Just like normal house cat kittens, the cubs of big cats are extremely vulnerable during the first few months of their lives. While they might look cute to humans, many other animals will see them only as food.
This cheetah mother, spotted by Dean Robinson, has the daunting task of making sure as many of her cubs as possible reach adulthood, and ensuring they survive these first few months is vital to that goal.
Lined Up In A Neat Row
Although kittens and cubs of any size are typically mischievous little things, the three cubs under the care of this cheetah were behaving themselves remarkably well.
It then became clear that these three cubs were not, perhaps, model examples. As the mother cheetah picked her way delicately through the underbrush, she was accompanied by two more cubs that had remained focused on the task, rather than getting left behind.
She eventually realized that three of her cubs had remained neatly lined up on the road instead of following her, and doubled back to remind them that they were in the process of relocating. These silly cubs had gotten distracted, and were at risk of being left behind.
Hard To Spot
Once they’d realized their mistake, the cubs hurried to catch up with the rest of their family, with one of them still staying behind a little longer, as if reluctant to plunge into the long grass that was keeping the rest of them safe from predators.
Their coats blended perfectly with their surroundings, making them difficult to spot as they moved from the road to the thick underbrush bordering it on either side.
Cheetahs are famous for their speed, while it’s leopards which hold the title of being the stealthiest big cat. This cheetah family had decided to give leopards a run for their money by hiding in the long grass, however, and they were doing an excellent job of being unseen.
A Very Risky Day
This mother looked like she was shepherding five cubs along, which is on the large side of a litter. They were still young enough to be mostly fluff, and it’s likely that their mother was moving them from one hidden den to another.
Due to their inexperience and small size, these cubs would be unable to defend themselves against hungry predators, making their protection a top priority for their mother. Perhaps this is what made the cubs wary of the long grass, anything could be hiding and ready to leap out.
To keep them safe, this cheetah will hide them in areas that predators cannot easily reach, and often move them from one such hidden place to another to give them the best chance of survival. This small migration is likely one such period, making it a vulnerable time for the cubs.
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Disappearing Into The Wilderness
Once they’d all rejoined each other in the long grass, the cheetah mother would have led them on their way through the brush, looking out for a good spot to hide the cubs away while she could go out and hunt food for them all.
Soon they’d be joining her on those hunts, and after they’d learned enough to survive on their own they’d be striking off into the wilderness to lead their own independent 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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