Ruuxa the cheetah and Raina the Rhodesian ridgeback (featured previously at Neatorama) have grown up together since they were six and seven weeks old, respectively. Raina was selected to be paired with Ruuxa by the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where the two reside. Dogs are paired to be raised with chosen “cheetah ambassadors” in order to keep them calm and socialized.
The video above shows Ruuxa restricted to limited mobility as he heals from surgery to repair a growth abnormality in his legs. Raina accompanied Ruuxa into surgery to keep him calm and happy throughout the procedure. The video below shows Ruuxa at seven months old, having recovered from surgery and gaining strength by exercising his legs and feet while running at full speed with Raina.