With the help of Mom, the tiny thing persevered until it was standing awkwardly on all fours. It then carefully began to walk forwards, no doubt touching the hearts of game viewers.
These first steps were all made possible with the help of the mother elephant. She remained supportive of the newborn elephant, eventually helping it onto its feet using the tender gestures of her trunk.
However, before this moment, a lot of ‘trial and error’ ensued, with the little one getting up and then falling down again.
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Calves are usually born after an extraordinary 22-month pregnancy. This is the longest pregnancy of any land mammal! When they arrive, they weigh about 100kg.
However, despite their size, they are fragile and unsteady at first, as this one was.
Mother attempts to help newborn onto its feet
A newborn elephant will usually attempt to stand, and soon after walk, within just minutes of birth.
This one leaned against its mother’s trunk for support and balance.
Many times, it succeeded in standing to its feet. However, initially this victory was fleeting and it soon fell back down into the grass.
The mother remained close to the calf. Her trunk hovered near the calf’s body, guiding and reassuring it.
Just the act of standing took a lot of effort, however, the elephant calf persevered. It showed tremendous effort and courage in getting up on shaky legs, after falling into the dust and grass, again and again.
This determination in the calf was spurred on by an even more determined mother. She was to hear nothing of giving up!
She understood the importance that walking held for her newborn and did everything in her strength to guide the tiny elephant.
What ensued was some super cute moments, and poignant moments between Mom and calf.
The elephant mother used her trunk as a human mother might use her arms, demonstrating extreme compassion and patience. Her love for her infant was evident in every gesture.
The persistence shown by the mother and calf soon paid off and the calf eventually stood. However, it didn’t stop there. On trembling limbs, it moved forwards, one uncertain step after the next.
Shaky steps will soon become confident
While the calf’s first steps were anything but confident, within a day, newborn elephants are usually able to walk more confidently, sticking closely to their mother’s side.
While this tiny elephant might have not gotten it perfect straight away, confident walking would soon ensue… with some practice, of course.
For baby elephants, what begins with trembling steps soon becomes a steady pace, and before long, calves can even trot after their mother, learning the paths of the herd and the rhythm of elephant life.
These first steps are vital. Unlike many animals which can lie hidden while they gain strength, elephant calves must be mobile almost immediately to keep up with the herd.
Predators like lions and hyenas pose a real danger, so walking within hours of birth is a survival skill.
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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