When Shelter Dogs First See Blankets They Immediately Know What To Do

Every time a new litter of puppies arrives, National Mill Dog Rescue (NMDR) has a special custom. Melody Kahtava, NMDR’s social media manager, told The Dodo that “they all got their first blankets.”

The canines, all of which were surrendered to NMDR as adults by industrial breeding operations, are experiencing a memorable time. Many people have never even seen a blanket, much less lay down on one.

“Most of them have lived in cages lined with wire bottoms,” Kahtava said. “So when they encounter these blankets, they really don’t know quite what to do.”

A recent video shared by NMDR on Facebook shows a group of 16 new dogs checking out their new blankets for the first time.

You can watch the video here:

This particular group, who got to NMDR on July 3, had more medical needs than most newcomers. Some had skin issues, while others, like the brown cocker spaniel at the beginning of the video, came in blind.

Regardless of their differences, each dog in the group had the same initial response to their welcome gifts. They put their noses to their new blankets and gave them a skeptical sniff.

Their timid responses, in Kahtava’s opinion, are rather normal.

Kahtava observed that “many conduct a lot of cautious sniffing.” And some people simply cling to them like if it were the greatest thing they had ever seen, which it really is.

After a while, even the most unsure pups end up sprawling out on their new bedding. And, as long as they don’t eat them, the dogs get to keep their blankets for the duration of their stay at NMDR.

“They certainly learn to treasure them rather quickly,” Kahtava said. “Most can be seen snuggling with them routinely.”

Each dog is given a brand-new blanket to take home with them when they are ready to be adopted. In our adoption process, it’s a really unique phase, according to Kahtava.

The blankets that NMDR distributes to the rescue came from their kind social media fans.

Every lovely pooch who visits NMDR receives their very first blanket because to their generosity. They will ultimately be permitted to keep one permanently.