Dog Loses Cat Best Friend, But Gets Tiny Foster Kittens To Take Care Of

Meet Flora, a big, fluffy Malamute rescue with a soft spot for cats and a heart as big as her smile.  

Jill Williams

Flora's love for cats came when her family adopted 20-year-old Dexter (pictured above) from the Best Friends Animal Society. And as soon as Flora and Dexter met, the gentle giant fell head over heels for the senior tuxedo kitty. Knowing he likely didn't have much time left, the family wanted Dexter to live his sunset years out in a loving, happy home - and not a shelter. It was still difficult for everyone - especially Flora - when Dexter passed away two snuggle-filled years later. 

“Flora was very worried and sad,” Jill Williams, Flora's mom, told The Dodo. “She paced around and whimpered. She spent a lot of time outside and did not want to come in. She would howl, which she rarely does, and it broke our hearts.” 

Jill Williams

Thinking it would help ease Flora's loneliness, Williams adopted two young cats from the shelter. "While that cats did help ease some of the sadness that Flora was feeling, the new youngsters didn't like to cuddle the way Dexter did. She was still lonely."

The family was at a loss on how to help Flora cope with the loss of her best friend - until they decided to foster kittens. Originally, Williams decided to foster kittens to show her children the importance of fostering animals in need. But their little family had no idea that the kittens would be just what Flora needed. 

Jill Williams

As soon as Williams brought home their four foster kittens, Iggy, Bowie, Roxy, and Glamour, Flora started to act like her old self again. And when Flora and the kittens finally got to meet face to face and nose to nose, it was everything Flora had been missing since her best friend passed away.

Jill Williams

“All four of them immediately walked over to her, completely unfazed by her larger than life appearance,” Williams said. Flora is a big dog, after all, weighing about 120 pounds.

“Iggy was the first brave boy — he went right up and sniffed her nose. She gently brought her face down to meet hiss," Williams said. "He did not flinch or hiss. She got this huge smile on her face and then the other three came trotting over to say hello.”

Jill Williams

The kittens see Flora as something of a fluffy playground, but Flora doesn't seem to mind. But Flora's special relationship with her young chargers is as important to them as it is to her, as it helps to socialize them properly so they can grow into well-adjusted young cats better suited for life as a house cat. 

Jill Williams

Flora's kittens have since found their forever homes, and while Flora is bound to be a little sad - there are sure to be more foster kittens in her future for her to love, adore and raise into happy, healthy kittens. 

You can follow Flora's adventures on her Instagram!