A dog retrieves another dog hit on a busy Chilean highway.

This video has been widely circulated to many television stations around the world.  Some commentators say that the rescued dog lived.

Most who watch it think that the rescuer is risking its own life to save or retrieve the wounded dog.

Most who watch it also think that it is an amazing example of the love of a dog for another dog.

But the truth is probably less romantic.  Feral dogs do eat their brethren when the opportunity arises.  Having watched feral dogs in Mexico, it beggars belief as to the lengths that they will go to in order to survive.

Most likely this was the poor dog’s next meal being dragged off the highway.

By Paul Handover

• Dogs