dogjournal:

AN ELEPHANT REMEMBERS HER LATE CANINE FRIEND -“Tarra picked up the mortally wounded dog with her trunk and carefully carried her back to the barn which they had shared together.” 

Bella the dog and Tarra the elephant were best friends who lived together at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. Bella and Tarra would walk around the sanctuary together every day, and they trusted each other so much that Bella would let Tarra rub her belly.  Unfortunately, Bella was found dead in 2011 due to an attack by another animal.  Tarra discovered Bella and carried her body home.  This past weekend, The sanctuary held a memorial to honor Bella and her friendship with Tarra.  Here’s more from the examiner.com:

At the memorial event, entitled the “Remembering Bella Day”, there were book signings, pet adoptions and a special presentation about the remarkable and unlikely friendship between the dog and her friend, an elephant…For eight years, Bella and Tarra were inseparable companions who would spend their days exploring the grounds of the sanctuary, side by side.

Tragically, Tarra lost her canine companion in October, 2011, after what is believed to be an attack by a wild animal on the sanctuary grounds. Bella had disappeared for a short time on the 2,700 acre property and it was Tarra who discovered her body. 

The friendship of Bella and Tarra continues to inspire many, and even now dog adoptions and other events continue to be held in their honor. Click here for the full story, and here for more about the Elephant Sanctuary.