Many female dogs have maternal instincts, just like human females do. When a dog becomes pregnant or after it gives birth, these instincts become even more pronounced. A gentle giant named Xena showed hers on camera in a YouTube clip shared by The Dodo<\/a> in September 2025. She was rescued from a field and brought to a shelter, but staff members didn’t realize she was pregnant until the day she gave birth…to a single puppy. Little did she know, she’d end up caring for many more than that.<\/p>\n Around the same time that Xena gave birth, another dog passed away after giving birth to a litter of seven. The shelter employees brought Xena to the pups with hopes that she would nurse and care for them. With her maternal instincts in full gear, she did both. She and the puppies were transferred to the maternity suite at Three Little Pitties Rescue in Friendswood, Texas, where she stayed by their side until they were sent to foster homes and later adopted.<\/p>\n Xena was also placed into a foster home, where she spends her days hanging out with four other foster dogs. Her foster mom, Lindsay, says that she “loves other dogs and finds a lot of comfort and confidence in being around them.” She also describes her as quiet and sweet. Xena is believed to be a 5-year-old mastiff and Staffordshire terrier mix. As of October 27, 2025, she’s still available for adoption at Three Little Pitties. Considering adopting? Check out how to adopt a dog in this step-by-step guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n