The Incredible Journey, continues .............

I wrote this story of Ed Mulrenin and his German Sherpherd, Sonntag, in my previous blog almost a year ago. I got a response from him and I feel obliged to write further. However, many things happened in life and I lost the momentum to continue the blog. Furthermore, I do not feel like continuing my previous blog due to its theme, which is regrettably a little on the dark side.

( For my original post on Sonntag, you may visit this link :
http://eternalsamsara.blogspot.com/2009/08/incredible-journey.html )

As I started a new blog, it is only natural that I wished to write a few lines pertaining to the response from Ed Mulrenin. As my source of this story did not provide sufficient information, I did have doubts and questions towards Ed's decision to bring his semi paralysed dog on a journey of 12,500 miles round trip.

Ed's response had given me further insights on the whole story. And I was totally humbled. He gave up a job offer which he wanted for so long, embarking on a journey with Sonntag, and only to discover they could bond with each other during the journey like never before. And again, he made another trip to scatter Sonntag's ashes in a spot where they had spent time in a tent during a snowstorm, in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska.

I shared his passion for Sonntag. I could have done the same, or nonetheless similar, if I am in that situation.

And I am proud to become another person (a stranger from afar) to whom he has shared his story with Sonntag.  

You can view Ed & Sonntag in a video :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRHDseMfj0w


Ed, thanks for sharing. And i am glad to have you as a friend.

Tommy & Salati

Cats and Dogs are the best of friends is a role reversal not commonly seen. But then the cat chasing this dog is a little larger than most. Salati, a ten-month-old leopard, and her best friend, golden retriever Tommy, like nothing more than to run amok before settling down for a friendly cuddle. The odd couple were reared together at Country Lodge near Pretoria in South Africa.

Salati, a ten-month-old leopard, leans in for a cuddle with her best friend, Golden Retriever Tommy. Animal wrangler Richard Brooker, raised Salati and takes her and family dog Tommy for their daily exercise together. Each morning, he walks them on his family's 1,850-acre estate and then lets them run free to their hearts' content. He said: 'Wherever you see one the other is right behind.They are inseparable and both have lots of energy so they get the exercise they both need together.

The pair take daily walks together. 'When we first received Salati she was tiny and Tommy could chase her around. But now with Salati matching him for weight the tables have turned. 'It's all fun and games and they love playing together. 'But dogs aren't used to being chased by cats almost the same size as them. I think it was a shock for him when she started doing the chasing but it's fun to see them exploring together.'

Tommy and Salati enjoy a bit of rough and tumble in the South African bush. As a cub Salati was much smaller than friendly Tommy, who weighs 18lb. But the fast-growing predator now packs a bigger punch at a hefty 40lb, more than twice the weight of her excitable dog friend. Mr Brooker added: 'Dogs need to walk and going out with Tommy for a ramble in the bushes means Salati develops properly into a fit adult leopard.

The pair lay contentedly together in the boot of the four-wheel drive 'I take them out in the truck so they can have a good run-around together in lots of space.' Rescued as an orphaned cub, Salati was donated by a local vet to the family-run country retreat, which helps to rehabilitate injured and destitute animals. Breeding programs at the spectacular venue also ensure that some of their animals who will never be able to survive in the wild enjoy the good life within huge enclosures. The Brookers' hard work has helped boost wildlife numbers in the area.. They have over 200 animals across 32 species on the grounds. The stunning getaway is visited by resident guests staying at the lodge and day visitors who want to see Africa's amazing creatures including lions, elephants and giraffes.

Wished i could be there one day to see Tommy and his leopard friend.

Dogs and Cats

Dogs and Cats. They are our friends. I've grown up with dogs since i was a kid and i used to have many happy moments with them. As for cats, it has remained a distance to me but nevertheless i adore them. How i wish i could raise a puppy and a kitty together in the latter part of my life. And let them be inseparable brothers or sisters, and part of my family. I don't understand why certain people can be so cruel to these animals. Yes, sometimes they are annoying. But we can do better than just doing nasty things on them.

In this blog, you will see many wonderful photos of cats and dogs, and other animals, plus also news and updates on human cruelty to them.