Here is a touching video from CBS news showing the friendship between an 8700 p0ound elephant named Tarra and a dog named Bella.  At the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald Tennessee, a place where elephants go to retire, this unusual friendship sprang up.  The Elephant Sanctuary specializes in rescuing both African and Asian elephants and owns 2,700 acres outside of Hohenwald.

Normally when elephants arrive at the sanctuary they pair up with other elephants, either male or female, since they are inherently highly social animals but lack the history of a familial herd.  Every elephant on the sanctuary has another elephant companion, except for Tarra, who chose Bella as her best friend.  Rather than be a case of mistaken maternal bonding, which sometimes happens with unrelated species, the case of the dog and elephant friends in this video appears to be one of true friendship and bonding.  I love this video, though it is over a year old now because I think that there is a message in it for humans.  Despite major differences, the two are best friends. Like the newsman, Steve Hartman says, if they can do it, why can’t we.

Here is the touching elephant and dog friendship video:

Bella is one of several stray dogs that have shown up at the rural sanctuary and which are cared for by the owners and staff.

No one knew just how strong the bond between the elephant and dog friends was until one day when Bella suffered a spinal cord injury. Tarra, who had hundreds of acres to roam, instead chose to wait near the building where her canine friend was kept.  When the owners brought the dog out on the balcony Tarra’s tail immediately began to wag. Then they knew that they had to take her down to see her elephant friend. This video shows the touching reunion of the dog and elephant.

It costs over $125,000 to provide for one elephant and the goal of the Elephant Sanctuary is to care for over 100 animals.  If you would like to help Tarra you can visit their website for information on how to become a member. The Elephant Sanctuary

The popularity of Tarra and Bella’s friendship has even led to a book, by Carol Buckley. Part of the proceeds of the book listed below go to the Elephant Sanctuary. You may also order the book from their website.  If you wish to share this video with a friend you can used the “Share This” tool at the bottom of the article.