Dogs have unquestionably earned the nickname “man’s best friend,” but it is increasingly apparent to me that the moniker sells our canine friends short. Dogs are no just best friends to people, they are best friends to just about every species. Photographer Barry Bland has captured the joy of some of these inter-species friendships and his photos can’t help but make you smile.
Surya, an orangutan, and her pal Roscoe, a Blue Tick Hound
Bubbles, an elephant, carries around her pal Bella, a black lab, in the waters of her preserve
Bubbles also acts as a launchpad for Bella!
In zoos and on preserves, dogs are often paired with other animals to help socialize them and keep them company. Dogs are like that one friend at the party that everyone agrees is exceptionally nice. From house cats to lions, it seems that the right dog can find a way to be friends with just about any animal.
Unfortunately for us, my apartment is not elephant friendly so Eko had to settle for the miniaturized toy version
Exactly like Bubbles and Bella! Well maybe not exactly…
Best buds. Sort of.
I guess friendship is a universal language and dogs are its native speakers. Now I just need to find an elephant friendly apartment in Chicago and we will be in business!