There are a few animals that eager safari-goers can spot in high places like trees and buildings, but most elephants aren’t typically up on the roofs of buildings for the simple reason that it’s rather difficult for them to get there.
Spotted at the Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, this elephant clearly had no respect for the long established tradition of elephants staying on the ground,and decided that it was going to live a different kind of lifestyle.
A Cut Above The Rest
Climbing is not something which comes naturally to elephants. Their large size and weight makes it difficult for them to move nimbly, and the range of motion in their legs doesn’t lend itself well to scaling steep surfaces.
This would suggest that there was some kind of slope leading up to the roof which the elephant had taken full advantage of to get up there. Due to the thickness of that roof, the designer might have had this in mind.
It’s not clear exactly how the largest land animal on the planet managed to get up onto this roof, but the slow and casual air with which it walked along suggested that this likely wasn’t the first time for it to be there.
Thankfully the sturdy construction of the building meant that it appeared to be completely secure, and there was minimal risk to the animal. This meant the elephant didn’t have to worry about falling, and could focus on its mission instead.
An Animal With A Purpose
Although how the elephant managed to get up on the roof of the building is unknown, the motivation for it to make such a journey became clear very quickly.
It moved across the roof with the habitual slowness common to all relaxed elephants as it made its way towards a tree that had grown near the side of the building.
This tree had grown tall enough that even with the assistance of its trunk, it’s unlikely the elephant would have been able to reach any of the leaves from the ground, and it appeared to be the sole reason that the elephant had decided to make the climb.
It stood at the very edge of the building’s roof, looking out at the rather impressive view as it used its trunk to snatch some tasty food from the tree and eat it.
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A Once In A Lifetime Sighting
There are likely very few people on the planet that can honestly say that they’ve witnessed an elephant walking along the roof of a building, but now this lucky safari-goer is one of them.
Spotting one of the big five on safari is typically enough cause for celebration in itself, but seeing one of these animals in such an unexpected place as this made the occasion even more special.
The elephant itself displayed no sign that it was aware of the strangeness of its actions, being solely focused on eating the leaves on the tree, making this a true case of seeing is believing.
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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