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Gorillas have a reputation that’s kind of been split in two. On one hand, you’ll find people saying they’re incredibly intelligent and gentle, while others tell you they’ll beat you up with no remorse. The scariest part is that both of those things are completely true.

Gorillas who are gentle with humans (or other animals) are actively choosing to be gentle with them. It’s really special, especially when it happens with something as adorable and tiny as a squirrel, which is exactly what happened in this video:

These two shared a cute moment 🥹 Video provided by @Cincinnati Zoo #fyp #animals #zooanimals #gorilla #cincinnati

This video was posted by the Cincinnati Enquirer, though it happened at the Cincinnati Zoo. It’s nice to see happy gorillas there! The Cincinnati Zoo actually has two “troops” of western lowland gorillas: a family troop and a “bachelor” troop. The latter is an all-male troop; no girls allowed!

It’s not clear which gorilla made friends with a squirrel, but one of them did! The squirrel wandered into the enclosure without a care in the world, and my favorite part is that the gorilla was completely fascinated! It seems like hurting the squirrel never crossed their mind.

Related: Silverback Gorilla ‘Girl Squad’ Shows the New Male Who’s Boss — and He Gets the Message

The Cincinnati Zoo is home to several famous animals, from Harambe the gorilla (may he rest in peace) to Fiona the hippo, who was also recently posted by the Cincinnati Enquirer looking super lost in thought:

What do you think she was thinking about? 😆 ⠀ Video provided by the Cincinnati Zoo ⠀ #fyp #cincinnatizoo #hippos #zooanimals #cincinnati

I need to know what she was thinking about. I love Fiona: I have a Fiona stuffed animal from the zoo on my bed! I bet she was thinking, “If a gorilla can be gentle with a squirrel, you can be gentle with a squirrel at your bird feeder!”

I am sick of gorillas getting such a bad rap. It started with King Kong, I think, which definitely made me scared of gorillas for a long time. Memes, fake stories, and scary pictures have only made it worse! In reality, these are very intelligent, endangered creatures who deserve as much grace as anyone else.

Richard McManus / Getty Images

Gorillas are wild animals. Although they typically won’t attack a human unprovoked, even in the wild, they’re unpredictable and should be avoided at all costs. However, in many cases, gorillas are observed being:

• Kind to others.
• Playful.
• Curious.

Gorillas do not like to feel threatened, and they don’t like when their loved ones are threatened, either. If you leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone — unless you’re a squirrel — then, apparently, you’re going try to make best friends.

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Sometimes simple elegance is exactly what you need in home decor for your backyard. And if it helps your wild bird visitors, then that’s even better! The Home Depot has a bird bath on sale that’s both elegant and functional, and it’s available for a very low price.

The Patio Premier Brushed Bronze Birdbath with Planter is just $17 at The Home Depot. That’s inexpensive enough that you might even consider getting two!

The bird bath is made of a lightweight but durable poly resin, with an antique bronze, earth-tone finish. It has a hollow pole center that you can fill with sand for added weight and stability, along with three ground stakes to help anchor the base. And it comes with an ornate base with Fleur-de-lis accents for an extra flair of elegance in your yard.

You’ll also love that it has a planter near the base that you can fill with your favorite flowers, giving the bird bath a personal touch that’s all yours.

Courtesy of The Home Depot

This bird bath stands 27.5 inches tall, and it’s 19.75 inches wide.

So far, this bird bath has 4.6 out of 5 stars overall from happy reviewers writing on The Home Depot’s website. They’re also sharing photos, and the bird bath looks absolutely beautiful in all their yards.

Check out some of the reviews they’re writing:

• “This birdbath and planter are super cute and extremely lightweight and easy to put together.”
• “This birdbath planter combo looks great in my English style garden with rock wall feature. The bronze colored finish looks elegant and tasteful, while the plastic construction makes the birdbath lightweight and easy to place and move around the garden.”
• “Really looks like bronze and no one would be the wiser unless they actually felt the material.”

The Home Depot offers free shipping options on this bird bath, including ship-to-store where available. The Home Depot also offers free and easy returns in store or online within 90 days of purchase.

Related: Home Depot’s Sherpa Bed Keeps Dogs Toasty Warm on Chilly Nights

Mustard the golden retriever had one problem: his new baby sister was on the other side of a gate, and he desperately wanted to meet her.

He started whining and wagging his tail while looking at his mother and giving her the classic puppy eyes. He planted his chin on the couch and pressed his nose to the makeshift baby gate, demanding to be allowed on the other side.

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Soon, his mother beckoned him and opened the gate to let him through. Mustard immediately went straight to Makenzie, gave her kisses and remained by her side.

This golden retriever would not take no for an answer. He wanted to be close to his new baby sister. The moment his mom opened the door, he bolted through, headed straight to her, and began showering her with gentle love.

His tail wags at full speed and pure excitement. Meanwhile, Makenzie smiles, as if she knows.

Viewers immediately noticed the quickly forming bond between the pup and the baby. “As long as he’s alive, she’ll never be lonely a day in her life,” wrote one person in the comments. Another added, “That dog will protect that baby no matter what.”

Related: Security Camera Catches Golden Retriever’s Response to an Intruder—and No One Saw It Coming

Mustard’s is a familiar sight to many golden retriever parents. He’s doing what his breed has done for generations, staying close to the smallest, most vulnerable member of the pack and refusing to leave. Goldens consistently rank among the gentlest and most patient breeds with children.

Developed in the 19th century for retrieving waterfowl, the breed has a “soft mouth” and can carry objects without damaging them. The same gentleness carries over to their interaction with babies and small children.

For a family dog, a new baby can drastically change their routine, with new sounds, smells, furniture and less predictable attention.

Mustard doesn’t seem concerned, though. It’s almost as if he firmly believes he and his newborn sister will be best friends for life. The bond that starts early in a child’s life usually lasts a lifetime, and Mustard and Makenzie already have a friendship that will define early memories.

For now, he just needs someone to open the gate so he can be with the girl of his dreams.

Related: Toddler’s Sweet Reaction to Golden Retriever Having No Food Is Pure Joy

Stevie cannot see your face. He has never seen a sunset, a treat bag, or his own reflection in a puddle. He was born blind. But if you watch his videos for more than five seconds, you will notice something that hits harder than any of that: this dog is radiantly, unmistakably happy.

His latest request? Just to be seen. He didn’t ask for money, a sponsorship or anything complicated. He hoped that his last video would reach people and they would stop for a moment and interact with it.

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His owner posted on social media, saying, “I don’t know why but it feels like the algorithm has turned its eye away from us and we don’t really know why. We’re going to keep being us, authentic and spreading the love.” It was a small request, but people listened.

Stevie is a white-and-gray bully mix who has been blind since birth. His mom, a former veterinary ER technician with ten years of experience, runs his social media account, and the vibe is the opposite of everything you would expect from a pet account chasing followers.

In one post, she explains, “We aren’t ‘influencers.’ Just a girl, her dog, and trying to share some joy through his smile and antics.” It resonated with people who decided that was reason enough to make Stevie more popular.

Related: Blind CEO Is Raising His Guide Dog Differently With Manhattan as Their Training Ground

The response was exactly what you’d hope for.

“You are famous in your hooman’s eyes, believe me,” one person wrote. Another shared, “Stevie you just happened to pop up on my feed, so I stopped to give you some hugs and kisses and a follow.”

Many flooded the post with hearts, follows and the kind of genuine warmth that reminds you why pet communities exist in the first place. People were not engaging because they felt sorry for a blind dog. They were engaging because Stevie’s energy is magnetic, and his owner’s honesty earned their attention the old-fashioned way.

Stevie was born blind, but his social media profile does not introduce him as a dog defined by what he cannot do.

His bio reads, “I’m just a good boi who happens to be blind!” That difference matters. He’s living proof that a disability does not mean a diminished life. Spend a few minutes on his social handle, and you will be smitten by his energy. He runs, plays and charms everyone he meets. The only thing he cannot do is see how many people are rooting for him.

Related: Blind and Deaf Dog Surrendered by the Only Family She’s Ever Known Because They ‘Couldn’t Handle Her’

A Dachshund has many talents, but convincing everyone he is a tiny sheep probably certainly isn’t one of them

Yet, here he is, standing in a fluffy white sheep costume with the most unmistakably Dachshund expression imaginable. The long nose is still there; so are those little legs. The costume just adds a woolly hood, floppy ears and a very serious-looking sheep face on top.

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It is basically a “hound in sheep’s clothing” brought to life. In a Reddit post to r/Dachshund that has pet lovers reaching for their wallets, one owner shared his tiny sausage dog who looks like he wandered off a farm and straight into a meme—and the result is hilarious.

What makes the post so perfect is the dog’s expression—he’s not amused. His dark, round eyes peer out from under the sheet hood with the patience of a dog who’s accepted his fate but wants to show he didn’t volunteer for it.

One commenter wrote, “Don’t they all give us this look when they try on a costume?” It’s something that resonates with many pet parents. Dogs tolerate costumes the way we tolerate family photos. They do it because they love us!

Another person wrote, “Oh my, I need a sheep costume, this is too cute!” Another added, “I can’t believe they let you do that!”

Related: Target’s $15 Highland Cow Pet Costume Turns Dogs and Cats Into the Fluffiest Little Farm Animals

The breed’s unusual proportions can turn any costume into comedy. Imagine a Dachshund dressed as a hot dog. It’s a classic for a reason.

A sheep costume takes the joke one step further. The shape almost works. A fluffy white coat over the dog’s elongated frame makes him look like the most suspicious livestock.

The dog’s face also makes the disguise rather difficult to take seriously. His dark eyes, long muzzle and characteristic expression remain completely visible beneath the hood.

He looks like a sheep caught halfway through a very strange transformation. But here is the fun part.

Anyone who’s ever dressed a dog for Halloween knows there is a moment when you realize the costume will be much funnier than your dog thinks. This dog does not need to fool anyone. He just stands there, looks ridiculous, and lets the Internet do the rest.

Related: Family Tries to Get Their Alaskan Malamute Into the Halloween Spirit and It Goes Hilariously Sideways

Dogs who end up in shelters are often anxious due to the chaotic environment and confused as to why their lives have completely changed. Many canines are traumatized by the major life shift and withdraw out of fear and deep despair.

Crème the Pit Bull was recently brought to the Humane Society of Broward County after her parent suffered from a major health issue, and she is literally crying from heartbreak.

Her heart is broken 💔 For five years, sweet Crème had a family, a home, and a person she loved. Then sadly her owner suffered a heart attack and could no longer care for her 😔 Now this gentle giant finds herself alone in a shelter kennel, crying for the family she lost 🥺 Crème is truly a sweetheart. She loves adults and children, gets along with other dogs, and even does well with cats. She once lived happily with another dog and a cat, and when stray kittens visited her yard, Creme tried to lovingly lick and mother them ❤️ Even though she just arrived at our shelter, our staff and volunteers already adore Crème. This well-mannered girl knows her basic commands, loves chew bones more than toys, enjoys car rides, and most of all, loves being with people ❤️ Thunder and loud noises frighten her, so she’ll need someone who will reassure her that she is safe ❤️‍🩹 Crème has already lost the only life she’s ever known. Please don’t let the shelter become the rest of her story. This sweet girl deserves to be someone’s beloved family member again 🙏 If you cannot adopt, please share for her 🥺 To meet a pet, please complete the pre-adoption application online (link in bio) and stop by the Humane Society of Broward County at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. We are open daily at 11 a.m. If you have any questions, call 954-989-3977.

The TikTok from @humanebroward told Crème’s story and how she is mourning her former family.

“Her heart is broken,” the caption shared as Crème lay in her kennel, whimpering. “For five years, sweet Crème had a family, a home, and a person she loved. Then sadly her [parent] suffered a heart attack and could no longer care for her. Now this gentle giant finds herself alone in a shelter kennel, crying for the family she lost.”

The pretty Pittie has a true heart of gold and is already longing for a safe and loving home to call her own. Crème is kind to everyone she meets and shows compassion to others.

“Crème is truly a sweetheart,” the story continued. “She loves adults and children, gets along with other dogs, and even does well with cats. She once lived happily with another dog and a cat, and when stray kittens visited her yard, Crème tried to lovingly lick and mother them.”

Shelter staff members and volunteers are completely smitten with Crème. The canine cutie has excellent manners and knows basic commands. Crème loves car rides, chewing on bones, and most of all, being with people.

The sweet Pit Bull needs someone to open their heart and give her the true forever home she deserves. Followers are encouraged to share the post to spread the word on this gem of a fur baby and help find her a family as soon as possible.

Related: Shelter’s ‘Longest Resident’ Gets Treated to ‘Best Day Ever’ — Wait ‘Til You See Who She Meets

“Crème has already lost the only life she’s ever known,” the caption noted. “Please don’t let the shelter become the rest of her story. This sweet girl deserves to be someone’s beloved family member again.”

For more information and an online application for Crème, visit the Humane Society of Broward County website or call 954-989-3977.

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It’s hard to believe that kittens and puppies, and human babies, for that matter, start so small at the beginning of their lives before they grow and grow and grow.

Case in point: this adorable gray kitten named Coco, who is so tiny and young she doesn’t even know she exists!

This brings up the questions, of course: When does the kitten development stage begin, and when do they start to notice their surroundings?

Clearly, in this video, and as many viewers pointed out, this kitten doesn’t even understand what’s happening, including what she is.

throwback to when Coco had 0 thoughts 😭🥹 #catsoftiktok #kitten #fyp #cute #catlove

Many commenters noted that Coco is basically just a piece of “sentient pocket lint” at this point in her kitten development.

Other commenters recalled when their cats were in the pocket lint kitten development stage.

And some got a bit more philosophical about Coco:

“She just IS!!! And I love that for her.”

“She thinks, and she do.”

Related: Tiny Sphynx Kitten Looks Like a Micro Pocket Alien

We don’t know the exact age of Coco in the video above, but from research on kitten development stages, she’s probably about 3 weeks old.

This is a very important kittenhood stage, because around 2 to 3 weeks of age, their eyes start to open, and they start to take in their surroundings.

However, their vision is still blurry, which is why Coco may look a bit confused.

Her ears are also starting to open, and her hearing is developing.

And though she doesn’t look it, kittens at this age are becoming more mobile.

They’re getting better at walking, but it’s still a bit challenging for them.

They can also go to the bathroom by themselves (though some kittens may require a little assistance).

Though she was such a tiny little speck of a kitten in this video, this was actually a memory video posted by her mom, and it looks like Coco is thriving today.

This gray cat has grown so much and is living her best life!

Fashion Week with Coco ✨ #catsoftiktok #kitten #cute #fyp #fashion

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You gave your cat its name for a reason, whether it was something fun and quirky that caught your eye or has a special, deeper meaning for you. But while you chose your cat’s name, it’s understandable to wonder if they recognize it or even like it. After all, cats can’t just tell us what they think. However, if you look closely and pay attention they can use their body language and behaviors to show us how they feel about certain things.

“This one actually has some surprisingly good research behind it,” says Jo Myers, DVM, a veterinary advisor at Vetster. “Studies have shown that cats can distinguish their own names from other similar-sounding words.” One study published in Scientific Reports found that cats had a “significant rebound” in response to their names when they were spoken alongside general nouns, even when people they didn’t know said them. “These results indicate that cats are able to discriminate their own names from other words,” the researchers wrote. 

So, if you’ve ever been curious if a cat loves their name the way they love the people who say it, they do! Of course, there are other factors involved in how your cat reacts to its name, including your tone, points out Aimee Warner, DVM, resident veterinarian at Waggel. With that, it’s hard to say with 100 percent certainty if your cat is a fan of its name, or merely is reacting to the fact that you’re uttering it. “A single reaction could simply be a response to your voice,” Warner points out.

Still, there are a few cute signs that your cat is happy with the words you’re saying, which can include their name that you can keep an eye out for. Once you see what those behaviors are, then you’ll no longer have to question if your feline family member likes what you’ve been calling them.

Related: 7 Little Things Your Cat Does That Say More Than a Meow Ever Could

Getty Images Carol Yepes

When it comes to words cats love, seeing those sweet little ears twitch is a good sign. “Your cat’s ears are far more sensitive to sounds than humans’ ears,” says Julie Hunt, DVM, a veterinarian contributor at Embrace Pet Insurance. “Their ears may twitch for a variety of reasons, but one of them is to localize or track sounds that they have an interest in, including the sound of their name.”

Some cats don’t just respond when they hear their name, they show it. Your cat may roll around on the ground next to you when you say its name to show it’s happy, Hunt says. Your pet may even choose to allow you to rub their belly. “All of these are signs of feline affection that can be triggered by calling your cat’s name,” Hunt says. 

If your cat flicks its tail, it may simply be flicking its tail, Myers says. But if it flicks its tail, along with turning its ear toward you or glancing in your direction, it could be a sign that it loves what you’re saying, according to Aimee Warner, DVM, resident veterinarian at Waggel. “The timing is a useful clue, especially if the tail had been still beforehand,” she says. Myers agrees. “If your own cat reliably does it when you call them, though, it’s perfectly reasonable to notice the pattern and have your own interpretation of it,” she says. 

Perhaps one of the cutest responses of all is when your kitty hears their name and proudly walks over to show affection. Making eye contact, followed by a slow blink, is known as a “kitty kiss”—and it’s a sweet gesture. “If your cat hears its name and responds by making eye contact with you, this is obvious confirmation that your cat knows you are speaking to it,” Hunt says. “Slow blinking communicates far more than mere acknowledgment of its name; Slow blinking is your cat’s way of offering you love and acceptance in return.”

Related: These 7 Affectionate Cat Breeds Love Human Company and Are Anything But Loners, According to Experts

OK, sure, your cat can’t magically say its name. But it’s fun to wonder if they’re trying when they respond after you say their name. “Answering with a meow is a more obvious way of engaging with you,” Warner says. “Your cat may have learned that its name is followed by something enjoyable, such as food, play, or affection, and respond in anticipation. That association can give the name a particular significance.”

Cats aren’t always into big gestures, and that’s perfectly fine. But it’s fair to interpret your cat straightening its posture when you speak as a sign it’s into what you’re saying. “Your cat may lift its head or turn towards you while staying comfortably settled,” Warner says. “That small shift suggests its attention has moved to you, even if it has no reason to leave its spot.”

You cat may like a sound so much that their ears may rotate to hear it better. So, if you notice this adorable cat behavior, it’s a sign your cat loves their name and a sign your cat knows their name as well. “Unlike the ear twitch, the ear rotation lasts longer and communicates more interest in a sound,” Hunt says. “A cat that has rotated its ears in your direction is clearly listening to the sound of your voice saying its name.”

• Julie Hunt, DVM, a veterinarian contributor at Embrace Pet Insurance.
• Aimee Warner, DVM, resident veterinarian at Waggel. 
• Jo Myers, DVM, a veterinary advisor at Vetster
• Saito, A., et al. Domestic Cats (Felis catus) Discriminate Their Names From Other Words. Scientific Reports. 2019

In a perfect world, every cat would have a perfect life where everything went perfectly. No kittens would die, and every cat in the world would have a loving home. Unfortunately, though, we don’t live in that world. We live in this one.

When one Tortoiseshell cat gave birth to a litter of kittens recently, things didn’t go quite according to plan. She ended up losing all but one of the kittens, but it just so happens that the surviving kitten looks like a tiny angel:

Stray tortie mama cat and little trooper 🙏🏻 #straycat #cat #babycat #kitten #rescuekittens

The Cat Journey has definitely not been easy so far, but it’s getting a little easier every day. The kind human who took these two in found the little one in a bin inside a shed, along with four other kittens who didn’t make it. Clearly, the last one was in danger, so she took them in!

Luckily, it wasn’t too late for the last baby: she’s been keeping her and her mama together. The little kitten is nursing fine and gaining weight as she should be, so she’s healthy, even after all she’s been through. Her mom is looking great, too, and will be getting spayed as soon as possible!

Related: Rare Blue Torbie Swirl Maine Coon Looks Like a Blueberry Pie Dream

Their caretaker hasn’t said if she’s planning on keeping them yet, but the kitten is only two weeks old. She has a lot of time left to decide! Seeing all of their adorable moments will definitely make it harder to separate them:

Feral mama cat found with baby ❤️‍🩹 #kittens #babycat #feralcat #rescuekitten

I’m so glad they made it out together. At the very least, they’ll have a long time together before they separate, though they might stay together forever! Whatever the case, it’ll be fine as long as they’re happy!

If you find a cat who recently lost kittens, or your own cat did, treading carefully is important. Not only is that traumatic for her, but there’s a chance she could be hurt, too. Getting them inside and checked out as quickly as possible is the most important thing.

Getty Images chendongshan

Losing kittens is not easy for a cat. She might be upset, aggressive, or even depressed, so when you notice one or more of her kittens didn’t make it, you should:

• Immediately take away the bodies.
• Check for any surviving kittens.
• Take her and any survivors to the vet to check for issues.

She’ll need a lot of love and care after a loss like that, and it’s important to keep her busy. While a kitten will help with that, you can also offer her extra playtime, enrichment toys, and snuggles to try to help keep her mind off of it. For this Tortie kitten, though, her angel baby is enough!

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When I first brought my cat home as a kitten, our senior dog immediately became the Fun Police. Anything that the tiny baby kitty tried to do that Chocolate deemed dangerous was suddenly off limits — even if she was just jumping on the couch, which the dog believed was far too high for any kitten to be.

That protective streak runs through a lot of dogs, even when it comes to the human babies in their families. For example, the Labrador in this video who is not at all convinced that this baby is safe in this swimming pool.

Palmer is a nervous wreck lol #baby #labrador #pool #mississippi also, it’s fall now and still warm enough for the pool

We can see that this baby is perfectly safe in this pool. She’s sitting in a baby chair, in the shallow end, with her mom at arm’s reach… and still, Palmer is losing her mind over this.

Those little cries are just too much, but as her mom wrote in the caption, she’s a “nervous wreck” about the whole thing — what else is she supposed to do?

I hate seeing her so worried, but it’s still so adorable to see how Palmer wants to be so protective of her baby sister. Dogs really are the best, aren’t they?

Related: Black Labrador’s Heartfelt Concern Over Human Brother’s Milestones Is Melting Hearts Everywhere

It’s hard to predict exactly how a dog is going to react to a new human baby joining the household, but many times, you discover that not only does your dog become a great big brother or big sister, but also a body guard.

Why? According to Wag, it’s because of the way dogs behave in a pack. They see their family (humans included) as their pack, and in the wild, the strongest dogs protect the weakest ones.

Basically: Your dog sees the baby as the “weakest dog” in the family, and makes it their mission to keep them safe.

Gabriel Mello / Getty Images

That’s actually really sweet, isn’t it?

In particular, Labradors have all the right personality traits to be especially protective of the babies and kids in their lives. They’re so friendly and have such affection for their family that of course, they’d want to make sure their babies are always safe, too.

It looks like this little one has the best protector in Palmer as she grows up. Maybe one day, this dog will be okay with her baby being in the pool… but in the meantime, she makes a very attentive life guard.

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I would have a hard time telling this Maltipoo puppy to do anything. Lucky is a tiny cream puff with a face that could get away with all sorts of nonsense, and he seems to know it. When his mama finds him lounging in his toy basket, she asks the perfectly reasonable question, “What are you doing in there?”

She tells him he needs to get out. Lucky’s answer is a pouty little bark and whine, followed by some rolling around in the basket as if to demonstrate how comfortable he is. I’m no expert in puppy language, but that sounded an awful lot like, “No, thank you. I’ve moved in.”

How to deal with a pup that talks back? 🤣 #maltipoo #doglife#dogmom#maltipoopup#dogsoftiktok

In the clip from @ana.sanchez5738, Lucky barely has to move to make his point. The toys are in there, he fits in there, and his mom has yet to present a convincing reason for him to leave. Every little noise sounds like another objection from the world’s fluffiest attorney.

Related: Maltipoo Turns Into a Tiny Ballerina When Asked If She Wants To Try Cucumber

“He said no,” one viewer wrote. Lucky’s mom replied, “He doesn’t listen.” Another person imagined his defense as “This is my basket!” I think he has a strong case, especially when he rolls around looking like a toy somebody forgot to take out of the basket.

#Maltipoo #MaltipooPuppy #PuppyTok #DogTok #PuppyLife

Lucky’s mom shared in the comments that he’s 12 weeks old. That is very young to be having a whole argument over household furniture, but several Maltipoo parents recognized the behavior immediately. “My Maltipoo also talks back. Is this a thing?!” one asked. Another said their puppy talks back, too, and is also 12 weeks old.

My Pomeranian Kingston has given me plenty of looks that say he’s heard me and decided to consider my request later. Lucky has added sound effects, which makes his case much harder to ignore. “Having a Maltipoo is not for the weak,” one commenter joked.

I hope Lucky’s mom wins at least a few of these debates as he grows up. For this round, though, the puppy is still in the basket, and I’m afraid his face has convinced me that he should stay.

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For the most part, Golden Retrievers are super outgoing and special. Everybody knows that these dogs are some of the friendliest in the world, and yet when you meet a really friendly one, it genuinely feels like you were chosen by the heavens.

Recently, one very friendly Golden Retriever made a woman’s night. She’s really been chosen: he stops by the store where she works whenever he can. And when he does, the way he smiles at her says everything you need to know:

So my golden retriever actually will make sure we get a late night snack so he can see his gf at the bodega

Martha Lamaha can be heard ordering him a burger in the background while he’s meeting with his girlfriend, which probably has something to do with the fact that he loves this place so much. However, he doesn’t even go right up to the burger counter! He runs straight for his “girlfriend.”

Duke is so huge! Golden Retrievers are definitely big, but Duke is so big and fluffy that he had people wondering if he was actually all Golden. He is! When he’s happy, he just completely melts into a puddle. Part of it is definitely his absolutely massive head. He has the biggest head ever.

Related: Golden Retriever Battles Adorable Schneagle Puppy — and Egos Are Bruised

Duke doesn’t just love his girlfriend, though: he loves his mom just as much. When they’re out, he’s thinking about his Bodega girlfriend. When they’re at home, he is not giving her any personal space whatsoever:

My golden retriever wins every time #foryoupage #fyp #viral

Videos like these both convince me I want a Golden Retriever and convince me that I don’t. I love clingy, fluffy dogs, but one that big would be overwhelming! At least my small dogs are pick-up-and-movable!

If you’re getting a Golden Retriever, it’s probably not because you’re looking for a stoic guard dog who will love no one but you. Golden Retrievers are like warm hugs in dog form!

Johner Images / Getty Images

While you can’t necessarily ensure that your Golden Retriever will love anyone, most of them are social and enjoy being around other people and dogs. To facilitate that in a healthy way, you should:

• Begin socializing them when they’re young (as soon as they’re vaccinated).
• Make sure to bring them into different situations.
• Establish little “rituals” that make going out fun for them.

Socialization is easier for city dogs, a lot of the time, since they have to see more people by default. For rural dogs, it might take a little more effort, but it’s still possible! Luckily for Duke, he lives close to his girlfriend!

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Puppies seem to come in one size — fluff ball. It’s like their more floofy fur than dog. In addition to those cottony coats, pups boast adorable round bellies, oversized paws, and insatiable curiosity for everything that crosses their path. The combo of cuteness makes these fur babies completely irresistible.

Denali the Husky puppy has one of those cloud-like coats along with the texture and coloring of a sweet treat.

Supermodel Denali🤩🤩

Denali is currently a resident of the Cleft Rescue Unit (CRU), a nonprofit organization for medically fragile puppies. She arrived at the rescue after her mom practically chewed off the puppy’s front paws in a previous incident and has been receiving medical care and rehabilitation. Denali’s bandages were finally removed and she is regaining use of her front paws.

The TikTok from @crurescue featured the canine cutie taking in her surroundings with classic puppy-like wonder. Denali’s feathery white fur swirled with dark silver resembled an indulgent sweet treat created in a candy shop. Her Arctic-blue eyes were like sapphire glaciers that could make you do a double-take. Denali wore a beautiful beaded necklace to complete the perfect puppy picture.

The caption accurately summed up her look by calling her “Supermodel Denali.” Followers were completely smitten with the pretty pooch:

• “She is sooooooo adorable!!!” one raved.
• “She has beautiful eyes!” another gushed.
• “Omg what a cutie!” someone posted.

Huskies are known for those piercing blue eyes, yet not every Husky has baby blues. Some of these pooches have brown eyes, or a mix of blue and brown known as heterochromia.

These working dogs grow to a medium size. Males reach approximately 45 to 60 pounds and have a height of 21 to 23.5 inches at the shoulder. Females are a little smaller at 35 to 50 pounds and about 20 to 22 inches in height.

Huskies need plenty of exercise and love the outdoors. They thrive as part of a pack and are very loyal to their loved ones.

Related: Golden Retriever Puppy Tries to Stay Awake in the Car and It’s the Cutest

Denali reflects her Husky heritage through her resilience and courage on her recovery journey. The feisty fur baby is already winning hearts with her bravery and over-the-top adorableness.

CRU’s mission is to provide hope and healing to puppies with medical issues including cleft palates and craniofacial conditions. For more information on this organization, visit the Cleft Rescue Unit website.

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I’m from Maine. My first-ever job was weighing blueberries at a you-pick orchard. I have eaten more blueberries than anyone in the world, probably, because they’re my absolute favorite fruit. It should come as no surprise that blueberry pie is my favorite, too!

Recently, one stunning Maine Coon decided to look like a slice of blueberry pie come to life. She’s so gorgeous that I almost can’t believe it! This Blue Torbie swirl Maine Coon is a true sight to behold:

Which is your favorite?!? #mainecoon #catsoftiktok #cute #polydactylcat

Wasatch Wild Tail Maine Coons has so many cool cats. They’re based in Salt Lake City, and from the looks of all of their cats, they specialize in European-style Maine Coons. You can usuallly tell because European Maine Coons have more angular faces, and super fluffy ears.

There are actually two cats in the video: the Blue Torbie swirl and a Calico. Both are stunning, but the blueberry pie girl has my heart! Her eyes even go along with it: she’s got one golden eye and one striking blue one!

Related: Orange Maine Coon Gives Birth to a Litter of Pumpkin Spice Babies

She’s still a kitten, though she’s a little bit older now. They probably kept her for future litters: heterochromia, which causes her different-colored eyes, is hereditary. She’s kind of the princess of the house, and in this closer look at her, you can really see why:

#mainecoon #heterochromia#kitten

I’m obsessed with her whole vibe. I love her eyes, her blueberry pie fur, and the way she’s sitting in that basket like it’s a throne. As she grows up, she’s only going to get more beautiful… If that’s even possible, anyway.

“Blue Torbie swirl” honestly sounds like a frozen yogurt flavor, but it’s not. It’s a type of coat color, and actually, it encompasses three different qualities. Though not all Blue Torbies will have heterochromia, they will all be just as gorgeous as this girl!

LAW Ho Ming

A Blue Torbie Maine Coon cat means their coat displays four things:

• Tabby stripes
• Tortoiseshell specks.
• Blue fur.
• Cream/white fur (though it can lean orange in some cases).

Blue Torbie Maine Coons are bred very intentionally. Blue cats are pretty rare on their own, but the combination of all of the coat patterns together is almost impossible to beat. Add in those stunning pie-colored eyes, and it literally cannot get better!

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Fostering is not for the faint of heart. It’s a job that requires a family to love a pup like their own, and then love them enough to let them go. But it isn’t just the humans who welcome these wonderful animals into their home.

And for a foster dog named Blancho, resident dog Peppe’s calm and loving presence is undoubtedly one of the safest places in the world.

While out on the water in Alaska, Blancho found the perfect nap spot: right on top of Peppe. Many dogs might not take so kindly to a foster sleeping directly on top of them, but this good boy welcomed it with calm, peaceful acceptance.

You can watch the moment of pure sweetness unfold in this Sept. 19 Instagram video from @peppes_foster_pals:

“Behind every foster dog is a resident dog quietly making room – literally and figuratively,” Peppe’s family shared in the caption.

And Peppe seems to understand his role perfectly. Blancho is sprawled across his back without a care in the world, while Peppe rests peacefully underneath her. There’s something especially touching about seeing a foster dog feel comfortable enough to fall asleep this way. For a pup waiting for a family of her own, another dog showing her she’s safe and welcome can mean so much.

Related: Dog Dad Comes Home to 2 Surprise Foster Bulldogs and It’s Love at First Sight

“Thank you for your patience, tolerance, and endless cuddles, Peppe,” his family continued. “We couldn’t do this without you.”

People watching were just as moved by their sweet relationship. “That dog definitely understands the assignment :)” one person wrote.

Another viewer could relate to the special role resident dogs can play, sharing, “I had one of those; she helped me with all my scared fosters, lost her a couple years ago, though here’s to steady dogs that help us help dogs ❤️.”

Others couldn’t get over the sight of Blancho snoozing so comfortably on her friend. “Are you kidding me 🥺🥺🥺,” one person responded, while another wrote, “So sweet!! 😍”

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In a Sept. 18 Instagram video, her foster family shared a look at Blancho’s training, giving another glimpse of this smart and adorable girl:

Peppe’s family fosters animals in Fairbanks, Alaska, and Blancho is currently looking for a forever family through Fairbanks North Star Borough Animal Control, which can be reached at 907-459-1451. Until that family comes along, she certainly appears to have found a pretty wonderful place to rest her head.

Intro

Vote below!! 👇🥰 From polar white to black. What a beautiful Labrador rainbow 😍😍😍 🪵🍁🍂 #foxredlab #foxredlabpuppy #blacklab #yellowlab #polarwhitelab

The Happiest Labrador is well known for its adorable AKC-registered English Labs, but these precious Labrador pups are 100000% perfectly toasted marshmallows in every shade. From “polar white to black,” the litter of cutie-pies is the dreamiest doggy rainbow. We can’t possibly pick just one toasted “marshmallow,” so we’ll take them all, please and thank you!

Fans rushed to the comments to gush about these tiny tots, and the consensus is clear: They’re all total heart stealers. As one person wrote, “Marshmallows golden brown. Labs burnt. All my favorite Labs are burnt.” Another joked, “Love me a burnt mallow.”

Related: Black Labrador Makes Besties With Tiny Fawn and Pure Love Ensues

As adorable as the bitty babies are, eyes closed and all, maybe marshmallows aren’t your thing, and you’d rather see what Lab puppies look like in fall colors and at different sizes and ages. Consider this your lucky day, because ask and you shall receive:

What color Lab do you have? And what is the color you have always wanted?! ❤️🖤❤️💛🤍 Celebrate this season with your lab. They go so well with the autumn colors 🥹 We are SO proud to produce ALL colors here at The Happiest Labrador🥰 #englishlab #blacklab #foxredlab #labradorpuppy #englishlabpuppy

The American Kennel Club only recognizes Black, Yellow, and Chocolate as the official Labrador Retriever coat colors, but did you know there are other hues out there? First, let’s dive into the basics.

Black Labs (burnt marshmallows) are the most common, with a solid black coat, nose, and brown eyes. Yellow Labs have a spectrum of cream, white, and yellow shades. Some may even get a little red in the tones, just like the perfect summer-inspired highlights.

Chocolate Lab pups also have a range, from a Hershey’s milk chocolate bar to a rich, fudgey brown cake. This color is even more striking when paired with hazel eyes.

carlofranco / Getty Images

As for the lesser-known possibilities, Labrador Retrievers with a recessive dilution gene passed down from a parent may be diluted metallic silver (for Chocolate Labs), charcoal (for Black), or champagne (for Yellow), though these pups might also come with a higher price tag because they’re not as common. Some Yellow Labs called Dudleys have brown or liver pigment on their noses and eye rims instead of black.

That said, if the Happiest Labrador needs a professional puppy handler to smoosh those little faces with kisses, I know a girl who’d give those earth angels all the love in the world (It’s me. I’m that girl!).

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There’s nothing like having an enjoyable meal.

And no one enjoys a meal more than a hungry Golden Retriever puppy, and that’s quite evident in a new viral dog video.

If you asked the puppy how often you should feed them, they would prefer it to be every 10 minutes, but that’s definitely not happening.

However, it’s still fun to watch the fluffiest, blondest Golden Retriever charm people everywhere with his pure joy in eating his dinner.

😭😭 sweet baby #goldenretriever #goldenretrieverlife #goldenretrieverpuppy

Have you ever seen a tail wag so happily?

As you can imagine, the comments section was quite enthusiastic about this sweet little fluffball (and yes, the majority of the comments were about his level of fluffiness).

One person wrote in all caps, “He’s so round, I can’t handle it!”

Another said, “That fluffy butt and the little tail!!! Smoosh!”

“What a chonky little potato, oh my goodness, so cute,” another person wrote.

“He’s so happy, it literally hurts my chest. He’s so cute!” one commented.

Related: Golden Retriever Puppy Is Truly a ‘Fluffy Little Biscuit’ With the Name to Match

So how often should you feed a Golden Retriever puppy?

According to Dogster, once the puppy has been weaned from their mother (typically around 3 months old at the latest) and is eating solid food, they should be eating around 3 cups of dog food per day.

However, puppies grow fast, and larger breeds like Golden Retrievers experience rapid growth, which means their portions should increase as they age.

According to data from Dogster, by the time the puppy reaches 50 pounds, they should be ingesting a little over 2,000 calories every day, which comes out to about 13 cups of kibble.

Hopefully this little Golden Retriever puppy will retain that same level of enthusiasm and joy for food as he gets older.

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I don’t think I was prepared for how emotional one tiny Dachshund toe could make me.

Ted has been paralyzed for 120 days. In the video, he’s stretched out beside Mom while she gently works around his tight hind-leg muscles with a massage device. “Fix You” plays in the background, which already feels unfair to anyone trying not to cry.

Then the camera zooms in to his back paw.

Watch the toes.

There it is.

One tiny flex.

It lasts only a moment, but Mom sees it immediately. Her whole reaction changes. She celebrates, leans in, and wraps Ted in the kind of hug that tells you exactly how enormous that microscopic movement feels after four months of waiting.

And yes, now I’m crying, too.

The post is careful about what happened before that moment. Ted’s mom explains that his legs had been feeling especially tight and that she used the massage gun very lightly. She also makes it clear she isn’t a veterinarian and isn’t suggesting other IVDD families copy what she did.

That distinction matters. We can see Ted’s toe move, but the video can’t tell us what caused it or what it means for his recovery.

What it can show us is how much one small sign can mean to a family caring for a paralyzed dog.

One commenter shared that they once spent five months caring for a completely paralyzed Poodle who eventually returned to running. It’s the kind of story that makes you understand why people celebrate every inch of progress.

Having a hurt dog is hard. Your entire routine can become medications, lifting, cleaning, exercises, appointments, watching, hoping, and trying to figure out whether today looks different from yesterday.

Then one toe moves.

Suddenly, today definitely looks different.

I love seeing people go above and beyond for the animals who are family to them. Ted doesn’t know there are thousands of people watching that little paw.

He just knows Mom is right beside him.

IVDD recovery looks different for every dog, and severity matters. Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine explains that intervertebral disc disease can range from pain and weakness to complete paralysis, and recovery may take months. Rehabilitation can be part of treatment as a dog progresses, sometimes including carefully prescribed exercises, underwater treadmill work, and other therapies.

If you’re caring for a dog with IVDD:

• Let your veterinary team guide the plan. New exercises, massage, devices, or changes in activity should fit your dog’s specific spinal injury and stage of recovery.
• Notice tiny changes. Keep notes or videos of new movements so your veterinarian or rehabilitation professional can see exactly what you’re seeing.
• Think in small victories. Progress may be gradual, and protecting comfort, mobility, and quality of life matters throughout the process.

Nobody can promise what Ted’s little toe flex means for tomorrow.

But after 120 days, Mom got to celebrate something she had never seen before.

That tiny movement was huge.

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Related: Mini Dachshund Goes From Terrified of the Pool to a Total Belly Flop Expert

As cat lovers, we usually love the sound of a feline friend vocalizing with meows, chirps, and chatters. One cat mom’s love is being put to the test in a hilarious video of the sounds her cat makes.

There’s an Orange Cat named Miso Soup making her rounds on TikTok to the bemusement of her viewers. In the clip, this kitty is meowing, but it’s not just any run-of-the-mill meow. You’ll have to hear it to believe it!

This girl’s got a set of lungs #orangecatbehavior #catsoftiktok #cats #catlovers #screamitout

Wow, Miso Soup is quite the loud cat! This kitty has “quite a set of lungs,” as her mom describes in the caption. The cat let out a long meow, several seconds long, and wasn’t afraid to turn up the volume, either. She certainly isn’t afraid to make herself known!

People in the comments were quite amused by Miso Soup’s loud vocalization. One person said, “I love cats, they just open their whole mouth to scream,” while another commented, “Haha, she’s going to make sure she’s heard!!”

Others shared stories of their own Orange Cats behaving similarly. One user commented, “My Orange Cat had a permanently raspy voice bc he meowed so much,” along with a picture of the kitty in question. Another viewer said, “I’m glad it’s not only my Orange Cat who does this. I thought he was broken.”

These kitties are unabashed in the way they meow as loud and as long as they can. They’re just so confident!

Adult cats meow at humans much more than they do at other felines. This is because they’ve learned that this particular vocalization is the best way to communicate and get their needs met. But where does the behavior come from?

Related: Orange Cat’s Precious Head Wobbles Make Him Look Like a Bobblehead Toy

Meowing is partly leftover from their time as kittens. Baby cats meow to communicate hunger, cold, or distress to their mothers. Domestic cats continue this behavior into adulthood because they see us as their caregivers or parental figures.

Cats have also learned that humans’ senses are not up to par with felines. Adult kitties use scent, touch, and body language to talk to other cats, but they realize humans are blind to these cues, so they use sound to communicate instead.

Our feline friends also make targeted requests. Research shows that cats modify pitch, tone, and length of their meows specifically to demand food or signal distress. Sometimes, they even mix different vocalizations to make their demands clearer.

Lastly, kitties have trained humans. These smart animals know that if they meow at their humans, their desires will be fulfilled. Sometimes this is food, other times it’s for cuddles, but either way, they know how to get what they want!

We can hardly even imagine what Miso Soup was trying to get from her mom with her meows. With the long length and high volume, it must have been important!

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Dogs in shelters are often adopted on a trial basis to see if they’re a good fit for a family. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned and the dog is returned to the shelter in the hopes of finding a better match.

Paiea the Pit Bull mix is back at the Maui Humane Society after a family felt they couldn’t give him what he needs. The precious pooch tried to soothe himself by having some play time.

Paiea was having the best time as possible in his kennel with his new toy. He was just returned from trial adoption. He had an episode of dog reactivity while on leash that the adopter did not feel their household was equipped to handle. Paiea is about 3. He knows sit paw and down. He lives his toys too. He was first surrendered because his family moved to the mainland. This was the first time in a home since he was surrendered. Leash reactivity to other dogs is common and trainable. He is looking for someone to help him with this if it arises again. Someone who can commit to helping Paiea be the best boy he is. He’s been neutral with female dogs in dog playgroup at the shelter. His first owner said he didn’t have much or any experience with other dogs. As a mom of a dog reactive dog i adopted from the shelter i know reactivity can look and feel scary in the moment but again it is trainable and manageable and dogs can go on to live normal great lives. Paiea shouldn’t be penalized for this incident it gave us more info into the kind of home he needs so let’s help him get there Paiea is at Maui humane society. #fyp #adoptdontshop #maui #hawaiitiktok #adoptme

In the TikTok from @cassondrachristman, Paiea looked like a one-dog party as he joyfully played with a new plushy. It was hard to tell he just had a major disappointment.

“Paiea was having the best time as possible in his kennel with his new toy,” the caption explained. “He was just returned from trial adoption. He had an episode of dog reactivity while on leash that the adopter did not feel their household was equipped to handle.”

The canine cutie is approximately 3 years old, knows some basic commands, and loves to play.

“He knows sit paw and down,” the story continued. “He loves his toys too. He was first surrendered because his family moved to the mainland. This was the first time in a home since he was surrendered.”

A “reactive dog” describes a canine that has strong responses to particular triggers, such as other dogs, strangers, moving objects, or certain sounds. These reactions may include barking, lunging, growling, freezing, or attempts to escape.

Paiea may struggle with leash reactivity, though with training and patience, he can control the behavior.

“Leash reactivity to other dogs is common and trainable,” the caption noted. “He is looking for someone to help him with this if it arises again. Someone who can commit to helping Paiea be the best boy he is. He’s been neutral with female dogs in dog playgroup at the shelter. His first owner said he didn’t have much or any experience with other dogs.”

Reactivity can seem overwhelming when it occurs, but dogs can learn to have calmer responses to any triggers.

Related: Shelter’s ‘Longest Resident’ Dog Gets a History-Making Freedom Ride — and It’s ‘Unlike Any Other’

“It is trainable and manageable and dogs can go on to live normal great lives,” the caption read. “Paiea shouldn’t be penalized for this incident. It gave us more info into the kind of home he needs, so let’s help him get there.”

For more information on Paiea, visit the Maui Humane Society.

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