Unlikely friendship of elephant and dog

Tarra the elephant, and Bella the dog formed an unlikely friendship. — CBS News

Two years ago, CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman introduced you to a couple of very unlikely friends - Tarra the 8,700 pound Asian elephant, and Bella the dog. Watch the original video: Animal odd couple

Bella is one of more than a dozen stray dogs that have found a home at the sanctuary. Most want nothing to do with the elephants and vice versa. But not this odd couple. — CBS News

Bella is one of more than a dozen stray dogs that have found a home at the elephant sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee. Most want nothing to do with the elephants and vice versa. But not this odd couple. Watch the original video: Animal odd couple

Tarra and Bella have been close for years, but no one really knew how close they were until Bella suffered a spinal cord injury. She couldn't move her legs, couldn't even wag her tail. For three weeks the dog lay motionless up in the sanctuary office. — CBS News

Tarra and Bella have been close for years, but no one really knew how close they were until Bella suffered a spinal cord injury. Watch the original video: Animal odd couple

She couldn't move her legs, couldn't even wag her tail. For three weeks the dog lay motionless up in the sanctuary office. — CBS News

Bella couldn't move her legs, couldn't even wag her tail. For three weeks the dog lay motionless up in the sanctuary office. Watch the original video: Animal odd couple

So, for three weeks Tarra the elephant held vigil. With 2,700 acres to roam free, Tarra just stood in the corner, beside a gate, right outside that sanctuary office waiting for Bella. Watch the original video: Animal odd couple

After millions saw their story on TV and the Web, the two animals got a book deal, "Tarra and Bella the elephant and the dog who became best friends." Watch the original video: Animal odd couple

Last week, sanctuary workers found Bella's body. By all indications she'd been attacked by coyotes. Watch the original video: Animal odd couple

Steve Smith, Director of elephant husbandry on the preserve, believes that Tarra carried Bella -- possibly a mile or more - to bring her home. Watch the original video: Animal odd couple

Whether it really happened that way or not, no one doubts Tarra was that devoted. Rob Atkinson, CEO of the sanctuary, said that other elephants seem to be spending more time with Tarra and being extra nice - making gestures like giving her a portion of their food. Watch the original video: Animal odd couple

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