies while her tail was entertaining a kitten. Now that is commitment.

[@U_SoDmCrzy]

Her colors remind me cookies&cream. What a humble soul!!!😇

[@beachlover3273]

who else loves these videos

[@stevenfrost6441]

That is the most adorable thing I have ever seen! ❤The puppies faces when she is licking them is so funny! 👍 I also liked how she gently disciplines the puppies by biting on the back of their necks...very cool!

[@cattykylie_6734]

I love how the cat was playing with the tail when he was playing with puppies it’s multitasking at its best

[@stevenanthony199]

Hello Catty how are you doing today

[@charcushman9507]

Whay a sweet angel dog. 😇😇😇 and family ❤❤❤

[@anupamakumar1803]

Such Lovely soul.❤️

[@melissaconrad9115]

Best dog I ever had was a black Dane named Stella❤️‍🩹. I miss her with everything I am. RIP STELLA 😥

[@boobitch787]

R.I.P 🕊

[@yusufbektas1961]

Lmaoo L bozo bro got pumped

[@fionasmom6254]

Those little puppies are WILD! And she's so gentle with them.

[@haleybunker1339]

The kittens are beautiful and gorgeous too.

[@jacquelineithell307]

A Natural born Mother and Protecter absolutely adorable 😍 ❤ 💖 💕 💗 ♥ 😍 ❤

[@pamm5287]

Aww, Shelby is such a sweet & gentle giant. 💞🐕‍🦺💞🐈‍⬛💞🐕💞🐈💞🦮💞

[@stevenanthony199]

Hello Pam how are you doing today

[@doodles3075]

This is what you call a natural born mum ❤❤

[@Go-tee71]

Shelby is beautiful inside & out! She's a darling, so patient & gentle. You're so lucky she came into your life! Love how the puppies & kittens get to play with one another. It's a great way for them to learn about each other & set them up for successful adoption. Great video 🥰❤🐕🐈

[@stephaniefitch4713]

Too precious.🥰😘 So happy she got the perfect job.

[@ARiddle1986]

*I love her!* Good girl, Shelby! I hope she gets all of the love and attention she deserves for being such a good mama.

[@2345allthebest]

I wouldn't be surprised if this 'Dane lives a longer life... she has a purpose and devotion that is pure magic

[@gustavoheberle6265]

She’s special and precious !

[@longwhitemane]

I always wonder if the previous owners of these animals ever see these videos, and if so, what do they think?

[@tmage23]

They'd probably be happy that their dog ended up in a environment where they can be properly taken care of and live a good life.

[@mjreikiriot3302]

Shelby does the Good Work, more than most humans nowdays. I love this hero doggie!

[@latonyanewsome0]

I like how she mildly discipline the pups. She non-aggressive with then but still gets them to relax.

[@keithunderwood8244]

You are blessed to be the one who rescued. She is REMARKABLE! Sweetheart!

[@donnamead3439]

She is so sweet!!! Love to see her interact with all the babies.

[@michaelbelcher3622]

Wow, what a amazing dog 🐕 a true gift 🎁

[@conceicaofortunato373]

que bellezura.

[@Marionpm1]

We got a rescue too my son got us for Christmas we named her Maggy. I forsted puppies with her too. Beautiful great Dane what an old soul she is to me. Blessings to you all.

[@bethanysmith5856]

She's the type of fur angel that every rescue/foster family should have, thankfully a lot of them seem to have been lucky enough to find one.

[@spark_6710]

What a great ,gentle ,sweet foster mom ,a real wonderful dog she is !!! 👍👍👍😃💘💜🥁🐉🎤🎶💞

[@P.F.3.]

Just a good Mom ❤️❤️❤️ Never ceases to amaze me too! Tons of love 💝

[@cyrilleleb.8563]

Best employee of the month, every month.

[@cathrynmartin4395]

You gained a pretty and sweet BIG MAMA! Love how she interacts with all those little ones - shows just what a good girl she is!

[@sheenatozier8343]

So Precious!!! Shelby you are Amazing and you have an AWESOME family!

[@stevenanthony199]

Hello Sheena how are you doing today

[@sandrahertel6282]

What a wonderful nanny, she loves them all and they learn so much from her. She is just a beautiful soul.

[@Ed-jv3xu]

Shelby is a angel mommy Jesus bless all of you rescuing the baby’s ❤️❤️❤️

[@sharonlumpkin6244]

She is very nurturing & that is a beautiful thing. She could teach humans how to get along. God bless her🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@karonnemetz7376]

OMG! Sooooo adorable! I would certainly be a foster failure. Those babies are soooo cute. Shelby is perfect for the job. The puppies & kittens get socialized too. Win/Win

[@manuelsantos4941]

Lindo 🐕🐕🐕🥰🥰🥰

[@jeffdaigle5487]

That look on that dogs face... she is so gentle and proud. So beautiful

[@jamesbulldogmiller]

Shelby is a good foster mom !

[@vtvargo]

I’m in love with her! Just one look at the tenderness in her face when you’re bottle feeding that puppy did it for me…she was born to raise puppies and love them unconditionally 🌸💕🐶💕🌸

[@hexesayuri90]

I love how gentle she's with all the babies ❤ They're the the size of her paw but she knows exactly how to handle and/or teach them, such a great mommy - hats of to her 🤗

[@phil4208]

Shelby is amazing , what an invaluable service she provides

[@dianesaienni5466]

She's an angel momma surrogate! She is doing awesome work on earth.

[@miriaml.150]

She is such a special wonderful dog. She found her calling and you found a way for her to have a meaningful job. It's so precious watching her. She definitely likes being a mama. 🤗 Thank you for the hard work that you do with these precious Angels 💜

[@tm---]

Your videos are heartwarming & inspiring and it makes me see the world in a more positive manner ❤️

[@teresamoscatelli239]

be like her ❤️ adopt, foster, donate, volunteer, share rescue posts, spay/neuter yours, raise awareness

[@MaureenRamsden]

It was meant to be. She’s the best helper ever! 🙏

[@haleybunker1339]

The cats are beautiful and gorgeous too.

[@mahi641]

She's Soo Beautiful! 💜

[@karenhorton2345]

She’s a great babysitter

[@daviddiego1238]

Yeah that’s really nice 👍 Hello 👋 So How are you doing Today?

[@freddogrosso9835]

This is what I want to do the last day of my life. Watching a giant dog playing with puppies and kittens. Then I can leave with a smile.

[@teresamoscatelli239]

be like her ❤️ adopt, foster, donate, volunteer, share rescue posts, spay/neuter yours, raise awareness

[@ThePoundcake75]

I could literally watch this all day long. She’s such a magical being. To see her have this AMAZING life is heartwarming. I want Shelby to live long. And to send more babies out into the world, having known her. ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@daviddiego1238]

Hello 👋 So How’re you doing today?

[@johnnyjames7139]

I am thrilled that Shelby is exactly where she belongs!

[@wendybutt896]

I've never seen anything more beautiful ❤

[@MafiaMamiii]

Big Momma Shelby~ 😭💪🏼❤️

[@ariel393939]

I agree, Shelby is a great asset. She is so gentle with the little ones. You were wise for keeping her. Her coat reminds me of a chocolate chip cookie. I would of named her chocolate chip, CC or chips for short. She is a beautiful, calm dog. Thanks for sharing.

[@coryCuc]

Danes are AMAZING. Gentle Giants does not even describe them. This video is a perfect representation of their character. Loooove it.

[@tweetybird7645]

Absolutely adorable 🌻

[@dawggonevidz9140]

I love how she found her place, in every sense. Big old soul. ❤