Unlikely Friendships Sure To Melt Your Heart

As a child, my most trusted friends were our cats. I could count on them to be there for me when I needed them. If I was sick in bed, they would stay by my side all day long. I could feel the love and compassion they had for me.

When my mom was a little girl her family bought two California Desert Tortoises from a pet store. In those days it was legal to buy them, but now they are actually an endangered species. They have been a part of our family for as long as I can remember.

I used to spend my summer mornings searching our neighborhood for hibiscus flowers, dandelions and clover. Sometimes I would prepare a salad made up of zucchini, lettuce, and other vegetables.

Every year Bella, our momma tortoise would lay eggs and we would carefully dig them up using a paint brush before transferring them to the warmth of an incubator. Numerous times I had the joy of watching baby tortoises hatch.

My parents still care for our beloved tortoises, and occasionally they adopt them out to loving families. Currently they have two cats and ten tortoises that they devote their time and attention to.

I love watching nature videos and television specials on animals. Videos of unlikely animal friendships are special to me. Animal odd couples teach of love and acceptance, and will melt your heart.

Photo by: Mandy Stradley

A frightened baby hippo was found stranded on a reef after the devastating 2004 tsunami. After he was rescued he was taken to Haller Park in Kenya. Upon arrival he ran to the safety of a giant tortoise named Mzee and the two became inseparable. For the full story by Haller Park's Chief Environmentalist, Dr. Paula Kahumbu, see the article, "A Hippo and Tortoise Tale."

In this tear jerker, friends unite with Christian the lion after he has been living in the wild for a full year. This is one of my favorites!

In the wild a lioness is compelled to adopt baby antelopes. She loves them as if they are her own, but unfortunately their relationships can't last.

Aw, cute labrador puppies cuddle with a rabbit.

One day Suryia, an orangutan was riding on an elephant with his caretaker when a hound dog ran up to them. Suryia jumped down and the odd couple immediately became best friends.

Meet Booger, Kitty and Mousie, Gregory Pike's unusual pets. Booger raised Kittty, an American Tabby. All three lovable animals stick together, and Kitty and Mousie ride on top of Booger. Gregory hopes that these sweet animals will be an influence on society. If they can get along, why can't everyone else?

A fuzzy little duckling follows a labrador puppy around and the two friends cuddle.

Watch as these two buddies play a game of chase!

These two lovable animals spend time cuddling, grooming and playing with each other.

This animal duo is sure to melt your heart! These buddies look out for each other and you can see the love that they share.

This heartwarming friendship began when a seemingly ordinary black crow decided to raise a stray kitten. One day a a couple noticed a kitten in their yard. A few days later the kitten came back, accompanied by a crow. The sweet and loving crow fed and took care of the kitten, and their beautiful relationship was taped for 8 months. The crow's motherly skills of digging up worms and bugs to nourish the kitten kept him alive!

This amazing National Geographic video tells the true story of a lion, tiger and bear who are best friends!

Photo by: Kevin Stradley

A baby elephant tragically lost his mother in the wild. The elephant was rescued and moved to Shamwari Rehabilitation Centre in South Africa, where he and a sheep made an unusual connection. The two bonded and remained together at the reserve.

You can see the affection these two lovable animals share as they interact and play together.

Sweet Cara watches over and protects five goslings.

A pack of wolves treat Anita as a sister! Anita's loving relationship with wolves reminds me of Mowgli from the Jungle Book.

This playful duo run around and spend time together outside.

Isabella becomes the surrogate mother for three white tiger babies after their mother abandons them.

This video tells the tale of Anjana, a chimpanzee and two white tiger cubs. Anjana loves and cares for the cubs and even helps feed them with a bottle. Her grin as she looks at one of the cubs is sure to melt your heart!

Watch as two adorable foxes spend time with their new best friend!

Who would have thought that a polar bear would make friends with a dog? Watch as they hug and play with each other!

A Seal decides his new best friend is a woman! Watch as the two kiss and cuddle on the beach.

I have only seen an owl like this in the zoo. This beautiful bird is attracted to a dog!

Photo by: Kevin Stradley

My cat has left me my fair share of "presents," and it is always particularly sad when they are birds. How odd for a cat to be playing in a friendly matter with a bird!

Photo by: Kevin Stradley