Shelter Dogs see Blankets For the First Time and Immediately Know What to Do

“It’s the best thing they’ve ever seen.”

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

It’s a significant moment for the canines, who were all surrendered to NMDR as adults by commercial breeding operations. Many people have never seen, never alone slept on, a blanket.

“The majority of them have lived in cages with wire bottoms,” Kahtava explained. “As a result, when they come across these blankets, they’re at a loss about what to do.”

A recent video posted on Facebook by NMDR shows a group of 16 new puppies trying out their new blankets for the first time.

The video can be viewed here:

This group, who arrived at NMDR on July 3, had higher medical needs than typical newcomers. Some had skin problems, while others, like the brown cocker spaniel at the start of the film, were completely blind.

Despite their differences, all of the dogs in the group had the same immediate reaction to their welcoming gifts. They poked their noses into their new blankets and sniffed them skeptically.

Their reluctant reactions, according to Kahtava, are rather usual.

“Many people conduct a lot of cautious smelling,” Kahtava explained. “And some just bound onto them as if it were the nicest thing they’d ever seen… because it very much is.”

Even the most hesitant pups eventually find themselves sprawled out on their new bedding. And the dogs get to keep their blankets for the remainder of their stay at NMDR as long as they don’t consume them.

“They certainly learn to value them rapidly,” Kahtava added. “Most can be seen snuggling with them on a regular basis.”

When it’s time for a dog to be adopted, they each get a brand-new blanket to go home with them. “It’s a unique component of our adoption process,” Kahtava added.

NMDR’s blankets are donated by their wonderful social media followers, who donate to the rescue on a regular basis.

Because of their generosity, every lovely pup who visits NMDR receives their very first blanket. And, eventually, they’ll be able to keep one for the rest of their lives.