Everyone knows a dog is human’s best friend. But who is a dog's best friend? Well, almost anyone, really. Dogs have been known to run in all sorts of different crowds, that can be both unusual and adorable. Here are a few unlikely friendships that dogs have formed with other animals:
Quackers the Duck
Max, a husky from Minnesota, was best friends with another husky, named Sasha. But when she passed away, Max's life was left with a void that needed to be filled. That's when Quackers came along - a duck, adopted by Max's family soon after Sasha's passing. Max started sitting next to Quackers' pen for companionship, and the two bonded quickly.
Now, they do everything together. They share their food, sleep on the same square of carpet, and even go for walks. It can lead to traffic congestion, as cars slow down to take pictures of the dog and duck walking down the road together. But it's a small price to pay for such a beautiful friendship.
Chira, Batari, and Izzy, the Tiger Cubs
When three Malayan tiger cubs were born at the Cinncinati Zoo, their mother simply ignored them. But six year old Blakely, an Australian shepherd was more than willing to step up. The zookeepers gave Chira, Batari, and Izzy food and other necessities, but Blakely was able to provide them with an emotional connection.
He let the cubs cuddle with him at night, using his soft, furry body as a bed. He also trained them in basic behavior, keeping them from biting too hard or getting too rough. These things are important for tigers to learn, but humans couldn't teach them. Only Blakely could give the cubs what they needed.
Bubbles the Elephant
Bella, a black lab, was brought together with Bubbles through unfortunate circumstances. Bubbles' parents had been killed by poachers when she was just a baby, and she was brought to Myrtle Beach Safari. When a contractor was hired to build a pool for her, he brought Bella with him, who was just a puppy. When he was done, he left her behind.
Fortunately, Bella found Bubbles soon after. Bubbles weighs over four tons and towers above her, but their difference in size hasn't stopped them from becoming inseparable. They especially love to swim together in Bubbles' pool. Sometimes Bubbles lets Bella use her as a diving board, to leap into the water. They also love to run together, play fetch, and more. The two are proof that when it comes to friendships, the only size that matters is the size of your heart.
Suryia the Orangutan
When Roscoe, a bluetick hound, ended up at The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (TIGERS), he was neither endangered nor rare, just lonely. Wandering around the grounds, he quickly found Suryia, an orangutan, and the two started playing together. They've been friends ever since. They swim together, and sometimes Suryia takes Roscoe for walks. Dr. Antle, founder of TIGERS, even wrote a children's book about the unlikely bond that the two have formed.
And the best part? Since TIGERS is located at Myrtle Beach, Roscoe and Suryia have also become great friends with Bubbles and Bella.
They say love is blind, and that applies to friendships too. And dogs have the capacity to love just about anyone, no matter how unusual the pairing, and no matter what unlikely circumstances put them together. Maybe we could learn a thing or two from their friendly, loving examples.
