Animals, just like humans, can sense certain things and tend to know if something is wrong. However, sometimes animals can sense things before we can or can even have different perceptions than us in a given situation. When Ed Gernon, a man from Whittier, California adopted a feral pup from a local animal shelter in 2015, one situation proved that the German Sherperd mix had phenomenal senses just a month after he was adopted.
So, to cut to the chase, Rex the dog discovered a hummingbird covered in ants on the ground one day while on a walk with his owner. He seemed as if he was protecting the presumably dead hummingbird. (Who would have thought a large canine would even think to try to help a tiny bird?! Too cute!)
But Ed instantly believed the featherless bird was long gone. He tried to direct the dog away from the “dead” hummingbird seeing that there was no hope, but he wouldn’t budge.
Looks aren’t always what they seem, and sometimes a canine’s instincts can outbeat ours, so Ed gave in and decided to take the hummingbird back home with him, as his canine insisted.
It turns out, the hummingbird wasn’t dead at all! So, the man became dedicated to restoring the bird’s health, and Ed even named the birdie Hummer. Hummer was hand-fed every 15 minutes; the man and his furry friend taught Hummer how to fly using a hair dryer! He improved tremendously and became healthy just as any other hummingbird.
If that isn’t an incredible recovery, I don’t know what is. Best of all, Rex the German Shepherd mix absolutely loves Hummer (and I’m sure is very happy that he stopped his owner in his tracks to save the little guy). There is video footage of the two enjoying one another’s company.
The dog and bird, while clearly different sizes have become the closest of friends. They even share a water bowl together! In the clip of the two friends, Rex’s eyes lovingly follow Hummer as he flies around the house. My heart starts to melt just knowing how soft and gentle the large canine is around such a delicate, once sickly bird. Hummer seems to like Rex, and you can tell because he flies very close to him.
While it is unclear of where or what Hummer is doing today, we can assume that he is healthy and still living with Ed and Rex!
Check out the videos below to see canine Rex and his friend Hummer in action. They get along so well, wouldn’t you agree?!
