Surprising Twist, Nova Scotia Couple Welcomes an Unexpected New Member – A Green Puppy!

Dogs are known for their unique traits, but have you ever heard of a green puppy? No, it’s not a St. Patrick’s Day prank, but a delightful surprise for one Canadian couple in Nova Scotia.

Audra Rhys and Trevor Mosher, residents of Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, were in for an unexpected gift just before St. Patrick’s Day—a green puppy! Freya, their female valley bulldog, a mix of boxer and bulldog, gave birth to a black amniotic sac on January 27, sparking concerns as it was different from the clear sacs the other seven healthy pups were delivered in.

Initially fearing the worst, the couple was astonished when the seemingly stillborn puppy inside the peculiarly coloured sac began to move. As they dried her off, they noticed the distinct green hue and, understandably worried, turned to Google for answers. Fortunately, the rare phenomenon of a green puppy is exceptionally unusual but generally indicates good health.

Veterinary reproduction specialist Bronwyn Crane, DVM, MS, from the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island, described the occurrence as incredibly rare, estimating its incidence to be less than 1 in 10,000 births. She shared that she had not encountered a green puppy before.

While the exact reason for the green coloration remains unclear, some light-colored puppies may acquire a green tint when exposed to biliverdin, a green pigment, during their development. Biliverdin, the same pigment responsible for the greenish tint in bruises, might occasionally contaminate the placenta and amniotic fluid, imparting a greenish tint to the puppy’s fur. Notably, this is a natural occurrence and not the result of artificial dye applied after birth.

The couple named their unique and vibrant pup Fiona, inspired by the beloved character in Shrek. Fiona joins the ranks of other rare green puppies, including Hulk in 2012 in England, “Hulk pups” in Spain in 2014, Forest, a green golden retriever pup born in the Scottish Highlands in 2017, and Pistachio born on the Italian island of Sardinia in 2020. Each time, these green-hued puppies brought a touch of positivity and wonder, capturing hearts around the world.

This heart-warming tale was first reported by BBC.