There are few things in the world more adorable than a newborn puppy. Every pup is special in their own way — but one is truly one-in-a-million after being born with a very unique appearance.
Trevor Mosher and Audra Rhys, from Nova Scotia, were excited when their three-year-old valley bulldog, Freya, went into labor last month.
According to Global News Canada, Freya gave birth to seven healthy puppies on January 27. But as she was settling in with the newborns, another puppy unexpectedly arrived.
What was even more surprising was the pup’s appearance — she was green!
“We started to dry her off and noticed she was green and immediately again thought there was something wrong,” Trevor told Global News.
However, they did their research and discovered that, while it’s rare, sometimes puppies are born with a green discoloration, caused by contact in the womb with green pigment found in bile.
Dr. Bronwyn Crane, a specialist in veterinary reproduction at the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island, told Global News that the odds were less than 1 in 10,000.
“I have not come across a green puppy before,” she said.
“Apparently it is very rare and it has happened a few times all over the world,” Trevor said.
“I’m kind of amazed, really. As rare as it seems to be, I feel very lucky to have witnessed it and be a part of it. I know you hear stories about things like that but to be there and witness it, it was good.”
While rare, other instances of “green puppies” have shocked dog owners and made headlines around the world. 2020 saw the births of a lime-green German Shepherd pup named “Hulk,” and a sheep dog born in Italy named “Pistachio.”
Naturally, the owners had to give their unique pup her own green-themed name. According to Audra, they got suggestions like “Hulkette” “Wasabi,” and “Lucky Irish.”
Eventually they decided on a name: Fiona, after Shrek’s green, ogre wife.
However, green puppies don’t stay that way forever — over time, their unique color fades: the owners told People that Fiona’s color has already faded to a “light lime green.”
But still, Fiona will always be remembered for her lucky green coloring.
“She will eventually lose the green colour but we will have pics and a story to tell and remember for the rest of our lives,” Trevor wrote on Facebook.
Wow, what a beautiful, unique puppy! We’re so glad Fiona is doing well — even though her green color will fade, she’ll always be one special pup.
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