Dalmatian Derrick adopts three kittens after their mother dies
AN adorable dalmatian has adopted three kittens after their mum sadly died.
Derrick, who is just ninemonths-old, has thrown himself into parenthood after the female dogs in his house refused.
Owners Steffan Pickey, 26, from Humberston, and his partner Lee Smith, 31, have been impressed by how their usually boisterous dog has adapted to fatherhood.
Steffan said: “He’s such a good boy, I can’t believe how well he’s done with them.
“We have a couple other girl dogs who have had litters in the past and they’re just not really bothered by the kittens.
“But he’s been very attentive and he kind of begs to be there with them.
“His maternal bone has popped out from somewhere which is good because if we have litters in the future he’s there on hand.”
The kittens’ mum, Elaine, didn’t always get on with Derrick but the two bonded after she gave birth - and she was happy to let him look over her young.
Steffan, a Co-op store manager, said: “She wasn’t always a massive fan of Derrick because he’s got quite a big nose and he used to rub it all over her and lick her and she used to grumble.
“They weren’t always the best of friends.
“When she had the litter she used to lie there and let him lick her and the kittens, she was so chilled out even then.”
Two weeks after giving birth, Elaine sadly passed away and Steffan and Lee wondered how to look after the tiny kittens without her.
He said: “It was a bit difficult at first but we got the hang of it eventually and they started all doing really well.
“Derrick begs to go to them and keep them all clean.
“The kittens absolutely love spending time with him, so when they see him they start following him around.
“He’s quite a big boy but he watches where he’s going and you can see he’s tiptoeing around them.”
Steffan said: “I don’t think we could have done quite as much without Derrick, he’s done a really good job.
“He’s not even a year old yet, he’s still a puppy himself.
“He’s done such a good job, he’s very clever for doing it.”
When Derrick isn’t looking after the kittens, he’s a typical playful dalmatian, running around on his walks.
He said: “He’s got lots of energy. He’ll sometimes jump from one side of the living room to the other.
“He likes posing and he has quite a few followers on Instagram . He loves sitting with his dicky bow on or if he’s got a new harness on, bless him.”