Cameron Schmidt sent this video to Latest Sightings. He filmed it at Pumba Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province.
Backstory
After ambushing a family of warthogs, a pair of cheetahs was preparing to feed. Then something surprising happened.
The remaining warthogs returned to the scene, intent on intimidating their aggressors.
Adopting a divide-and-conquer strategy, the pigs managed to get between the pair, resulting in a stand-off with one of the big cats.
Unexpected lunge
Then, unexpectedly, one of the warthogs lunged towards the highly-strung cat.
In response, the cheetah momentarily lost its nerve and turned to flee.
However, it was a ruse. It turned out the warthogs were just looking for an escape route. Seeing this, the cheetah turned back towards them, bringing their flight to a halt.
See-saw battle
With that, the cheetah went back on the offensive.
With a lunge of its own, it charged towards the pigs, slapping the ground with its front paws.
But the pigs were not that easily intimidated. Instead, they stood their ground before taking back the initiative by once again charging at the spotted cat.
I’m not joking this time!
This time, the charging hog appeared ready to escalate its threat into a full-blown attack. Seeing this, the cheetah turned to flee once more.
We then see a sight not many will get to see. As the cheetah lengthens its stride, the pursuing pig gets perilously close to slashing at it with its sharp tusks.
It is only the cheetahs superior acceleration that keeps it out of the warthog’s reach.
Ruse 2.0
As the cheetah runs for safety, the plucky pig realises that it won’t be able to catch the cheetah and veers out of the chase.
As it does, it becomes apparent that it has nevertheless succeeded in fooling the predator. For now the way is clear for it to leave the scene, presumably running for the safety of its burrow.
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Better things to do
With the first cheetah now well clear, the camera pans back to the second cheetah, which is still being watched by the rest of the warthog family.
Sensibly, this cheetah is not inclined to get into any further dispute with the hogs. As they look on, the cheetah returns its attention to their freshly killed kin and gets ready to finally enjoy its meal.
Tactical retreat
It may come as a surprise to some readers to see the cheetah being chased by a warthog. However, the phenomenon is not that unusual.
Cheetahs have sacrificed bulk and brute strength in favour of speed. As a result, they are the most timid of the large predators.
Not only are they occasionally forced to retreat by potential prey, but they are also the most likely predator to lose their kills to other predators or scavengers. They seem to realise that it is better to lose a meal than suffer the consequences of an injury.
However, even lions sometimes retreat when opponents outnumber and outmuscle them.
It is not so much a matter of cowardice but rather one of self-preservation.
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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