IIn 2009, Shyla the chihuahua/fox-terrier mix at age two had always loved cats a little more than she liked other dogs.

She belonged to Christchurch, New Zealand, veterinarian Angela McFall. When seven three-week-old orphaned kittens came to the vet's office, Shyla began taking care of them, keeping each one warm and clean.

"Shyla cleans their bottoms and lays with them all the time. They are growing really strong and healthy."

It was not her first time, as she'd even lactated to nurse a ginger kitten the previous year. That cat, Ginger, remains in the family as Shyla's adopted son and best friend.