Across the African Savannah, there is one animal that has developed a system corresponding to humans, if not surpassing in adaptation to the environment and the subsequent manner in which it operates. The wild dogs ply the veld with pride, stamina and determination as though they have been designated the herd boys and herd girls of other animals, with high levels of efficiency and unparalleled prowess in every hunting expedition. With discipline second to none and orderly fashion of execution as a true biological piece of machinery, all the bolts and nuts strongly fitted, the pack survives through the thick and thin of the jungle. Whether winter or summer, the pack thrives as a true army fashioned for the kill.

Wild dogs have a success rate for a kill in any hunting expedition of more than 80%. The success gurus of our time are quick to point out that success is the continuous achievement of predetermined set goals. The pack of wild dogs fit neatly into this designation. Lions notwithstanding their status as kings of the jungle, have a success rate of about 30% in every hunting expedition. As if this wasn’t enough, the cheetah with its magnificent and bullet speed only attain a success rate in hunting of a paltry 10%. In the contemporary educational curriculum, wild dogs will unquestionably attain distinctions in almost every course of study with the lions attaining a below average mark or a fail if the education system is used as a standard. 

It’s with total disbelief and outright shock that some of the people around us with titles and positions of note miss significantly when it comes to value addition. The success statistic of the wild dog, as unrealistic as it appears is attributed to the dog’s specialty and acumen in doing what it knows best and focusing tenaciously on that. As masters of the jungle terrain, the pack of wild dogs have an exceptional mode of hunting where they either outrun the prey or pursue it until it succumbs to fatigue and exhaustion, dropping for lack of energy in the process. Usually, while giving chase, the younger and fitter dogs are better at closing the gap with the prey. They spontaneously knock down at the quarry or bite a chunk of flesh as it runs. The prey would haemorrhage and eventually succumb and stops running after losing an excessive amount of blood.

Unity in the pack is there for all to see and apply. You wouldn’t imagine these dogs are as wild as we are made to believe. These mammals live and hunt as a pack. They have developed an organised system which is probably more domestic than humans. It is only prudent to take a leaf or two from these fellow earthly inhabitants. There is undeniably need for us to be grateful for and understand the part that these world citizens play in our ecology and value them for their immense contribution. 

Wild dogs are distinct from the domesticated dogs in that they are taller and have ears that are larger, round and black. The ears are artistically designed to facilitate one of the key senses that enable the dogs to function above average; the ability to listen attentively and act accordingly. My fellow brothers and sisters are found on the wrong side of the fence in this regard with lots of talk and minimal listening. The dogs have however mastered a secret in the power that lie in listening. Their bushy tails, with the unquestionable magnificence leaves anyone with a sense of beauty acknowledging and appreciating the creator’s art in creation. To grace and decorate the end of the marvellous tails are the tips which are mainly white.

As if the aforesaid is not enough, these incredible animals have developed a worthwhile and civilized tradition of bringing food to the sick, injured and the pups. Any breastfeeding mother is remembered when the pack goes hunting, with chunks of flesh carried back home by the hunters after every successful kill regardless of how small the kill might be. How this habit is passed from one generation of wild dogs to another, baffling the mind as it does, continues to be a subject of speculation and possible study heading into the future. Presently though, it is only logical to appreciate that real lessons of leadership succession can be obtained without taking anything from our wild friends.

Given what is known so far about wild dogs, it only makes sense to at least pick lessons of greatness from them. Real success in life is not about one’s ancestry or outlook. Neither is it about academic papers or titles that one has. Instead, it is more to do with the immense potential that has been engrafted by the man maker upon each and every individual. The wild dogs have picked their exceptionality in the jungle terrain and they choose to act in line with their purpose. Humanity is no exception to this rule. Of note is that there is no one who is on the planet for mere existence, taking in oxygen and taking out carbon dioxide awaiting for the day of death. It is unfortunate on how many people die earlier than their day of death and await to be buried later, in between, they are not committed to doing anything significant. There is more to this life than meets the eye.