• A nativity scene in the town square of Palenque, Mexico houses not only the Holy family but also a dog.
• The dog gave birth in the manger and people have brought them food and drinks just like the three kings brought gifts.
• Local officials have allowed them to stay in the manger while animal advocates are already searching for forever homes for the pups and the dog mom.

As the Christmas story goes, when there was no longer room available for Joseph and Mary, they took refuge in a manger where the Baby Jesus was born.  This is why the usual nativity scene is of the family in the manger and the animals surrounding them.  

In Palenque, Mexico, there is a small tent that houses the nativity scene in their main square.  But there’s an additional animal taking refuge along with the family — a dog.  And she is not alone.

The stray dog also gave birth in the manger to her tiny little pups.   

A local journalist named Eric Guzmán was among the first to see the dog and thought the dog was just warming herself in the spot together with the figurines.  But when he looked closely, he saw the tiny pups. 

Guzmán said, “I was awestruck, and at the same time joyful seeing that she had her puppies in a safe place where they won’t get wet or cold.” He added, “It’s been cold lately in Palenque, but it’s usually hot throughout the year.”

Being the journalist that he is, he shared the canine family’s presence in the nativity scene.  And just like the three kings who brought gifts for the baby Jesus, people started bringing in food and water for the dog family.

The local officials even decided to let the mom and her puppies stay at the manger.

It also prompted animal advocates from Dejando Huellitas S.O.S. Palenque to step in for the welfare of the dogs and make sure they will be cared for not just this season but for the coming years.

The search for the pups’ fosters and forever homes is now on. 

But for Guzmán, the attention that the pups have generated also highlights the need to adopt and not shop for dogs, and to love them no matter where they come from.

We wish you all to end up with loving families, nativity dogs!

Source: The Dodo