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When a guide stopped next to a herd of wildebeest, little did he realise the miracle he was about to witness. When he realised what a special moment was unfolding, he trained his camera on the action for us all to enjoy.
David den Hartog submitted this footage to Latest Sightings. He and his guests witnessed this incredible moment while on a game drive at MalaMala Game Reserve in South Africa.
In labour
As we join the action in David’s video, we see something few have the privilege to witness. A female wildebeest lies on her side in the process of giving birth. Exhausted, we see her chest heave as she summons her energy.
Her calf is partially out, with its amniotic sac still draped over its body. Meanwhile, the rest of the herd in the background appears entirely uninterested.
Partially emerged
A few moments later, the cow gets to her feet, determined to finish what has started. As she does, we see the calf has emerged headfirst up to its hips.
Thankfully, this is the ideal way to be born. Calves that are born with their hind legs emerging first run the risk of dying in the process.
Stuck
However, as she gets to her feet, it looks like something might be wrong. With the largest part of its body out, calves typically emerge quickly from this point.
That said, the calf is very much alive and seemingly eager to get moving. As its front hooves touch the ground, it almost looks like it is trying to run out of its mother’s body.
Signs of life
To David’s delight, we also hear the first sound the calf will ever make as it strains to be born. While this is happening, the cow stands almost completely still. It is hard to fathom what might be going through her mind.
Stirred by the commotion, the rest of the herd gets to its feet. While some show no interest, a couple come closer to see what is going on.
Born with a bump
Suddenly, whatever had been preventing the calf from exiting gives way. Consequently, the calf slides out in a gush of amniotic fluid, dropping to the ground behind the cow.
It’s touching to see how the wildebeest behind the cow watches with such apparent fascination. The drop to Earth will help expel any fluids from the calf’s lungs, allowing it to breathe freely at last.
First meeting
Subsequently, the spectator seems to lose interest and rejoins the herd. This allows Mum the opportunity to turn and greet her newborn for the first time.
Meanwhile, the calf can be seen breathing heavily on the ground, exhausted by the rigours of being born. However, there is no time to waste. Predators may be lurking nearby, so it’s time to face its next big challenge.
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Get up and go
Closely watched by its mother, the calf makes the first of several attempts to get to its feet. Typically, wildebeest calves can stand within ten minutes and walk or even run with the herd after fifteen.
Amazing as this is, it takes around three days for them to build up the strength and stamina to keep up with the herd. Consequently, this is a very precarious period in its life.
Rise to the occasion
As the herd waits nearby, the calf slowly gets to grips with its long, spindly legs.
Then, less than ten minutes after being born, it manages to stay upright and take its first awkward steps to Mum’s side.
Seeing that it has reached this all-important milestone, the herd doesn’t hang around. Instinctively, they know they must leave the birth site, which may attract predators.
Subsequently, the video ends as the herd moves on, leaving David and his guests in awe of the spectacle they’ve been so fortunate to witness. Good luck, little guy!
Woman Adopts Her Perfect Dog, But One Heartbreaking Vet Visit Changes Everything
In the vast sea of dog stories, this particular one had me break into a million pieces! Taylor and Ozzie’s story is real proof of how incredible the bond between dogs and humans can be.
You laugh together, cry together, you share the most intimate secrets and moments, and you just can’t imagine living life without each other anymore! But, what do you do when everything goes wrong? What happens then?
Ozzy’s life story will reveal how truly inspiring the human-dog bond can be, even in what can only be called the worst of times.
Ozzie Was The Perfect Dog
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Taylor adopted Ozzie at just a few weeks of age. She looked on Craigslist for puppies needing to be rehomed and saw a picture of a floppy-eared, brown pup with one blue and one brown eye – and she instantly fell in love!
Ozzie looked like the perfect dog, and the fact that she had to drive from North Carolina all the way to Washington D.C. didn’t stop her! She was inclined to adopt him!
“I was in college, didn’t have that much money, had 3 roommates, was in school full time, played tennis for college full time, and worked part time. How could I fit a puppy into that schedule,” Taylor wrote on Instagram.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The two formed an amazing bond right off the bat! He was just an amazing pup that adapted into the new life in no time. In a way, both Taylor and Ozzie shared the same hobbies and interests.
Both loved hiking, going to the beach, walking in the park, and basically any outdoor activity.
“He is THE adventure guy. He loves to go hiking, to the beach, kayaking, in the snow, to breweries, parks, literally you put him in the car (or on a train, yes, he has been on a train) and he is ready for the adventure,” wrote Taylor.
Every time they had a chance to embark on a new adventure – they took it! Ozzie has always been an adventurous boi, and that really made his new mom fall in love with him even more!
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Years later, Taylor and her partner adopted another dog, Lulu, who became Ozzie’s best friend.
The two formed an incredible bond and really enjoyed each other’s company. Their playtime was practically a zoomie-show, and despite the fact that both were so energetic, they would always end the day with the sweetest snuggling ever!
Several amazing years later, Taylor noticed Ozzie limping, and she immediately rushed him to the vet. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was horrible!
The Devastating Vet Visit
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The vet took Ozzie to do some X-rays, and ten minutes later, he came out with the heartbreaking diagnosis. Ozzie suffered from osteosarcoma – a bone tumor and he only had a couple of months to live.
After receiving the news, Taylor was devastated. She called her husband who immediately left work and came. Luckily, there was one option to extend Ozzie’s life for several extra months – the amputation of his front leg and chemo.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The couple didn’t think twice. They agreed to subject Ozzie to treatment despite all the hardship and extra commitment that awaited.
But, even through his surgery – Ozzie was just the most enthusiastic, happiest boi! He didn’t take the smile off his face even for one bit. He was a real fighter, and so were his parents!
Ozzie got his own, big bag that Taylor and her husband got just for walks. As he didn’t have so much strength (especially after chemo) to hike and walk like he used to, the couple carried him on their back, sometimes even for several miles.
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A post shared by Lulu & forever Ozzie (@livingdogfriendly)
They just couldn’t stand the idea of Ozzie not being able to enjoy his favorite things – and this was the only way to do it. His mom and dad did everything to make his quality of life better, and despite his progressing disease, Ozzie enjoyed every single moment!
The entire family helped Ozzie during his journey. Taylor’s dad, who was also battling cancer and lived in another state, felt the need to support this big boi. He’d send ice cream for Ozzie after every chemo session, which was just the cutest thing ever.
And, Lulu was just the greatest sister ever. Normally, she’s extremely hyper, but once she realized her brother was in pain, she turned into the gentlest sibling ever.
Your Memory Will Be Preserved, Good Boi
Source: @livingdogfriendly
After months of battling with his terminal disease, Ozzie sadly crossed the rainbow bridge. He lost the battle with cancer in March 2023 and went to eternal sleep.
Taylor and her husband were very heartbroken to part ways with Ozzie, but the fact that this beautiful boi had an amazing life till his last breath helped them cope.
“You touched so many lives, more than I had ever imagined a dog could. The love you gave was ever present and you lit up every room you walked into,” Taylor wrote in the touching Instagram post.
Ozzie was a unique dog, and he indeed made his family’s life so beautiful! Taylor and her family have moved to a new home in Virginia, but if I can say one thing with certainty, it’s that his legacy will certainly be remembered by his loved ones… Forever!
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