Dog caring for foster kittens is "scary at first" but wins over the internet

Canada - A dog named Raylan's parenting skills are unparalleled, even if they seem a little brutal! The pup always helps his human take care of their foster kittens, and he's a fantastic stand-in dad.

A dog named Raylan has helped to take care of more than 100 kittens, but he's got his own style when doing it.
A dog named Raylan has helped to take care of more than 100 kittens, but he's got his own style when doing it.  © Collage: Screenshot/Instagram/raylan_the_dog

Raylan is "a purebred mutt who enjoys getting beer for loved ones, road trips, and cuddling with his foster kittens," as his Instagram bio totes.

His owner explained in a post last month that the pup has an affinity for taking care of the family's foster kittens while they wait to get adopted, and a video featuring the furry foster dad in action has quickly gone viral.

The pooch has helped her care for more than 100 kittens over the last nine years, but it's his unique parenting style that has made waves.

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In the clip, Raylan is seen grabbing the kittens by the scruffs of their necks and carrying them around in his mouth!

While the move seems aggressive, his owner writes: "It’s still just as funny as the first time! It’s how large predators (like wolves and lions) carry their babies and it looks scary at first."

Yet, "it’s been 9 years of no injuries and kittens asking to be picked up again and again! 90% of them love it - the other 10% Raylan just snuggles with instead."

The doggo has clearly thrived in his role as a foster parent, and videos of Raylan have made him an internet sensation – with 101,000 followers and counting.

This dog's parenting skills include cuddling and cleaning his foster kittens

The German Shepherd mix is a real father figure for his foster kitten companions.
The German Shepherd mix is a real father figure for his foster kitten companions.  © Collage: Screenshot/Instagram/raylan_the_dog

Raylan's human Laura told the Dodo doesn't just carry the kittens for the camera. He really takes care of them!

The dog does everything a natural parent would: he cleans the babies, helps them socialize, and even cuddles the cats to sleep.

"Kittens can get very dirty without their mother," Laura told the outlet. "It's extremely helpful."

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"Cleaning them that's his favorite thing. When he starts licking the cats, they just love it. "

"It's a very natural bonding and sign of affection in animals," she added.

She attributes the German Shepard mix's success with the kittens to his sweet nature, and says they are quick to trust the gentle giant.

Raylan's care of the cats and adorable snuggles have certainly won over fans with his fantastic foster parent ways.

Cover photo: Collage: Screenshot/Instagram/raylan_the_dog

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