Parade Pets

If there was any doubt that birds bond with their people just as much as cats or dogs, this video will eliminate them.

Janet, known on TikTok as @janetmarie_03, frequently shares videos of herself and her adorable parrot, Peaches. Peaches is incredibly attached to her human and is almost always by her side. Even getting so comfy that she'll literally fall asleep while cuddling.

The results are insanely, mind-bogglingly cute.

Seepy baby #birdtok🦜 #birdlife #parrots #birdmom

In the video Peaches is completely wiped out, and Janet is faced with the struggle of not moving because she doesn't want to disturb the sweet, sleeping parrot. Comments agreed and chimed in on the lovable video with giggles and even pictures of their own sleepy birds.

"I’m sobbing everyone’s birds are so cute I’m jealous 😭"

"Rules are rules 😂😂❤️❤️"

"Nap trapped! 💚🦜🧡"

Bonding with a pet bird is something that takes time, patience, and mutual respect. When you first bring a bird into a new home, it's important to start with more "passive bonding" by existing around each other and letting them acclimate to their new surroundings. Letting a bird observe you from their safe place is a great way to establish yourself as something (or someone) who is not a threat.

The most important thing when bonding with a bird is letting them do so on their own terms. Forcing anything will just hinder the process and can even lead your bird to become frightened of you. With plenty of patience and routine, eventually your bird will become comfortable and happy being a part of your daily life.

As Janet and Peaches are clear evidence of, a bond with a bird can be something truly special. And it's such a great reminder that friendships can come in all shapes, sizes, species, and sleepiness.

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Related: This Adorable Parrot Thinks She’s the Neighborhood Sheriff—and Takes Her Job Seriously

Having a dog usually means that when they want something, they'll go to any lengths to get it. Some pups want attention while others are after more treats or a walk outside. They're total sweethearts until they're making demands in some dramatic way.

One Golden Retriever named Zebby is officially in his diva era. He has a long list of specific things he wants to happen, and if they don't, this funny pup will riot in the cutest way possible.

Stop petting Zebby = smack in the face lol #goldenretriever #dogsoftiktok #funnydogs

Zebby, the Golden Retriever, makes no apologies for his polite (albeit relentless) requests, but luckily, he has caring dog parents who want him to be happy. Zebby waiting for Dad to boost him onto the bed shows they're committed to making sure he lives his best life.

The Hermosa Beach pooch, described as the "squishiest Golden boy living his best beach life," who's "probably looking for tennis balls," is clearly loved. Even if Zebby is persistent, Mom and Dad happily give in.

The video is a snapshot of what it's like parenting dogs of any breed. Zebby may have a case of "only child syndrome," but I can attest that it's more of the same whether you have one pup, two like me, or even more!

Related: Golden Retriever Waits To Be Picked up by Grandparents for Sleepover—She Packed Her Own Tiny Backpack

Zebby isn't always demanding things from his pawrents.

Sometimes Mom surprises the Golden, missing Dad, with something fun before he begins making requests. If he wakes up feeling grumpy, Mom drops everything for a beach day. He's clearly living the life all dogs deserve (and the one I want, too).

You can't beat a happy boy wearing a sun hat on a sunny day at the beach!

Surprising Zebby with a beach day... him: 🤪🥳 #goldenretriever #dogsoftiktok #funnydog #dog

It makes sense that Zebby goes full diva mode sometimes. He's not just being dramatic; he's asking Mom and Dad for more things like beach days—because it means spending more time together, and that's the most precious thing ever.

Zebby has found a way to get all the things he wants, and his parents happily comply. After all, he's a good boy and deserves the world, and his silent tantrums are actually cute. Some pups go the extra mile by barking, huffing, or pawing while making direct eye contact to get their way (even if it's just for attention).

Kseniya Starkova / Getty Images

The reason they're sometimes pushy or demanding is simple: These pups have learned what reaction they'll get based on what's happened in the past. With a lack of impulse control, they want things right now!

Reinforcing the habit, even accidentally, tells them they'll get the pets, treats, or attention if they behave like they did the last time it worked. Basically, they're way too smart!

Dogs thrive with regular routines and schedules, so if we're out of bounds with those, they'll remind us to get with the program. Zebby is a spoiled boy who loves his parents, and they love him just as much, if not more. If they forget for a single second what he likes, wants, or needs, he'll be right there to remind them!

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Puppies are so small, but their audacity is through the roof. Puppies love to mess around and pick fights with anyone and everyone, including their littermates. It's one of the first things a puppy figures out, and they never let it go, even when you're overtired and just want them to leave your toes alone.

A couple of Australian Shepherd puppies have officially mastered fighting, and they're lucky they're so cute! Their little wrestling is so quick, it almost makes it look like the two of them are one super fluffy, s'mores-colored tumbleweed:

The scrunched noses get me everytime🥹 #puppy #socute #puppyfight #aussie #australianshepherd

Mandy's Aussie Friends are very well cared for; this was just a little sibling tiff. Since this video, both puppies have moved on to separate homes, so no need to worry about littermate syndrome or anything like that. Puppies fighting, even when they're just born, is normal.

These precious s'mores puppies were probably fighting over their placement. I feel like the obvious s'more stacking order is graham cracker, chocolate, and then the marshmallow, but for the Australian Shepherd puppies, it looks like chocolate might've come out on top.

Related: ‘Husky Doodle’ Has an Eye the Color of Ice

Australian Shepherd puppies are very high-energy, too, which didn't help. They become highly energetic dogs, and although they might not spend as much time gearing up to fight as they get older, they do hone their herding instincts a little. For now, these puppies are playing hard and crashing even harder:

You wouldn’t be able to tell from this video, but they do in fact have beds😂 #puppy #socute #australianshepherd #aussietok #aussiepuppy

They just pass out wherever they see fit. That's how it works for all puppies: one minute, they're over-tired and biting your toes off. The next, they're belly-up, passed out, and not waking up for at least an hour.

If you have siblings, did you ever fight with them? Almost certainly. Being in close proximity to someone, especially if they're tiring, is going to push you to want to fight ever single time. Puppies are the same way.

Elena Popova / Getty Images

It is completely normal for puppies and even adult dogs to play-fight occasionally. Most often, they're little spats only lasting a minute or two: they pretend to bite each other's faces, they might exchange slaps, and then they move on. Play-fighting is a way for puppies to exercise their brand new reflexes.

However, fighting between puppies is not normal if:

• They actually start biting.
• Several puppies are ganging up on just one puppy.
• One of the puppies won't stop, even as the other tries to get away.

If you notice any signs of escalation, like grown, snapping, or pinning, separate them immediately. Luckily, though, these scrunchy-nosed s'mores pups were just playing!

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There are a lot of ways we can build a bond and relationship with our cats, like cuddling in bed at night or playing together. Having strong ties makes life better for both kitty and human, and doing things together is one of the best parts of being a pet parent... but some duos like to go the extra mile. 

In this video, we meet a dad and his adorable Devon Rex cat who bond over their shared love of fashion. Specifically, they love matching together, and they do an incredible job with every new drop.

Which of my outfits do you like best?#catoftiktok #cute #devonrex #kitty #ootd

Shared by @cashs.dad3, the video is a compilation of clips from a kitty dad and his beloved white Devon Rex. The two have a really cute bond that's easy to see right away. But it's their love for fashion that makes this duo so special. 

The clip asks which look is best, but watching each one, it's hard to pick a standout. Love the Minnie look and the big purple bow. The cute blue and red look is so charming, and the two match perfectly together, and those kitten sunglasses might be the cutest thing ever. 

Related: 4 Persian Cats Have Completely Different Sleeping Spots and None of Them Make Sense

In the comments, thousands of people had clearly fallen in love with this beautiful cat and his charm, whimsy, and love of fashion. 

One person wrote, "Plot twist, the cat dresses him!"

Another shared, "I love this cat, he thinks he is human."

Someone else added, "Love all the fashion. La fashionable."

Other comments included, "Straight diva," "The correct answer is all," "I love them all. Your kitty is so adorable," "What a diva," "They're all beautiful," and "Hey queen."

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This sweet Devon Rex cat is the cutest little one, and it's so fun to see how much fun and comfort he has dressing up with his favorite human. It makes sense, too, since Devon Rex cats are known for their sweet and gentle temperament, according to experts. 

The Spruce Pets explains that Devon Rex cats are considered to have high affection levels and friendliness toward people and kids, as well as high energy and intelligence. These kitties are described as "pixie-like" in their personalities and temperaments, and their charm is what they are known for, along with their unique look. They love their people, which we see with this Devon Rex, and are highly trainable since they're so smart. That's why this kitty is so happy to be dressed up and to pose for photos, which isn't something all cats are happy to do. 

We're thankful, though, and glad these two have so much fun together.

For the entire road trip, Quin, a black cat, had been perfectly fine in the car for hours. However, when Quin's owner pulled over for a break for what was supposed to be a quick rest stop, things quickly went south.

Unfortunately, Quin escaped, spending the next 30 to 45 minutes sprinting through nearby woods in the summer heat, wearing, as his owner later put it, "a fur coat." When she finally caught him, she noticed something that gave her pause.

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Quin was panting—mouth open, short rapid breaths, looking every bit as dog-like as a black cat can manage.

"I've never seen a cat pant before," she wrote in her post to r/blackcats, alongside a photo that quickly attracted thousands of comments.

As it turned out, Quin was fine. As his parent explained, he was panting for 30 seconds to cool down, and has been normal ever since. They even called a vet to ensure he was fine.

But the video raised questions about cat behavior, since few pet parents have seen their cats panting with their mouths open.

Related: This Cat's Hilarious Obsession Has People Comparing Her to a Golden Retriever

Yes, but they do not do it like dogs. Dogs regulate their body temperature through panting, their primary cooling system.

Cats, however, do it to take in more oxygen due to increased demand. Quin, for example, had been running through hot woods.

Usually, cats settle within five to 15 minutes. However, if cats pant for longer periods, you might need to take them to the vet.

As one commenter said, "Cats do this either if they're extremely stressed OR just like dogs do when they're hot and tired from exercising."

Another described a similar experience, saying, "My cat loves to chase feathers and lasers until she is panting. Unfortunately the vet said exercise to the point of panting is bad for their heart, even if they seem to like it. But as long as it's not every day I'm sure it's probably fine."

Another added, "First time I saw a cat do this was when my friend had my cat running in circles for like 20 minutes straight."

There is a thin line between "he just ran too hard" and "something is wrong." Unless there is a logical explanation for panting (i.e., a rest-stop escape), it can be a cause of concern. You shouldn't panic immediately, but take it seriously.

Several medical conditions can cause panting, including heart disease, feline asthma, pneumonia, anemia and severe pain. Many cats hide the symptoms. However, if you notice any of the obvious signs, including pale, white, blue, gray or yellow gums, or coughing alongside the panting, you should take your feline friend to the vet immediately.

Related: This Cat Saw a Baby Stroller and Made a Decision Nobody Asked For

I always assumed there were certain jobs reserved exclusively for Border Collies.

Apparently, nobody bothered to explain that to one very ambitious farm cat.

new herd cat is making the border collie look bad#goats #cats#bordercollie

The hilarious clip was shared on the TikTok account @travisstockstill2, and it captures a white cat enthusiastically rounding up goats while a Border Collie named Snoop watches the whole thing unfold. As the cat races around doing the job, the farmer can be heard saying, "The old herd cat's getting them in. Get them in there, girl. She's herding the goats in there. She's better than Snoop."

Meanwhile, poor Snoop looks back at his dog dad with an expression that can only be described as an existential crisis.

Related: This Border Collie Has Found Lizards and Now It's Her Entire Personality

I laughed so hard at the dog's face because it looked like he was mentally updating his LinkedIn page. This is also how I fear AI will replace me as a writer. One day, I'll look up, and some random house cat will be filing articles faster than I am.

TikTok commenters were just as amused as I was.

"Hot take: Cats would be better than dogs at most jobs, but they are ungovernable," one person joked.

"The best part is the dog does this because he was trained. The cat is literally just doing this because he is bored," another viewer wrote.

Several people referenced the movie Babe, with one person commenting, "That'll do, herd cat, that'll do."

Others focused on poor Snoop's expression.

"The dog looking genuinely flabbergasted, lmao," one person wrote.

Another viewer imagined the dog's thoughts: "I was LITERALLY just about to do that."

One farmer chimed in and said the barn cat was "worth her weight in gold."

Image Via: @travisstockstill2

And perhaps my favorite comment came from someone speaking on behalf of Snoop: "Wait, I still get paid, right? Right?!"

#catsoftiktok #goatsoftiktok #farm

Although herding is most commonly associated with dogs, cats are intelligent and highly observant animals who often develop surprising behaviors based on their environment. Farm cats spend a great deal of time watching livestock and learning daily routines, which may explain why some felines appear eager to participate in chores.

Cats are also natural hunters with strong instincts to stalk and control their surroundings. While they may not herd animals with the same precision as a trained Border Collie, some confident kitties seem perfectly happy to step in and help when the opportunity presents itself.

Apparently, this particular cat skipped the memo that said goats are supposed to be somebody else's problem.

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There are many reasons German Shepherds are selected for military and police work. They're highly trainable, incredibly intelligent, powerful, and fearless. But for one retired military K-9, retirement has introduced an entirely new challenge: a toddler learning the alphabet.

And judging by the look on Rider's face, it may be one of his toughest assignments yet.

Check out the hilarious moment in this May 17 TikTok from @mwdrex_and_rider:

This wasn’t on the brochure 😂 #dog #germanshepherd #retired #gsd #mwd

After spending more than five years working alongside his military dad, Rider appears to have met his match in one very enthusiastic little sister. As she loudly practices each letter of the alphabet, his eyes widen with an expression that seems to say a thousand words.

Related: Police K-9 Enjoying a Weekend Off With Pittie Bestie Redefines Happy Hour

It's a look every parent and teacher can instantly identify with. While Rider stays perfectly still throughout the lesson, his face suggests he's carefully reconsidering every life choice that led him to this moment.

The comments were just as funny as Rider's reaction.

Viewer @MilkBone joked, "Sarg, retirement just isn't for me."

And @HybridNerd added, "A B C.. P T S D."

Another viewer simply noted, "Thank you for your service and sorry for your retirement."

Rider's reaction may be hilarious, but his working background is no joke. According to the American Kennel Club, German Shepherds are often selected for military and police work because of their intelligence, trainability, loyalty, and ability to remain calm under pressure. Their strong work ethic and willingness to learn make them well-suited for demanding jobs that require both physical ability and problem-solving skills.

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Those qualities have helped German Shepherds serve in roles ranging from patrol and detection work to search-and-rescue missions.

And despite what this video might suggest, Rider seems to be enjoying retirement just fine. In another video shared on May 20, he's happily soaking up family life and spending time with the people who clearly adore him.

Rider loves his girl ❤️🥹 #dog #germanshepherd #mwd #love

His expression during the alphabet lesson may have gone viral, but it's also a sweet reminder that even highly trained working dogs eventually get to trade duty for family. And for Rider, family life comes with a very enthusiastic soundtrack.

Great Danes might be huge, but make no mistake: they're also huge babies. While you may think a dog the size of a horse would like to be the boss of the house, that's not the case at all. In fact, these sweet dogs are shy as can be!

One Great Dane recently became the (very) big sister to a tiny kitten, and she's nailing the job so far. When the little kitty wanted to play follow the leader, she was completely down to play, and I think it's safe to say they did a great job:

they have zero spacial awareness #greatdane#kitten

Sarah the Great Dane seems to believe she's kitten sized, and based on this video, I believe her. She catches up to the kitten almost immediately, but the best part is how she pauses. She knows the kitten wants to go first, and she's going to let her have her moment!

This isn't the first kitten Sarah has had to deal with: there are a few other cats in the house. Evidently, the tiny kitten probably gets on her nerves less. The others have had time to learn how to push her buttons! Meanwhile, this sweet kitten just wants to play.

Related: Great Danes Lounging by the Pool Look Just Like Walruses

Make no mistake, though, this kitten is definitely learning how to push her buttons. She has another game she likes to play: she bites Sarah's nose, and then she gives her a kiss. Luckily, her whole face isn't even as big as her sister's nose:

just two baby baddies #greatdane #kitten

This makes me feel like I need a Great Dane and a kitten right now. I don't have room, but I'll find somewhere! They're just too cute to pass up!

Sarah is clearly part cat herself, which is awesome. However, she grew up around cats, and all of the cats she knows grew up with her.

Monica Bertolazzi / Getty Images

Great Danes are known for being good companions for kids, other dogs, cats, and even small pets like bunnies. These sweet dogs value companionship and aren't typically confrontational, though they'll defend their loved ones. However, there can be issues:

• If the cat attacks the Great Dane, they might defend themselves.
• Great Danes love to play, though they don't always know their own size.
• Accidents can happen, and in those cases, the smaller animal will get hurt.

Though you can certainly raise cats and Great Danes together without issue, you should try not to leave them unsupervised. It just helps keep everyone safe, especially when they're playing follow the leader!

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There are hundreds of AKC-recognized dog breeds in the world, which means there are millions of pups gracing the world with their beauty and grace at any given time. Some breeds don't even look like dogs, but more like adorable stuffed toys.

One dog mom recently shared a clip of her Brussels Griffon, and this precious girl has two things people can't stop talking about: her Labubu resemblance and the way she literally winds up like a kid's toy on demand. She has a pretty special way about her:

Uploaded a video and let TikTok pick the music …. 😂 😜 Must be Dottie doing her best horror movie impression. 😱🫪 #Dogs #dogreels #cute #puppy #foryou

Dottie, the Brussels Griffon, is a New Zealand rescue dog with dwarfism. The 6-year-old, barely 4-pound pup has enchanted her more than 148k TikTok followers with her adorable spunk and Labubu-like appearance for a while now, but the wind-up trick is new (and cool)!

As a sassy "Pet-lebrity and Pawfluencer," Dottie documents her health journey, which includes things like physical therapy, wearing cute dresses, and showcasing her tiny but epic "racehorse" zoomies. Despite any challenges, she's a happy girl who loves to be adored and doted on, especially when she performs, as she did in the above clip.

Related: Brussels Griffon and Tiny Tortoise Hatchling Are the Cutest New Couple

Like other Brussels Griffons, Dottie's unique Civil War-esque vibes are memorable because of her gigantic eyes. Don't let the video fool you—Dottie isn't all good looks and sass. She's actually a total sweetheart with her dog sibling and her new best friend, a tiny tortoise hatchling named Nova.

Finally a family member smaller than Dot 😂 💕 Dottie and one of the tortoise hatchlings (Nova) who is aged 66 days post-hatch🥚🐢 All four hatchlings are continuing to do well, mum and dad are off to hibernate but we’ll have these 4 all year round. Lovely to see them gaining more confidence around humans and dwarf griffons! 😘 #dogreels #dog #cute #foryoupage #foryou

Dottie is the epitome of joy, whether she's snuggling with her siblings, modeling her glittery sundresses, or blessing the world with her tricks. She should be the inspiration for a new limited-edition Labubu!

Though Dottie could be confused as a 24-karat gold Labubu, she is in fact a true-blue Brussels Griffon. These cute canines typically only grow to be 12 pounds or less. In Dottie's pint-sized case, her dwarfism makes her even smaller than others of her breed.

To top things off, Dottie's oversized eyes contrasted with a little beard and mustache muzzle look like a reincarnated old man! Despite her size, Dottie is all personality in everything she does. You likely won't find a girl like her in a U.S. shelter.

GlobalP / Getty Images

As the AKC notes, they're not common, only ranking around the 99th most popular breed. During World War I and World War II, the breed nearly went extinct. Breeders have been working to bring the numbers up ever since, and usually have a waitlist—making the pups pricier than most ($1,500 to $4,000 and up)!

If you want a small but mighty Brussels Griffon like Dottie, you can:

• Contact a national Brussels Griffon rescue.

• Tour your nearest shelter. It's not likely they'll have a version of Dottie, but they might be able to point you in the right direction.
• Get in touch with a rehoming organization that is specifically focused on ethical breeding.
• Check the Parent Club, which lists approved regional breeders and referring contacts.

It may take a little legwork to find a Dottie of your own, but one more look at that darling Labubu face and it'll all be worth it!

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Dogs are pack animals by nature and often become fast friends when they're in the same environment. Having that companionship and love is especially important to canines dealing with difficult situations. Living in a shelter is extremely stressful for dogs, so having a furry friend for support can make all the difference.

Dolly and Lani are two dogs currently at the Maui Humane Society. Though this pair of pooches didn't know each other before they arrived at the shelter, they became fast friends and are now inseparable.

Dolly and Lani need some extra eyes on them. They are having a hard time finding homes and a hard time at the shelter. When they go out to the yard with me or other volunteers, they just wait by the gate to go back in 💔 Dolly has escaped one of the yards when she went out with a volunteer because she got so nervous she climbed out and over the fence and ran away. Luckily a team member caught her. Dolly is only 10 months old all of her other siblings she came in with got adopted except for her. Lani is 6 years old and is pretty nervous and will definitely take some time to settle in. She has liked other dogs that are respectful of her space. When the girls are feeling safe enough, they also love toys! come meet them at Maui Humane Society! #fyp #maui #hawaiitiktok #adoptdontshop #adoptme

In the TikTok from @cassondrachristman, a shelter staff member was assembling some cozy beds for the dog duo as a sleepover treat. Dolly and Lani are both dealing with a lot of anxiety and are afraid to venture out.

"These girls are pretty scared at the shelter," the onscreen text explained. "They are too scared to leave their kennel, so I tried to make it as cozy as possible in there. The girls loved it so much."

Dolly and Lani joyfully played in the dog beds during their makeshift slumber party, showing their unbreakable bond. The fur babies were having so much fun, they were oblivious to any outside noise and "just in their own world." The post shared that the two pups were strangers when they first arrived at the shelter.

"Dolly and Lani didn't come in together, but they became best friends," the story continued. "Now they are each other's everything."

Lani is 6 years old and is very nervous in the shelter setting. She does well with other dogs that respect her space. Dolly is only 10 months old and has made attempts to escape out of anxiety. All of her siblings were adopted, while Dolly was left behind.

"Dolly and Lani need some extra eyes on them," the caption shared. "They are having a hard time finding homes and a hard time at the shelter. When they go out to the yard with me or other volunteers, they just wait by the gate to go back in."

Related: Rescue Dog Reunites With the Famous Foster Mom Who Saved Him—And His Reaction Was the Ultimate Gift

So far, neither dog has received any inquiries or adoption applications. The precious pooches are leaning on each other as they hope for their forever homes.

"For now, they wait together in their kennel because the outside world is too scary," the onscreen text read.

Hopefully, these canine cuties will soon have a home of their own.

For more information on Dolly and Lani, visit the Maui Humane Society website.

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There's nothing worse than seeing a dog who's been horribly neglected, and nothing better than watching them come back to life. Every time something like that happens, it just proves that all any dog really wants in life is a little bit of love.

Recently, one Pit Bull was rescued from a terrible situation. She was a street dog for her entire life, full of mange and fleas. If they hadn't rescued her, she might not have made it, but she's coming back to life one pet at a time:

Oh Stevie baby 😭 that life is over now , from the streets of San Antonio to the sheets of her forever home #healing

Jack Jack's Pack Rescue has done excellent work with Stevie and every other rescue dog who comes into their care. How much they care about their dogs is clear just from this one video: others might have given up on sweet Stevie, but not them. They made sure she had what she needed.

What she needed was love, a couple of good meals, and a warm bath. In just a few days, she was already improving so much! She went from being super anxious (though never unkind, which shows how amazing she is) to wanting to be touched quickly.

Related: Golden Retriever Saved From Slaughterhouse Has the Most Grateful Eyes

Stevie not only came back to life in the shelter, though: recently, she even found a loving home. They're still in the "decompression" period, so it'll be a while until she's fully ready to open up to them. However, clearly, she's thriving:

Living proof that the underdog always wins. 🤫🏆 She went from a statistic to a absolute queen, and we couldn't be prouder of the life she’s built. Thanks to everyone who actually saw her worth. 🐾✨ #RescueDog #Underdog #GlowUp #PitbullsOfTikTok #Karma

There's even a picture of her on a paddleboard. She loves water! Who knew? This San Antonio street dog has turned out to be just about the luckiest girl in the world, and I couldn't possibly be happier for her.

You'll be hard-pressed to find a single place in the world that doesn't have at least one stray dog in it at some point, but a lot of places are worse than others. For example, I live in Maine, which does not have a huge stray dog issue, though they're definitely around.

Image via Shutterstock / Mary Swift

Texas ranks #1 in the United States for dog euthanasia as a result of shelter overcrowding. Nearly 100,000 dogs are euthanized in Texas every year, just because of overpopulation: otherwise healthy dogs who could live long, full lives. There are a ton of contributing factors:

• Shelters turn away surrenders due to overcrowding, and people dump their dogs instead, who then get picked up as strays.
• Texas has some of the lowest shelter funding in the U.S.
• Texas is a lot of land with a few major cities: rural areas typically don't have shelters.
• No-kill shelters fill up, and municipal shelters (pounds) often have no choice but to euthanize.

All signs point to Stevie the rescue dog genuinely lucking out, being rescued by Jack Jack's rather than being brought in by animal control. I'm so glad she'll get to live a long and happy life from here on out!

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On what seemed like a very normal day, Thor, a German shepherd, was doing what he loved the most. He ran through the woods near his Florida home before coming back home looking unusual.

Initially, his parents thought he was very hot, so they let him cool down. By the end of the day, they lost him.

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Thor's symptoms kept getting worse, and when the family rushed him to the urgent care, they found a snakebite on his back paw. Not even antivenom could have changed the outcome by then, so they had to say goodbye to their beloved pet.

His family shared the story on Reddit's r/germanshepherds, hoping that other dog parents will learn from their mistake.

The challenge with snakebites is that they often go unnoticed. Thor never showed any signs that he was bitten. He never yelped. His parents never heard him encounter the snake.

They live in Florida, and as his parents explained, they have seen only a couple of snakes over the past decade. What they didn't realize was that a single bite could trigger fatal symptoms. What looked similar to heat exhaustion or fatigue turned into something worse.

By the time the veterinarian got a look at Thor, there was no way to save him.

Thor's parents explained that he was a great dog, still acting youthful and energetic up until his last day.

Redditors empathized with OP's loss, with many offering condolences. One person said, "It's such a shock to have your dog alive and healthy one day and gone the next. He looks like a good sport who enjoyed his outdoor adventures."

Many pointed out the seemingly great life Thor had lived. One said, "He looked like a king. He had the best life with the best home."

And one Redditor said what perhaps everyone was thinking: "Thanks for sharing for awareness."

Related: Senior German Shepherd Proves He's Still a Fighter After Overcoming Serious Health Scare

Dogs are curious, and sometimes that curiosity gets them into trouble. The problem is a dog's nose will reach a snake before the rest of their body.

Some dogs might paw at unfamiliar movement, and some dogs love investigating areas where snakes hide, like tall grass and rocky areas.

Symptoms, as in Thor's case, do not always become immediately evident. Your dog might seem relatively normal before a rapid decline.

Do not expect a dramatic reaction after a snakebite. Dogs often hide the signs and can go on as if it were a normal day.

The signs of snakebites can vary depending on the species and size of dog. However, common signs include sudden weakness, muscle tremors, dilated pupils, pale or bluish gums, vomiting and labored breathing.

Immediately call your vet or an emergency animal clinic, explain that you suspect a snakebite, and ask whether they have antivenom in stock. The sooner you call and take your dog for treatment, the higher the chances of recovery.

Most dogs spend years hiking, exploring or playing outdoors without ever encountering a dangerous animal.

Thor's story is not a reason to avoid the trails or the forest. Use it as a reminder that danger can hide in different places.

If your dog comes in from outdoor time acting quiet, or just unusual, call your vet. That first phone call will cost you nothing, and might save your dog from a fatal attack.

Related: Woman Rescues Sick, Nearly Hairless German Shepherd and the Transformation Is Incredible

Pregnant cats always look a little uncomfortable. They're just so small, but they get so big! It makes sense: at any given time, a pregnant cat could have up to 10 or more kittens in there! That sounds absolutely exhausting.

One feral cat was just days away from giving birth. Being that she's a stray, and definitely an adult, there's no telling how many litters she's already had. She seemed to be sick of doing it alone, though, because as soon as a woman opened her door, that mama cat waddled right in:

She ended up having 7 babies! #cats #rescue @Chewy @Friskies

According to Tracy Ford, Mama ended up having 7 kittens! They're all safe and sound in Tracy's home for now, with all of her other pets. At first, Tracy thought she was feral, but Mama Willow seems pretty comfortable. She might have been abandoned.

Whatever the case may be, she's living the life with her babies right now. She had a total variety pack of kittens, with some white and grey Tabbies, a few black kittens, and even one Tuxedo who's definitely going to cause all sorts of problems.

Related: Stray Cat Brings Her ‘Rainbow Kittens’ to Woman’s House for Dinner

The kittens are all so sweet! Right now, they share a bed, but they're getting big enough to practically be spilling out of it. They're going to need a bigger bed soon:

Part 2 Momma Willow’s 7 babies ! #cats #kittens @Friskies @Chewy

Soon, they'll go off to their forever homes. Hopefully, whoever takes these babies in will at least set up a couple of playdates so they can all see each other again. Though it's unclear if Tracy is keeping anyone from this bunch... I bet she might.

Whether you have a pregnant housecat or there's a feral pregnant cat in your neighborhood, one fact that will remain the same is that they are going to want to nest. That nest is where they'll stay with their babies until they're ready to strike out on their own.

Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

Feral cat nests can be where you least expect them, which is why it's so important to make sure you're on the lookout. You'll often find them nesting in:

• The space underneath porches or decks.
• In trash cans.
• Underneath cars.
• Tall patches of grass.

They're looking for somewhere inconspicuous, where their babies will be safe. Or, apparently, some of them are looking for new moms!

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This is the perfect time of year to invest in bird watching decor for your backyard. And if you're looking for something unique to add to your lineup, you should really consider this Amazon deal.

The Alpine Corporation Flamingo Pattern Outdoor Metal Bird Bath is only $30 and it might just be the most unique looking bird bath on the market.

This captivating bird bath has a vibrant design with a flamingo as the focal point of the bathing bowl. But that's just where the creativity begins. This bowl is affixed to two pink "flamingo legs" that raise it to a 23-inch height. This unique look is bound to be a great conversation starter when you have friends and family over.

But check out all these other great features from the bird bath:

• 17" shallow and wide bowl that allows small birds to drink, splash and bathe safetly.
• Cute bird figure affixed to the side for an extra creative flair
• Durable iron and stylish metal stand that can withstand the elements
• Measure 17"x17"x23" — a great height for bird watching

If this design isn't exactly what you're looking for, multiple other styles are available at the same listing, for a higher price point.

Courtesy of Amazon

One buyer writes about the flamingo bird bath: "Gave to my neighbor as a gift since she has birdhouses. She loves it."

Overall, buyers have positive things to say about the bird baths in this listing, noting that they're durable, sturdy, and cute.

One person writes: "(My mom) never had a metal (bird bath) before and says it's very high quality, light weight, and easy to maneuver around the yard and clean. It's durable and sturdy, doesn't tip when the occasional squirrel jumps onto it ... and wouldn't break even if it did."

Another writes: "I bought this metal birdbath to use as a feeder for my wild birds. The design is beautiful and strong."

Amazon offers free delivery on orders of over $35 shipped by Amazon, and on orders from Prime members. Amazon also offers free 30 day refunds/replacements.

Related: Amazon's 'Beautiful' Glass Bird Bath Is Compact Enough for Smaller Yards

We've all been there: you find a new favorite snack and you go a little too hard with it.

Such was the case for Winston, a sweet Golden Retrieverpuppy who was given a taste of greek yogurt and truly could not get enough.

All in for some Greek yogurt #goldenretriever #dogsoftiktok #puppy #dog #fyp

Sharing on social media on his dedicated accounts, Winston went heads first (literally) into the greek yogurt container and had a great time. The evidence was all over his little face, and he seemed super eager for more even after the container was presumably licked clean. Thankfully for Winston, greek yogurt is great for dogs, so his tummy was likely just fine after his feast.

Commenters on TikTok had a ball with the video saying:

"That face says he regrets nothing and would absolutely do it again 😂🐶"

"His little head is the perfect shape to fit in the tub 🤣🤣"

Winston (according to his bio) is a future therapy dog in training. Here's hoping he'll be able to resist the probiotics when on the job as a fully grown dog!

Understandably, the great big world can be a bit overwhelming for puppies. Everything—every sight, smell, sound, and more—is brand new to them. It's very important to remember this when introducing new things to your little, furry friends while taking them on the early days of their long, life journeys.

When introducing new things to your puppy, take the following into consideration:

• Go slow and remember to be patient.
• Let your puppy go at their own pace as much as possible.
• Always make sure to be supervising for safety.
• And keep training sessions with lots of "new" short so as not to overwhelm your puppy.

Whether it's a new food or a new person, it's super important to make sure your puppy is comfortable and happy when putting something new into their environment. And when so correctly you'll be able to see just how excited they can get. Maybe even "head in the greek yogurt container" excited, if you're lucky!

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Related: Adorable Golden Retriever Looks Like a Fluffy, Buttery Croissant

When life gets you down, try petting a donkey. That is the motto by which patients at Ville-Evrard hospital in Neuilly-sur-Marne, France, go by.

The hospital has had a donkey therapy unit since 2016, when psychiatric nurse Ermelinda Hadey and her husband François decided to test an unusual idea.

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Five donkeys, named Nono, Pitou, Oscar, Manolo and Malraux, take part in the therapy sessions. Patients lead the donkeys through the grounds, clean their hooves, and hug them at the end of the session. Each patient gets his own regular companion.

https://dai.ly/xacszqw

According to Euronews, Hadey launched the program alongside her husband in 2016. They started the program on a hunch, an understanding that donkeys possess a calm nature that can connect with patients when conventional treatment fails.

While dogs are a common choice for animal-assisted intervention, Hadey and her husband wanted to try something different. Eight years later, the program received formal recognition as a healthcare unit. They employed nurses and expanded beyond the original five donkeys. Now, their hospital includes doves, goats, turtles, rabbits and even chickens.

When patients cannot go outside, hospital staff bring small animals into their rooms.

Nathalie, a 60-year-old patient in the hospital, described the experience, saying, "When you take medication that helps you relax. it's exactly the same. I'd call it animal medicine. It brings relief. You stop thinking about everything else."

Animals, including donkeys, help patients experience a different kind of conversation. They do not judge. They do not ask difficult questions. They simply respond to your energy.

Jerome, a 52-year-old patient, said that the therapy helped him break out of isolation, saying, "Talking with people, taking part in activities I would not normally do, it helps me in my daily life. Staying at home is not good for me."

Dogs paved the way for animal-assisted therapy years ago. Labrador retrievers are considered some of the best therapy dogs.

For years, dogs have been part of programs at hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers and mental health institutions. Research has shown that interacting with therapy dogs can help reduce feelings of stress, loneliness, and anxiety. Dogs are a natural fit for these positions. They were bred to seek human interaction and provide a sense of safety.

The team behind the program hopes more research will validate the value of donkeys. They want more people to experience what they see every day.

Imagine arriving at a therapy session after a difficult week. Instead of sitting across from a desk, you walk beside an animal that doesn't care what happened yesterday. It only cares whether you're there today.

For some patients, that appears to make all the difference.

Related: Sweet Bulldog Being Mom's Source of Emotional Support Is Giving People the Feels

Dogs may get all the flak for begging for food, but cats can be equally as bad at hounding their humans for a snack (ask me, a cat mom of two, how I know). Even the ones who aren't particularly interested in table food can feel very passionately about their cat food, especially if it isn't being served on time.

And then, there are the cats who did eat on time but are still hoping that, if they do enough begging, they can convince their mom to serve them even more, like Gus the Persian cat in the TikTok video below.

Should I give them more food #cat #kitty #cutecat #catoftiktok #meow

Not only is Gus begging for food, but he's doing it in a very impressive position: standing on his hind legs like a human being. After he's gone to all this trouble, how could his mom not offer him what he's after?

And of course, once their other cat, Miso, got wind of the fact that there was a possibility fore more breakfast to be served, he got into it too.

These two are so precious that commenters just had to join the effort. "He's holding his tummy," one person wrote. "He's so hungry."

Another added, "Second breakfast sounds great as long as it's not too close to first lunch." So true!

Related: 4 Persian Cats Have Completely Different Sleeping Spots and None of Them Make Sense

Occasional begging from your cat can be cute, but if it happens all the time, it can easily become annoying (or worse). And more importantly, it could also indicate a problem with your cat's health.

For that reason, it's always a good idea for your first stop to be a vet appointment, since they can rule out health issues like hyperthyroidism that might have caused your cat to have a big boost in their appetite.

But if all medical issues are clear, there are a few more steps you can take, as Catnetting points out:

• Make sure that your cat is eating enough food. Find the recommended calorie intake for a cat their size, and ensure that they're getting the amount they should be. It's so easy to estimate incorrectly!
• Don't ever feed your cat food that you're eating — and don't let anyone else in the household do it, either.
• If your cat is begging for food off of your plate, pick them up and give them a time out in a different room until the meal is over.
• Try an auto-feeder, which will become the source of their food instead of you, so they won't think begging you will get them what they want.

It make take some time (and some trial and error) but this problem is one that can be solved. In the end, it will be worth it to be able to eat your food in peace!

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Puppies are known for their adorable silliness and curiosity, which can include being completely oblivious at times. Their wonder and bewilderment over basic things just adds to their charm. Pet siblings notice this naïveté and don't necessarily understand it, but can find their innocence entertaining.

This senior cat partook in a spontaneous game of hide-and-seek with his puppy sibling, Hayley, though the precious pooch seemed a bit lost.

Would never believe if someone would tell me it's possible #cute #animals #funnyanimals #dogsoftiktok

In the TikTok from @im_haley_comet, the precious pup pranced into the room as her cat sibling hid behind the door. Haley stood for a moment, wondering how the pretty kitty suddenly disappeared. She looked around and whimpered in frustration before deciding to retrace her steps in search of her feline sibling.

Once Haley left the room, the orange cat came out of hiding when only a few seconds later, Haley scampered back in. The fluffy fur baby caught a glimpse of the cat as he ran behind the door again. Haley just stood, clearly perplexed, and couldn't seem to figure out how the feline vanished right before her eyes.

Completely clueless and totally adorable, Haley scurried forward as the cat reemerged from behind the door with a look of disbelief on his face. His expression seemed to say, "Dude, I'm right in front of your face!"

Followers got a kick out of the lopsided game and melted over the puppy's heartwarming confusion.

"The sweet little pup hasn't learned object permanence yet. Once she does it will be a more balanced game," one pointed out.

'If you understand cats, then this is so funny," another remarked.

'Even in a puppy object permanence has yet to set in. The fact that the older cat knows this...," a follower noted.

"The puppiest puppy I have ever seen," someone posted.

Object permanence helps us remember people, places, and objects. We know people and things exist even though they may not be in sight or making any sound. Object permanence takes time to develop, so young babies and newborn animals often won't remember an object when it's not right in front of them.

Haley obviously needs some more time and practice to grasp object permanence, but once she does, that cat has to find a better hiding place.

Related: Golden Retriever Puppy Refusing to Sleep in Crate Brings the Cutest Toddler Energy

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There is nothing like a cute litter of kittens, but some cats only give birth to one kitten, known as a singleton kitten.

Though it may not be a bundle of tiny kittens, we get to see this mama cat and her singleton kitten form the sweetest bond in this new heartwarming video.

Our Lucy and her little baby May! 🖤🐾 #kitten

Lucy and her little kitten, May, have such overwhelming love for each other in this sweet mama cat video moment.

As you can imagine, the comments section was full of sweet praise for the mama cat and her singleton kitten.

"The little tiny kitten arms grabbing her face," one wrote.

Another wrote, "In this economy, it's the sensible thing to do." They make a good point!

And finally, a very sweet commenter wrote, "Love how happy she is with her baby and how fulfilled she is in life now. She has her baby forever safe with her."

Related: Watch These Foster Kittens Figure Out Exactly How to Escape the Pet Gate

So, is it rare for mother cats to have just one kitten?

Singleton kittens are actually considered rather rare. Most cats give birth to a litter with the average size being four to six kittens, according to VetsExplainPets.com.

However, some cat breeds are more prone to having singleton kittens than others, such as Siamese cats.

Litter size can also be impacted by the age of the cat. Like humans, viable eggs for fertilization decrease with age.

Also, if it is the kitty's first time giving birth, there may be a higher chance of the cat having a singleton.

If they do have another litter, they could potentially have more kittens.

Genetics can also play a role in litter size.

We're not sure what factors impacted Lucy only having her little singleton, May, but we do know that this cat will be very loved and have such a strong and important bond with her mama.

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When two cats have a litter of kittens, there's no telling what the kittens will come out looking like. It's hilarious most of the time: there's always one who looks nothing like either of the parents. When it comes to their coloring, it's completely random!

Recently, one cattery put an orange Maine Coon and a grey one together. Both parent cats are some of the most beautiful cats ever, and their kittens are all stunning, but there's one in the bunch that absolutely nobody expected:

Fierce kitties in the making #mainecoon #bigcat #kitten #bigkitten #catsoftiktok

Wild Mane Maine Coons has one of the most impressive selections of cats I've ever seen. They seem to have every color you could possibly ever need, their cats are huge, and they're all fluffy as can be! Their kittens are well-cared for, too.

This litter features two grey kittens, two orange kittens... And one white kitten. Neither of the parents has white fur of any kind, so it's interesting that they had a white kitten at all! They were both carrying the gene, but none of the other kittens even have white patches!

Related: Grey Maine Coon Gives Birth to a Rainbow of Tiny Kittens—and Each Is Cuter Than the Last

It looks like Mom's printer ran out of ink or something. Whatever the case may be, these kittens are already thriving, and it even looks like a couple of them are going to get to stay together for their whole lives:

Lifelong buddies 🥹🤍 #mainecoon #kitten #cutekitten #catsoftiktok #kittensiblings

Up close like this, we can see that the white kitten has a little twinge of Mom's orange Tabby coloring towards the back. It really does look like Mom's printer just ran out of ink on the last kitten in the litter!

The kittens in this litter come very close to making perfect sense: there's an orange parent and a grey one, and there are two of each color kitten. The only one that's a little unexpected is the white one.

Image via Shutterstock / travel_lens_tw

Kittens' coat colors are determined by their parents' genetics: they inherit 50% from each parent. However, when it comes to coat color, it's completely random. There is no guarantee that two different-colored kittens will produce a certain number of each color. The kittens may be all one color, half and half, or even a combination of both.

As far as one kitten turning out to be a completely different color, that happens more often than you'd think: both parents were just carrying a recessive gene. No matter what, though, every kitten is beautiful!

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