He was born without front legs and had trouble getting to his mom to nurse. His mother accepted him, but Nubby’s siblings pushed him away so that he couldn’t eat. On top of that, no matter how sad it was, the vet thought it would be best if Nobby were put down. 

At that point the little puppy was only four hours old. But Lou Robinson, from Texas, who along with husband Mark has adopted and cared for homeless and unwanted dogs throughout her life, wanted something different. They quickly decided to defy the vet’s suggestion and take care of Nobby themselves. Nobby followed Lou home. 

There, she and her husband watched over the dog around the clock. They gave him love, security and food through a bottle. At first, it looked like Nobby was doing well. “His eyes opened, his ears developed. You could hear him bark, he could smell and recognize voices,” Loui Robinson told The Dodo. Then things started to change. When Nobby was almost one month old, he suddenly started sneezing. He could no longer poop, and small bubbles came out of his nose. After an X-ray, it turned out that something was wrong with Nubby’s esophagus. Nobby was given antibiotics and placed in an incubator. 

The situation looked grave – but Nobby turned out to have a will and fighting spirit that was out of the ordinary. He did not give up. He fought. And as long as he had the chance to have a good life, his foster parents fought to give him that opportunity. 

Fortunately, Nobby got better over time. Today, three years later, this wonderful little boy has shown that he is a real survivor. Sure, life poses some challenges for Nobby, but he has shown a whole world that anything is possible. 

What’s more, the Robinsons have created his own Facebook page so people can follow his adventures. Judging by the updates and photos posted recently, Nobby is feeling better than ever. He has grown up into a strong dog. 

He likes to play and he seems curious about life and all that it offers. He even has his own little wheelchair, which makes it easier for him to get around and play. 

Since I can’t dig holes, my little human digs for me and I get to sniff everything!!…#nubbydogrules #mylittlehuman #texas #cutedogs #weeklyfluff #digging #dogsofig #girlanddog #twoleggeddog #dig #twoleggeddogs #pupflix #nublove #nublife #adoptdontshop #dogsofinstaworld #specialneedsdog #bestlife #dogislove #twoleggedboxer Posted by Nubby Bowlin on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 Nobby is a true source of inspiration! 

Although he is not like everyone else, he’s proof that being different does not matter. The veterinarian thought he should be put down, but with help from Lou and Mark, Nobby has shown that anything is possible.
Source

In the depths of the African rainforests lies a true marvel of nature — the Gaboon Viper. This captivating serpent possesses a mesmerizing blend of cool camouflage, potent venom, and unparalleled hunting skills. 

Today, we delve into the intriguing world of this unique animal, uncovering the secrets behind its unique traits and its reign as one of Africa’s most formidable predators… Flickr / Mark Dumont
The Gaboon Viper, also called the Gaboon adder, ranks as one of the largest and deadliest vipers on the African continent. Hailing from the lush rainforests and dry savannas of Central and West Africa, this elusive serpent is renowned for its vibrant and intricate camouflage, making it a true master of disguise. 

The snakes are only outweighed by exceptionally large King Cobras, they exceed 6 feet in length and weigh more than 20 pounds. What’s even more spine-chilling is that this snake possesses fangs that hold the record for being the longest among all venomous serpents, measuring up to a staggering 2 inches in length. 

The Gaboon Viper also possesses one of the most potent venom deliveries in the snake world. Its venom, a potent cocktail of enzymes and toxins, is capable of causing severe tissue damage, leading to excruciating pain, and if left untreated, can be potentially fatal in consequence. The head is large and triangular but it’s the serpent’s intricate skin patterns that truly captivates the imagination. The excellent camouflage makes the snake blend perfectly into the leaf litter on the forest floor – it’s almost impossible to discover it before it strikes. 

The Gaboon Viper employs a patient and strategic approach to ambush its prey – it’s a very patient creature who spends long periods motionless before the attack. Feasting on fully grown rabbits, monkeys, and occasionally even the small royal antelope. This voracious predator showcases its incredible appetite and also its ability to consume sizable prey. 

Fortunately, human encounters and snakebites involving this species are rare. Due to its preference for remote habitats and generally non-aggressive behavior, reported cases of attacks on humans remain scarce. 

However, when such incidents occur, they are often a result of unintentional encounters where individuals inadvertently step on the snake. In these unfortunate situations, the consequences can fatal if anti-venom is not obtained. Notably, this viper possesses the unique ability to hold onto its prey after biting, allowing for the injection of larger quantities of venom into the bloodstream. As mentioned, the Gaboon viper is naturally found only in Africa. 

However, that hasn’t stopped some Americans from keeping them as pets in their homes. Due to its status as the largest viper in the world and its striking appearance, the Gaboon viper attracts snake enthusiasts who are eager to have one as a pet. However, sometimes this choice can have disastrous consequences – and that’s precisely what happened in Virginia in 2022. 

According to reports, a man that was keeping the deadly snake as a pet got bitten. Police were called to the scene, and the man was swiftly transported to Richmond Hospital and admitted to the emergency room in a race against time to save his life.

My Gaboon Viper having a stroll about my house :)
by u/GaboonViperKeeper in nope

The situation was complicated by the fact that the VCU Medical Center had exhausted its supply of anti-venom, which had been provided by the Smithsonian National Zoo. 

However, in a commendable effort, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach contributed an additional 35 bottles of anti-venom to assist in the treatment. 

It appears that 2022 was an unfortunate year for Gaboon owners – because just a few months prior to the Virginia incident, there were reports of a Gaboon Viper biting a man in North Carolina. The man required 44 vials of anti-venom and tragically lost several fingers in the process. Fortunately, the likelihood of encountering this venomous snake in the United States is extremely low, although there have been reports of Gaboon Vipers escaping into the wild. 

In 2015, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources reported a possible sighting of the deadly snake in Milledgeville, Georgia. In 2021, a video shared by The Reptile Report went viral on social media. It featured a Gaboon Viper spotted on the street, and people were captivated by its remarkable camouflage against the surroundings. 

And when it moved, it almost looked like a caterpillar! The video garnered significant attention, and it’s easy to see why – what an incredible creature this is:

  The Gaboon Viper stands as a testament to the wonders of nature, showcasing its remarkable ability to adapt, survive, and thrive in the African rainforests. 

TikTok user @wranglerbum shared a video of the heartwarming reunion between two horse brothers. He wrote, “It’s been years since these horse brothers have seen each other,” in the video’s caption. The horses, Koda and Harley, get more and more excited as they recognize each other. Koda can’t wait to get in the corral to be next to his brother again.

@wranglerbum Due to so many requests. Last repost of a very special moment. #smileforward #horsesoftiktok #cowboy #quarterhorse #harleythehorse ♬ Surrender - Natalie Taylor

The third horse, Journey, is watching and unsure of what is going on so Harley makes sure to reassure Journey that Koda is family and everything will be okay. Here’s the sweet reunion from a different angle.

@wranglerbum Reply to @jonathanpristera Harley and Koda from a different angle #horsebrothers #smileforward #horsesoftiktok #quarterhorse #harleythehorse #koda #family ♬ original sound - Wranglerbum

“I love how their heads together form a heart,” one TikTokker commented. “They get so emotional; so do I,” wrote another viewer. @Bieaux added, “The love shows even in the eyes, although mine are full of tears.” Now the two siblings spend their days together “horsing” around and being by each other’s sides.
Source

On this particular afternoon, Shadow had just caught himself some lunch and was poised to start eating when Jackie demanded that the snack should be hers. The pair bickered for a bit, but in the end, the meal went to Jackie. 

Surely, she thought, “the one who lays the eggs around here should get the best treats.” “Jackie always gets her way,” Sandy Steers, Friends of Big Bear Valley executive director, told The Dodo.

  Steers has gotten to know this eagle pair quite well — watching them daily through the lens of Friends of Big Bear Valley’s eagle camera. 

For years, this camera has allowed nature lovers a unique glimpse into the lives of the beautiful birds living high above their heads. 

On Facebook, Steers frequently updates eagle fans about their favorite pair — Jackie and Shadow — a partnership whose daily relationship triumphs and squabbles often feel far too familiar. “Shadow and Jackie are the perfect match,” Steers said. “He’s very tender toward Jackie and lets her be the boss.” Originally, Jackie mated with another eagle. But when Shadow arrived, Steers could tell he was stealing Jackie’s heart. Eventually, Jackie’s original mate conceded to Shadow and flew away. With the ex out of the nest, Shadow and Jackie began their life together. 

This incident was quite surprising — eagles usually mate for life, but Jackie and Shadow’s unique connection was strong enough to inspire Jackie to re-partner. 

“This sounds weird, but you can tell that Jackie has a lot more respect for Shadow than she did for her previous mate,” Steers said. Since partnering, Jackie and Shadow’s funny personalities have been on full display. 

Fans know that Shadow is reliable and accommodating, while Jackie is a bossy lady with a big heart.

  Steers is grateful for the eagle camera and how it’s allowed people to see wildlife in a way they usually wouldn’t. 

As viewers watch Jackie and Shadow build their nest and prepare for parenting, they slowly develop deeper feelings of empathy toward the natural world. 

“[Jackie and Shadow] demonstrate how much personality and emotion animals have that very often people dismiss as instinct,” Steers said. “You can’t watch them for very long and not think there’s more going on than just chemicals in their body.”
Sources