While life in the wild might be a constant struggle for survival, there are many kinds of animals, both predators and prey, that find the time for play.
These two klipspringers, a male and female pair, were caught on camera by Graham Stokoe, and they were whittling away time on a carefree day by chasing each other and having fun.
Male and female pairs like this bond for long periods of time during which they never stray far from each other. This desire to be close to one another just makes them all the more adorable.
Natural Agility
The two antelope were standing on the top of an enormous boulder when Graham began filming, and they started to show off their natural agility instantly as the male leapt to the ground below and darted through the rocks.
Environments like these pose no obstacle to nimble klipspringers, but they help to protect them from predators which might not be as capable of leaping between the large rocks in the same way.
The Chase Is On
While the male seemed to take a moment to observe Graham watching from his vehicle to confirm he wasn’t any kind of threat, the two animals didn’t seem concerned by his presence in any way, and the game was on.
The female leapt down from her vantage point on the boulder and chased the male as their playful games began, including a round of peekaboo from behind a large rock as the male poked his head up.
And then they were off once more, sprinting around the rocks in an undeniable expression of joy and excitement which is satisfying to watch. Neither of them missed a step as they cavorted through the rocks.
Reunited In Play
Even when the two klipspringers took a short break from racing through the large rocks around them, they did so together. Standing atop a large stone which offered them a good lookout, they made a very picturesque couple.
Unlike many other kinds of antelope, klipspringers will bond with each other for life and practice monogamous relationships. These two will likely stay together for the entirety of their lives.
Time To Move Fast
For all its significance, the moment was short lived and before a few minutes had passed the two antelope were back to sprinting around as fast as they could, as though possessed by some spirit of speed.
Their two modes were apparently everywhere all at once, and standing still for pretty moments. This was a time where being in one place for more than a second might have meant that one of them would be the loser in whatever game they were playing.
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Sticking Like Glue
After this latest burst of speed they both ended up on the large boulder where Graham had first sighted them. After testing Graham’s ability to track them with his camera, they seemed content to stay there and rest for a moment.
They were simultaneously demonstrating their ability to cling to rock faces where other animals would have fallen. Rather than stand higher on the boulder where the ground was flat, the klipspringer couple stood at a point where the face almost appeared to be vertical.
Not every sighting needs the excitement of a predator to be amazing, and Graham’s footage of these two klipspringers doing nothing more than enjoying their time together is proof of that.
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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