The Lycaon pictus, also known as the painted dog

is quick like The Flash, in just one second

"Zoooom!" it breezes right past

It speeds up to more than forty-four miles per hour

as if it's a laser beam

and as they run past the trees and other animals

their eyes gleam.

So friendly, as if they're children

So social, as if they're a celebrity

But don't be fooled by their kind behavior and cute looks

They'll rip their prey to shreds if that's the last thing they'll do

They'll always hunt in packs and stick together

Long legs like the Elf on the Shelf that walks around at night

Long legs like the trees that dance around in the moonlight

Like identical twins, they all have similar features

But no two coat patterns are alike

Taller than most, they stand at 30-45 inches in height!

They're even taller than the Burj Khalifa!

Lycaon pictus, African wild dog, painted wolf, cape hunting dog

All these different names as if they're Hannah Montana

But just like her, they all belong to the same animal

Found in the countries of Kenya, Mozambique, and South Africa

These painted wolves are global, but they don't like to stay in one place for too long.

They love to move around like the Apaches and roam the lands.

Pit pat, pit pat the sound of their footsteps are heard all throughout the lands.

Whine, whine when they're tired and need rest

Bark, bark when there is danger nearby

Yelp, squeal when they're hurt

Sly like a fox and fast like The Flash

Friendly like a child, but as dangerous as an assassin

Long legs like a basketball player, and as tall as one too

This cute but vicious animal is truly a gift sent from heaven.