The Unusual Foster Mom

Cheesecake the capybara made her mark at Rocky Ridge Refuge in Arkansas by fostering countless litters of orphaned puppies. This special animal helped prepare many young dogs for their forever homes through her nurturing care.

Finding a Home at the Sanctuary

Rocky Ridge Refuge takes in abused and neglected animals, giving them a second chance at life. Cheesecake arrived at the sanctuary as a baby, needing special care. Because she was so young, she lived inside the house with the sanctuary's owner, Janice.

Learning to Love Dogs

Living indoors meant Cheesecake shared space with Janice's dogs. Far from being a problem, Cheesecake quickly formed strong bonds with her canine housemates. She spent her days playing with the dogs and her nights cuddled up sleeping beside them.

Becoming a Foster Parent

When orphaned puppies first arrived at the sanctuary, Cheesecake's reaction showed her special nature. She approached the puppies with care and interest. As more litters of orphaned puppies came to Rocky Ridge, Cheesecake stepped into the role of foster mom for each new group.

Making Puppies Ready for Adoption

Cheesecake didn't just keep the puppies company—she provided the care and attention they would have gotten from their birth mother. This special relationship helped socialize the puppies, making them better prepared for adoption into permanent homes.

A Friend to All Animals

Puppies weren't the only animals that benefited from Cheesecake's friendly nature. She formed bonds with many other sanctuary residents, including ducklings, tortoises, chickens, a miniature horse, deer, and even emus.

Cheesecake's Legacy

Cheesecake lived to be one of the oldest capybaras in the United States, reaching the age of 12 before she passed away. Her legacy continues through Cobbler, another capybara who now lives at the sanctuary.

Supporting the Sanctuary

Cheesecake's story is now featured in a children's book called "Watermelon Party." Money from sales of this book goes directly to Rocky Ridge Refuge, helping care for the many animals that call the sanctuary home.

The animals at Rocky Ridge Refuge continue to thrive thanks to dedicated care and the special bonds they form with each other—a tradition that Cheesecake helped establish during her remarkable life.