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Woman Shelters 97 Stray Dogs In Her House While A Category 5 Storm Rages Outside
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Woman Shelters 97 Stray Dogs In Her House While A Category 5 Storm Rages Outside

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Hurricane Dorian is still raging over the Bahamas, leaving a trail of extreme destruction in its wake. Five people have lost their lives in the storm, with 13,000 houses severely damaged. It is a tragedy of epic proportions for this small Caribbean nation, one that will take many years to recover from.

Amid the human suffering and loss that these natural disasters inflict, animals are often forgotten. My dog is so terrified by a distant rumbling of thunder that he runs immediately to the shower to take shelter. I can’t imagine how traumatic a category 5 hurricane must be for these poor creatures, especially those that have already been abandoned.

The Voiceless Dogs of Nassau, Bahamas don’t have a safe place like a shower to run to when they are afraid. All they have is Chella Phillips, the one and only person behind the rescue operation. Chella is not an official rescue shelter or organization, she is not affiliated to the Humane Society and she doesn’t receive any kind of help from the government. It is just her and her love for the homeless dogs of Nassau.

So rather than leaving defenseless dogs out on the streets to face the hurricane alone, Chella took in as many as she possibly could, packing her house with 97 pooches of all shapes and sizes.

Image credits: Chella Phillips

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Image credits: Chella Phillips

Image credits: Chella Phillips

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Image credits: Chella Phillips

Image credits: Chella Phillips

Image credits: Chella Phillips

Chella rescues dogs from the streets of Nassau and gets them vetted and vaccinated. They then live at her refuge until she is able to find a rescue willing to help her with them in the United States.

Countless homeless dogs have left the streets of Nassau and are now enjoying life being loved and cared for by their families.

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Image credits: Chella Phillips

But it’s a constant struggle to keep up. “New dogs each day, each week, each month, new mouths to feed and care. That is a reality I cannot escape anymore,” she writes.

Image credits: Chella Phillips

“This is a small island, yet thousands of homeless dogs are roaming the streets in search of food, water, love. They are all looking for the same, someone to love them and be kind to them. You would think that is not too much to ask, but here, it is. Not many people see these homeless dogs as sentient beings.”

Image credits: Chella Phillips

Since her post went viral, Chella has been receiving donations from well-wishers all over the world. Most importantly, however, is the willingness for proper shelters to take the dogs in and find them loving homes.

Image credits: Chella Phillips

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Image credits: Chella Phillips

“Everyone here gets along and welcome the newcomers with tail wags because they know they are their brothers and sisters in suffering on the streets,” Chella wrote in an update on the situation.

“Each of my babies deserve to have loving homes, so please, I am begging for rescues to help them!!
My heart is breaking that I left so many on the streets cause I had no more room to bring them. Please.. Please!!”

Image credits: Chella Phillips

Image credits: Chella Phillips

You can help Chella and her pups out by donating to the regular monthly fundraiser or using the PayPal address for the refuge: pawtcake.refuge.inc@gmail.com. Let’s hope the hurricane passes soon and all of these doggos can go on to find the loving homes and families they deserve!

Image credits: Chella Phillips

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yvonne_bernal avatar
Yvonne Bernal
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Way to go Chella!! So far $196,000 raised of a $20,000 goal. It is people such as Chella who make this world a better, happier, nice place to be.

zoochef59 avatar
J Turner
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Special place in heaven for someone so willing to take care of those who can't take care of themselves. <3

janinesteam avatar
Janine B.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My heart is broken. So many innocent souls looking for love and shelter. May this pawsome woman be blessed furever.

wayne1_roberts avatar
Wayne Roberts
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well done Chella. You're a saint for what you do, keeping those lovely pooches safe and sound, and so many of them! Awesome kindness. How do I make a donation? Keep up the good work!

tammistark avatar
Tam-Tam
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used the link in the paragraph following the pic of the pups in the wheelbarrow. I clicked on “regular monthly fundraiser” in bold type. Hope the link works for you :-)

Load More Replies...
benicia_99 avatar
Azure Adams
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Soooo important to neuter and spay your animals. Good on this woman for taking care of the ones who deserve it: dogs. Cats do too. And all other animals. Not humans. They suck and started it.

redsongamble avatar
sauveurandrew8 avatar
Drew Sauveur
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She's living proof that Shero's don't always wear capes. Absolutely amazing.

cjucz22 avatar
Christina Uhlir
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Chella writes, "Everyone here gets along and welcomes the newcomers with tail wags because they know they are their brothers and sisters in suffering on the streets." My God, they are better creatures than humans! "Not many people see these homeless dogs as sentient beings." Not many people see any animals as sentient beings and that is the root of all evil humankind causes; when you get involved in the fight against animal cruelty it is emotionally and financially draining, but you keep going. -"As long as man continues to be the ruthless destroyer of lower living beings, he will NEVER know HEALTH or PEACE. For as long as men massacre animals they WILL kill each other. Indeed, he who sows the seed of murder and pain cannot reap joy and love." - Pythagoras, Greek mathematician & philosopher (? - 497 BC/BCE) .....even when you do not like geometry you must admit this wise man is right. His words were tested by time and confirmed by reality. When will human race get it?

sassybooie avatar
Meeow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's nice of her saving all these dogs, now I'm wondering what happened to the stray cats...:cry:

dopethronepunkuk avatar
HoffLensMetalHedLovesAnimalsUK
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing, i already donated £100 to her a few days ago, she is an angel and i love her with all my heart.

etnarudotrebor avatar
Roberto Durante
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the sweetest dog lover lady in the entire world, filled with a lots of compassion, all my respect for her with love from Atlantis

jodi_moreno37 avatar
Jodi Moreno
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love how happy the dogs look. She must be a truly good person, to make SO many dogs smile like that. :)

payet_fabienne avatar
Tahani
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What an amazing woman!!! I hope they will all be safe and will all find happy homes so very soon!

jordanwestall avatar
Jordan Westall
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg I wish I could help! She’s amazing! And It’s kinda nice to know all the dogs were getting along and being very ! good girls/boys

jencon16_1 avatar
Jennifer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ABC Nightly News picked this up tonight--I hope millions saw and will not only help the people of the Bahamas, but this wonderful woman, too!

haoyun2001 avatar
María Hermida
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why so many stray dogs? I wouldn't like to live in this place: the people who are not kind to animals are not kind to other people either. Humans have a lot of bad karma to pay. I guess people like Chella are our hope and the reason why we haven't been anihilated yet. Are the details for the donations somewhere in the article? I couldn't read it carefully. Just too sad. It also reminded me of a piece of news I read some days ago: the Guardia Civil (similar to the police, in Spain) have been rescuing dogs in the Canary Islands, comforting them and giving them water. Theres a big fire and people are evacuating, but many people have left their dogs TIED in their gardens, and have left without them. What kind of s**t dies that? How can they sleep at night? They deserve the worst. I hate most people.

addysondavies avatar
ADDYSON DAVIES
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We are in the midst of a saint who finally realizes the truth animals are humans too

taylor-lach avatar
Chara
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

seriously? who cares about these damn dogs? bully breeds shouldn't exist anyway. worry about the people who actually need help.

kbush5168 avatar
Kim Bush
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dogs in situations like this always seem to know they're being saved by a unique individual and there never seems to be any fighting among them while they are forced together. Trying to keep things as easy as possible for their saviour.

jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How wonderful this woman is. How awful a situation though. It seems to me like the best thing would be to get a bunch of vets to volunteer to spay and neuter those animals. That's the only way to fix the problem long term. It breaks my heart to think of an endless cycle of homeless dogs wandering the streets trying to survive.

jimprice avatar
Jim Price
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have two dogs, four cats, eight ferrets, and two birds. If it ever became a choice of leave them behind for my own safety, or stay with them to face approaching danger... Bring it! We will face it together and come through the other side... all, or nothing.

dora_miles avatar
Dora Miles
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where is the donation link please? What a wonderful thing to do for those dogs x

sharronlparsons avatar
sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If others, did a third of such help with animals, it would be less a burden, I hope there are some to help with the clean up, poop, and wash dog dishes etc; Bless you my dear !!!

3142322 avatar
Living_Shadow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish someone would also do something like this for cats. Dogs are important but cats always get the least of things. Pet hotels for dogs are hundreds of times better then those for cats. For cats, they're just locked up in cages. Meanwhile, dos get walks, outdoor time, and a swimming pool. I love both creatures but I get sad when I see cats not being appreciated as much simply because of media and fictional stories making cats out to be villains. They have moods just like us humans and they're very loving animals if you try to mutually respect them.

lgujsv avatar
Gipsy Kings fan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you, Chella! Animal rescue stories always touch my heart, but this one particularly hit home because there are so many black and tan dogs who look just like our dear dog, Lady, who was our family pet when I was a girl (age 7 to age 19).

raroararoa avatar
RaroaRaroa
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So many stray dogs in the world. It's just sad, when I look over at my dog stretched out in front of the fire right now. I'm not sure I've ever seen a truly stray dog in New Zealand - ones who've got out of their gardens and gone wandering, but never one with no home. Of course there are dogs needing homes, but they're usually removed from a bad home, or dumped and found/sent to shelter quickly, or surrendered directly to a shelter.

jovyjergens avatar
Jovy Jergens
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

God bless you for your compassion. This was a LOT of hard work to undertake and you did it with grace and joy! You are an inspiration to us all!

bronmargaret avatar
Magpie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it possible to do trap-neuter-return program with these poor dogs ? similar to with cats. explained here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvkjTh4aWfc

anandapaulus avatar
AP
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for your kindness for caring for these puppers! You are awesome!

devil_ avatar
devi L.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sweet. Hope they're all getting walks in tho and freedom to run around

irishstew613 avatar
Stewart Peirce
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Humane Society doesn't do ANYTHING for pets or animals in need. They only make money for themselves.

pokemonsa avatar
Pokemon sa
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Try find the one dog snacking on the other dogs tail , its toooo cute

captaindash avatar
Full Name
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So many questions. Where are the dogs from? Were they just abandoned? How does she keep track of where they the are to be returned to? Do the owners know? How come almost all of them look like the same breed? I'm willing to bet there's some important information missing here.

redsongamble avatar
TheExtremeSmell
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Dogs would been fine they do doggy paddle. I also once saw a video where dog form raft of dogs to keep queen dry

yvonne_bernal avatar
Yvonne Bernal
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Way to go Chella!! So far $196,000 raised of a $20,000 goal. It is people such as Chella who make this world a better, happier, nice place to be.

zoochef59 avatar
J Turner
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Special place in heaven for someone so willing to take care of those who can't take care of themselves. <3

janinesteam avatar
Janine B.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My heart is broken. So many innocent souls looking for love and shelter. May this pawsome woman be blessed furever.

wayne1_roberts avatar
Wayne Roberts
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well done Chella. You're a saint for what you do, keeping those lovely pooches safe and sound, and so many of them! Awesome kindness. How do I make a donation? Keep up the good work!

tammistark avatar
Tam-Tam
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used the link in the paragraph following the pic of the pups in the wheelbarrow. I clicked on “regular monthly fundraiser” in bold type. Hope the link works for you :-)

Load More Replies...
benicia_99 avatar
Azure Adams
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Soooo important to neuter and spay your animals. Good on this woman for taking care of the ones who deserve it: dogs. Cats do too. And all other animals. Not humans. They suck and started it.

redsongamble avatar
sauveurandrew8 avatar
Drew Sauveur
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She's living proof that Shero's don't always wear capes. Absolutely amazing.

cjucz22 avatar
Christina Uhlir
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Chella writes, "Everyone here gets along and welcomes the newcomers with tail wags because they know they are their brothers and sisters in suffering on the streets." My God, they are better creatures than humans! "Not many people see these homeless dogs as sentient beings." Not many people see any animals as sentient beings and that is the root of all evil humankind causes; when you get involved in the fight against animal cruelty it is emotionally and financially draining, but you keep going. -"As long as man continues to be the ruthless destroyer of lower living beings, he will NEVER know HEALTH or PEACE. For as long as men massacre animals they WILL kill each other. Indeed, he who sows the seed of murder and pain cannot reap joy and love." - Pythagoras, Greek mathematician & philosopher (? - 497 BC/BCE) .....even when you do not like geometry you must admit this wise man is right. His words were tested by time and confirmed by reality. When will human race get it?

sassybooie avatar
Meeow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's nice of her saving all these dogs, now I'm wondering what happened to the stray cats...:cry:

dopethronepunkuk avatar
HoffLensMetalHedLovesAnimalsUK
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing, i already donated £100 to her a few days ago, she is an angel and i love her with all my heart.

etnarudotrebor avatar
Roberto Durante
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the sweetest dog lover lady in the entire world, filled with a lots of compassion, all my respect for her with love from Atlantis

jodi_moreno37 avatar
Jodi Moreno
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love how happy the dogs look. She must be a truly good person, to make SO many dogs smile like that. :)

payet_fabienne avatar
Tahani
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What an amazing woman!!! I hope they will all be safe and will all find happy homes so very soon!

jordanwestall avatar
Jordan Westall
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg I wish I could help! She’s amazing! And It’s kinda nice to know all the dogs were getting along and being very ! good girls/boys

jencon16_1 avatar
Jennifer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ABC Nightly News picked this up tonight--I hope millions saw and will not only help the people of the Bahamas, but this wonderful woman, too!

haoyun2001 avatar
María Hermida
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why so many stray dogs? I wouldn't like to live in this place: the people who are not kind to animals are not kind to other people either. Humans have a lot of bad karma to pay. I guess people like Chella are our hope and the reason why we haven't been anihilated yet. Are the details for the donations somewhere in the article? I couldn't read it carefully. Just too sad. It also reminded me of a piece of news I read some days ago: the Guardia Civil (similar to the police, in Spain) have been rescuing dogs in the Canary Islands, comforting them and giving them water. Theres a big fire and people are evacuating, but many people have left their dogs TIED in their gardens, and have left without them. What kind of s**t dies that? How can they sleep at night? They deserve the worst. I hate most people.

addysondavies avatar
ADDYSON DAVIES
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We are in the midst of a saint who finally realizes the truth animals are humans too

taylor-lach avatar
Chara
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

seriously? who cares about these damn dogs? bully breeds shouldn't exist anyway. worry about the people who actually need help.

kbush5168 avatar
Kim Bush
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dogs in situations like this always seem to know they're being saved by a unique individual and there never seems to be any fighting among them while they are forced together. Trying to keep things as easy as possible for their saviour.

jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How wonderful this woman is. How awful a situation though. It seems to me like the best thing would be to get a bunch of vets to volunteer to spay and neuter those animals. That's the only way to fix the problem long term. It breaks my heart to think of an endless cycle of homeless dogs wandering the streets trying to survive.

jimprice avatar
Jim Price
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have two dogs, four cats, eight ferrets, and two birds. If it ever became a choice of leave them behind for my own safety, or stay with them to face approaching danger... Bring it! We will face it together and come through the other side... all, or nothing.

dora_miles avatar
Dora Miles
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where is the donation link please? What a wonderful thing to do for those dogs x

sharronlparsons avatar
sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If others, did a third of such help with animals, it would be less a burden, I hope there are some to help with the clean up, poop, and wash dog dishes etc; Bless you my dear !!!

3142322 avatar
Living_Shadow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish someone would also do something like this for cats. Dogs are important but cats always get the least of things. Pet hotels for dogs are hundreds of times better then those for cats. For cats, they're just locked up in cages. Meanwhile, dos get walks, outdoor time, and a swimming pool. I love both creatures but I get sad when I see cats not being appreciated as much simply because of media and fictional stories making cats out to be villains. They have moods just like us humans and they're very loving animals if you try to mutually respect them.

lgujsv avatar
Gipsy Kings fan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you, Chella! Animal rescue stories always touch my heart, but this one particularly hit home because there are so many black and tan dogs who look just like our dear dog, Lady, who was our family pet when I was a girl (age 7 to age 19).

raroararoa avatar
RaroaRaroa
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So many stray dogs in the world. It's just sad, when I look over at my dog stretched out in front of the fire right now. I'm not sure I've ever seen a truly stray dog in New Zealand - ones who've got out of their gardens and gone wandering, but never one with no home. Of course there are dogs needing homes, but they're usually removed from a bad home, or dumped and found/sent to shelter quickly, or surrendered directly to a shelter.

jovyjergens avatar
Jovy Jergens
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

God bless you for your compassion. This was a LOT of hard work to undertake and you did it with grace and joy! You are an inspiration to us all!

bronmargaret avatar
Magpie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it possible to do trap-neuter-return program with these poor dogs ? similar to with cats. explained here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvkjTh4aWfc

anandapaulus avatar
AP
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for your kindness for caring for these puppers! You are awesome!

devil_ avatar
devi L.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sweet. Hope they're all getting walks in tho and freedom to run around

irishstew613 avatar
Stewart Peirce
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Humane Society doesn't do ANYTHING for pets or animals in need. They only make money for themselves.

pokemonsa avatar
Pokemon sa
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Try find the one dog snacking on the other dogs tail , its toooo cute

captaindash avatar
Full Name
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So many questions. Where are the dogs from? Were they just abandoned? How does she keep track of where they the are to be returned to? Do the owners know? How come almost all of them look like the same breed? I'm willing to bet there's some important information missing here.

redsongamble avatar
TheExtremeSmell
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Dogs would been fine they do doggy paddle. I also once saw a video where dog form raft of dogs to keep queen dry

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