In Palenque, Mexico, a charming nativity scene has been displayed in a small tent in the town’s main plaza. There is the typical range of Christmas figurines posed in peaceful silence.
But in recent days, they have been joined by an unexpected person.
Earlier this week, a nice stray dog obviously noticed the scene at the Navity and decided to take over the nativity scene there. It turns out, however, that she was not alone.
Local journalist Eric Guzmán was one of the first to spot the pup, curled up in the straw-covered manger. But, just like the legendary figures the crib represents, he hadn’t chosen this place to relax.
Upon closer inspection, Mr. Guzmán realized that the dog had recently given birth to a litter of small puppies.
It seems that, having no other choice, she chose the nursery as a safe place to have her babies.
“I was amazed and at the same time happy to see that she had placed her puppies in a safe place where they would not get wet or chilled,” Mr Guzmán said. “It’s been cold lately in Palenque, but it’s usually warm all year round.”
The apparent symbolism of the presence of the dogs has not been lost on the community.
Mr. Guzmán began talking about the dog and her young in the nativity scene, and since then Palenque residents have made the pilgrimage to see them with their own eyes, some bringing gifts of food and water for the young family.
Even the local authorities got involved, deciding that the mother and her puppies would be allowed to stay.
Meanwhile, despite the hints of holiness, animal advocates Dejando Huellitas SOS Palenque have also stepped in to ensure the dogs continue to be cared for now and in years to come.
They have already started looking for homes for the puppies once the holidays are over.
For Mr. Guzmán, the birth of the puppies in the nativity scene is not a miracle, but he hopes it will leave a lasting legacy.
“I hope that as citizens we will become more aware when it comes to dogs, that we will adopt strays rather than buy them,” Guzmán said. “We should love dogs no matter where they come from”.
