A stray dog has been branded a "star" after she was found protecting a litter of abandoned kittens by the side of the road in Ontario, Canada earlier this month.
The pup, who has been named Serenity by shelter workers, was discovered guarding the five baby cats by a kind bystander, who called Pet and Wildlife Rescue to help the stray and her new cat friends.
Although it's not known whether the kittens were dumped by their owner, or abandoned by a feral mother cat, the shelter is now looking for Serenity's 'furever' home while the kittens are with a foster family until they're old enough to be adopted.
Taking to Instagram, the shelter wrote: "I have been getting A LOT of attention on social media, but let me fill you in just in case you don't know my name and my story!
"My name is Serenity and I was found last week on the side of the road keeping 5 kittens warm. A good citizen called the shelter, a kind Animal Control Officer picked the 6 of us up and we've been living our best lives ever since!
"The kittens that I kept safe have been kindly taken in by a foster family and will be put up for adoption once they're old enough to be on their own."
The animal organisation added that Serenity, who is believed to be two-years-old, would be best housed in a home without small children and dogs but is "obviously great with cats".
"I'm estimated to be about 2 years old so I'm still young and have the energy of a toddler," the social media post read. "I love zooming around outside and will run circles around any person or object that is out in the yard with me.
"The shelter staff has been working on it, but I can be quite jumpy and need to be taught some manners.
Adding: "At this time in my life I would do best in a home without small children that I can knock over. I've gotten along with a couple of dogs at the shelter so far - both were extremely submissive or uninterested in interacting with me.
"Along with my dominance I am HUGE on playing and have a tendency to get right in other dog's faces. I didn't get along with the dominant or even slightly reactive shelter dogs. I do need help with my house training as it is not perfect."
The shelter added that they are hoping to get Serenity housed as soon as possible once she is spayed at the beginning of next month.
Since sharing the post on their social media, members of the public have been quick to praise the pooch and branded her a "little star" for guarding the kittens from harm while another thanked Serenity for "teaching us humans a thing or two about compassion which has lost its meaning in today's world."
For more information about Serenity and the adoption process at the Pet and Wildlife Rescue click here.
Featured Image Credit: Pet and Wildlife RescueTopics: Dog, Real Life, Animals, Cats