"For every beast of the forest is Mine.... and the wild beasts of the field are Mine." Psa. 50:10,11. South African wild dogs live in packs of from five to thirty, often made up of family groups.
Almost always on the move, they stay just a few days in one spot, then move on to another, perhaps 25 miles away. About the size of a wolf and weighing around 40 pounds, they are vicious hunters and can outrun just about any other animal. However, they only kill when they need food.
For about three months each year a pack stays near the dens where as many as 16 pups are raised with much care, all parents sharing in this duty. Adults and young spend much time together, playfully pushing their muzzles into each other's mouths. When they are ready for a pack hunt, one or two stay behind to watch over the little ones.
The pups are really cute looking with inquisitive faces, bright eyes, big saucer-like ears pointing forward, and silvery whiskers sprouting sideways from their upper lips. The youngsters usually have tan-colored backs, but their sides and underparts are a blackish-brown, splotched with white patches on their throats and legs.
A dozen of the adults may spot a herd of impalas or other animals and set out to capture one of them. Several dogs chase part of the herd while their companions go after any that may have broken away. When one impala finally gets separated from the others, a single dog keeps chasing it. Knowing that the victim will run in a wide circle, the rest of the dogs leave the impalas they have been chasing and cut across the circle to get in front of the tiring victim. Soon, with dogs all around it the impala gives up; the chase is over and the pack moves in for the kill.
The dogs always eat as much of the food as they can, but do not quarrel over it as some wild animals do. Filled, they return to their dens and cough up portions for the pups and the guards that stayed with them. Later, when the pups are big enough to join these hunts and an animal is caught, the older ones let the youngsters eat their fill first This is just the opposite of lions, which satisfy their own hunger and let the little ones have what is left... if any.
The care these wild dogs give their young helps us to think kindly of them, doesn't it? Many of you have been favored with parents who have not only shown love and care to you in every way, but who knew the importance of telling you of God's love. They have explained about the precious Savior who gave His life to wash away the sins of all who admit to Him that they are sinners and accept Him as their Savior. Have you done this? And have you thanked Mother and Dad for telling you about Him?