This hyena just couldn’t let sleeping dogs lie, and it paid the price as a result. Trying to sneak into a competing predator’s area seems like a poor idea at the best of times, but this hyena decided to give it a shot.
Jaco Joubert caught the sighting on camera in the MalaMala Game Reserve, and sent the footage to Latest Sightings. The wild dogs weren’t particularly happy about the hyena’s intrusion, and they let it know.
Things could have gone worse for the hyena, as the wild dog that took offence at its presence wasn’t seriously trying to hurt it, but they still gave it a sudden shock.
A Day Out For The Pack
It looked like a large number of wild dog adults had gone out for a little adventure during the day. It was likely they were stretching their legs while looking for likely prey to hunt, but they’d gotten distracted by a relaxing river bed, and they were in no hurry to leave.
Despite their apparent lethargy, wild dogs have adapted to be fast long distance runners, meaning they’d be more than capable of moving quickly once they found themselves a purpose to do so.
Enter The Intruder
One of them was about to showcase that potential for sudden acceleration, when an intruder approached the pack. Most of the dogs had decided to have a relaxing lie down on the riverbed after getting some exercise.
While they enjoyed a nap, a hyena approached slowly, looking incredibly large in comparison to the dogs. As a direct competitor, the hyena would prey on the same animals as the dogs, and that means they do not tend to get along and this one meant trouble.
Despite this natural rivalry, the wild dogs didn’t seem too alarmed by the presence of the hyena in their midst. Except for one, which was very unhappy about it.
Let The Games Begin
Like the rest of the pack, this dog watched the hyena slowly jog closer and closer to the center of the area they were relaxing in, before suddenly rising to all four paws and charging at the intruder. The wary hyena saw it coming and wisely turned tail, fleeing quickly.
Perhaps this dog was assigned to guard duty for the day, or the other dogs did not consider this intruder to be much of a threat. One hyena would lose against this many dogs in a fight anyway, so they could relax a few moments longer.
The scared hyena took shelter in the shadow of a MalaMala safari vehicle, where it cowered for a few moments. Against a single dog the hyena had size on its side, but as soon as it stood its ground it would find itself facing more than one dog.
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Safe And Sound
The hyena seemed to think it was safe here, and even glanced up at the vehicle several times, as if for reassurance, before relaxing. It didn’t risk challenging the dogs again, however.
The hyena was brave to approach, but the dogs had won the game, and now they could frolic in the sand without fear of rival predators attacking them or their resources.
Given the critically endangered status of wild dogs, asserting themselves over competition that would steal their kills and prey is essential for their own survival.
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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