Regular Latest Sightings contributor, Mark Fox, sent us this video, which he recorded in the Kruger National Park, South Africa
Summer fun
Summertime is a lovely time to visit the Kruger National Park. The vegetation is lush, and various species give birth to their young.
And it is at a time like this that we join the action in Mark’s video. On the side of the road, a group of impala lambs, known as a nursery herd, has come across a troop of vervet monkeys.
Among the monkeys, there are several youngsters. This may very well be the first time the young of the two species have met.
As we watch, one of the young monkeys is chasing a lamb, while their respective kin look on. There is nothing sinister about it. The behaviour is playful and curious, with no harm meant.
Peaceful coexistence
Slender and delicate creatures, impalas are naturally timid. Nevertheless, the lambs feel safe enough in their little herd and tentatively approach the monkeys for a closer look.
Of course, they have nothing to fear from the monkeys. The two species actually coexist quite peacefully, a relationship that has benefits for both.
Among the perks of living in harmony is that they look out for one another. The monkeys post sentries, and when threats are spotted, their alarm calls are a warning to all, impalas included.
However, sometimes, the species can get on each other’s nerves…
Excessive interest
And that is exactly what happens when a couple of lambs take a particular interest in one of the immature monkeys. Well, actually, each seemed as intrigued with the other, but that’s beside the point.
But no one likes to be stared at for too long. Having not learned such social niceties, the lambs got ever closer to the monkey.
As a result, one was about to get a lesson in boundaries and respecting personal space.
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Get out of my face!
As the lamb got right up into the monkey’s face, the monkey decided that it was all getting a bit much. While what followed could have been the monkey’s own curiosity getting the better of it, it did send a clear message.
Maintaining eye contact all the while, the plucky primate reached out his left hand and, firmly but gently, slapped the over-friendly impala on the nose.
Although the blow likely didn’t hurt, it did come as a complete shock to the lamb. Immediately, it pulled away to get well clear of the source of its surprise.
Supervision required
Seeing all this, the young male monkey in the foreground of the picture below decided it might be time to intervene.
Consequently, it got up and went to get itself between the two youngsters. Kind of like it was telling them that it was enough already, and time to play nice.
It needn’t really have bothered, though, as the lamb and its friend had already decided they were better off seeking the company of their own kind.
As Mark’s video ends, the animals appear to forget the incident entirely. After all, with so many other dangers to contend with, sometimes it’s best not to sweat the small stuff.
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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