Peace on Earth: The Lion and the Lamb

Okay, well this isn't exactly about the Lion and the Lamb, it's actually about the Elephant and the Dog, but you'll forgive the metaphoric title.

It's Advent; the season of preparation, when we wait for the coming of Christmas, just like everybody else did up until the end of the B.C. era.  And we celebrate peace and joy and bogo sales.  Getting along with neighbours we have NOTHING in common with.  That sort of thing.

Well, in case you thought it could not be done - that the Smiths and Jones next door are impossible to understand, and that there will never be peace on earth - I would like to share a story.  And it's true, so don't laugh.

There is an elephant reserve in Tenesee.  Yes, I am aware that elephants are not, in fact, native to Tenesee.  However, there is one there.  Probably for retired zoo and circus animals.  It is either comprises a majority of females, or is exclusively for females.  It is quite common for these animals to pair off into bff groups, with other elephants they share some sort of primal understanding with.  One of these female elephants, Tara, made a best friend - with one of the farms dogs. 

This dog was barely taller than the hieght of Tara's foot, but the did everything together - eat, play, nap.  Not kidding.  And when the dog suffered a spine injury and had to be kept in an enclosed building at the edge of the property to recovery, Tara came and stood at the fence, everyday for three weeks, waiting for the dog to come out.  She wouldn't abandon her friend.

For all those sappy gals like myself, this story has a happy ending; the dog recovered and was able to walk again, and they are now doing everything together once more.  It may be guessed that Tara may outlive her canine friend by quite a while, but for now they are just enjoying eachother.  I am including the video for anyone who doubts the touchinginess of the story.

Okay, I am not this stupid idealist who truly believes that everyone on earth would be friends if they could only see past the surface.  No - I am not going to be friends with everybody.  Conflicting personalities, the existance of jerks, that kind of thing.  But just because you don't like someone doesn't mean you can't co-exist peacefully.  If an elephant and a dog can become best friends, surely humans and humans can learn to live together.  Being in love with all ur neighbours is not a requirement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4OD8dxIry8