From the day Bella appeared at the sanctuary, the pair began to sleep, drink, eat, and play together.
But their nearly 10-year friendship was tested when Bella suffered a terrible back injury. For three weeks, the pooch stayed in the sanctuary’s office while she recovered. During that time, Tarra visited the dog every day and stood right near the office.
This moving video is a testament to Tarra’s devotion to her bedridden friend:
Unfortunately, Bella died in 2011. Tarra mourned her loss like a human who lost a loved one. Thankfully, other elephants stepped in to comfort her while she grieved.
“There’s nothing we can do to take away her pain,” the sanctuary’s CEO, Rob Atkinson, told CBS. “The only ones who can help now are the elephants. And that is already happening.”
If you’re as inspired by this story, share it with your best friend and let them know you’ll always be there for them.