Abandoned Kittens and Rabbits are snuggled by a brave dog with heart cancer.

Despite having heart cancer, a heroic rescue dog has ‘fostered’ and cared for abandoned creatures. Gypsy, a Border collie cross, cares for abandoned kittens, rabbits, and pups that owner Jo Yoli has taken in.

Every animal, including those with special needs, shattered bones, and abusive histories, is welcomed by the 11-year-old maternal dog. Gypsy’s affection for them never wavers, and she continues to take them under her wing and “wash and hug” them on a daily basis, despite her medical concerns.

Gypsy was named the deserving runner-up for the Pet of the Year honors by Vets Now. Gypsy was adopted from an animal shelter ten years ago after living semi-wild on a farm with a pack of other dogs.

Jo stated: “She didn’t want to live indoors and hadn’t been around people, so she was terrified at first. But she very quickly bonded with me and soon showed she is such a gentle soul who just loves everybody.”

“I fostered before I had Gypsy, and once she was settled in, I went back to it.” I usually take dogs who have particular needs, such as broken bones or those who have been abused, as well as a large number of newborn orphan kittens who require hand-rearing. Gypsy is delighted to see them all, especially the hand rears. She takes them under her wing and looks after them by toileting, washing, and snuggling them.”

“Having some nice fur to snuggle up in is like a comfort blanket for them.”

“Every two hours, I have to feed them, and she always gets up and watches.” She’d do it if she could feed them herself.

“When I have foster rabbits, she’ll sit with them in the garden and is just so gentle.”

When a tumor on Gypsy’s shoulder blade was checked during a routine check-up last year, she was diagnosed with heart cancer. The sarcoma had not spread, but she had an unrelated malignancy on her heart, according to a CT scan.

Gypsy had surgery last December to remove a portion of her shoulder blade and eradicate cancer. To control the tumor on her heart, she got radiotherapy and is now on anti-cancer medicine.

“She’s done well, albeit she’s a little lame on her leg due to the shoulder surgery.” She was right back into looking after the little ones as soon as she returned. It’s kitten season, and I’ve already given her a few to care for, with plenty more on the way,” Jo explains.

“The other day, I was playing a video of a friend’s foster kitty, and she was staring at the screen, puzzled as to why it wasn’t there.”

“She was born to care for other animals, and I’m very delighted she won the Vets Now Pet of the Year award.”

“After a traumatic two years, we wanted to highlight the essential role pets have played for so many families and individuals across the UK,” said Dave Leicester, who leads a team of expert vets at the Video Vets Now service.

“It’s an opportunity to highlight pets who have overcome injuries or other obstacles to provide their owners with unwavering comfort and support.”

More than 60 Vets Now clinics and hospitals are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and all day and night on weekends to treat any pet emergency that may arise.

Visit www.vets-now.com for more information and guidance on what to do in the event of a pet emergency.