A kitten has taken an abandoned puppy under his paw, giving her warmth, comfort and a reason to live.
Bull Arab puppy Mercy was rescued by Bull Arab Rescue along with her mother and six siblings.
The canine clan was taken to the vet where they tested positive for parvo and received treatment.
Within five days Mercy’s mother and siblings, unfortunately, succumbed to the virus.
Mercy showed her fighting spirit, surviving to be taken into the care of foster carer Tamara Holmes.
“I don’t know how she did it, she’s a miracle, because she was the only one who survived,” Tamara said.
Tamara, who fosters through both Bull Arab Rescue and Mackay Pet Rescue, was already caring for tabby kitten Sinclair.
Upon meeting, Sinclair and Mercy became unlikely best friends.
“I think it was loneliness that brought them together,” said Tamara,
“In the beginning, Mercy was very quiet… Sinclair started eating with her and they sort of became best buddies and hang out together.”
Tamara says the pair behave like typical siblings.
“They love each other but they get rough with each other sometimes,” she laughed.
“They seem to just get each other and love to just sit with each other.”
Tamara and her family began fostering about four years ago after losing their own pet.
They have since fostered over 62 Bull Arabs through Bull Arab rescue and even more through Mackay Pet Rescue.
Tamara says she loves Bull Arabs, but they are often misrepresented as solely hunting and pigging dogs.
“I did not know that they were such lounge lizards and such great family dogs,” she laughed.
“Bull Arabs make great family pets but it’s about trying to educate people that you need to be sensible with your choices as well.”
With rescue facilities providing foster packs and money for food, Tamara says fostering is a great option for people who are worried about the expense or the commitment of caring for a pet.
“It’s great for people who want to have pets who can’t commit to lifelong commitment,” she said.
At the time of writing, Mercy and Sinclair are both available for adoption together or separately.
For more information on Mercy and Sinclair or on becoming a foster carer yourself, contact Tamara on 0417 788 187.
Mercy and Sinclair have become best buddies while in foster care and are up for adoption. Photos supplied: Mackay Pet Rescue