There are many horrific tales of what is happening to the animals facing the wildfires in Australia. However the joy and beauty of this holocaust is in the stories of humans coming forward to rescue and care for the animals -- from people taking water bottles out to thirsty wildlife to people making mittens and pouches for injured animals. In one case it was a border collie who helped out a koala by leading it to water.
Even though an estimated 1 billion animals are believed to have lost their lives in the historic bush fires devastating the entire continent, we find one dog named Rusty out to make his own small difference. He lives in South Australia with his humans. He even shares his yard with a koala that has been named Quasi.
Quasi likes to hang out in the trees in the yard and apparently the two have worked out a friendly relationship. They don't cross paths often though since koalas sleep 18 hours a day. Normally they stay well hydrated through their diet of eucalyptus leaves. Because of the hot, dry drought conditions the little marsupials are not getting the water they need to survive. Quasi had no choice but to leave his tree and go in search of water.
Rusty comes to his aid and leads the way to a pot in the yard that is filled to the brim with water. The koala hangs on to the edge of the pot and begins to drink. Rusty shares a quick drink with his friend as his tail wags happily. He is as please with his accomplishment as Quasi is. Ultimately they share a friendly nose kiss.
As a border collie Rusty is from a breed designed to care from other animals. His humans have apparently also taught him to be neighborly as well.
Images via Wamiz and YouTube
Source: Wamiz
