As the story goes, there were many there on that O Holy Night. A mom, a dad, and their baby, a star, an angel, shepherds, wise men, an ox, a donkey, and some other animals.
It’s debated whether or not dogs were present at the Nativity.
But at the Nativity scene in Palenque, Mexico there was a dog. And puppies!
A peculiar addition was found in the Nativity scene placed under a tent in the town’s main square.
Like Mary and Joseph, a stray dog thought it would be a warm and safe place to give birth.
Eric Guzmán, a local journalist with a keen eye for a scoop, was among the first to see the stray cozied up in some straw.
When Guzmán got a closer look he realized that the stray dog had some company.
Not only was the stray dog hanging out with Baby Jesus and surrounded by the holy figures of the Nativity, but she also had babies of her own.
It appears that the beige-colored dog had a litter of three black puppies, two that were black and beige mixed together, and two that were mostly beige with some touches of black.
Guzmán said that he was completely shocked by what he saw.
“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,” Guzmán said. “It’s been cold lately in Palenque, but it’s usually hot throughout the year.”
Guzmán started sharing his discovery with the world, and people from Palenque flocked to the sight to see the spectacle.
Some even brought food and water for the mom and her puppies.
Local officials are allowing the new family to stay in the manger for now.
Dejando Huellitas S.O.S. Palenque, an animal advocacy group, has stepped in to look for prospective homes for the dogs.
Once the pups have been weened, they’ll find new forever homes.
The story about the Nativity dog and her puppies ended up going viral and was shared with various news publications that reached the U.S.
Guzmán said he hopes his sharing of the story will bring awareness to the plight of dogs in Mexico.
“Hopefully, we as citizens will become more aware when it comes to dogs, to adopt strays [rather than buy dogs],” Guzmán said. “We should love dogs, no matter where they come from.”
An update by Dejando Huellitas S.O.S. Palenque stated that the momma dog has found a temporary home.
Her puppies are also “in a suitable space.”
“Thanks to everyone who has cared about her, it is clear that we are more of the good people,” the Facebook post read.
There were tons of people offering to donate food, blankets, and other items to the family. There were also plenty of well wishes for the family.
Check out the video of this family cozy in their Nativity scene on Christmas below.
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