There are few things in the world cuter than a newborn puppy. Every pup is special in their own way, but there is one that truly stands out after being born with a very unique appearance.
Trevor Mosher and Audra Rhys, from Nova Scotia (Canada), were thrilled when their three-year-old American Valley Bulldog, Freya, gave birth 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 newborn pups, an unexpected puppy arrived.
What was even more surprising was the puppy’s appearance: she was green!
âWe started drying her off and noticed she was green, and immediately thought something was wrong,â Trevor told Global News.
However, they did some research and found out that, although rare, puppies are sometimes born with a green tint, caused by contact in the uterus with green pigment found in bile.
Dr. Bronwyn Crane, a veterinary reproductive specialist, told Global News the chance was less than 1 in 10,000.
âI’ve never seen a green puppy in my career,â she said.
âApparently, itâs very rare, happening a few times around the world,â Trevor said.
âI’m a bit taken aback, really. As rare as it seems to be, I feel very lucky to have witnessed it and been part of it. I know you hear stories about that kind of thing, but to be there and see it, that was beautiful.â
Although rare, other cases of “green puppies” have shocked dog owners and made headlines around the world. 2020 saw the births of a lime green German Shepherd puppy named “Hulk,” and a herding dog born in Italy named “Pistachio.”
Of course, the owners had to give their unique pup her own green name. According to Audra, they received suggestions like ‘Hulkette,’ ‘Wasabi,’ and ‘Lucky Irish.’
They eventually settled on a name: Fiona, after Shrek’s green ogre wife.
Green puppies do not remain green forever: over time, their unique color fades. The owners told People Magazine that Fiona’s color has already faded to a “light lime green.”
But Fiona will always be remembered for her ‘lucky green’ color.
âShe will eventually lose the green color, but we will have photos and a story to tell and remember for the rest of our lives,â Trevor wrote on Facebook.
Wow, what a beautiful, unique pup! We are so glad Fiona is doing well. Even though her green color will fade, she will always remain a special pup.
