In one of Lisa’s favorite magazines, Modern Dog, there is a great story about an unusual pair.  Best friends who overlook their differences,  and only care about being there for each other.

On the CBS Evening News Katie Couric did a piece on the animal kingdom’s oddest couple, a rescued mutt named Bella and her best gal pal, 34-year-old Asian elephant Tarra. The girls became fast friends at The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, a non-profit pachyderm refuge founded in 1995 by Carol Buckley and Scott Blais.

At 2700 acres, it is the largest natural-habitat sanctuary of its kind, providing a place of peace for sick, old or needy elephants. In addition to the 17 endangered African and Asian elephants that call the sanctuary home, many homeless dogs and cats have found respite there as well.

It is one of these sanctuary dogs that formed an unlikely but enduring friendship with Tarra. Bella, who now spends her days lounging in the shade of Tarra’s belly, was taken in by the Sanctuary when she was found guarding a bulldozer on recently acquired land. Perhaps this bulldozer-attachment pointed to an inherent draw towards the large, for an elated Tarra soon won Bella, the subject of her affection, over.

Run on over to Modern Dog to read the full story and see a video of Tarra and Bella in action.  Also,  visit  The Elephant Sanctuary website to read all about the sanctuary and their elephants.

* Pic courtesy Modern Dog and The Elephant Sanctuary

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I received the very sad news that a wonderful animal sanctuary is going to be closed due to lack of funding. The closing is especially sad for those animals in need that are currently living at the Oasis Sanctuary and will no longer have a place to reside.

I am printing the letter received from the founder in its entirety, if there is anything you can do to help it would be greatly appreciated.

OASIS SANCTUARY UPDATE
Dear Friends of animals and all compassionate people:

Further to our open letter to the public we are sad to report that Oasis Sanctuary did not raise the required funding to pay back property taxes and stave off property auction. At this point we are in urgent need of all good people to help place the remaining animals before Sullivan County claims Oasis properties in mid-January.

Over the past few months we have managed to place 85% of our rescues in other no-kill sanctuaries as well as to individual forever homes.

The remaining animals are not easy to place:

DOGS:
3 fear biters
6 pissers and poopers
1 elderly blind diabetic pit bull
1 hip dysplasia German shepherd
1 incontinent Belgian Shepherd
3 dogs that are sweet with people but not with animals
1 arthritic20toothless pitty and
1 beautiful Aussie shepherd who does not like strangers but gets over it after you give him a biscuit .

CATS:
4 FIV+ cats (2 very shy, 1 fear biter, and one super sweet character who is deaf and blind in one eye)
Approx 10 shy and 5 semi ferals

All these wonderful critters have issues that are not insurmountable with some dedicated time and love.

While we appreciate your suggestions, and have taken many of them in the past, Oasis is at a point where nothing short of a miracle or major cash infusion can save it. At this stage we are first and foremost asking like-minded shelters and individuals to help us place each and every remaining animal.

Secondly, we are requesting donations to pay for interim care of the critters until we find them homes.

If you or anyone you know can help us find immediate placement for these animals, we ask that you PLEASE HELP THE OASIS ANIMALS NOW!!!!

Sincerely,
For the critters
Eddie Lama

I know times are tough, but even if you can spare a dollar or two it would mean a lot to the Oasis Sanctuary. Please pass this message on to all your friends and dog lovers, time is running out.

* Photo of Eddie Lama courtesy of Oasis Sanctuary.

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