If you have had a Great Dane at any point in your life, you undoubtedly recognize how fantastic of family companions they are. Nonetheless, these robust athletes continuously astonish us with their intelligence, and just when you believe you’ve unraveled their mysteries – they’ll dazzle you with something unexpected.
Etta, a 100-pound Great Dane, was a special needs puppy when Kathryn Mongrain, from The Bottle Brigade, brought her into her home. At that moment, Kathryn couldn’t foresee how pivotal Etta would become for her organization. Here’s the reason!
Etta Herself Was A Special Needs Puppy
![A 100-Pound Great Dane's Heartwarming Bond with Special Needs Puppies 2 Etta was a special needs puppy](https://thehomeofash-media.storage.googleapis.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/02075802/Etta-was-a-special-needs-puppy.jpg)
Etta was rescued by The Bottle Brigade – an animal rescue based in Houston, Texas, when she was merely a newborn. This organization, which initially focuses on special needs puppies, took her in since she was unable to walk.
![A 100-Pound Great Dane's Heartwarming Bond with Special Needs Puppies 4 photo of Etta as a puppy](https://thehomeofash-media.storage.googleapis.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/02075803/photo-of-Etta-as-a-puppy.jpg)
She lost her back paws due to an infection that impeded blood circulation in her limbs. Even though the prognosis seemed bleak – Etta exerted immense effort and overcame the toughest phase of her existence.
She Never Lost Her Zeal
![A 100-Pound Great Dane's Heartwarming Bond with Special Needs Puppies 6 photo of etta as a grown dog](https://thehomeofash-media.storage.googleapis.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/02075804/photo-of-etta-as-a-grown-dog.jpg)
She was a warrior all along. Gradually, she began to crawl. Before she reached a couple of months old – she astonishingly stood up on her feet!
It was such a heartfelt moment to witness her walking like an ordinary puppy, particularly because the doctors had given her little hope of survival.
Once she recuperated, Etta started eating enthusiastically, eventually growing into a 100-pound Great Dane. Over time, she received prosthetics to assist her in walking normally, and she adjusted in no time!
The Bottle Brigade Embraced Her Permanently
![A 100-Pound Great Dane's Heartwarming Bond with Special Needs Puppies 8 Kathryn holding puppies](https://thehomeofash-media.storage.googleapis.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/02075804/Kathryn-holding-puppies.jpg)
Kathryn’s original plan was to foster Etta until she discovered the ideal home for her. Yet, being the wonderful dog she is – it was simply challenging to part with her. Etta would scout around the house, checking on all the other puppies like a nurturing mother, bringing them comfort.
When Kathryn recognized how vital her spirit was to the entire facility, she concluded that Etta was meant to stay!
Being A Caring Mama Is Her Daily Role
![A 100-Pound Great Dane's Heartwarming Bond with Special Needs Puppies 10 etta with a small puppy](https://thehomeofash-media.storage.googleapis.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/02075805/etta-with-a-small-puppy.jpg)
She consistently makes an effort to comfort those puppies. The moment she hears a whimper from a crate, she rushes over to investigate what’s troubling them. In a sense, it’s as if she’s attempting to soothe the distressed puppies with her presence.
“Etta would be the first to enter the nursery when a baby was crying. They feel isolated, and Etta was there, offering maternal care. Perhaps she recollects her own time in there, and now she’s giving back to those little ones. She’s aiding them in reaching the point she is at now.”
![A 100-Pound Great Dane's Heartwarming Bond with Special Needs Puppies 12 photo of finn and etta](https://thehomeofash-media.storage.googleapis.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/02075805/photo-of-finn-and-etta.jpg)
Although she’s not their biological mother, Etta is regarded as the ultimate matriarch of the family. And, she adores her new role immensely! Once a special needs puppy, she’s now a perceptive dog who takes her responsibilities very earnestly.
We wish her a lengthy, joyful life surrounded by her new babies! They truly require her!