In Palenque, Mexico, a picturesque nativity scene was displayed inside a small tent in the town’s main square. This one has the typical array of festive figures posing in serene silence, but they have recently been joined by someone unexpected: a pregnant stray dog.

Apparently, the sweet dog saw the Christmas nativity scene as a safe space and, therefore, ended up using it as a shelter. It could take a break from the cold of the streets and provide lighting if necessary. Local journalist Eric Guzmán observed this and discovered her curled up in the straw inside her.

Upon closer inspection, Eric discovered that the dog gave birth to seven puppies. With no other options, the dog seemed to have chosen the Christmas nativity scene as a safe and pleasant place to give birth to her children.

“She was surprised and happy to find that her cubs were in a safe place,” Eric told The Dodo. “They were never wet or cold,” he continued. It is worth mentioning that although Palenque is normally hot all year round, it starts to get cold in December and the presence of dogs seeking shelter is quite frequent.

Eric began spreading the news about the dog and her puppies in the manger, and since then, many from Palenque have made the trip to see them with their own eyes, some bringing food and drink. Even local officials got involved and agreed that the dog family would be allowed to stay as long as they needed.

Beyond the allusions to sanctity, the animal lovers of Dejando Huellitas SOS Palenque have also intervened to ensure that the dogs are cared for now and in the future, and have begun to find homes for them to live.

For Eric, the birth of the puppies inside the Christmas manger is not a miracle, but he hopes it leaves a lasting legacy. “I hope that as citizens we are more aware of stray dogs and adopt them instead of buying them,” said the journalist. “We must love them regardless of their origin,” he concluded.

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