In a heartwarming twist of fate, Mocha, a rescued dog with a past marked by injury and resilience, has embraced an unlikely role as a surrogate mother to an orphaned kitten named Grogu.
Mocha’s journey began in October 2022 when she was found on the side of the road with a severely broken leg. Thanks to prompt medical attention, including the decision to forego amputation, Mocha made a remarkable recovery, defying expectations with her tenacity and sweet nature.
Upon her recovery, Mocha’s nurturing instincts emerged in a surprising way. Sabii Hector, Mocha’s foster mom, introduced her to Grogu, a tiny, four-day-old kitten in need of care. Initially, Hector was cautious, keeping Grogu and Mocha apart. However, Mocha’s gentle curiosity quickly dispelled any concerns. “Mocha sniffed him first and then licked his face, showing immediate concern,” Hector recounted.
Despite having no prior maternal experience and being a different species, Mocha took on the role of Grogu’s surrogate mother with remarkable instinct. She meticulously watched over Grogu during feedings, cleaning the milk from his face and even stimulating him to potty—behavior typically exhibited by mother animals.
Under Mocha’s care, Grogu thrived and eventually grew into a lively, playful cat. When the time came for Grogu to be adopted, Mocha bid him a heartfelt farewell as he embarked on his journey from Jamaica to Pennsylvania, facilitated by the Montego Bay Animal Haven.
Mocha’s maternal instincts extended beyond Grogu. Subsequent foster kittens received the same tender care. Interestingly, Mocha exhibited a preference for kittens over puppies, showing no interest in bottle-fed puppies but demonstrating excitement and protectiveness towards kittens. Over the past year, Mocha has helped foster and raise 20 to 30 kittens.
Mocha’s daily routine involves waking around 6:30 a.m. for the first feeding and continuing care throughout the day, with the final feeding usually at 2 a.m. She remains vigilant, correcting any rough play among the kittens and intervening if necessary to ensure their safety.
Hector is continually amazed by Mocha’s dedication. She believes that Mocha’s nurturing role has been a form of healing for the once-traumatized dog, allowing her to channel her love and protectiveness into her role as a surrogate mother. “Raising kittens helped Mocha give that love and attention that she didn’t necessarily have in her first few weeks, and she grew into being a naturally protective dog,” Hector said.
Mocha’s story is a testament to the profound impact of love and compassion, transcending species and past hardships to create a new, nurturing family dynamic.
