Water is the single most important resource for animal life. Its main value is for drinking, but it can also help animals keep cool during the hottest parts of the day.
This hyena may have enjoyed a nice drink before this footage began, but at the time this recording was taken it was enjoying a nice relaxing time in the water, letting the small ripples run along its fur as it bathed.
It was a particularly tranquil scene that was about to have a sizable dash of tension mixed in as a pack of wild dogs spied the water, and hurried over to get their own drink.
The Whole Gang’s Here
Although it was the wild dogs and hyenas that caused tension over the water supply, they weren’t the only animals present at the occasion. As the wild dogs bounded over to the hyena’s water, two giraffe’s looked on from afar.
It was probably wise of them to keep their distance while the two predators competed with each other. They weren’t the targets of any hunt at that time, but it might not have taken much for either dog or hyena to decide they were hungry as well as thirsty.
From their safe distance they could watch the events unfold, while still being able to turn and flee if things went poorly. As the bathing hyena watched the wild dogs moving quickly towards it, it seemed likely that things would go bad quickly.
A Diplomatic Approach
There weren’t many of the wild dogs, but they were numerous enough to pose a threat to the single hyena. While most wild dogs packs have less than twenty individuals, some of them can grow to double that size.
This lonely hyena didn’t have that many dogs to face, otherwise it might have thought better about staying put, but alone it would have been able to do little to resist them if it came to a fight. Individually it was bigger and stronger, but it only have one set of weapons.
The dogs must have known they had the advantage in numbers, but they took a remarkably diplomatic stance from the beginning of the encounter. One of the dogs placed itself between the hyena and the rest of the pack, while the others drank.
Tense Encounters Of The Close Kind
The muddy water didn’t seem like much of a prize, but it was desirable enough for the wild dogs to approach, and for the hyena to stand its ground. The hyena chose to affect a disinterested air in the intruders, but the dogs were very aware of it at all times.
Many of them kept their eyes warily on the other predator while they drank, and the individual they had appointed as a guard dog stayed between them at all times.
Ordinarily, these two competing predators would take a dim view on the other’s presence, and battle at a moment’s notice to steal land, prey, or other resources.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
The Truce At The Waterhole
The idea that animals agreed to be kind to each other at the waterhole is a myth. Many predators specifically choose waterholes as the grounds for an ambush because of the certainty that a prey animal will arrive sooner or later.
In this case though, the wild dogs and hyenas did indeed appear to declare a truce with each other. Despite their early tensions, the encounter passed without significant incident, and both wild dogs and hyena parted ways as uneasy allies.
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.
View this post on Instagram
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!
Be the first to comment on this article!