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Updated: 50 min 21 sec ago

Amazon Is Selling a 'Perfect' $60 Cat Tree for Only $17 Today — and We Know It's Going to Sell Out Soon

Tue, 05/07/2024 - 1:23pm

Cats are divine creatures who typically prefer the finer things in life, and that's why your feline friend deserves an extravagant cat tree to use as their personal jungle gym and prime napping spot.

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

We understand they usually cost a pretty penny, but that's not the case today since it's the start of Amazon's annual Pet Day sales event. The two-day sale runs from now until Wednesday night and the site is chock-full of incredible deals, including the BestPet 54-Inch Cat Tree that's marked down to only $17 as opposed to $60 — a whopping 72% discount. It's almost unheard of that you can find a multi-level cat tree at such a low price, which is probably why over 6,000 shoppers have already purchased one recently, with multiple buyers calling it "perfect." That also means this popular item is a sellout risk, so don't hesitate to add one to your cart before it's too late.

The only catch is that shipping costs an additional $19.99, but even then, the grand total is still only $37, which is a steal compared to similar models that run upwards of $100. 

BestPet 54-Inch Cat Tree, $17 (was $60) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

This cat tree features three scratching posts, three platforms, two hideouts, and one hanging toy that provides loads of entertainment for your kitty. Not to mention it can help save your furniture since they will have a dedicated place to stretch their paws. It can hold up to 44 pounds at once and even has a wall anchor available for added security, making it great for single and multi-pet households.

More than 7,000 shoppers have given it a five-star rating and hundreds of people claim that it's "easy to assemble." It comes with everything you need to put it together in roughly 30 minutes or less, according to reviews.

"Price is insanely great and so is the product," one shopper wrote. "My cat was already napping in it before I even finished putting it together and hasn't left hanging out in it since and it has been like four hours now. Matches my living room well and the product is made of quality material."

You can't beat the BestPet 54-Inch Cat Tree for only $17, so don't miss your opportunity to treat your kitty to a new condo during the annual Amazon Pet Day sale.

This story originally appeared on PARADE.

Cow Walking Back to 'Real' Home After Being Sold to Neighbor Is Just the Sassiest

Tue, 05/07/2024 - 1:00pm

Cows aren't quite like normal pets: they're usually part of a business, and sometimes, they're treated as such. Cows are often sold or traded between farmers, but there's something interesting about that. 

No one ever asks the cows how they feel about changing homes. They just go, and then that's that. That was, until Monday, May 6th, when one cow who had just recently been sold to their next-barn neighbor came walking on home because she was unhappy in her new digs:

@logan.waller2

Sold my cow to the neighbor, she was his for about 7 seconds then jumped ship and walked home

♬ Home - Daughtry

Logan Waller definitely learned a lesson with this one. That is his cow! I hope his neighbor has some kind of moo-la back guarantee...

Related: Cow Playing With Big Ball Is Just Like a Human Toddler

This girl is one of several cows on this farm, and she's by far the sassiest one. For whatever reason, she was sold to the neighbor: their farms are close together, so it would be easy to keep an eye out and make sure she was being treated right. His neighbor's farm is probably lovely, but something is missing: the rest of her herd! She loves her friends and her farmers. She probably saw or heard them down there and followed them home! 

Luckily for this big girl, they thought her free-ranging was hilarious and took it as a sign; they bought her back and let her back into the herd!

Why do Farmers Trade Cows?

It actually happens more than one might think: neighboring farmers link up all the time. Say one of them has three bulls, but the other one has three heifers, and both farmers want to have a who's giving birth and producing milk. They might agree to sell one for one, or they might just agree to swap until pregnancy. They may also sell the calf to a nearby farmer instead of keeping it. 

At the end of the day, most farms are businesses, and they need to operate as such. As much as I'm sure they'd love to keep their whole herd together for life, it's just not practical. They need genetic diversity and cows that are producing, otherwise they might fall behind. Without a working team, they won't make as much money as they need, and that's bad for the farm overall. 

Containing livestock on that farm is apparently very important: having livestock fencing on the edge of the property will help you keep your cows where they're supposed to be. Otherwise, you might find yourself refunding your neighbor because your cow won't stay put!

Yorkie Puppies Take the Sweetest 'Practice Trip' to the Dog Park and Ace it

Tue, 05/07/2024 - 12:00pm

Navigating the world when you're responsible for a small-breed dog can feel a little bit scary. You have to constantly be watching for things that could pose a threat to your dog, which includes everything from humans to bigger dogs and even birds. Nothing that small is off-limits!

On Monday, May 6th, a dog mom to two tiny Yorkie puppies to the dog park for the first time. Luckily, there was a small dog section, and they were able to have safe playtime. Needless to say, they loved it:

@spikeymichaeltheyorkie

There were no doggies on the little side so it was a good practice trip 🥰 #yorkie #dogsoftiktok #dogpark

♬ original sound - Spikey Michael

Spikey Michael himself is no longer; he passed a little while ago, but his younger siblings are carrying on his legacy. It's nice to see them loving the dog park, too!

Related: Yorkie Giving Unborn Sibling His Favorite Bone Is the Best Big Brother

This was Foxy and Freddie's first ever trip to the dog park, which is a place their late brother, Spikey Michael, loved. Though he spent his time on the little side too, I have no doubt that he would've loved to play with the big dogs, too. 

Their first practice trip went perfectly: there were no other dogs on the smaller side of the park, so they had the whole thing to themselves. They watched the dogs on the big side play, which might seem a little mean, but it's actually the opposite. They're able to get used to the sounds and sights of the big dogs playing so that when more dogs show up, they won't be scared. They'll know what it looks like for other dogs to play!

Keeping Small Dogs Safe at the Dog Park

Personally, I'm a little too nervous to ever bring my dogs to a dog park, but that's just me. They have a fenced-in yard with a doggy door to run around whenever they feel like it. However, I'm very lucky, and I know that millions of dogs out there don't have this option. If not for dog parks, they might not exercise at all!

When you have a small breed like a Yorkie, you need to be on alert to keep them safe at all times. While other dogs most likely don't mean to hurt them, they may not know their own strengths. You should always:

  1. Keep them on-leash unless the park says otherwise.
    1. Even if there's no leash policy, keep a leash close by to clip them up if you think they're getting out of hand. 
  2. Wait until they've had all of their vaccinations. 
  3. Scope out the place first. If it doesn't look like there are that many compatible breeds, maybe try another park. 
  4. Make sure your dog is well-socialized first to prevent fights.
  5. Bonus: bring waste disposal bags just in case the dog has to potty, don't just leave it!

Foxy and Freddie have several more trips ahead of them, and a lot of time to get the hang of it. Hopefully, it ends up working out and they can enjoy the park just as much as Spikey Michael did!

College Roommates Saying Goodbye to Their Cat After Graduation Need All the Tissues

Tue, 05/07/2024 - 11:00am

If you never had a pet in your formative years, you're severely missing out. There is so much fun to be had: lots of playtime, snuggles, and emotional support when you need them the most. College pets, above all, are some of the best. 

The hardest thing about college pets, unfortunately, is leaving them. It's inevitable: if it's not explicitly your pet, the day will come to say goodbye, and that can be heartbreaking. A couple of college students learned this the hard way on Monday, May 6th, and it's so sad you just can't look away:

@julia.pytlik

Binx is going to be so missed #fyp #graduation

♬ Happiest Year - Jaymes Young

Julia Pytlik is so sad to leave Binx behind, but I'm sure she's excited to start her next chapter. Maybe her and Binx will see each other again sometime!

Related: Service Dog Wears Tiny Cap at College Graduation and People Can't Take It

Binx lived in a house with several college students. It's not uncommon to have pets in off-campus housing: service animals may be the only animals allowed in dorms, but plenty of pet-friendly options exist just a short walk away from most campuses. If you bring a pet into a roommate situation, you better expect your roomies to get attached to the kitty, too!

Julia mentioned in the comments that Binx will be going home with one of her roommates, who then commented that she has him and all is well. Rightfully so, a lot of people were concerned; sometimes, "college pets" get dumped when the school year ends. Most college students live at their parents' home during breaks, and they may not allow cats!

Should You Have a Pet in College? 

It might seem like a bad idea to have a pet in college; you're studying, maybe working a job, you might go out and have some fun on the weekends... it seems like an awful lot of time for a pet to be alone, and it is. Dogs need to go outside regularly to potty, and cats need enrichment, too. If you know you're not going to be able to provide that, you should probably hold off until things calm down. 

However, if you know you'll have some extra time to take care of a pet, it's definitely worth it. Colleges themselves suggest that having a pet will decrease a college student's anxiety considerably, and it forces them to take breaks. Low-maintenance pets like turtles, tortoises, and lizards may be better suited to those with more grueling schedules, though there's something very special about having a cat or a dog to talk to during hard times. With so many girls in the house, Binx has probably heard his fair share of secrets!

If you don't have that extra time, there are still plenty of ways to keep animals in your life. You could try seeing if there are therapy dogs on campus or even volunteering at a local animal shelter!

Sassy Cockatoo 'Locks Eyes' with Woman and Proceeds to 'Mock Her Laugh'

Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:03am

Going out is supposed to be fun, right? Nobody wants to get bullied. It ruins the whole vibe!

For one woman, her whole trip went very smoothly. She wasn't worried about getting bullied at all! Everyone was super nice to her - that was, until she met one very sassy cockatoo. On Sunday, May 5th, she was just trying to enjoy her time when he decided her laugh was worthy of making fun of:

@soulsisters1723

Guess im changing my laugh😩 #saturday #summervibes #weekend #weekendvibes #summer #farm #farmlife #country #countrylife #sunny #foryou #foryoupage #fyp #fypシ #fy #viral #trending #funnyvideos #tiktok #animals #animalsoftiktok #birds #cockatoos #wildlife #wildanimals #laugh #funnyvideo #funny

♬ original sound - SoulSisters1723

If I was @soulsisters1723, I would have cried on the spot. Knowing this bird, though, he'd have mocked that too!

Related: Cockatoo Annoying His Cat Brother Is the Most Accurate Sibling

It looks like they're at some kind of a zoo - you can see fences and even a peacock sitting on the ground when she pans down. So, not only did she get mocked by a cockatoo, there were lots of people around to watch! At the very least, it's a trip she'll never forget. She went with her kids, and regardless of this bird's rudeness, they loved it all!

Cockatoos love attention and will display attention-seeking behaviors whenever they can. In a zoo, he may have been thinking that he'd get some treats or at least a piece of popcorn! He must see dozens of people everyday, so it has to be hilarious for his keepers to see everyone who gets made fun of!

Cockatoos Love to Mimic Human Speech

As a member of the parrot family, one of the things cockatoos are most famous for is their ability to mimic human speech. Many cockatoos will pick up full words they hear often, though that will take some time and training to memorize. They're much quicker at picking up simple sounds, for example, a laugh. Once they pick it up, there's no telling when they'll put it down, either: thousands of zoo guests may get to experience this woman's laugh before he moves on!

For this reason, you have to be very careful when it comes to what you say around a parrot, especially in public. Children frequent zoos, so teaching it swears or other vulgar words can ruin the fun for everyone. The same goes for your home: once you teach a bird "dirty" words, the value of the bird greatly decreases. If, for some reason, the bird ends up in a rescue, it will have a hard time getting adopted. These are 40-60 year pets, so the probability that you may need to pass them down is pretty good. 

Be kind to the birds and they'll be kind to you... kind of. Sometimes. Unless you have a funny laugh!

Bernese Mountain Dog's Tutorial on 'How to Train Humans' Is So Spot-On

Tue, 05/07/2024 - 9:45am

When adopting a dog, many of us put a lot of thought into training them. First and foremost, I was concerned about teaching my puppy the appropriate place to go potty (hint: that place was not on my wood floors), and all of those important behaviors that help us all have a happy, safe life together. Not to mention it's pretty cool that she can follow certain commands! But at the same time, our dogs are training us to learn to live peacefully with them, even if we don't realize it at the time. 

One dog on TikTok is laying out that process for us in his tutorial on how to train humans... and honestly, he has a point! 

@albertandolly

Some tips from a very wise Bernese Mountain Dog #bernese #bernesemountaindog #berner #bmd #dogs #berneseoftiktok #dogsuk #ukdog #dailydog #dogvideos

♬ original sound - Olly

Recently, @albertandolly shared this video of their Bernese Mountain Dog sharing his best tips for living with humans, and I have to admit that these are pretty helpful for dogs everywhere (and for their people to read and keep in mind, in case anyone out there needs a little humbling).

First, this pup is barking as the text on the screen reads, "Talk to them. Hoomans are dumb, so you will have to repeat things." Okay, that's fair — but we're usually busy trying to work and make sure that our dogs get to live the life they've become accustomed to! 

Another one of my favorite tips from the video: "Master the look of disappointment and the side eye. Trust me, you will have to use those a lot." Does this dog know my dog? This is starting to hit a little too close to home... 

There's also the part about learning how to use puppy eyes, but I'm pretty sure most dogs come preprogrammed with that skill (and of course, it works every time). 

Do Dogs Really Train Their Humans?

This pup may actually be onto something, because in a way, dogs do train their humans.

According to what dog trainer Karen Pryor has shared on her website, dogs do exhibit certain behaviors that they use to train us to fill their requests. As she points out, for her dog, it's the "ding" noise that is made when he hits his nails on his ceramic bowl, which means "more water, please!" But for other dogs, it might be different, like the way my dog has taught me that if she stands by the back door, it's time to go potty! 

It's not a one-sided relationship; just as much as we're teaching our dogs, they're teaching us, and through learning from each other, we can live in a happy home together... and ideally, everyone gets what they want.

It's wild to think about all the ways that my dog trained me without me ever noticing. This Bernese Mountain Dog actually does have a point... 

Sweet Pit Bulls 'Treat Every Day Like a Gift' After Being Rescued From Shelter

Tue, 05/07/2024 - 9:15am

If you’ve ever been fortunate enough to rescue a dog, you know there’s something different about them. They understand that they have been given a second chance. With that understanding comes an incredible sense of gratitude.

These dogs are experts at living their life to the fullest. And they can help us do the same when we stop to appreciate their happiness. These two beautiful Pit Bulls may have been on death row, but they’re jumping for joy these days. 

Watch them living the life they were meant for in this video shared on April 26:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dharma (@dharmas_dogs)

These gorgeous Pit Bulls look more like gazelles! Those flying leaps could win a gold medal for jump length and height at the Olympics! Their happy faces are everything! If this isn’t the picture of pure joy, then I’m not sure what it is. Their mom, Dharma (@dharmas_dogs), explains that she feels these deaf dogs who were once red-listed at the shelter and down to their last 24 hours to live now treat each day like a gift. She is confident her rescue Satchi understands how close he was to dying and finds something to celebrate each day.

Related: Rescue Boston Terrier’s Dance Around First-Ever Dog Bed Is Too Sweet

Reasons to Adopt Instead of Shop

On top of saving a life, these dogs have a way of saving ours. Many of these animals have endured more in their short years than we will in a lifetime. This is likely why their gratitude never falters, and their loyalty is unmatched. The lessons they teach us also help improve how we view the world. Not to mention, when you rescue, you can choose an older dog; many times, they are already housebroken and trained. That’s a win all around!

Dog parents expressed similar sentiments. Viewer @jrna.crochet revealed, “I rescued my bully boy a few weeks ago on a Friday, and apparently, he would’ve been euthanized that Monday. I am so lucky to have him, and I get emotional just thinking about how scared he looked at the shelter.” It was meant to be. Viewer @rayner.616 responded, “My boy was on the list for euthanasia for growling when he first got to the shelter. I adopted him & he has been the biggest angel baby to everyone he meets. He was just scared in the shelter. So grateful I got the opportunity to save him as he’s cuddled up on the couch next to me right now.” It’s heartbreaking to think about how many dogs are misunderstood in these situations. And it’s all the more reason to rescue.

Please consider adopting if you have room in your heart and home. With millions of dogs waiting patiently for a family, finding the perfect new addition is only a click away.

LEGO Just Introduced a Tuxedo Cat Set and People Are Flipping Out

Tue, 05/07/2024 - 9:00am

When you have an animal, it's only natural to become obsessed with that animal. Suddenly, you want everything you own to look just like them. Phone cases, mugs, bed sheets, and stuffed animals are all candidates for being switched out in support!

Why not go one step further? On Monday, May 6th, we found out that LEGO is officially coming out with something all cat lovers can enjoy: a Tuxedo cat set! You have to check it out:

@its.emmasaurus

a cat lego set releasing june 1st! 🐈‍⬛🐱 #cat #lego #legonews #legoleaks #legocat #legoideas #legoset #legogirl #catsoftiktok #blackcat #halloween #greenscreen

♬ original sound - Emmasaurus

I don't even have a cat, let alone a Tuxedo one, but @its.emmasaurus is really making me want one. This thing looks so fun to build and cute to display!

Related: Tuxedo Cat Swaps Energy with Orange Cat in the Funniest Possible Way

The LEGO set will be available starting June 1st, 2024. For $100, you'll be able to build up your own Tuxedo cat that won't knock everything over like sassy Tuxedo cats typically do! He just sits there!

The set contains 1,710 pieces and, when completed, is over a foot tall. It's even got some fun customization options: you can have the mouth open or closed, and your can choose between blue eyes or golden ones. If you have a Tuxedo cat, it can really look like them! Since it's not out yet, there are no clues as to how long something like this will take to build, but at almost 2,000 pieces, it'll probably be a good few hours!

LEGO says you can share the building experience with your friends, and with this many pieces, you might find that you need the help. However, before you share the fun with younger kids, consider that this set is recommended for people 18+ both because of the difficulty and because of the teeny tiny pieces. LEGO makes tons of kid-friendly sets if you'd like to tandem build!

How to Cat-Proof Your LEGO Builds

If you actually have a Tuxedo cat, you might want to consider cat-proofing it. They love to knock things over, especially if it's something they feel threatened by like a life-size, decently realistic looking plastic version of themselves. You do not want to hear 1,710 LEGO pieces and several hours of hard work clattering to the floor.

You could technically take even more time and superglue all of the pieces together as you build, but that's a little excessive. Unfortunately, virtually no shelves are completely safe from a cat's grubby paws knocking it over. LEGO hasn't released a line of official display cases for most of their sets, but you can find them in most craft stores or online with most online retailers. That'll stop the cat from getting to the LEGOs, and some sticky tack on the bottom of the case can help to keep it stock to the shelf. Sticky tack is renter-friendly, too!

Golden Retriever Puppy Wags Tail with Excitement Over Anticipation of Seeing Grandparents

Mon, 05/06/2024 - 3:30pm

A sweet Golden Retriever is the happiest little guy who can't hold back how fast his tail wags when he finds out he's going to see his grandparents.

TikTok user Cuzco the Golden Nugget (@cuzco.the.golden) shared a video of the sweet little puppy excited to spend time with his grandparents. Take a look!

@cuzco.the.golden

#dogsitting #babysitter #goldenretriever #puppylove #dogsoftiktok #grandparents

♬ Little Things - Adrian Berenguer

In a short 17-second video, we see how much love this Golden Retriever puppy has for his grandparents when his tail would not stop wagging.

Related: Golden Retriever 'Bunny Hopping' Down the Stairs Is Pure Joy

In the clip, Cuzco is standing outside on the porch waiting at the front door for his grandparents to open up the door.

"When your puppy is excited to spend the day with grandma and grandpa" the text on the video reads. Cuzco gets to the door before his human, and the video shows him patiently waiting. Before you can even see him, you can get a peek at his tail wagging away.

Of course, the video clip is made even sweeter by the music, Little Things by Adrian Berenguer.

When his parent gets up to the door, which is a pretty blue and has the word "hello" written in cursive, the pup's energy picks up even more.

Instead of standing at the door wagging his tail, he jumps up and tries to open the door himself.

His mom opens the door, and before he can even get inside, Cuzco is greeted by his grandma and grandpa's dog. He squeezes into the barely open door to go say hi.

In the comment section, people were moved by the puppy's sweet love for his grandparent's house.

"That’s me every time I go to my grandparent's house," another TikTok account for a cute dog reads.

"Grandmas are the best," someone else wrote.

"So excited to be there," added another.

"I swear, around other people, they act like they haven't been fed in a month and spend 23 hours a day in solitary confinement," a fellow dog parent shared. "Like bro.... I treat you well. Act like it."

"We don't deserve Goldens. They are the cutest," shared someone else.

"I have 3 labs, and once they go to my mom's, they act like they are neglected," another dog parent wrote. "And she has a pool so that doesn’t help. Like bro you're loved."

Cuzco the Golden Nugget Goes on Many Fun Adventures

Looking at Cuzco's TikTok profile, it's clear that this little guy is always having fun, whether he's visiting grandma and grandpa, re-creating his favorite Taylor Swift video, or taking a nap/

According to his profile, Cuzco was born on February 16, 2024. As he grows into a big, strong Golden Retriever, his puppy days are filled with fun. And people already love him.

He arrived at his forever home on April 17, and the proud parents shared a really cute TikTok that day, set to the song "You Are My Sunshine" performed by Christina Perri. In the clip, the camera pans to the couch, and nuzzled just behind, on the window ledge, is Cuzco sleeping.

"Welcome home, Cuzco," the caption of the video read.

His second video, shared a few days later, we hear from Cuzco himself in a super cute voiceover. In this clip, he explains his fun adventure from when he was adopted, his first time in the car, and getting to his forever home for the first time.

He joked about the onesie he wore, how his parents tried to play with him, and getting dog snack treats for the first time.

And the video followed him as he explored his new home. It didn't take long, either, for the comment section to fill up with people who found him charming and couldn't wait to follow more of Cuzco's adventures. 

And neither can we!

Dachshund Sings the 'Longest Doggy Awoo' and People Are Feeling Him

Mon, 05/06/2024 - 3:00pm

Dachshund videos will never get old. They're just too cute, and they're very quirky, too: you never know for certain what comes next. Whether they're cuddling, playing, or singing you a song, you'll always be entertained. 

One mom knows this fact well: her Dachshund is a howler. Lucky us, she posted evidence on Sunday, May 5th:

@sidney_minisausage

Who remembers the longest doggy ‘awoo’ 😍😂 #singingdog #howlingdog #singing #howling #awoo #dachshund #dackel #doxie #dogs #funnydogs #sausagedog #dogsoftiktok #fyp #howlingdachshund #singalong #howlingdachshund

♬ original sound - Sid & Nancy Sausage

Sidney and Nancy are the best pair of Dachshunds around. They feed off of each other's drama, and that's exactly what they need!

Related: Dachshund 'Throws a Fit' Over Sister Taking His Stick Just Like an Upset Kid

Sydney is your typical-looking Dachshund: sausage body, of course, and he has a shorter coat. His sister, Nancy, is a little different: she's got long, golden fur. Though it totally looks like she's a Golden Retriever trapped in a sausage dog's body, she's actually not. She's a purebred Dachshund, and the long-haired coat type is recognized by the AKC's breed standards. There are Dachshund/Golden Retriever crosses, though!

Sidney and his standard coat somehow manage to be just as show-stopping as his gorgeous sister, though. He just has to use his talents to do that, which includes his epic singing. In this video, his long "awoo" is done from the comfort of his little carseat as mom is driving. Maybe he spotted his long-lost girlfriend or something!

Why do Dogs Howl for No Reason?

If you live with a howler, you know that there are times when they seem to pick up and scream for no reason at all. Sometimes it's alright, but other times, you just need them to shut up. Excessive howling gets annoying fast, but as pointless as it seems, it's never for no reason. A dog may be howling because they're:

  1. Bored
  2. Hungry
  3. Sad
  4. In pain 
  5. Excited

When you have a dog who won't stop howling, it's important to look at the context. What are they doing at that moment? If they're just sitting around, they might be bored. If you just got home, they're excited. If they're limping, lethargic, or favoring a body part, they're probably in pain. 

In any case, howling is typically an indicator that something is going on and warrants a trip to the vet if the behavior doesn't stop with training.  Your vet will examine the dog and be able to diagnose the issues; your dog may need medication or another treatment. Unfortunately, howling can be kind of hard to curb, so you just have to be patient. Once you've ruled out all possible legitimate causes, you can try things like ignoring the behavior, rewarding quiet behavior, and even offering distractions when you sense an episode coming on!

German Shepherd Refuses to Eat Unless Mom Turns Kibble Into a 'Gourmet Feast'

Mon, 05/06/2024 - 2:30pm

A sweet German Shepherd knows what she deserves and she won't eat her kibble until her mom turns it into a "gourmet feast," and it's the funniest thing.

On May 5, 2024, TikTok user Tara Fontana (@terribletara) shared a video of her German Shepherd named Abby, who is very specific about how her kibble is presented to her. Take a look!

@terribbletara

#spoiled #dog #germanshepherd #gsd #prank #viral #funny

♬ original sound - Tara Fontana

In a minute-long video, we get a funny look into how Abby likes her food prepared and a fun tutorial since mom did it wrong the first time.

Related: 4 Foods You Should Never Give Your Dog

In the clip, we meet Abby, a German Shepherd dog sitting in front of her food, kibble in a bowl, but she's not eating. Her mom "forgot" to add all the extra gourmet bits to the food first.

Mom picks up the bowl of kibble and takes it to the kitchen counter. Abby watches her finally add the gourmet touch.

"I know, right? Hold on," mom tells her pup.

She then pretends to add things to the food. Mom pretends to add some kind of oil, and she pretends to chop up some extra something and add both to her bowl of kibble.

"Wow, look at this meal. Wow, that's delicious. Gourmet."

When mom returns it to Abby and places it in her food station, Abby happily eats it up.

"Honestly, super ridiculous. She literally thought I just chopped her up," Mom tells the camera. "A gourmet meal. What are we gonna do with these dogs? I have no idea."

In the comment section, which accumulated more than 6,000 comments, people shared similar ridiculous stories of dogs preferring "gourmet" meals.

Someone else said, "That's too funny. Our dogs won't eat unless we sprinkle parmesan cheese on it!"

"I have to do that for my weenie dog," someone else shared.

"My Shepherd does that too," admitted another.

"Mine won't eat out of his bowl, but if I get a handful and feed it to him, he eats it all," another dog parent shared.

"Who trained who?!" joked another. "So stinking funny!"

How Much Kibble Should Your German Shepherd Get Each Day?

In general, the amount of food you should feed your pup depends on its weight and the type of food you're feeding it. Dry kibble, pellets made from ground-up food like meat, vegetables, and other additives, is a staple for many dogs. 

Several experts say the ideal amount for a German Shepherd is approximately 2-and-a-half to 3-and-a-half cups each day, split into two feedings. 

"If your German Shepherd is active throughout the day, they must eat at least 3-and-a-half cups of dry kibble," PetCareRx suggests. Dogs who are less active may do better on the 2-and-a-half cups of kibble suggestion. 

If your German Shepherd is a puppy, it'll likely need more food several times throughout the day to keep up with its energy levels and the amount of food needed to help support its fast growth. 

Senior dogs who may not move around too much may do better on less daily kibble, or their veterinarian may suggest less kibble, more another source of food, especially if they have medical issues. 

Newfoundland Stops at Senior Living Community to ‘Demand Pets From All His Grandparents'

Mon, 05/06/2024 - 2:00pm

Everybody loves a big, fluffy dog who gets along with everyone. It really helps people who might be afraid of them to overcome their fears: once they see that the dog has no interest in hurting them, they tend to relax. If there's one friendly dog breed to help you overcome that fear, it's the Newfoundland!

Just take this guy, for example. On Friday, May 3rd, his mom finally exposed his favorite pastime. He likes to take a walk to the nearby senior living community and get pets from all of the residents. It's amazing:

@chewythenewfie

♬ someday i'll get it - Alek Olsen

When I eventually move into one of these, if I don't get visited by a dog like Chewy, I'm leaving. If there's not a dog, it's not worth going!

Related: Newfoundland Politely Ignoring Mom's Request Has Everyone Swooning

Chewy the Newfoundland (affectionately dubbed "Newfies") is a total star, both on TikTok and in his own neighborhood. He may have thousands of adoring fans on TikTok, but in his real life, his mom claims he's the friendliest pup you'll ever meet. He loves to be the center of attention and he'll play with anyone willing to give him the time of day!

In this video, Chewy doesn't receive any pets from any grandparents, which feels like a crime. However, that doesn't stop him from going there and lying down every time he gets near. That means that, at least once, a grandparent has indeed stopped to pet him. He does get joined by a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel near the end!

A Quick Guide to Politely Petting Dogs

Chewy is basically demanding that everyone in the world pets him, and if you find yourself with a super friendly dog like that, you're going to want to pet it. Typically, if they have a friendly dog and they know it, the dog's caretaker will probably have no problem with you petting their pup. I actually met a Golden Retriever mom once who said I had to pet her dog or he'd be upset! Best walk of my life. 

However, even if the dog looks friendly, you still need to ask - unless you see each other every day on your morning walks. Then you'll probably earn permission to pet them whenever you see them. Shoutout to my Golden Retriever bestie! 

Once you get the okay, you can either crouch or stay standing, but move slowly. Even if it's a dog you've met, they might be spooked by sudden movements. You can pet them for as long as they're comfortable, but if they start getting uncomfortable, it's time to let them go. Chewy would sit in that crosswalk forever if they let him!

Maine Coon Cats' Saturday Night Dance Party Is All the Rage

Mon, 05/06/2024 - 1:30pm

Maine Coon cats know how to have a memorable and fun-filled Saturday, just check out the dance parties they have!

On May 5, 2024, TikTok user Spaghetti And Jet (@spaghettiandjet) shared a video of their Saturday Night Dance Party, and they're having the best fun. Take a look!

@spaghettiandjet

#mainecoonsoftiktok #mainecooncat #mainecoonlovers #catsoftiktok #cat #cats #catsoforlando #mainecoonlife #mainecoon #cathouse #catlover #beegees #disco #saturdaynight #saturdaynightfever

♬ Stayin' Alive (From "Saturday Night Fever") - London Soundtrack Allstars

In a quick 36-second video, we meet two beautiful Main Coons named Spaghetti and Jet.

Related: Maine Coon Cat 'Making Biscuits' with His Big Paws Has Everyone In Awe

These two Maine Coons know how to have a memorable and fun Saturday with their epic dance parties.

"Maine Coon Saturday Night Dance Party," the text over the video reads. "Jet Jaguar and Spaghetti gettin' down on a Saturday Night."

The cats look like they're having a ball. Standing on their hind two feet, they bounce and jump to the music of "Stayin' Alive" from Saturday Night Fever.

We can pretend we don't see the real reason the cats are jumping for joy and pretend to live in the belief that they're just having a dance party for fun. 

Their paws are moving; they're jumping here and there, letting the music guide them. And they're clearly feeling the music.

Of course, they're really playing with feather toys controlled by their humans. These two really go hard for the feather wand toys and throw all their skill and agility into catching the feather toy.

Maine Coon Cats Love to Play

All cats are a little different based on their own personalities, but in general terms, Maine Coon cats love to play, and they have a few favorite toys.

According to Spot Pet Insurance, Maine Coons are playful, cheery cats who love to cuddle and love to play--even with their big size. These cats, like many others, are curious and intelligent and they really do love to play.

"Maine coon cats sleep just as much as the next cat, but they can be pretty energetic when they’re awake. After all, chasing mice takes a lot of work and energy," the insurance experts share. "They may not necessarily have the zoomies, but they do need a lot of playtime."

Like other cats, they do require daily playtime, which you can offer through toys they can play with alone or with the ones you join in on the fun, too. Since these big cats are pretty agile, using feather wands is often one of their favorites because, as we see in this video, they love to run, jump, scoot, and can be quite fast despite their large size.

 A good cat tree can also help ensure your cat has enough time to run and play without requiring too much time commitment on your end. 

"Strings, battery-operated mice, even toys with catnip in them will get your Maine Coon running and jumping around," Royal Canin shares. "Even twenty minutes a day goes a long way to keeping your big cat fit. Optimal: 20-60 minutes a day split into 10-minute segments."

These cats also notoriously love to play in the water, and feather wands are perfect for doing that. 

Carts Full of Great Pyrenees Puppies Turn Up at Petsmart for Shots and It’s Cuteness Overload

Mon, 05/06/2024 - 1:00pm

Vaccinating our dogs is one of the only things all dog parents can agree on. They need to be safe, and there's no better way to make sure they're safe than to protect them against diseases. However, vaccinating a gaggle of puppies can get incredibly expensive. 

On Sunday, May 5th, one Petsmart employee shared footage of a whole horde of Great Pyrenees puppies loading up into the shopping carts to receive their vaccines. The longer you look, the more pups you'll see, and the funnier it gets:

@ducksrcool23

No better way to end a work day #vet #vettech #greatpyreneespuppy #greatpyrenees #puppytok

♬ Tell Ur Girlfriend - Lay Bankz

In the comments, @ducksrcool23 and many others are admitting that this is actually a pretty common thing to see at Petsmart, and I love that. If they had an official "puppy handler" position, oh, I would go for it in a heartbeat. 

Related: Great Pyrenees Hanging Out with Her Adopted Rescue Kittens Is the Coolest Mom

Petsmart is actually a great place to go if you need something like shots or even microchipping. It's affordable, and sometimes, completely free! Those new-puppy vet visits can really add up, especially for breeders. Though the puppies only stay with the breeder for 8 weeks or so, they have one vet visit before they go home. Typically done at about 6 weeks, the vet will help you out and check for worms, parasites, or signs of illness. 

The first visit, done between 6 and 8 weeks, should always be with a veterinarian at a vet's office. That will be a comprehensive exam, which Petsmart does not offer, but all dogs need. Apart from their shots, a yearly wellness check with a vet is always good to have. However, in-between checkups, many pet parents opt to take their dogs to Petsmart, Petco, or even local shelters for vaccines. It saves a lot of money!

Fun fact: when the little Petsmart pop-up asks you if you'd like to donate to "help pets in need," a portion of your donation goes to helping make veterinary care (like vaccines) accessible to everyone. Vaccines are pricey!

Livestock Guardian Dogs Still Need Vaccinations

Great Pyrenees' are some of the most adorable dogs on the planet, but for the most part, they live outside. For people who don't have farm dogs, it can seem easy to forget about them - if they live outside, you don't have to worry about them bringing things into your home. And being outside, socializing constantly with the herd and their livestock guardian "coworkers," eliminates the need for dog parks or walks. 

Even so, livestock guardian dogs should receive all of their vaccinations, especially for:

  1. Parvo
  2. Rabies
  3. Lyme disease 
  4. Leptospirosis 
  5. Heart worm

At the end of the day, a livestock guardian dog is exposed to just as many (if not more) diseases than an indoor dog is. Luckily for this breeder, Petsmart is just the place to go!

Man's Game of 'Rock Paper Scissors' with Grumpy Shih-Tzu Goes Hilariously Wrong

Mon, 05/06/2024 - 12:00pm

Shih-Tzus, like many other small dog breeds, get a bad rap. People say that they're mean - despite their small size, many believe that a small dog would be able to make a bear cower just by looking at it. They're fearsome little creatures!

Most of the time, that's not true; small dogs are sweethearts. They love to snuggle and be warm, and if you're going to convince to convince any dog to wear clothes, a small dog is the easiest. However, they can sometimes get a little grumpy, like this little girl. On Wednesday, May 1st, her dad posted a video of an attempt to play, but it went a little crazy:

@lilmfcurb

Rock Paper Scissors with Bella..... I think I lost

♬ original sound - Lilmfcurb

Poor @lilmfcurb has been going through this forever. I used to see his videos on my For You Page a lot in 2020, and it seems like Bella has not changed one bit. I still love her!

Related: Shih-Tzu Has '2-Minute Tantrum' When Mom Leaves for Work and It's Priceless

Bella is a viral sensation. Since starting their TikTok page in 2019, her dad has amassed nearly 6 million followers and 270 million likes. They average millions of views on every single video, and the reason is clear: Bella is very easily angered. Whether her dad is showing her pictures of former US presidents or trying to get her to play a game, she's ready to go after him.

This video is a hilarious take on a popular new TikTok trend: two people play rock-paper-scissors in front of a plate full of food. Whoever wins the round gets to eat while the loser takes a lap. They repeat that until all of the food is gone, and whoever got the most wins is the victor!

Why are Small Dogs so Mean?

Bella isn't doing very much to dispel the "small dogs are evil" rumors. She literally got famous by snapping at her dad! As funny as it is to watch, there have been many people over the years who believe that "antagonizing" Bella to get this reaction out of her is cruel and unfair. However, he's not really doing anything: he puts a picture of Bill Clinton in front of her and she goes crazy.

Small dogs are usually more on-guard than bigger ones. They're aware of their size and the fact that it makes them a target, so they do whatever they can to seem intimidating. They're also a little bit more wary of life in general: something that wouldn't even faze a bigger dog can be a serious threat to a dog like Bella. Their responses to those threats are usually mislabeled as "mean."

Even so, though, small dogs make great friends to the people they trust. You just have to be kind and gentle with them, and they'll be the same with you. Unless, apparently, there's a snack plate in front of them...

Woman Creates Elaborate 'Condo' for Her Cat Complete with Its Own Bathroom

Mon, 05/06/2024 - 11:15am

If you're a cat parent, you know all they need from us to be happy is food, water, and plenty of cuddles, but some of us simply can't help but take things a little over the top. Sometimes that means buying all the cat toys we can get our hands on. Some cat parents like to prepare their pets' food at home, in their own kitchens, and spoil them rotten anyway. Others take their cats with them everywhere they go, giving them the chance to see the world in the process (whether or not they're happy about it, that's yet to be determined). 

And then, there's this cat mom, who is going above and beyond the call of pet parent duty to basically create an entire apartment for her cat that's so cool, it's making me wonder if I could do the same in my house...  

@buildandcreatehome

Replying to @karimaddox My kitty is a little spoiled. I think she’s earned jt. 🥰 #catsoftiktok #catlover #diyproject #dollhouse

♬ original sound - buildandcreatehome

On Sunday, May 5, @buildandcreatehome shared that she's in the process of building a cat condo under the stairs of her house, and from what she's showed so far, it looks amazing! 

She cleared out the whole area and mapped out each area of her cat's new apartment, including a kitchen, bathroom, and living room, before getting to work adding pink peel and stick tiles on the walls and making sure that no detail was left out. 

The bathroom area was home to her litter box, with framed art of cats hanging on the wall for a bit of ambiance (and a little cup to hold some toothbrushes). 

This is just the beginning, since the bathroom is all she has done so far... but there's no doubt the rest of the condo will look just as beautiful. Of course, it's important to remember that she is an experienced DIY-er showing off her skills — this is a big project! 

More About the Cat Condo

She started this project in the midst of a much bigger project that she's been documenting on TikTok: renovating the basement where her daughter and dog live. She's been busy refinishing the stairs, putting in new flooring, and generally making it a much more pleasant place to be. 

When she was done, it looked really cool — she even installed an electric fireplace! But since finishing the project, they've welcomed a new member of the family: their rescue cat, who spent the first two years of her life in a shelter. This is her first home! 

The idea of renovating the area under the stairs is to give her some space where she can escape the busy household for awhile if it becomes too overwhelming. She's going to love this! 

I'm on the edge of my seat to see the rest of her condo completed. It's too cute! 

Golden Retriever Watching Cooking Show Like a Human Has People Obsessed

Mon, 05/06/2024 - 10:15am

There are some pets who, if we didn't know better, definitely seem like they have human souls. Just from the way they behave, their mannerisms... maybe it's because they're paying close attention to what we do and they're trying to fit in, but sometimes, I look at my cat sitting upright on the couch, legs splayed out in front of him, and I have to wonder if he started out as a person who was transported into the body of a cat via magic spell or something. It's so funny to see the little ways that our pets seem to copy our behavior! 

That applies to the Golden Retriever in this video, who is very focused on watching TV. Some dogs don't even notice that TVs exist, but this one is basically the opposite of that.

@kylasatterfield

Dont bother the baby! #goldenretriever #kenna

♬ original sound - Kyla Satterfield

Dog mom @kylasatterfield shared this adorable video of her Golden Retriever on Sunday, May 5, and this looks like the kind of dog you'd better not bother when her shows are on. 

Kenna is looking positively human as she sits upright on the couch, eyes glued to the TV while a cooking show is on. This must be really thrilling to her to see, because her attention doesn't seem to waver once! 

Commenters are loving this video, with multiple people telling Kenna's mom not to get in the way when she's obviously trying to plan what meals she's going to cook this week! 

"In her previous life her name was Barb and she loved all the cooking shows," one person wrote, while another chimed in, "She looks like my dad falling asleep at 7:00 watching TV." LOL! 

Why Do Some Dogs Sit Upright? 

This isn't just a cute, quirky habit that some dogs have — there's actually a reason why dogs will sometimes sit like this! 

According to Wag!, sitting this way can be more comfortable for certain breeds, like Great Danes, who are top-heavy and have long legs. If they're experiencing hip or back pain, sitting in this position may relieve it. But if your dog is doing it because they're in pain, you'll likely notice that they are showing other symptoms that lead you to that conclusion, too, like struggling to lay down or stand. 

Some dogs may also like to sit this way because it gives them a higher vantage point, allowing them to assert their dominance (but in this video, it really just looked like Kenna was trying to assert her love for cooking shows). 

If you notice your dog suddenly sitting like this, it can't hurt to get them checked out at the vet to make sure that all is well. And maybe put on a cooking show to see if they like it as much as Kenna does. 

Great Pyrenees' Funny Way of Showing Love to the Cat Is Full of Laughs

Mon, 05/06/2024 - 10:00am

If there is a pair that should be getting along, it's a Great Pyrenees and a cat. They're two very important parts of a working farm: the dog guards the herd, and the cat keeps the rodents out of the barn. If they can't work together, the farm suffers!

Well, there is certainly a pair just like this that gets along well... We think? After their mom posted the video on TikTok for everyone to see, the jury is out. It's hilarious either way:

@funnyfarm45

#martythegreatpyrenese #calliethecat

♬ original sound - Funny Farm

The Funny Farm is definitely living up to its name with this one. I love everything about this!

Related: Great Pyrenees and Cat’s Cuddle Session Is the Dose of Cuteness Everyone Needs

The caption says that the Great Pyrenees' name is Marty and the cat's name is Callie. The two of them are apparently best friends. They must be; if they weren't and Marty shoved Callie's head in his mouth, I can't help but feel like Callie might have something to say about it. This doesn't seem to be the first time Marty has done this. The look on Callie's face is basically, "this again?"

Marty spends most of his time outside guarding the animals on the farm, but he's allowed inside occasionally. This is totally normal: livestock guardian dogs are still pets, and if you've trained them right, they're well-socialized and would love to snuggle. The main issue is potty training, but even that is kind of irrelevant: an LGD spends 98% of its time outside, and that's where it uses the bathroom. If it needs to use the bathroom while it's in your house, odds are it's going to go right back out! 

The Great Pyrenees Was Not Bred to Kill

Some of the comments on this video are a bit concerned for Callie's safety: they worry that Marty is actually trying to harm her. He's not, he just has some big feelings!

The Great Pyrenees was bred for guardianship. They're meant to identify threats and scare them off. If the threat were to continue trying to infiltrate the herd, a Great Pyrenees would absolutely try to take it down, or they'd die trying. There are thousands of reports of brave LGDs losing their lives in fights with coyotes, bobcats, and other predators!

But, when it comes to members of the family, Great Pyrenees' know they're not supposed to injure them at all, and they have no desire to. The closest you'll get to a Great Pyrenees "causing" injury to one of your animals would be it breaking up a fight. Marty means no harm to Callie's he's just having a really hard time expressing himself normally!

Funny Cat Raids Mom's Purse Like He's Looking for His Lost Keys

Mon, 05/06/2024 - 9:15am

I'm sure they exist, but I've never met a cat who wasn't at least a little bit mischievous. These creatures always seem to be getting into things we wish they wouldn't... and usually making a mess in the process. Of course, I don't blame my cats for being so curious about the world around them — after all, that's part of what makes them so smart! — but I do wish they wouldn't knock everything off my kitchen counters while they're investigating. Is that really so much to ask? 

But no matter how curious my own feline family members might be, they've got nothing on the cat in this TikTok video. One cat mom caught her kitty rummaging through her purse, and he's not even sorry that he got caught! 

@threenawtycats

So snoopy 😂 #catsoftiktok #funnycatsoftiktok #naughtycats #tabbycats #threenawtycats

♬ original sound - Three Nawty Cats

On Friday, May 3, @threenawtycats shared this footage of her Tabby cat searching through her bag like he'd forgotten something in there — maybe his phone or his car keys. 

The contents of the bag had been totally emptied out onto the floor when she took the video, and even after the kitty realized that he was being filmed, he didn't look the least bit guilty about what he'd done.

"My cat always thinking he will find something that belongs to him inside my purse," she wrote in the video.

In the comments, one person compared him to a shameless TSA agent, while another suggested that his mom hide something of his in there next time so he can find it and finally feel satisfied with his search. Or maybe that would only encourage him to search through her bag more often? 

Why Do Cats Like Bags?

It's not just that cats are nosy and like to snoop through our things — there are actual reasons why so many of them truly do enjoy any bags that we might have in the house! 

In the end, it really all comes down to the same reasons that cats love boxes so much: They like to be in small, enclosed spaces because it makes them feel warm and safe. There's a good chance the kitty in the video wanted to get that purse empty so he could see if he could fit inside. 

Purses like these also appeal to a cat's more playful side. They love to explore anything different or new — everything in that bag had items of different textures that they may not encounter often! Plus, all the sounds of the different items hitting the floor, all those smells... so much exploring to do. 

Maybe this kitty needs a purse of his own to store his toys. He might really enjoy it! 

Dachshund's Sweet Tail Wags While Dreaming Are Enough to Make Anyone Melt

Mon, 05/06/2024 - 9:00am

Our dogs have dreams, too. You can watch it happen: similarly to how people twitch a little when they sleep, dogs can often be seen twitching, kicking, or even wagging their tails!

One dog mom got to witness this firsthand on Friday, May 3rd, when her tiny Dachshund puppy was having some really big dreams. Luckily, she caught the whole thing on camera, and everyone needs to take a look:

@leaagoe

♬ Stuff We Did (from 'Up') - Piano Version - your movie soundtrack

I hope this means that @leaagoe's puppy was having the best dream ever. He certainly seems happy!

Related: Dachshund Brings His 'Friends' Outside to Enjoy the Sunshine and It's Too Sweet

This little guy's name is Karl, and he's the star of the show for his mom's TikTok page. He has another fur sibling who is equally as cute, but not nearly as insistent on being involved in everything. He lets Karl steal the show, and that's perfectly fine: Karl is just about the sweetest pup ever!

Karl wagging his tail while he sleeps could absolutely be indicative of a happy dream - studies have shown that dogs dream of everyday dog thing like chasing squirrels. However, a wagging tail doesn't always mean that the dog is happy. Sometimes, it's a warning to back off! If a dog is wagging its tail quickly but completely avoiding eye contact with you, it means you should back up. 

Whatever the reason behind these adorable sleepy-time tail wags, Karl's tail is wagging as a part of REM sleep. This is the second stage in the sleep cycle and where dreaming happens. It's also where dogs will be the most twitchy. Twitching, heavy breathing, and tail wagging are all normal signs of REM sleep. If you see this, don't wake them!

Dachshund Breeding Might be Banned in Germany

Isn't that crazy? The very country that gave us these adorable sausage dogs is the first one trying to take them away! It's not because they're "dangerous," like many countries consider Bull-type breeds to be. Instead, it's because of their known health issues. 

Dachshunds have very long bodies, and as a result, very long skeletons. They suffer from back pain and an increased risk of spinal injury, especially if they're overweight: their long spines can buckle under the weight of it all. Yet, people breed these dogs often, sometimes without actually doing the work to ensure strong genetics. Under this newly drafted bill, the German government seeks to ban "torture breeding."

That would mean putting a stop to breeding of all dogs that are prone to issues as a result of their genetics. The German Kennel Club says it wouldn't just be Dachshunds, but could also include:

  1. Pugs (breathing problems)
  2. Beagles (prone to tumors, cancers, and hip dysplasia)
  3. Great Danes (cancers and joint pain)
  4. Cocker Spaniels (hip dysplasia)

It's certainly a controversial bill - many breeders argue that a ban on breeding dogs with "skeletal anomalies," like the GKC says, would constitute a ban on breeding most dogs. No decisions are made yet, but it'll be interesting to see how it develops. Not that it matters to Karl, of course: he just wants to sleep and wag his tail!

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