When Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen found a baby magpie alone at a park in Australia, they never expected her to become such a big part of their lives. They spent a long time trying to reunite the bird with her family, but they had no luck. They feared that the poor bird would die in the park alone, so they brought her home and nursed her back to health. Soon, they named the magpie Molly.
Before long, Molly the magpie became a beloved family member. Everyone welcomed her without hesitation, especially the couple’s Staffy named Peggy. The loving Pit Bull seemed to think that the small bird was her baby!
An Unlikely Friendship
Interspecies friendships are the cutest! But Molly and Peggy’s bond goes deeper than your typical friendship. Peggy was hesitant of the strange bird at first, but she quickly became a mother-like figure to Molly. She even started producing milk for the magpie, causing her family to think she was pregnant.
However, the vet confirmed that the milk had nothing to do with unborn puppies. Instead, it was caused by a “phantom pregnancy.” The vet said it’s common for female dogs to produce milk if they’re nurturing someone. After all, Peggy had been very protective and caring toward Molly since the beginning. Now, as an adult, Molly seems to think she’s a dog!
“Their favorite thing to do together is to sun-bake. Peggy just loves it and Molly just opens up her wings and they lie there together,” said Wells. “They play ball together, both of them love toys and really just hanging out, snuggling together.”
Wells said that they have never caged Molly. She’s free to fly and go wherever she wants, but she usually doesn’t like to leave Peggy’s side. The couple would love it if she stayed with them forever, but they’d be just as happy for her if she went off and started a family of her own.
Molly and Peggy Become Famous!
Wells created an Instagram page for Molly and Peggy to show off their adorable friendship. So far, they’ve gained over 80,000 followers! No one can resist their unusual yet charming relationship.
“In these times, especially in Melbourne and Sydney where they’ve been in lockdown for quite a while, people are looking for something positive,” said Wells. “I take beautiful photos and film our everyday life and I am hoping we can help people’s mental health and make them realize there is more to life than what’s going on… and it’s what you focus on that counts.”
The family doesn’t know what the future will hold for Peggy and Molly, but their relationship is still going strong. They play together, groom each other, and even nap beside one another. Getting a glimpse at their adventures is the perfect way to brighten your day!
