Sometimes, when the time comes, there are no options to avoid the jaws of a larger and stronger animal. A tiger snake in Hoedspruit, South Africa, discovered this the hard way when it found itself the prey of a hungry boomslang.
Tegan Thomson caught this snake on snake violence on camera and sent the footage in to Latest Sightings. She spotted the tiger snake first, as it was on the ground just outside of her kitchen, and it appeared something had already attacked it.
In a tree above, Tegan saw the boomslang snake emerging from a red weaver nest, and start working its way down the trunk to the vulnerable tiger. Whether or not the boomslang was responsible for the tiger snake’s initial injuries is unknown.
On The Defensive
The boomslang used its larger size to its advantage, quickly surrounding the tiger snake with its long body and preventing it from easily escaping. Without any way out, the tiger coiled itself up, preparing to fight its way out in an attempt for survival.
No doubt knowing it was not in a strong position, the tiger snake decided to try and get the first blow in, and it struck the boomslang, or at least, it attempted to. Unfortunately for the tiger, this was not quite the quick and decisive strike it had hoped for.
Instantly Overpowered
Although the tiger snake tried to strike first, the boomslang looked as though it had already had the same idea, or its reactions were just far quicker than the tiger expected.
Either way, the boomslang completely overran the tiger snake’s attack, and immediately overpowered its opponent, seizing the tiger snake in its jaws and beginning to carry it off into the garden.
One Last Hurrah
At this point, the writing was already on the wall. Against the boomslang, the tiger snake did not have a high chance of survival, but it was determined not to go down without putting up a good fight.
It managed to coil itself around the boomslang, and put up enough resistance that the boomslang was forced to let it go. This was the last chance the tiger snake would have would try and make an escape.
Having already been fighting for its life, and facing the complete dominance of the boomslang, the tiger snake was unable to properly capitalize on this opportunity, and its last moments of defiance ended abruptly when the boomslang seized it again.
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Victory Meal
Further down Tegan’s garden, in the shelter of some large plants, the boomslang enjoyed its victory meal. The tiger snake had attempted to put up a fierce resistance, but it just wasn’t enough for it to cling to life.
It was difficult to see either snake in their cover, but here the tiger met its unfortunate end as the boomslang swallowed it. Many safari goers might spend considerable time searching for a sighting like this, but Tegan saw the whole thing unfold from the comfort of her garden.
Amazing sightings can always be just around the corner, and at any moment two snakes might come down from a tree and begin fighting for their very lives.
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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