Seeing a wild dog is a rare privilege. Mike, Marie and Josh Brunk and Cecil and Sonnee Hines had an unforgettable encounter with a wild dog pack on their recent trip to the Kruger National Park. By Mike Brunk.

In a poll, run on our website during 2011, we asked Wild readers to tell us which one animal kept eluding them on a game drive. The answer to this, with by far the most votes, was none other than the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus). This confirmed just how few wild dogs are left and how privileged we are to come across them in the wild.

A brilliant wild dog sighting in the morning turns into something totally unexpected in the afternoon. By wildlife photographers Ann & Steve Toon

Endangered and rarely seen, the wild dog may need your help to save it from extinction even more than the rhino does. Roger and Pat de la Harpe share their knowledge of African wild dogs and their beautiful photos.

Get ready for one of the country's best charity rides. The BIKE4BEASTS mountain bike event starts on 19 September and hopes to raise R150 000. This year the event is in aid of lions – read more about this year's event, its history and future plans.

Wild Cardholder Rita van den Heever goes in search of wild dogs.

The launch of Roger and Pat de la Harpe's beautiful book, In Search of the African Wild Dog, will be followed by an exclusive auction to raise funds for wild dog projects.