Parade Pets

We have breaking news out of Vermont, where the search for an adored missing tennis ball is currently underway. The ball was last seen flying through the air in a snowy field and one woman on TikTok is currently reporting live from the scene with a search team of Huskies working tirelessly to retrieve it. 

Jokes aside, the tone of this woman's voice literally sounds like a professional TV news reporter. It's uncanny. She's a natural! You really have to see for yourself:

Replying to @Nicole Armstrong Breaking News: Search underway for my dogs’ missing tennis ball 🤣 #dogs #tiktokdogs #dogsoftiktok #pets #tiktokpets #petsoftiktok #news #mocknewsreport #fyp

Even the way she cuts the video into "action shots" while keeping the commentary flowing is so perfect. I'm personally getting some major flashbacks from my time taking TV News in high school. But I have to be honest... the suspense is killing me! Will these impressive pups ever find their beloved ball?

Related: Adorable Huskies Get Themselves ‘Hyped Up’ To Go for a Walk in Precious Footage

The snowy conditions were working against the search team, ultimately adding a chilly layer of drama to an already bone-chilling event. Titus, the lead investigator in the search, didn't have much to tell us, and seemed a bit more focused on our reporter's micro-bone than providing an update. As of now, our fingers are crossed that the ball is found and returned safely. 

Luckily, she provided an update in a follow-up video. After four days of tirelessly searching for their beloved tennis ball, a shocking turn of events shook the scene moments before the search team was about to throw in the towel. 

A witness spotted Titus—the lead investigator who refused to give an interview days prior—burying the ball in question under some snow in a field that had already been searched. 

It's been reported that Titus apparently found the ball the very first day it went missing, but neglected to tell anyone, leaving the ambitious search crew to dig far and wide for three days longer than necessary. 

But karma caught up to Titus, as he was caught trying to once again bury the ball in the snow without anyone knowing. Thankfully the witness spotted Titus red-handed and now a thorough investigation will begin to take place. 

Titus is facing multiple charges, including: theft, impeding an investigation, and attempting to conceal evidence. He once again did not agree to an interview with our reporter in the field. This is the third time. 

The remains of another lost toy were also revealed during the search, whose identity has yet to be released. An investigation for the unidentified toy is underway. 

Titus will get his day in court and we're expecting quite the media frenzy when that day comes. But until then, we can all rest comfortably knowing justice has been served.  

The tennis ball remains in critical condition. 

While some prefer days that are full of the warm sun, others appreciate it when it rains because it means fun times ahead.

Just ask these elephants from the San Diego Zoo who had the best time after the rain. Take a look!

Elefun in the rain #sandiegorain #elephants #spaday #selfcare #rain #sdzsafaripark

In a 19-second clip, we meet elephants who are full of joy because the rain has left them with so much mud to play with.

Related: Baby Elephant at Indianapolis Zoo Takes His Very First Swim

A muddy play yard isn't always the most fun for us, but it's a totally different experience for elephants. And it's awesome to see the joy radiate through the clip.

In the video posted to the San Diego Zoo's official TikTok account (@sandiegozoo), the elephant's yard is all mud and water still on the surface, meaning it's extra messy.

But these creatures used the opportunity to play hard, and it's so cute. One of the youngest elephants is rolling around in mud puddles, and another is having fun using its feet to dig and push the dirt. We also see one of the older elephants sitting down and having a great time.

"Elefun in the rain," the video's caption read. And in the comment section, people also enjoyed seeing the elephants' joy.

"May be the only San Diego residents who know how to enjoy rain," one viewer joked.

"Now I feel the need to visit the zoo in the rain just to watch the big babies play in the mud," another admitted.

"It's all fun & games until you have to get them in the bathtub," someone else pointed out.

"This is so cute," shared someone else.

According to the zoo, the elephants, which are African Elephants, "spend up to 16 hours per day eating and can eat as much as 330 pounds of food in one day—so you’re likely to see them munching on something."

Their favorite foods are those they can graze on all day, including "a variety of vegetation, including grasses, leaves, shrubs, bark, and trees.

You can find them at the Elephant Odyssey at the San Diego Zoo, which has an Elephant Care Center where zookeepers and wildlife experts spend time with the animals and ensure they're well cared for.

According to the World Wildlife Federation, African Elephants and Asian Elephants are dealing with a loss of habitat, which is impacting their numbers in the wild. 

"African Elephant habitat has declined by over 50% since 1979," the organization explains, "while Asian Elephants are now restricted to just 15% of their original range."

The organization's numbers show that African Elephants are listed as "vulnerable," with an estimated 415,000 elephants left in central Africa and some parts of East Africa.

Asian Elephants, on the other hand, are struggling even more with declining populations. Classified as "endangered," it's estimated there are only 50,000 left in the wild.

"It is critical to conserve both African and Asian elephants since they play such a vital role in their ecosystems as well as contributing towards tourism and community incomes in many areas," the World Wildlife Federation explains.

We're so happy that experts at the San Diego Zoo and others around the world are doing what they can to help these animals.

Anyone who has ever visited a zoo has looked at at least one animal and said to themselves, "yes, I would like to pet that." You're typically separated by glass or a fence, and if you tried to pet it, you'd probably get kicked out. 

On Monday, February 4th, a girl and her boyfriend got to live our dreams and get up-close and personal with some famous hippos, and everyone on Earth is probably so jealous:

Replying to @Eruss best day ever 🥹 thank you @Cincinnati Zoo 🤍🦛 #cincinnatizoo #fritz #fiona #zoo #hippo

Tianna Robillard, I envy you. I have a Fiona stuffed animal literally sitting on my bed. How does it feel to live my dream?!

Related: Hippo Getting His Teeth Brushed in the Morning Is Full of Surprises

This was, unfortunately, a privately-arranged event that us regular people can't buy tickets to: after garnering some social media attention because of her bulldog (who looks remarkably hippo-like), Cincinnati Zoo invited Tianna out to visit with their hippos and learn more about them. Cincinnati Zoo does offer semi-frequent events that you can buy tickets for, and those do sometimes feature the hippos!

In the video, though, Tianna and Cody get within inches of perhaps the most notorious hippo family in the world: Bibi and Tucker are mom and dad to Fiona and Fritz. Fiona was born six weeks premature, and is the only known hippo to have been born that early and survived. Fritz is just adorable and little.

The Cincinnati Zoo is excellent at making their animals into stars: Fiona and Fritz rose to fame on social media because people wanted to follow their journeys. Other animals, like Duke the sea lion and Kimba the giraffe have become well-known as well; it's very easy to make stars these days, especially when they're this cute!

Perhaps the most famous animal in the Cincinnati Zoo, though, was a gorilla named Harambe: he was kind of a nobody, but his untimely death when a child fell into his enclosure in 2016 legitimately made international headlines. 

Tianna and Cody are allowed to get pretty close to the four hippos, but you can hear the zookeeper in the background explaining that they're the only ones who are allowed to feed and touch the animals. They may look cute and non-threatening, but a hippopotamus can and will crush a human head in about 3 seconds if it feels threatened. As bad as our FOMO may be, even ticketed events featuring the hippos rarely involve getting this close. It's just not safe.

If you're visiting a zoo, remember to be respectful and not to provoke the animals in any way. That includes yelling, screaming, throwing things, banging on the glass, or attempting to touch them (if you can reach). While you might not be in any danger, agitating these animals puts zookeepers at risk!

A woman recently stumbled upon an adorable baby owl near her house and noticed it was stuck in a gutter. She wasn't sure what to make of it at first, but she grabbed it to further investigate.  

After safely retrieving the cute little guy and taking it inside, it dawned on her that this owl was actually there to tell her something, and her response is hilarious! Take a look:

I finally got accepted into Hogwarts! 🤣 #owlsoftiktok #screechowl #hogwartsowl #owlmail #hogwartsacceptanceletter #hogwartsprofessors

Where are my Harry Potter fans at? I really admire this woman's imagination. Too funny. She finally got excepted into Hogwarts! Congratulations! This whole thing must have just been a set up. But the good news is—she passed. It cracks me up how she turns off the lights to say it, too, just to add an extra layer of drama. 

Related: Owl Who Escaped the Central Park Zoo a Year Ago Becomes a True New Yorker

Honestly, though, that really is one of the most adorable owls I've ever seen. Look at those eyes. And it's just so tiny. I'd want to keep it also! But I respect that she did the right thing and took it to a wildlife sanctuary. Hopefully, this little guy doesn't have any serious injuries and will be back thriving in the wild soon. 

So you've found an injured owl, but you're not quite sure what to do? While it's important to act fast and cautiously, there are a few universal things that anyone should do in a situation like this to ensure the owl's safety. 

Keep in mind that not all owls on the ground need help. If it is a young owlet with a fuzzy head and body, but has fully grown wing feathers and a stubby tail, chances are it's just learning how to fly.

Spending some time on the ground is a normal part of their life, since it takes them days to weeks to learn how to properly fly, depending on the species. Mom and Dad are usually nearby taking care of them, whether you see them or not. 

Owlets at this stage only need help if they are injured or both parents have been killed. If the owlet is in a dangerous location, for example, it can be picked up and moved to a safer location by nudging the back of its legs with a stick to get it to step up or by using leather gloves. 

You'll want to find a cardboard box that will be big enough to hold the owl without bending any feathers and tall enough for the owl to stand as well. Punch air holes in the box and put an old towel or shirt in the bottom of it.

Slowly approach the owl and toss a towel, blanket, or jacket over it. Watch out for the feet and beak, and press the owl's wings to its body through the blanket. Carefully pick it up and place it in the box. 

"Close the box securely no matter how little the owl is moving when you find it," mentions the International Owl Center in an article. "More than one person has had an owl 'wake up' and get loose in their vehicle while transporting it!"

Once it's safely in the box, immediately call a wildlife sanctuary or animal handler. By the time you are able to pick up a sick or injured owl, it is probably already in really bad shape, so it's important not to wait.

It's very important to minimize stress to the owl as well, so keep it in as quiet of a location as possible—away from kids and pets. If transporting in a vehicle, keep the radio off and voices low, and brake and accelerate slowly.

Most importantly, don't try to care for the owl on your own. Do what's best for the owl and get it to someone who has the knowledge and the facilities to properly care for it. 

Forget the Super Bowl! Puppy Bowl is back this Sunday, February 11th and you can expect more tail-wagging puppy players than ever before. 

Humane Society Pikes Peak posted this fun behind-the-scenes video offering a glimpse of what really goes down before the big day, and let's just say, this is the real deal! It's a full on production. Take a look:

Chili is taking over TikTok before taking the field this Sunday! #puppybowl @Animal Planet

One hundred thirty one pups from 73 shelters and rescues across 36 states and territories will make up Team Ruff and Team Fluff this year. And included in these teams are the Puppy Bowl's all-time smallest pup, Sweetpea (at 1.7 lbs!) and the biggest, Levi the Great Dane at 70 lbs. 

Related: 'Puppy Bowl' Ref Dan Schachner Adopts Tiny Dog with the Perfect Name

Aside from the adorable action, Puppy Bowl really does a great job promoting pet adoption and raising awareness about shelter animals in a fun, lighthearted way. If you're a dog lover, you should absolutely tune in. I mean, who doesn't love watching puppies play around on a mini football field?

Puppy Bowl XX premieres Sunday, February 11 at 2P ET on Animal Planet and again, will feature more adoptable puppies from shelters and rescues than ever before. It's also the 20th anniversary of the event, which means they aren't holding back this year! There's a lot in store. 

Inspiring adoption stories will be highlighted throughout the day as the adorable pups race and chase their way to the end zone, all in hopes of winning the “Lombarky” trophy and finding their forever homes. 

And to celebrate the milestone, four past Puppy Bowl players will return to be inducted into the Puppy Bowl Hall of Fame! 

Six special needs puppy players will also be introduced including Riddle, a pug terrier who suffers from the neurological condition cerebellar hypoplasia; Mr. Bean, a papillon mix who only has his two hind legs; and four pups who don’t let their deafness slow them down on the field.

Also, this year the football field isn’t the only thing run by puppies! A handful of lovable pups are leading the show’s production by taking over the control room, the studio floor, and even coaching Team Ruff and Team Fluff. 

Of course, dog-loving referee Dan Schachner will return for his 13th year (and for the first time will have a puppy assistant coach, Whistle, who will help him bark the plays and fumbles). 

Baltimore Ravens’ Ronnie Stanley’s rescue foundation will also be featured this year, including Linus, a Hound mix, to support people with special needs; and Beignet, a New Orleans Dachshund mix, who gets a nose to tail makeover by a celebrity dog groomer before the big game.

There's a lot going on and you won't want to miss any of it! 

In celebration of Puppy Bowl XX, Warner Bros. Discovery is partnering with Best Friends Animal Society to help animals find their forever homes and will match donations to cover adoption fees for their shelters nationwide from February 7-14. 

Puppy Bowl XX begins with a pre-game show at 1pm ET, which is when the fun officially begins. So mark your calendar, grab your snacks, (maybe a pup cup?) and tune in on February 11th!

Seeing animals in the drive-thru is not exactly a rare occurrence these days. Thanks to things like pup cups and dog treats, people bring their pets through the drive-thru all the time, and many animals even know exactly what "pup cup" means!

We've seen thousands of animals going through the drive-thru, but that never makes it any less magical. On Tuesday, February 5th, one Dunkin barista shared the moment she saw an unexpected animal in the car at the window:

I just fed a goat a donut in the drive thru… #dunkin

I bet Avani Reyes sees a lot of dogs in the drive-thru, but a goat? That has to be pretty rare!

Related: Heartwarming Photos of UPS Drivers And Dogs (and Cats and Goats!) They Meet on Their Routes

Bringing your pets through the drive-thru is a great way to get around the "no pets allowed" rule that most food establishments have. If you're out for a walk with your pooch and want to stop for a cup of coffee, you're kind of stuck: you either have to leave them outside or be *that person* and bring them in. Most people don't want to do either of those things.

People have been bringing their pets through the drive-thru, probably, since the drive-thru was invented. Businesses, desperate to seem as "animal friendly" as possible, would sometimes have little dog biscuits sitting by the window to give out to pups when they came through. Gradually, that became true for more and more businesses. Now, getting a special treat for your pup is so widespread that many places offer "pup cups," and some have even started charging for them.

Dogs aren't the only animals in the world, though. Luckily, plain whipped cream is a pretty universal pet treat, but so are some other things, like plain donuts. 

Goats are pretty big animals that can handle more than your typical dog or cat can. For example, a whole plain cake donut is way too much for a dog, but a goat can eat them sparingly with no problems. If given the option, a goat would eat literally anything it could! Some of the most popular sweet treats for goats include:

1. Ripe bananas
2. Apples 
3. Plain cake donuts 
4. Watermelon

Most of the time you're giving a goat a treat, it should be something natural, like a piece of fruit. They enjoy juicy, crunchy fruits and vegetables. However, you can occasionally let a goat have baked goods, too: plain cake donuts are the best option. They're not fried in oil and contain no sugary filling or frosting. Remember, goats are prone to obesity. Jennie is living her best life with this special treat, that's for sure!

A veterinary office’s staff doesn’t just get to spend a lot of time with animals, they also get to see them in their most vulnerable state. Even as their parents, we may not be familiar with our pets' behavior during medical visits. It seems it might be better if we don't, especially if it looks anything like this! 

Although, based on the breeds they showed us, it appears pretty accurate. Check out their hilarious impersonations in this video shared on January 23:

Different breeds during nail trims 🐾. #pittbull #greatdane #chihuahua #cats #husky #yorkie #boxer #pug #nailtrends #vetmedlife #vetmedhumor #fyp #foryourpage

The staff at Heritage Animal Hospital should get an Emmy for their performances! They started with a Chihuahua being taken and back for medical care. One staff member has the other lifted off of her feet as she bites at the air. As we might imagine, getting a muzzle on this tiny dog is no small feat. Next, is a very vocal Husky, and this staff member does a great job of singing those blues. Her co-workers can barely hold it together during this animated show.

Related: Parody of How Dogs and Cats Feel When Parents Leave the House Is Too Accurate

Next up is a Yorkie who appears to be much calmer than the Husky, except for the fact that she just keeps giving and then retracting her paw. The Pug’s, heavy breathing is no surprise at first, but then the frantic screaming catches us a little off guard. Ha! However, there’s no doubt this is a likely scenario they often face. It also is no surprise that trimming a cat’s nails is no simple task. They show us how they often pull their paws away and try to leap from the table. When this happens, apparently they use a blanket to contain the agitated kitty. What else could you do? Those nails are sharp!

Although Pit Bulls often have bad reputations, this group of professionals shows us what most of us know. They are truly love bugs who only want to show off their sweet side. Bringing in an unwilling Great Dane is also quite a physical challenge, it seems. As is the overexcited boxer, who just can’t contain his energy. They did such a great job representing these breeds.

Not that we didn’t know it already, but these veterinary workers go through a lot to take care of our precious pets. The next time I’m at the vet with my dogs, I’ll remember the challenges they face and perhaps bring them a box of coffee, along with some treats.

Rescue dogs are literally everywhere. There are animal rescues in every state, dogs being picked up and taken to or dropped off and surrendered to rescues every single day. It's getting to a point where shelters are out of room.

On Tuesday, February 5th, a TikToker showed off how elementary schoolers in Washington, D.C. are helping to get eyes on shelter pups:

first graders give shelter dogs second chances 13/10 for all #weratedogs

We Rate Dogs gave every dog in these pictures a 13/10, and they're right. My personal favorite is Toby!

Related: Shelter Dog's Elation Over Favorite Volunteer Returning Is Beautiful

The dogs that the kids got to use as muses come from Rural Dog Rescue in Washington, D.C. This rescue works with others in the area; they pull dogs from shelters with a high-kill percentage and house them in their shelters instead, where they're then adopted out or sent to foster homes. The pups can be adopted from the shelter directly, from their foster homes, or through adoption events and partnerships in the area.

The dogs that were lucky enough to be drawn by first graders were:

1. Rosie: a ~1 year old Beludi/retriever mix who was hit by a car as a puppy.
2. Toby: a 6 month old Saluki mix with a great smile and loves his crate.
3. Ollie: a 7 month old hound mix who's shy around new people and loud noises. 
4. Daisy: a 13 year old Mini Pinscher who's young at heart and hates car rides.

The most amazing thing about this shelter is that they're committed specifically to saving "the underdog," and they say at least 50% of their residents are dogs with high risk of euthanasia: pits, hounds, darker-coated dogs, sick or disabled dogs, seniors, etc.,. They believe every dog deserves a second chance, and they've been successful in placing hundreds of dogs in D.C. and surrounding areas.

Generally, there are a few things that cause people/shelters to consider a dog "undesirable." They include:

1. A dog that's old.
2. A dog that's disabled/sick.
3. A dog that's been at the shelter for too long. 
4. Stigmatized, "aggressive" breeds.
5. Dogs that are darker in color.

Puppies tend to fly out the kennels, leaving behind the dogs that are less perfect. Thanks to fostering, which has become increasingly popular in the last few years, these at-risk pups have a better chance of getting out of the shelter just in time. If you're looking to help as many dogs as you possibly can, please consider fostering! And if you're in the DMV area, please consider Rural Dogs Rescue!

Rescued farm animals hold a special place in almost everyone's heart. They're mistreated so often, but people usually can't even really see that until it's too late. So when we do get to see it, it's just so inspiring!

On Tuesday, February 6th, an equestrian rescue center was able to save yet another life. This one might just be the most inspiring of all:

Our little miracle boy 🩵 #horserescue #rescuehorse #rescuedonkey #donkey #fyp #thegoodstuff #recovery #equestrian #farmlife

Kataluna Horse Rescue is so brave and kind for taking Elton in. He's so adorable, I'm so relieved that someone decided to take a chance on him. 

Related: Donkey's Reaction to Mom Saying 'Good Morning' Has Everyone in Stitches

According to the rescue, Elton was one of nine animals that made their way to their facility in January of this year. They stated that most of the animals were in okay condition, but they'd most likely been headed either out for auction or directly for slaughter, which was the case with Elton. He's only a year old, and he was unable to walk, refusing to eat, and very apprehensive to the staff at the rescue.

Though they don't say exactly what Elton's issues or injuries were, but their vet was able to give him some necessary vaccines and medicines to ease his pain. Within a few hours, he was able to stand, though it was tough, and he was wobbly. Since his arrival a few weeks ago, though, he's been doing just fine and loves to trot around!

When you're thinking about starting a farm, it's probably because you have a goal in mind. Maybe you want to produce your own eggs, or your own milk, or you just want to have fun. You probably know what kinds of animals you'd like to have, and donkeys are a popular desire for hobbyist farmers everywhere. 

Donkeys are not, however, easy to care for. They require tons of attention, especially if they're going to be alone. Ideally, you'll have two or more (or other animals), but if you have your heart set on getting a lone donkey, you'll need to commit hours every day to entertaining it. They're loud, they take up a lot of space, and they require several pounds of food per day - not to mention the expensive vet bills!

If you're just starting out with farm life, you should look into animals like chickens, pigs, and even livestock guardian dogs. If you can train a livestock guardian dog, you'll be in a good spot to start bringing in real farm animals!

It's not always the wisest decision to befriend a wild animal, but as in life, there are always exceptions. Consider this unlikely friendship one of them. 

A woman on TikTok recently shared an adorable video of her "pet" porcupine, Alfred, chomping down on an apple she graciously provided him. But this wasn't just a one-time thing—Alfred is, in a way, her pet. That is... at least whenever he feels like it. Regardless, the footage is oddly satisfying. Who knew porcupines could be so cute?

Ice…😆 I heard Alfred humming while making dinner, always happy to see him 🥰 Currently watching for mange as it’s highly contagious and he and Bernie (porky 2) were in close contact (maybe by his whiskers?) These critters…love them ❤️ #maine #winter #fyp #porcupine #mainelife #cute #animals #❤️ #cuteanimals #nature #wildlife #rural #rurallife #mange #wild #animalsoftiktok #alfredeats #wildliferehab #bloopers

It would actually be pretty exciting to get random visits from a porcupine, you know? How many people do you know with a pet porcupine? Alfred seems to know the routine, too. He knows a good thing when he sees one, and I can only imagine how tasty that crisp apple must be compared to whatever it is he's foraging around for in the snow. 

Related: Man’s Video of His Pet Porcupine Proves They Actually Love to Snuggle

Winter can be tough on wild animals and porcupines are no different. Resources are limited, for one. And the simple fact that you're dealing with snow and rain and sleet—the list goes on—makes everything that much more challenging. 

Whether you know it or not, it takes a lot to excite porcupines. They don't move fast, and they don't move far. According to Northern Woodlands, this is especially true in winter, when their homes are 80 to 90 percent smaller than they are in summer. 

If you’ve ever seen a porcupine trail in deep snow then you probably realized that they basically turn into snowplows during winter, creating deep troughs between their dens and favorite feeding areas. 

And just like folks shoveling their walkways with each new snowfall, porcupines inadvertently “plow” their trails after each storm as they move between den and foraging areas.

Think about it, though. Like shoveling, plowing through snow takes effort, and for an animal trying to survive the winter, it also uses up valuable energy reserves. In turn, that can really reduce its chances of survival. 

Researchers in Quebec found that in years with deep snow—like, truly deep snow—porcupine survival declined, primarily due to increases in predation and starvation. It's no surprise that both of these unfortunate issues resulted from the porcupine’s inability to move around. 

Essentially, porcupines face a balancing act in which they must decide whether it's better to forage in a very small area—risking starvation due to limited food availability—or travel through the snow in order to gain access to additional food sources while knowing predators are always nearby.

Although porcupines will frequent a variety of plant species in winter, hemlock appears to be an important one—some might even say it's critical. 

"Several studies have shown that porcupines focus their winter feeding on hemlock far more than would be expected," says Steven D. Faccio, a conservation biologist at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies, in the article on Northern Woodlands. 

"Porcupines initially browse on the tops of the trees, eating the young needles and tender bark, before moving to lower branches. It’s very common to find “nip twigs” (small branches cut at a 45-degree angle) scattered on the ground in hemlock stands." 

In addition to providing an important food source, hemlocks also help to reduce the amount of snow that reaches the forest floor, which actually makes it easier for short-legged porcupines to waddle their way through winter.

I guess the point is, not all porcupines are fortunate enough to have friends supporting them through winter like Alfred, but hey, he's just a lucky little guy. 

Either way, the sound of him chomping on that apple satisfies my soul in the strangest way. I can only hope he braves this harsh winter and enjoys some leafy greens once the sun starts shining again. 

Pup cups are basically the ultimate treat for our furry friends. The sheer thought of them seems to send our dogs into another dimension, which is exactly the case with this adorable little Chihuahua. 

As the video begins, he can already barely contain himself. It's like he somehow knows what's about to happen. He's literally shivering with excitement as they're waiting in the drive-thru, crying in eager anticipation as he patiently sits in his little car seat. And the excitement only builds as his mom pulls up to the window. It's almost time... it's almost time!

Happy Tuesday friends! 🫶🏻☕️✨ #fyp #foryou #dog #dogsoftiktok #dogs #dogmom #pupcup #dunkin #doglover #chihuahua #chihuahuastiktok #chihuahuasoftiktok #puppy #cute #smalldog #pet #pets #goodboy #coffee #ambrose

Not even a second later, this pup has his entire face inside that cup and it's absolutely hilarious. It's as if nothing else in the entire world matters as he devours that delicious sweet cup of heaven. In his defense, I can't even imagine how good the inside of a Dunkin' Donuts must smell to dogs—their puppy senses have to be tingling! Regardless, that pup cup never stood a chance. 

Related: Chihuahua Howling Like a Wolf for Attention Is Way Too Cute

This little pup is pretty precious, though. The way his little paws hang over the edge of the car seat is killing me. And I swear he's trying his best to be a calm, good boy... but what can you do in a situation like this? This has to be the highlight of his day. I'd be going crazy, too! 

While there are a number of dog-friendly treats on fast-food menus these days, it's hard to argue that the most iconic remains the “pup cup.” 

Every restaurant who offers a version of the pup cup puts their own spin on this highly admired doggy delicacy, but one thing remains the same across the board: dogs go absolutely crazy for them!

The good news is, if and when you want to treat four-legged friend with a little something extra, there’s no shortage of pup cup options these days. 

As many loving dog parents know, pup cups are the best part of any coffee shop trip or drive-through order. But let’s start with the basics: What’s in a pup cup? And what is a pup cup, anyway?

Although “recipes” vary by establishment, a pup cup is usually just a small cup of whipped cream (or sometimes soft-serve vanilla ice cream). 

While some restaurants actually include the treats on dog-friendly menus, pup cups are more often informal, complimentary items. You usually just have to ask! 

However, the most famous of these treats is perhaps the Starbucks Puppuccino, a not-so-secret “secret menu” item beloved by dogs across the country. 

Although Starbucks doesn’t claim to have invented the popular treat, it did recently apply to trademark the term "Puppuccino." Is this a hint at expanded offerings for puppy patrons? Only time will tell. But yeah, probably.

But keep in mind, like any treat, pup cups are a “sometimes” food, told Dr. Lauren Jones, a veterinarian based in the Philadelphia area.

“When it comes to giving our canine friends special treats, moderation is always the name of the game,” she tells Great Pet Care. “The general rule of thumb is that treats should compose 10 percent or less of a dog’s overall calorie consumption.”

Unfortunately, pup cups simply aren’t for every pup, either. “If your dog experiences any negative effects after offering a pup cup, don’t offer them one again in the future,” advises Dr. Jones. 

Like any "special treats" we humans love to enjoy, it's important to moderate consumption. It should be a very rare, special treat. Maybe a birthday present or a reward for going to the always-terrifying groomers? Stuff like that.  

Whatever the case, I guarantee your dog acts the same exact way as this cute little Chihuahua. Mine certainly does. And you know what? Seeing that excitement in their eyes never gets old. Pup cups all around!

When most people think about typical pets, we're thinking dogs and cats, maybe the occasional guinea pig — not animals who are more often found on a farm. But if you're prepared to handle the cost and care that's involved in being a pet parent to some of the more unique animals out there, it can be a really rewarding and fun thing to do. Many a duck has found a happy home in a residential area or a family farm, and I'm willing to bet that most of them are living a much better life than their wild counterparts... especially the duck in this viral video.

Though I have a feeling that this may not be allowed at every Arby's location in the United States, at the one featured in this video, a duck was able to come in with his dad, and not only was the duck having a good time, but so were the workers who were lucky enough to be there to witness this mome for themselves.

I took my duck to Arbys #feelgood #food #arbys #fastfood #goodvibes

The video was shared by @seducktiv on TikTok on Sunday, February 4, showing how Wrinkle the duck's trip to an Arby's fast food restaurant went. And from what we can see here, it seems it went pretty well! 

Not only did Wrinkle get to stroll on in while riding in an actual stroller, but she joined her dad as he walked up to the counter to order his food... and then to sit down and eat. She seemed perfectly happy drinking some water out of an Arby's cup and sitting at a table, eating a snack. 

The best part was seeing the smiles on the workers' faces who got to meet an actual duck. This must have brightened their day! 

What we really loved was how at the end, Wrinkle's dad completely cleaned up the table and the floor where they'd been sitting. How considerate! 

Thanks to TikTok, Wrinkle is pretty well known — she does have a whopping 4.2 million followers! 

But she's not just known for being a social media queen. She's also run the New York City Marathon on multiple occasions, which you can see in this vlog on her YouTube channel. Talk about a talented duck! 

According to the Star Tribune, Wrinkle is a Pekin duck and has been raised by dad Justin Wood, a circus juggler, since she was an egg. 

"She's like a tiny little person who just happens to be in a duck body — like a princess that had an evil, jealous witch that turned her into a duck," the proud duck dad gushed. 

She's definitely getting all the attention she deserves now! 

I've been to Disney World dozens of times, so I feel very qualified saying that you can do everything there — including but not limited to witnessing some incredible animals up close and personal. At Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park, not only can you view animals from different points all over the park, but you can also walk down dedicated animal trails, as well as ride Kilimanjaro Safaris, which will take you on a Jeep-style adventure through the wild as a knowledgeable guide points out lions, zebras, giraffes, and more. 

And since Animal Kingdom is home to the animals who inhabit the theme park, they end up getting nice and comfy on the property, forming bonds with the other animals and yes, births do happen. And thanks to the circle of life, a new baby okapi has just arrived at the park and he's seriously too cute.

Meet the newest Disney baby Okapi, Elijah 😍 #Disney #DisneyParks #DisneyWorld #AnimalKingdom #Okapi #BabyOkapi #Baby #Animal

On Monday, February 5, the official @disneyparks TikTok account shared a video introducing their newest baby and resident of Animal Kingdom to the world: an okapi named Elijah.

In case you're not familiar with this rather exotic animal, an okapi is a mammal who is related to the giraffe (and also happens to be an endangered animal). They're pretty beautiful creatures, and their babies are even cuter, as you can easily see here. 

Looks like he's been busy eating leaves, exploring, and hanging out with his mama. 

Elijah's name holds special significance. It comes from a Cast Member who has been working at Disney for 50 years — what a way to honor such a legendary career!

According to the Disney Parks Blog, Elijah (the human) began his journey at Magic Kingdom in 1973, just two years after the parks opened to the public. He began working in the horticulture department at Animal Kingdom when it opened in 1998, where he's been ever since.

This is the first baby okapi born at Animal Kingdom since 2012 (though 14 okapis have been born at the park overall). If you want to see him, check out the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, where he has recently joined his mom now that he's grown a bit since his birth in October.

From what we've seen so far, Elijah seems to be fitting right in at his new home. Anyone else tempted to plan a trip to Disney World to go see him for yourself? 

Ever dream of leaving everything behind to own your own farm, which you can populate with as many animals as you choose? You're not alone! Being surrounded by adorable chickens, pigs, and cows sounds like a dream come true... but it also comes with a lot of work. These animals require plenty of care, and the list is long — it's no wonder that keeping a farm running is so hard! But some of these tasks are a little fun, like hanging out with the animals. 

Brushing the cows on our pretend farm can be added to that "fun" list, too... at least, after seeing this TikTok video, it can. It seems that one mini cow was treated to a bit of a spa day where her human made sure all that gorgeous hair was properly cared for. This is a more involved beauty routine than most of us people are doing for our own hair! 

Millie loves her hair care 🫧🎀 #cow #hair #care #routine

In a video shared recently by @thehuskyfam, we get to see this beautiful cow, Millie, as she goes through her haircare routine, which actually consists of multiple steps.

First, there's the brushing, which includes a bamboo brush massage (sounds nice!). Next, her hair is sprayed that her mom makes fresh, right then and there a rosemary coconut mist — rosemary is known for promoting hair growth — that her mom makes fresh, right then and there. Then, there's another round of brushing, which is followed up with coconut oil on Millie's scalp, jojoba oil on the ends, and a warm towel wrap so that the oils can stay in and do their thing overnight.

By the end, Millie looks more like a pampered princess than an actual farm animal, but honestly, can't she be both?

Is it just me, or is anyone else feeling inspired to adopt a mini cow (or 12) after watching this video? Before you pull the trigger, though, you'll probably want to learn a bit about the care that's involved in keeping these animals happy and healthy.

According to one veterinary clinic, that will mean creating a three-sided shelter to help protect them from rain, wind, and snow, along with a sturdy fence around the area they'll be spending their time. They will also need regular vet care, which can add up, and plenty of hay to chomp on! It's also a good idea to adopt at least two, because they do get lonely.

There are benefits to keeping these cows, too. Not only are you getting an adorable new friend, but milk cows will be able to produce milk, too (not to mention keep your grass at an acceptable length). 

And if they're anything like Millie, you can probably practice your hair styling on them, too...

People are finding new ways to make their wedding a memorable one. Not only for themselves but their guests too.

On February 4, 2024, TikTok user Megan (@meg_alys) shared a video of a unique wedding guest. Take a look!

Yes there was a penguin meet and greet post ceremony 🐧 #ringbearer #weddingsurprise

In the eight-second clip, we see the funny and unique switch one couple made to make their wedding the talk of the town.

Related: Dog's Grand Entrance at Parents' Wedding Ceremony Totally Steals the Show

"POV your friends have a surprise ring penguin attend their wedding," the text on the screen reads.

And they weren't kidding, which we see confirmed in the video. At the wedding, guests sit down in the chairs as the ceremony, comes to a close, and it's the ring bearer is walking back down the aisle to leave the room.

Now, traditionally, this task is reserved for the kids who are attending the wedding or someone else special to the couple. We've seen dogs act as the ring bearer and even birds of prey who fly the rings up the aisle -- but this is a new one.

"Yes, there was a penguin meet and greet post-ceremony," Megan wrote in the video's caption to confirm that the penguin did stick around after the ceremony.

People in the comments were giggling at this really adorable and totally unique member of their wedding party.

"We got married here!" one viewer shared. "Might get divorced so we can do it again with a penguin."

"I would have done ANYTHING to have a penguin at my wedding," admitted another.

"Bro a lil confused, but he got the spirit," someone else noticed.

"I did not know this was an option," someone else confessed.

View the original article to see embedded media.

According to the TikTok user who uploaded the video, the wedding took place at The Mill Barns Wedding Venue in Shropshire, UK, and the couple who got married also had reindeer at their event.

View the original article to see embedded media.

So, between this viral video, the one that had llamas, and the one we saw a few weeks ago with the birds of prey, we have to wonder if having unusual animals at your wedding can be considered a new trend now.

Unfortunately, the bride and groom who had the penguins at their wedding didn't share how exactly they were able to bring penguins and reindeer, but it's clear to see it as a hit with the couple, the guests, and all of us who are looking at the photos now.  

They're not the first couple to have penguins as guests. In 2017, the Daily Mail shared a story of a couple who had two Humboldt penguins as guests at their wedding. For them, they borrowed the cute creatures from a friend's private zoo. 

We're going to call this a new trend, and it will probably just get more fun from here.

It's probably safe to say that all baby animals are cute in their own way, but which species has the cutest babies? That's probably an impossible decision, but I would like to submit baby sloths for consideration. Adult sloths are cute enough, but when they're tiny and latching onto their mamas or even the branches of a tree, it really takes that adorable factor right over the top. In fact, the only thing cuter than one baby sloth is two baby sloths. 

If you feel the same way that I do about this subject, you're going to love this video. Recently, an animal rescue center shared what happened when two baby sloths got to meet face to face, and the moment can only be described as a true "love at first sight" situation.

It was love at first sight fir these 2 🥹❤️ #babysloth #slothlove #2fingersloth #cutesloth #slothcontent #sloths #foryou #fyp #foryoupage #parati #rescueanimals #notapet #jaguarrescuecenter

The video was shared on TikTok by Jaguar Rescue Center, an animal sanctuary in Costa Rica. These baby sloths got to meet each other when they came to the center, and immediately started exchanging smooches — it's like they knew each other already! 

And as if that's not enough, the center has already shared more videos of the babies, one of whom is named Maggie. It seems like they work with sloths pretty frequently; not too long ago, they were able to reunite a mama and baby sloth who were separated in the wild. 

The organization primarily focuses on sloths and monkeys in their mission to rescue and release as many wild animals in need as they can so that they can go back to living in their natural habitats after they've been rehabilitated. 

Baby sloths aren't just cute — they're also pretty fascinating creatures.

In a piece published by the Smithsonian, Jaguar Rescue Center conservationist Encar García said that they rescue a sloth "almost every day." 

As babies, sloths are just about 10 ounces at birth, and workers at the center will feed them goat's milk every three hours (day and night) until they reach about 11 months old, when they are able to start a leaf diet and when they're prepared to go out in the world alone, they'll be released. 

It has to be really hard to say goodbye to a face like that... but maybe these sloths have found a friend they'll take with them even when they're back in the wild again. 

Los Angeles recorded over four inches of rain in the past 24 hours or so, marking the city’s wettest day since all the way back in December 2004. And as a result, things all over Southern California have been quickly spiraling out of control. 

As we learn in this eye-opening video shared by ABC, Los Angeles firefighters recently rescued a man who got caught in a current of wild, raging waters while trying to save his dog. This could've been absolutely devastating for a variety of reasons, but you just really have to see the footage yourself:

Los Angeles firefighters rescued a man who got caught in fast-moving water while trying to save his dog on Monday afternoon. By the time first responders arrived, officials say the dog had managed to swim to safety, but the man had to be hoisted out of the water by helicopter. Ten inches of rain fell in some areas of Southern California. Many spots saw more than a month’s worth of rain over the last 24 hours. Los Angeles recorded over 4 inches of rain in 24 hours, marking the city’s wettest day since December 2004. #news #weather #losangeles #atmosphericriver #firefighters #rescue

By the time first responders arrived, officials said the dog had managed to swim to safety, but as we see, the man had to be hoisted out of the water by helicopter. Both the man and dog were taken in for minor injuries, but are otherwise okay. Still, this is something most folks in the area would never expect to see—myself included. 

Related: Coast Guard Searching for Dog's Family After Rescuing Her From Icy Lake Michigan Waters

All the recent rainfall in Southern California has really been devastating. For one, none of use are used to this much rain. So naturally, our cities and neighborhoods weren't really designed with flooding and excess water in mind. It's as if it truly has nowhere to go, and when it does, it's the least convenient sections of town. 

Many areas saw more than a month’s worth of rain over the last 24 hours, and that number continues to grow, leaving a terrifying amount of folks (and their fur babies) in a state of fear and worry. 

While much of the heaviest rain hit California throughout yesterday (February 5), a storm system will continue to linger, posing a risk of even more flooding for southern parts of the state.

"The San Diego region was under a flood watch through tonight due to excessive rainfall," the National Weather Service said, "and residents in mountain areas were also warned about rockslides and rocks on the roads."

Farther north, the weather service issued a flash flood warning for Los Angeles, specifically Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. 

As most know, consistent (and at times heavy) rainfall had already caused flooding and dozens of mudslides in the greater L.A. area the day before, and it's unfortunately not over yet.

It’s also been reported that at least three people have died as a result of falling trees during the storm, with many others being injured and left without transportation and shelter. 

Again, it's just absolutely devastating. 

I'm personally seeing a lot of this happen in real time myself, as I'm just north of the major flooding taking place in San Diego. But that's not to say we aren't experiencing our fair share here in North County. 

From freeway closures to flooded homes and businesses, costly leaks and the feeling of truly being trapped, it's a harsh reminder that Mother Nature does not play favorites. 

It's estimated that around 29 million people remain under flood alerts from California to Arizona. And even though it appears that the worst of it is over here in Southern California, the amount of rebuilding needed is going to create a long road ahead. 

Anyways, I'm thrilled this man was rescued by those heroic firefighters. They certainly have their hands full right now. And of course, I'm extremely relieved to hear the dog was okay. Hey, we all would've done the same thing. I admire this man's bravery. More importantly, I hope everyone stays safe out there! The worst is almost over (I hope). 

A non-profit project dedicated to ending animal testing and fighting recently rescued a pup who is now making people cry on social media.

On February 5, the Beagle Freedom Project (@beaglefreedom) posted a moving video, and it's a must-watch. Take a look!

This may look like an ordinary video of two beagles playing, but it is much more than that. Amy had never played before until this very moment, as she spent her life confined to a small cage. Her foster mom captured this incredible moment on video to share with you! #dog #dogs #doggo #beagle #beagles #beaglelife #beaglelove #beaglesoftiktok #playtime #cute #wholesome #dogrescue #rescuedog #dogrescuer #fyp #foryou #viral

In a quick 13-second video posted to the project's official TikTok account, we meet two Beagles who are playing together.

Related: Arizona Dog Rescued From Car Engine Given the Most Appropriate Name

In the video, we can see the two Beagles, one who is two shades of brown and white while the other is white, brown, and black. They're in a living room on a gray couch and having fun playing around with each other.

We watch them play fight, run around, and have lots of fun while their tails are wagging. This video clip alone is enough to make people smile, but more is happening here.

"Watch Amy (the Beagle with black on her coat) play for the first time after being freed from the lab," the text on the video reads.

"Her foster mom captured this magical moment," which is the two dogs having the best time playing together and lovin each moment.

"This may look like an ordinary video of two Beagles playing, but it is much more than that," the Beagle Freedom Project wrote in the video's caption.

Adding, "Amy had never played before until this very moment, as she spent her life confined to a small cage. Her foster mom captured this incredible moment on video to share with you!"

Understandably, people were touched and took to the comment section to share their feelings.

"This is so awesome. I have a beagle, and I love them and hate that they’re still doing lab tests with them," one viewer shared.

"This warmed my soul," someone else added.

"I can't love this enough," admitted another. 

According to The Washington Post, Beagles are a choice breed for companies that test their products on dogs. 

"Humans and dogs, as any pet owner will tell you, are extremely alike. Many of our basic biological systems are similar: Dogs get cancers like ours and respond to some pharmaceuticals like we do," the publication reports. 

Adding,"Beagles, a medium-sized and friendly breed, are easy to work with and cheap to feed, making them useful laboratory animals."

Given the breed's history, it's likely helpful for potential dog parents to read up on how to help a rescue Beagle acclimate to a new, safe home after being rescued from a lab. The Humane Society of the United States explains there are a few things potential pet parents can do to help their new rescue dog feel welcome in their new homes. 

"For the first few weeks, you’ll want to make sure you establish a routine with your dog so they know what to expect and grow to trust you, but don’t rush your new dog into unfamiliar situations," the agency explained. 

They continued, "It can be tempting to take them to a busy park or dog park or to bring them to the pet supply store to pick out toys, but most dogs will be overwhelmed simply by the transition to your home."

We're so happy for Amy!

Harmless pranks will absolutely never not be funny. Whether you're giving a baby a lemon wedge or tricking your pup into fetching something you never even threw, it's bound to land well with the masses. 

On Thursday, February 1st, one dog dad took this to a new level. He decided to give his newest litter of Goldendoodles a bin full of sparkling water to try, and the results definitely did not disappoint:

Puppies taste sparkling water for the first time! Volume 🆙 #puppies #goldendoodlepuppy #cutedog

Brodie The Goldendoodle's new housemates don't like sparkling water at all, and to be honest, I get it. Sparkling water is spicy.

Related: Golden Doodle’s Use of 'Self Bouncing Ball' Is Comedy at Its Best

The pups in this video are all living with Brodie, a famous Goldendoodle who got famous because he's adorable, likes to wear glasses, has a better car than I do, and pulls off epic stunts. Though none of them are quite the stars that Brodie is (yet, anyway), they're going viral for being sparkling water haters. This is exactly how to get famous!

Dogs are used to plain, non-carbonated water. That's all most dogs ever drink in their lives - they may never even encounter carbonation, and as a result, they don't know how to react when it touches their tongue, hence the head shaking and adorable noises. 

Dogs can safely drink a little bit of unflavored, unsweetened sparkling water. Odds are, they're going to dislike it enough that they won't go in for an extra sip anyway, but if they do, it won't hurt. More than a couple of sips could cause gas or bloating, though, which we do not want. If you're going to try this out, having a bowl of plain water available as well will help them balance out that crazy, spicy sensation.

I have to be honest, I know I'd get so bored just drinking plain water all day every day, so sometimes, I worry that my dogs do, too. Realistically, they don't - you can't miss what you've never had, but it makes me feel better to give them something fun every once in a while. 

If you want to spice up your dog's drink (without making it sparkling-spicy), you could try:

1. Adding ice cubes or berries to plain water.
2. Giving them a little bit of unsalted bone broth in their bowl to lap up.
3. Making a dog safe "smoothie" and spreading it out on a lick mat.
1. About 1 cup bone broth, a couple of strawberries, a few frozen blueberries, and a little bit of spinach is always a hit with my pups!

On a hot day, though, the absolute best thing for your dogs is cool, plain water. There's really nothing better!

Have you ever been caught off guard by a noise that scared you but probably shouldn't have?

On February 4, 2024, TikTok user Ella and Budweiser (@ellamarquiseq) shared a video of an adorable horse who accidentally scared themself. Take a look!

Horses🤦🏼‍♀️😂 #equestrian #funny #horse #cute #equine #horsesoftiktok #fyp

In the quick 24-second video, we meet a gorgeous horse who had an interesting turn of events after eating a snack.

Related: Horse Acts Like an 'Oversized Dog' and Couldn't Be More Endearing

In the clip, the horse is in his stable when his mom walks up to offer him a snack--a carrot. Mom offers the horse a carrot, which he gladly takes.

He seems as happy as possible while snacking on the carrot when, out of nowhere, a loud sound and a jumpscare are let out.

"POV-your horse scares himself eating a carrot," the text on the video reads. And that's what it sounds like happened.

The horse first hesitates to eat the carrot, so his mom encourages him to eat it.

And he obliged, took a quick swift bit down on the carrot, which we can hear with an audible crunch. And that crunch startled the horse and scared him, which we can see when he slightly jumped back after we heard the carrot crunch.

"He looks so concerned," one person wrote in the comments.

"He probably bit his tongue," added someone else.

"When the pointy part of the Dorito stabs the roof of your mouth," someone else added.

"Horses are so funny," someone else shared. 

According to Kentucky Equine Research, horses are happier when they're eating small amounts of food on a longer, continuous basis, which means lots of the right snacks.

The experts say that good horse treats are fruits and many vegetables, with apples and carrots being the favorite.

"You can safely offer your horse raisins, grapes, bananas, strawberries, cantaloupe or other melons, celery, pumpkin, and snow peas," the site explains. "Remember to cut treats into smaller pieces before feeding."

There are a few sugary treats horses can have in minimal moderation, too. "A few sugar cubes or peppermint candies (one or two) are okay, as are many commercially available horse treats sold in equine catalogs," the Kentucky Equine Research says. 

There are some foods you should avoid feeding to your horse, the site warns, too. Vegetables like Brussels sprouts, onions, potatoes, cabbage, and tomatoes can upset your horse's GI. And when talking about a snack, they mean just a few small bites fo food.

"One or two pieces of any treat will be enough," they suggest. "Horses are programmed to eat small amounts of food on a continuous basis, so your horse will ALWAYS want another treat, but for his well-being, learn to say no."

Hopefully, next time this sweet horse goes for a carrot, he'll be less jumpy.