Parade Pets

Tornado season is upon us, and even seasoned pros know how terrifying it can be. Prepare as you might, something can always go wrong, and sometimes, it does. It's the price you pay to live in Tornado Alley - it's beautiful there, but it's scary, too. 

On Monday, April 29th, one woman's reunion with her dog after a bad storm went viral. The look on her face is simultaneously the most heartbreaking and heartwarming thing you might ever see:

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A post shared by The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel)

The Weather Channel's post feels like we're witnessing history in the making. This picture just feels like it'll be everywhere, in history books for decades to come. 

Related: Woman Surprises Her Mom With ‘Lost’ Beagle and People Are So in Love

The photo was taken last weekend after Saturday's devastating tornado touchdown in Sulphur, Oklahoma, and surrounding cities. The events killed at least 4 people so far, though 100 more have been injured. Homes and hundreds of acres of natural landscape were destroyed, injuring and killing an undetermined number of animals in the process. 

When a tornado is predicted, residents are told to take shelter, but that takes many different forms. If you're staying at home and sheltering there, it's easier to secure your pet, but evacuation can cause a lot of trouble for those seeking pet-friendly shelter. 

That exact scenario is what happened to Payton McClure, who was away when the tornadoes hit Sulphur. Her grandparents as well as her two-year-old Australian Shepherd/Corgi mix were still in town, and unfortunately, Jack was left behind when they had to evacuate. Payton was very lucky to be able to find Jack among the rubble during search and rescue operations, and as far as anyone knows, Jack is in good condition!

What to do With Dogs During Natural Disasters

Tornadoes aren't the only weather event that could leave you worrying about the safety of your pet, though they are definitely super scary. The exact dangers depend on where you are and what you're facing, but here are some universal tips:

1. Keep an extra supply of dog food and water in your prep kits.
2. Practice securing them somewhere, whether it's in the bathroom, a storm shelter, or somewhere else.
3. If tornadoes are your biggest worry, crate them and tuck the crate underneath a table. 
1. If it's flooding or hurricanes, you should not lock them in the crate - they need to be able to get out. 
4. Call around to public storm shelters in your area during the off-season to see what their pet policies are. 
5. Find someone nearby who's willing to hold onto your pup until you get back if you have to evacuate. 

Though not totally necessary, purchasing pet insurance can also help. If they get injured during a storm, it'll help cover some of the medical costs - it stinks that you have to worry about things like that, but you do. Luckily for Jack, he just had a couple of scratches!

If you're anything like me, learning that the pandas were all being returned to China was just about the saddest thing that happened to you that week. Admittedly, it led to a lot of learning, but it was still sad news.

Well, it looks like there's a light at the end of the tunnel, and we've never been so excited. On Monday, April 29th, one zoo announced that a pair of giant pandas were officially going to be making its way to America, and everybody jumped and cheered, probably:

@sandiegozoo

🚨 🐼 Announcement 🐼🚨 We’re excited to share that our conservation and care team leaders recently visited China and met the two giant pandas to be cared for by the San Diego Zoo: Yun Chuan (pronounced yoon chu-an) and Xin Bao (pronounced sing bao). Yun Chuan is a nearly five-year-old male giant panda described as mild-mannered, gentle, and lovable. His mother, Zhen Zhen (pronounced jen jen), was born at San Diego Zoo in 2007 to parents Bai Yun (pronounced bye yoon) and Gao Gao (pronounced gow gow). Xin Bao is a nearly four-year-old female giant panda described as a gentle and witty introvert with a sweet round face and big ears. Her name means a “new treasure of prosperity and abundance.” We don’t yet know the date of the pair’s arrival in San Diego as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reviewing the permit application. Stay tuned for more updates! #GiantPandas #Pandas #SanDiegoZoo #Pandemonium

♬ original sound - Luisa Marion

Crying. Booking a trip to San Diego Zoo frantically. I need to see these pandas!

Related: Zoo Atlanta's Adorable Footage of Their 'Hyper' Panda Playing Is Impossible to Resist

In case you weren't aware, all pandas that get sent out to zoos around the world come directly from China, and they're on loan. Though China has not necessarily revoked anyone's panda licenses, officials were choosing not to renew the leasing agreements. 

That meant that, over the last 4 years or so, every panda has slowly been returning to its homeland. The only pandas left in the United States live at Zoo Atlanta - but even their lease expires later this year. Whether China will renew is unknown, but it's looking pretty good: they're starting to lease pandas again, and San Diego Zoo is first on the list!

The zoo will be receiving two giant pandas: Yun Chuan and Xin Bao. Yun Chuan's mother was actually born at the San Diego Zoo, which is a really cool moment. I wonder if Yun Chuan will be able to tell! We'll find out soon enough - they're hopefully going to return this year. All the zoo is waiting on are the permits from Fish and Wildlife!

Why Did China Take Back Everyone's Pandas?

Most people blame the fact that diplomatic relations between China and the United States have been a little rocky as the deciding factor to not continue the panda-leasing. Things like "tech wars" and disagreements over other political moves have led the relationship to become lukewarm at best.

Another factor could have been the death of 24-year-old Le Le, a giant panda who was living at Memphis Zoo. He was well into his senior years and no one was ever found to be "at fault" for his death, but accusations of neglect may have been the final straw. China decided to take a break from loaning out their pandas, and now, it looks like they're ready to dip their toes back in. 

If you want to see Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, you're just going to have to keep up with San Diego Zoo. I bet they feel super special!

We all want to spoil our pups as often as we can. It can be kind of hard not to - it's always worth it to see them happy. However, it can be a little tough - dog toys are expensive! 

It's time to get back to the basics, in all areas of life, but certainly with dog toys. In lieu of huge, complex squeaky toys, it's time to break out the tennis balls. On Friday, April 26th, one dog dad took this even one step further:

@hdbrosriley

100 tennis balls for the babies❤️🎾 #goldenretriever

♬ Little Bitty Pretty One - Thurston Harris

I know @hdbrosriley loved this moment, but I also wonder what he's going to think about cleaning all these up. Good luck!

Related: Golden Retriever Instantly Bonds with New Puppy Sibling in Touching Throwback Video

The main focus of this profile is Riley, the Golden Retriever the account is named after. They have two other Golden Retrievers and one son, and all three get along incredibly well. They’re basically inseparable, including in this video, when he jumps in at the end to help them gather up some of their new balls!

When you have kids, there are very few breeds better to raise them with than a Golden Retriever. They’re sweet and loyal, fun to play with, and great to snuggle. A properly trained Golden Retriever really is man’s best friend—especially with 100 tennis balls!

Animal Shelters Always Need Tennis Balls

100 tennis balls for three dogs is certainly excessive (not that they wouldn’t go through them eventually). After that initial shock and awe, they’re still perfectly good tennis balls, and you know who always needs perfectly good tennis balls? Animal shelters!

Pups in shelters often don’t get the exercise they should. Shelter staff obviously try their best, but shelters are so overcrowded recently that it’s often impossible to exercise them all. However, when they do get to spend time out stretching their legs, there’s one thing all dogs love to do: play fetch. 

Tennis balls are an amazing, low-cost way to keep dogs entertained. Along with tennis balls, shelters are usually taking donations for a lot of other basics, including:

1. Towels (some places take old as well as new!) that they use in the kennels.
2. Tools like nail clippers, brushes. 
3. Cleaning supplies
4. Unopened bags and cans of food and treats. 
5. Puppy pads 
6. Bottles of doggy shampoo/conditioner.

Typically, they only accept new toys—other dogs’ scent on them could make them anxious or upset. Thats alright, though: there are plenty of other ways you can help out pups in need. You can even donate online! Before making a physical donation,  you should always call ahead to see what they really need!

A family knew the perfect gift for their grieving dad, who unexpectedly and tragically lost his beloved puppy.

On April 27, 2024, TikTok user Ferg (@dietcokecapricorn) shared a moving video of a dad who found a reason to smile again. Take a look!

@dietcokecapricorn

Thank you Cujo for sending us baby Winston. We miss you ❤️‍🩹 #petloss #newpuppy #pug #pugpuppy #dad #homecoming #puppy

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

In a nearly two-minute video, we're introduced to a dad and his family who wanted to bring a smile to his face.

Related: Pug Unapologetically Helps Herself to Carrots in the Fridge and It's Too Cute

In the clip, we meet a family with a surprise for their dad.

"My family recently lost our 14-year-old Pug, Cujo. Cujo and my Dad were best friends," the text on the video reads. "He passed away very suddenly and traumatically."

When Dad walks outside, his family hands him a bag, and he opens it. It's unclear in the video what he was given, but he knows the surprise is in the car.

"He misses [Cujo] so much and has been extremely depressed," the text continues. "I've never seen him so sad."

Dad walks to the car, and inside the front seat is a dog carrier with a tiny baby pug.

"We definitely don't want to replace Cujo, and he could never be replaced," the text says. "But it was time for [Dad] to pour all that love he had for Cujo into someone else."

Dad picks up the puppy Pug and asks what his name is. His family tells him the new puppy is his, and his name is Winston.

Watching Dad hold this small puppy, you can see all sorts of emotions run through his face and body language. He's clearly in love with the sweet little puppy already and can hardly believe what this family has done for him.

"Thank you, Cujo, for sending us baby Winston," the video's caption reads. "We miss you."

In the comment section, people were very moved by this video and how much Dad's heart melted when he picked up the sweet little dog.

"We’re gonna need more Winston & dad content," one person wrote.

"Bawling," Paris Hilton wrote.

"Dogs fill a place in our hearts no human ever could," another viewer shared.

"TikTok should have a monthly tissue subscription," another joked.

"That baby INSTANTLY knew he scored the jackpot of a dad!" someone else added.

"I usually find these videos hard because I struggle with the thought of replacing but your dad looked like he really needed this," another TikTok viewer shared. "It’s beautiful."

How Do You Know When You're Ready for Another Dog After Loss?

The loss of a pet is really hard, and the grief is very real. There are so many emotions you work through, and the reality of loss is that you'll never really be the same as before. 

Grief changes, and it ebbs and flows; eventually, you'll have more good days than bad. But how do you know when you're ready for another pet after yours dies? Experts say that it varies.

"Everyone is different, and grieving the loss of a pet is an incredibly personal experience," Pets in Peace writes. "First and foremost, you need to be ready to accept that you’re about to enter into a serious role once again with an entirely different animal to the one you previously had."

They also suggest that if you're considering another pet after losing yours, you understand the decision needs careful and thoughtful consideration.

"This role cannot (well, should not) be taken lightly – returning animals is extremely taxing on the animal, the owners, and all involved," the organization shares. "Make sure you’re ready for a commitment."

From there, the decision to add another pet would be the same consideration you would make regardless if you're grieving the loss of a pet. This includes determining if you're able to meet their medical, exercise, and attention needs, and that you can afford all their food, medications, and other needs. 

A 6-month-old puppy is looking for her forever home, and this one-of-a-kind dog is really unique because she has an extra leg.

On April 25, 2024, the Wisconsin Humane Society shared a message and several photos of this unique "five-legged" dog. Take a look!

The Wisconsin Humane Society posted on its Facebook page that it had introduced people to Bella, the first "five-legged" dog they've ever seen.

Related: Dachshund’s Sweet Way of Asking Dad for Medicine Is Too Cute to Handle

"We were all just as floored as you likely are when we saw the X-rays!" the organization shared. "This 6-month-old puppy has dimelia, an extremely rare congenital anomaly characterized by the duplication of bones."

The organization explained that this rare congenital anomaly is essentially an extra fifth leg that's "inside her right hind leg."

"X-rays of the affected leg revealed that Bella appears to have an extra femur, two tibias, two fibulas, and nine toes on her rear paw," the Wisconsin Humane Society added. "It is the first-ever case of dimelia we’ve seen in our organization’s history, and as far as we can tell, she’s one of the *very* few documented cases of dimelia in a dog – ever!"

The center consulted with outside specialists to determine the best course of action and treatment for Bella. For now, they determined that it's best for her health to leave the leg "as-is" and continue to "monitor her comfort."

Now, Bella is looking for her forever home, someone who can give her the joy-filled life she deserves while caring for her unique needs now and any that might come up in the future. 

"If you are looking for a true unicorn in both body and spirit, Bella might be your gal," the Humane Society said. 

What to Consider Before Adopting a Dog with Medical Needs

If you're open to or planning to adopt a dog who has unique medical needs, there are some things you should consider before you take the jump. These things are in addition to the typical questions you need to think about before adopting any dog.

According to The Grey Muzzle Organization, before you commit to adopting a disabled dog, you must research and consider the cost of caring for a pet with medical needs.

Specialized food is typically more expensive than general dog food, and there are extra veterinary visit bills, medications, and any adaptive equipment you may need.

"Examine your financial health to determine if you will be capable to take on the responsibility," the organization suggests. "Get plenty of advice from special-needs-pet parents to get an idea of how much the cost can tally up."

Canine Campus adds that if you're adopting a dog with medical needs, you should consider what lifestyle changes you might need to make when you include them in your family.

"Will you have to make major adjustments to your current lifestyle, or will you be able to easily accommodate the dog’s feeding, medication, and exercise routines?" they suggest you ask yourself. 

"Some dogs require medication administration several times a day. Will you be able to adjust your work and leisure plans around his or her needs?"

We're hopeful that Bella will find her forever home and that this unique pup continues to thrive!

Horses are magnificent creatures. Their enormous size gives them incredible power, and their spirit is just as big. And although they may be strong and mighty, they are equally sensitive beings.

It's lovely to witness an animal as grand as a Mustang feeling the vibration of a simple song. This unexpected reaction is a testament to the depth of emotion these animals possess.

Check out this incredible interaction in a video shared on April 24:

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A post shared by Chelsey Stallings (@chelseystallings)

I could watch this beautiful creature all day. His mom, Chelsey, uses her stunning voice and an uplifting song to show how sensitive these enormous creatures truly are. Although he may have felt a bit anxious while trotting around his corral, he slows down the moment she breaks into tune. She points out that he's becoming more relaxed as he begins to lick and chew. Instead of exerting his energy, he's feeling the vibration and beauty of the music and eventually goes to stand by her side. Wow! She advises that these "Sweet, sensitive souls could change the world. And so can music!" There certainly seems to be proof of that here.

Related: Photos: Wild Horses of Mustang Monument

A Mustang's Personality

According to Mad Barn, a Mustang is a feral horse found in the western part of the United States. They derive their name from the Spanish word' mesteño,' which means wild or stray. These wild horses trace their origin back to Spanish settlers who brought them to America, and they have since developed into a mix of different breeds. Because of their years of independence, experts describe them as quick learners with a keen sense of self-preservation. While their well-developed survival instincts may give them a strong fight-or-flight response, they surprisingly get spooked less than other horses. They caution, however, that this breed is naturally curious and can become destructive when bored.

This lovely bond touched people. Viewer @ginabakeralderman responded, "Incredible how this beautiful horse calmed and moved to her side. True connection." It is! Viewer @marissaumendoza remarked, "This is why I always sing to my horse. On the trail, when I'm catching her in the open pasture and even just saying hello. I don't sound like that, but I think it still works." Only the intention matters. Another member pointed out, "One look at those beautiful eyes & you know you're dealing with a sensitive creature!" There's no doubt about it.

It's nice to know that this beautiful creature found a loving mom who could provide him with songs to calm his nerves. Just seeing him relax can have a calming effect on us, too.

Getting a cat spayed removes their ability to have children of their own. It's the responsible thing to do, especially if your cat spends a lot of unsupervised time outdoors. However, even if you do get your cat spayed, they might still come home with babies!

On Wednesday, April 24th, one cat mom found her outdoor cat, once again, with a new kitten. This is not the first time, and if history is any indication, it won't be the last:

@mischiefmanagedxx

This bitch straight up STOLE a kitten. She has been SPAYED FOR 2 YEARS 😂#cats #kittensoftiktok #fyp #omg #whyareyoulikethis #catdistributionsystem

♬ original sound - Michelle Anderson

Michelle Anderson's video has me cracking up. Not only is she spayed, but she's apparently a seasoned stealer!

Related: Mama Cat Reunites With Her Grown up Kittens in an Epic Group Snuggle

Her name is Cletus, and she is an indoor-outdoor cat. Not only that, she loves kittens - so much so that, over the last few years, she has stolen a grand total of eight kittens. She stole four over a longer period, and since this video, she's stolen 4 kittens from what looks like the same litter. How she managed to take them one-by-one without their real mom noticing, I have no idea, but I'm living for it. 

For what it's worth, it seems like Cletus is stealing her babies from an outdoor litter (someone who was breeding cats indoors would definitely notice). We don't know the circumstances, so for all we know, Cletus could be helping these kittens out! They may have been abandoned, or their mom may have passed away, or they may have been dumped. Whatever the case, Michelle seems pretty prepared!

Spayed Cats Make Good Surrogate Moms

Just because they can't have babies of their own does not mean they can't be moms; they can still smell the hormones that new kittens give off. They scream, "hey, protect me!" If Cletus happened to be walking by an unprotected bunch of newborn baby kittens, it's perfectly reasonable to expect that she might sweep them up and bring them home. 

She can't nurse them, but if she's accepted them as her own and her own mom is okay to bottle feed them, all is well! They need somebody. Luckily, just because Cletus wants to mother the kittens now doesn't mean Michelle has to keep all of these Contraband Kittens forever. Typically, mother cats separate themselves from their babies after about 3 months, at which point they can be re-homed. Heaven knows Cletus will be coming home with a new family soon after!

Spring and summer are the most common times to find litters of kittens abandoned. If you ever see something like a closed box, a garbage bag, or an overturned bucket, just give it a quick look. There may be kittens inside!

Dogs are social creatures and often find joy in human activities. Many simply relish being in the company of their parents, whether it’s joining them on a leisurely afternoon stroll or engaging in the fun at dog-friendly establishments.

While canine-friendly meetups often mean playtime, some pups prefer interaction with other people. Even though there are plenty of four-legged friends to choose from at this happy hour, this social Pit Bull would much rather get the love from their humans.

Watch him working the room in this video from April 25:

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A post shared by Nicole & Tippy the pittie 🐾 (@tippo.thehippo)

This handsome boy could be the mayor of his town, or at least The Dog Bar in St. Pete, Florida. Tippy’s mom shared that he loves going out to socialize, not to play with other pups, but to steal their parents’ attention instead. Ha! She revealed that his goal in life is to “Meet every single human,” and he seems to be well on his way to achieving it. Tippy’s infectious energy is well-received by everyone he meets, including other dogs who can’t help but notice him stealing the spotlight. But with a boy as happy and friendly as this, it’s hard not to enjoy his company. While the other dogs played in the kitty pool and with each other, he instead wagged his tail from underneath the table while getting lots of love. This is what happiness looks like!

Related: Pit Bull Can’t Hold Back Excitement When Grandpa Picks Him Up for Sleepover

Benefits of Early Socialization

When dogs are taken out into the world to meet other people and animals at a young age, they can become more confident and have less anxiety. This can make trips to the veterinarian or groomer much less stressful. When they feel safe and secure in new environments, they can also freely partake in activities like this dog social and do more things with their family, which means more fun for everyone!

This friendly Pit Bull charmed animal lovers. Viewer @kgoldcc remarked, “His ability to ignore other dogs is incredible!” It’s impressive, and they seem to respect his wishes. Viewer @laurelysse revealed, “It’s a Staffie thing! Our Leni is exactly the same way.” They can easily spot good people. Viewer @_kurtlevin_ responded, “What a gem! I’ll look for him next time. He can have all my attention.” He’s a great boy to share a drink with.

Whether you’re a dog or a dog lover, an afternoon here looks like the perfect way to spend a day! Not only do you spend the day in the Florida sunshine, but you also get a cocktail and unlimited love from these fantastic four-legged friends.

Potter Park Zoo welcomed adorable River Otter triplets and asked the public for help giving them their names.

On April 22, 2024, Potter Park Zoo, located in Michigan, announced that it is seeking help choosing names for its otter pups. Take a look.

On February 13, 2024, Potter Park Zoo announced that it had welcomed a trio of North American River Otter pups.

Related: Otter ‘Tippy-Tappies’ Are Breaking the Internet in the Best Way

The three babies were born on February 2. According to a blog post on Potter Park Zoo's website, the new babies were Nkeke's fourth litter and her second set of triplets.

"At just one day old, the otter pups underwent a quick physical examination to assess their health and development," the zoo shared at the time. "Weighing in at 113 grams, 109 grams, and 96 grams, respectively, these little bundles of fur weighed as much as a deck of playing cards. While initial examinations look promising, Potter Park Zoo’s Director of Animal Health, Dr. Ronan Eustace, acknowledges the challenges associated with raising triplets."

So far, all is going well with Mom and the triplets, and recently, the zoo asked for people to chime in on choosing the best names for the trio.

"Help us name our otter pups!" the zoo shared on Facebook on April 22, 2024. "Make a splash with a special donation to the Potter Park Zoological Society and cast your vote for their names. Every $5 donated counts as a vote (e.g., $10 = 2 votes)! Your contributions will support Potter Park Zoo's mission of inspiring conservation of animals and the natural world."

The name options include:

• Marlin, Irwin, and Jane
• Stanley, Carson, and Ivy
• Copper, Petoskey (aka Petey), and Isabella

While announcing this, the zoo shared a cute video of the triplets playing together in the grass.

In another social update, the zoo mentioned that one group of names was taking a strong lead as the favorites.

"Here's the current leaderboard," the zoo shared on April 28.

In first place, with a very commanding lead, was Copper, Petoskey, and Isabella, with 115 votes.

Second place went to Marlin, Irwin, and Jane with 32 votes, and in third place were Stanley, Carson, and Ivy, which had 12 votes.

It's pretty clear which name set will win unless there is a fast push for another group to win. For now, we'll have to wait.

Facts About North American River Otters

According to The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), North American River Otters are listed as being of "least concern," which is a good thing for their population since it hasn't always been steady.

The organization shares, "The North American River Otter had declined substantially throughout large portions of its historic range due to unregulated trapping, water pollution, and habitat degradation, but it has recovered in most jurisdictions in which conservation actions are typically defined."

"With the exception of Prince Edward Island, Canada, populations of North American river otters are now stable or expanding among conservation jurisdictions, although diligence is needed to ensure that historical problems encountered by the species do not reoccur."

According to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), River Otters are playful mammals that can be found in the United States and Canada. They love to live in water habitats including rivers, lakes, marhes, and estuaries. These animals don't mind cold water, thanks to their thick fur, but like to be where ther are loads of fish, crabs, equatic plans, and small mammals to keep them well-fed.

River Otters like to make loads of noises when talking with each other, including screams, growls, yelps, and whistles, and can throw off a strong, musky smell when they need to, thanks to a scent gland near their tail.

I have raised my dog since she was eight weeks old, and in the six years that have passed since then, the things she hates most in the world have never changed. She would rather do almost anything else than take a bath, she is so sad when our family goes on vacation without her, and she absolutely cannot stand getting her nails trimmed. We've tried several different clippers and nail grinders. We've tried treats. We've tried distractions. All we can do at this point is make sure we get the task done as quickly as possible so we can all move on — there's not a thing I can do to make it more pleasant for her! 

That might be why this video is so incredible to me. Not only does the dog in the TikTok below not freak out when it's time to get her nails trimmed, but she's actually a total angel during the entire experience.

@winston_da_ween

5 minutes after destroying the house:

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

In this video from @winston_da_ween, we get to see a gorgeous Dachshund puppy named Willa getting her nails trimmed... and causing absolutely zero trouble the entire time. 

"Rare footage of our puppy piranha shapeshifting into an angel," they wrote in the video, adding in the caption that this took place just five minutes after she destroyed the house. Yep, this sounds about right! Puppies can be fickle like that.

She's completely calm and staying totally still as she gets her nails cut, and at one point, she even looks... relaxed? I need her to come over to my house and teach my dog how to be more like her when it's manicure time!

This might be one of the bravest dogs I've ever seen. I hope she received plenty of treats after this! 

More About Willa 

This TikTok account is actually dedicated to Willa's big brother, Winston, another adorable Dachshund (yes, there are two in one family — they are so lucky). With nearly two million followers, Winston is kind of a big deal... which automatically makes Willa a big deal, too.

Willa was adopted in March, and introduced to Winston's followers in a video done in his typical style — sarcastic (and hilarious) narration over footage of their day from his perspective. It's wild to see how tiny Willa was less than two months ago!

While Winston didn't seem too sure about his new sister at first, it looks like they're now getting along swimmingly now that they're used to each other, which means the rest of us get to enjoy crazy cute pictures of them together like these. 

I can't wait to see more of Willa as she grows. She's such a good pup! 

Raising a dog will always result in a routine, whether you mean for it to or not. Certain things just become habits, and when they change, things can get a little bit weird.

One mom and dog duo found this out the hard way on Sunday, April 28th. After many years of being a one-floor pup, it looks like Primrose was certainly not ready to have stairs in her life:

@mckenzieridings

Poor girl couldnt figure out where I was lol #dogs #dog #dogoftiktok #seniordog #olddog#newhouse

♬ original sound - ✨Kenzie✨

I'm glad @kenzieridings let her figure it out for herself. If she hadn't, they might still be dealing with this!

Related: Dog Mom's Perfect 'Date Night' With Her Senior Lab Is an Absolute Heart-Melter

Primrose is a Boston Terrier/Frenchie mix, which makes her just about the cutest pup in the world: she has that classic black and white Boston coloring with those beautifully upright and rounded Frenchie ears. Plus, she's named after one of my favorite characters in The Hunger Games!

Though we don't know exactly how old she is, we know she's never lived in a house with stairs before. Depending on where they live and their lifestyles, there are legitimately some dogs who have never even seen stairs before. Even for dogs who live in houses with stairs, they can be some of the hardest things to master, right up there with doggy doors. Believe me, I've had a dog who is afraid of both!

How to Help Dogs Learn Stairs

It's not your fault that your dog doesn't know what stairs are, but you don't have to let it become a huge issue. Stairs can look daunting at first, especially for tiny puppies and senior dogs. They're afraid of getting hurt or falling, and without a carpet to soften their landing, the act of going down the stairs can be painful itself. They tend to barrel down!

If your dog is afraid of stairs, you should always:

1. Be patient. It's not your fault, but it's not theirs, either. 
2. Carry them up there one time so they can see what's up there and why they want it. 
1. After that, don't carry them up anymore!
3. Don't make a big deal out of it; say "come," when you go up the stairs, but don't sit there for an hour trying to coax them up. 
4. Wait until they're mid-play and grab their toy, then run up. They might follow you without even thinking!
5. Try placing treats on a few stairs to entice them. 
6. It's easier to go up than it is to go down. Remember you'll need to do training both ways!

Luckily, Prim figured it out, and your dog can, too! It just takes a little bit of time. Be patient, be kind, and never force them!

Now that the temperatures are heating up and we're all finally getting to enjoy some sunshine, that means that our pups are, too. With spring in full swing, we're all spending more time outdoors, which means we have a new opportunity to do different activities with our dogs... and for mine, that means playing with water! We live in the south, which means that we're already experiencing temperatures in the 80s and above, and my Boxer mix adores running in the sprinkler in the backyard to cool off. It turns her into a puppy all over again! 

The sprinkler isn't the only way for your dog to have fun and stay cool, though. And after seeing the joy coming from the dog in this video below, I think a lot of us are going to start shopping for backyard pools...

@gabbydamico308

To the creator who mentioned this purchase on Amazon… thank you! Shes so happy! #summervibes #chesapeakebayretriever #amazonfinds #amazonpool #klimbboard #dogswimming #fyp

♬ Marley and Me Ending - Amber Czarniecki

On Friday, April 26, @gabbydamico308 shared what happened when her dog, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, got to play in a pool she set up for her at home. Has anyone ever been this happy to swim and splash around?! 

She's even trying to bite the water, which is so cute, and that tail just keeps wagging. She loves it so much! 

(And we aren't even going to talk about the audio from Marley & Me that's playing over the video, or some of us — me — are going to start crying.) 

From the looks of the comments, this dog and her mom are about to start a trend for this summer. One person wrote,  "my dog just sent me this." 

I think my dog set it to me, too! 

Backyard Pools for Dogs

This pool is fortunately available on Amazon, so if you want to grab one for your favorite water loving pooch, it's very easy.

It's called the Intex Rectangular Frame Above Ground Pool, and it's surprisingly affordable. The smallest size is under $100, though the price does increase a bit if you'd like it to be a little bigger. According to the listing, it takes less than 30 minutes to set up and be ready for water, and looks to be super simple to set up and take down.

And if you're worried about your dog's nails scratching the pool and putting a hole in it, the OP said in a comment on her video that she hadn't had that problem yet, but that the pool does come with patches in case that happens. 

If your dog loves water, this might be a great addition to their summer bucket list. Even dogs who aren't fans of bath time might just love being able to take a dip in the backyard whenever they want! 

Breed-specific dog meetups are one of life's simplest pleasures. They're usually free or very inexpensive to attend, and people legitimately form lifelong friendships sometimes! Nothing brings people together like their dogs and connecting over the love and knowledge they share for the breed.

As an outsider, you might look at a dog meetup and wish you could get in. Unfortunately, though, if you don't have that breed, there's a good chance you'll be turned away... unless you go undercover. On Sunday, April 28th, one pair of pugs did just that:

@sprinklestheweenie

Can’t quite put my finger on it tho #tampa #dachshundsoftiktok #weenie @Tobias & Winnie the Pugs

♬ Funny - Gold-Tiger

I can't stop laughing. Sprinkles the Weenie is definitely onto something, but at least she's being cool about it!

Related: Pug Prances Around NYC in a Reindeer Costume and Stops People in Their Tracks

The two Pugs that crashed this Tampa-based Dachshund meetup are actually influencers themselves! They're Tobias and Winnie, two Pugs who live in Florida and do whatever they want. The two of them like to battle together, which includes a lot of eating each other's faces. In their free-time, they love to make new friends, and what better place to find new puppy friends than at a doggy meetup?

Unfortunately, the only doggy meetup close by was for Dachshunds, which left them no choice but to get in disguise. There was only one way to blend in: getting some hotdog costumes. Luckily, it seems like their efforts worked fine: no one kicked them out and none of the other weenies cared!

If you want to do something like this with your dogs, you should always call ahead and make sure it's okay that your non-conforming dog can crash the party. Most of the time, it'll depend of the breed of the dog. For example, pugs are similar in size to Dachshunds, but a Husky dressed as a hotdog probably wouldn't have been allowed in. 

Where Does the Term 'Wiener Dog' Come From?

According to the American Kennel Club, it's actually not what we all think. Everyone says that the dog breed was nicknamed after the fact that their long bodies looked like hotdogs and sausages, but actually, that's not true. In fact, the dog came first, and a new kind of sausage called the "Dachshund Sausage" came out after. It resembled the dog, not the other way around!

Of course, they definitely do look like sausages, which is why you'll see so many of them dressed like hotdogs for Halloween. In reality, though, these dogs were bred to be hunters: their short, long bodies make them perfect to follow den-dwelling animals into the ground. Those short little legs can carry them up to 20mph for short distances!

Tobias and Winnie may not be Dachshunds, but they definitely had a good time. Hopefully, they can get to a pug meetup soon!

It can be scary just caring for brand new kittens, so I can only imagine how terrifying it must be to be one. Everything in the world is so much bigger than you, including other animals you might encounter — and how do you know if they're a friend or if they're stalking you as their prey? Imagine what a full grown dog must look like to a kitten! But when some dogs meet brand new kitties, many of them are simply curious about what's going on with their tiny new friends... and so excited that they can't stand it! 

For example: the dog in this viral TikTok video, who absolutely cannot wait to see the new kittens in his house. He knows something exciting is happening, and he needs to be a part of it! 

@catgue20

#kittens #kittensoftiktok #cats #catsoftiktok #foryou

♬ original sound - Catherine’s Hair Corner Salon

This precious footage was shared by @catgue20 on Sunday, April 28, and it's just too sweet. As soon as this Golden Retriever hears his mama say "let's go see the babies," he's jumping all around, doing happy little taps with his feet. He's so ready! 

He can barely contain himself at the door where the kittens are being kept, and as soon as it's open, he runs right over to the basket where they're all cuddling, right next to the kittens' proud mom, a beautiful Tortoiseshell cat, who just can't stop meowing as her human checks on the babies. 

Meanwhile, the dog's excitement isn't dampened at all — he seems so happy to be able to check on the kittens (who will no doubt become his playmates soon enough). 

Do Dogs Like Kittens?

As it turns out, it's not strange at all that this Golden Retriever is so excited about visiting his new kitten pals — according to one veterinary website, sometimes, dogs will be more accepting of new kittens in the house than another adult cat in the household will! 

If you've just welcomed a litter of kitties and are waiting for the right time to introduce your dog to them, there are a few things you can do to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

At first, you'll want to put some distance between the kittens and the dog so they can check each other out by keeping the dog on their lead, since their early excitement can sometimes frighten the kittens.  You can loosen up restrictions when your pup is calmer around the kittens, little by little giving them more time and freedom to interact until everyone is BFFs. 

Here's hoping she shares more updates as the kittens get older and are strong enough to play with their big brother. It looks like this is just the start of a beautiful friendship for all of them! 

As everybody knows, Border Collies are possibly the smartest dogs on the planet. It takes a lot to keep them entertained, and if you don't do a good enough job, your home and your herd can suffer. It's important to get creative!

Well, there's a family that certainly tried to do that. On Sunday, April 28th, their son tried to get their Border Collie to "play Jenga," and it definitely went some type of way. You have to see it:

@tylerwrong

a boy and his dog #bordercollie #kids #jenga #dominoes

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

Listen, at least @tylerwrong tried. Next, you should stack them like you would to actually play the game. Maybe she'd do better at it then!

Related: Border Collie Doing a Final Sweep of the Farm Before Sunset Is Too Cute

Their Border Collie's name is Rogue, and she lives in the house with several kids and a senior Alaskan Malamute. It's probably great for her: if ever there was a family that needed a herding dog, it's one with two kids and a Malamute! She's the best girl: she loves to fetch and find treats - and while she has some tricks, playing Jenga is apparently not one of them.

Though she seems mildly interested in the blocks themselves, she's more interested in pleasing the little boy who's trying to get her to play. Border Collies are independent dogs that can entertain themselves sometimes, but at heart, they really are people pleasers. It's what makes them such good workers!

Border Collies are Great with Kids

Border Collies are one of the most common breeds for herding, but they're also pretty common family dogs. They're loyal as anything, and they need a lot of time to run and play - if you have slightly older kids who also have tons of excess energy, it'll be like a match made in heaven. 

Kids are very creative, too: if you give them free rein to create an exercise for your Border Collie, they'll come up with something really cool! The only thing that might give you pause is if you have really young kids and a really young Border Collie: neither have learned boundaries yet, so it might be a little harder to manage. Luckily, both kids and this smart breed pick up new things quickly!

Having a good yard is more important than your family dynamic when it comes to having a Border Collie. This family has a pretty big yard, which gives Rogue lots of room for exercise. No matter how much training you do, pent up energy really can be a Border Collie's downfall!

Dogs don’t try to hold back their disappointment when we do something they aren’t pleased with. Some might resort to destructive measures, while others will employ the silent treatment. Both methods often prove to be highly effective.

This disgruntled Bulldog is so upset about taking a bath that he can’t even look directly at Mom. Instead, he’s giving her a hilarious dose of side-eye as if to state, ‘You’ve made a grave mistake.’

Check out this video from April 20 to see his big attitude!

@thezeusdiaries

silent treatment for the rest of the night for me🙃 #bulldog #bulldogsideeye #bulldoglooks #fyp

♬ original sound - Zeus⚡️💫

It’s a tough life for Zeus (@thezeusdiaries)! This handsome fellow is expressing dissatisfaction with his mom about getting cleaned up. He’s giving her the silent treatment, hoping she’ll realize her mistake and not repeat it. Even when she tries to clarify that it needed to be done because he was stinky, that isn’t enough to convince him. He seemed to be insulted at the notion of his odor. LOL! She’s the one at fault, not him, and his big, sad eyes tell his pitiful story. Hopefully, she could win him back with some of his favorite treats.

Related: Bulldog Brings the Drama When Dad Holds Mom's Hand Instead of Hers

Ways To Make Bath Time More Fun for Dogs

As a pet parent to a dog with allergies, I have to give one of my pups a 10-minute medicated bath twice a week to keep them under control. Although he is an exceptionally good boy, it took him some time to acclimate to this routine. Experts recommend getting them familiar with this space when the water isn’t turned on and making it a positive place by bringing their favorite toys or treats. I use special high-value treats that I only take out for baths. My boy likes them so much that when he hears me open the bag, he runs to the shower, sits, and waits to go inside. In addition, he gets lots of praise and affection while waiting for the time to elapse, and we have lots of fun drying off! It took some time, but the extra effort has paid off.

People came to Zeus’s defense. One viewer remarked, “He’s looking like you are the only one complaining about my natural perfume.” He clearly seemed to notice when she pointed out his smell. Viewer @Gabe responded, “I think they get proud of certain smells they pick up. Mine also hates how the rain messes up the outside smells.” That could be because it takes time to develop that unique aroma.

Even though this good boy might have been a little upset with his mom, it probably didn’t take him too long to forgive her. By the time dinner came along, all grievances should have been forgotten.

If there's one thing dogs are great at, it's making you feel terrible for having to leave the house. It does not matter where you're going or how long you'll be gone; the second that door shuts and you're on the other side of it, you're abandoning them for, allegedly, forever. 

One English Mastiff certainly agrees with that sentiment. On Sunday, April 28th, his dad didn't even go anywhere and he still thought he got left! What ensues is complete chaos, for real:

@diverdude77

#englishmastiff #mastiffsoftiktok #bigdogsmakebiggerbestfriends #Olliethemastiff

♬ original sound - SaC

I know in my own head that @diverdude77 didn't actually do anything wrong, but my heart is telling me that he better treat that sweet boy! 

Related: 200-Pound English Mastiff Happily Cuddles With New Kitten Sibling In Heartwarming Moment

The English Mastiff in this video is named Ollie, and he's a dramatic king at heart. A quick scroll through his dad's TikTok will show you that Ollie doesn't like not being the center of attention, but he does love to snuggle and is a lap dog at heart. Never mind the fact that he's probably pushing 200lbs!

He's only a few years old: they got him after his older brother, Vader, passed away. Many people grieve pets by getting new pets, and there's nothing wrong with that - Vader was also an English Mastiff, so it's not like they were unaware of what they were getting into. Luckily, Ollie has done well blending into their family. He's not a replacement, but he's kind and sweet anyway!

Do Dogs Really Think we Abandoned Them?

Anyone who has ever had a dog before knows that their reaction to you leaving and their reaction to you coming back will always, without fail, be one of the most dramatic things you'll ever see in your life. I went for a walk to Walgreens one time and my oldest Boston Terrier literally greeted me like I'd returned from the war after.

Studies have shown that dogs experience stress when we leave them, some more than others. Dogs seem to understand that we will return, but they don't know when, and they don't know how much time has elapsed. That's why your 30 minute journey to the local grocery store or your hours-long shopping trip will earn you the same greeting!

Don't get it twisted: just because the dog might know you're not abandoning it doesn't mean you leaving doesn't make it sad. Dogs have many different reactions to being left alone, though they typically calm down after about 30 minutes. If you're concerned about how your dog reacts to being left alone, you can get a pet camera to watch. Separation anxiety is never fun, but it does apparently make for a good song!

Traveling with pets can be quite an ordeal, especially since cats and dogs don't typically enjoy road trips or flights as much as we'd like them to. It can't be fun being stuck in small quarters for a long period of time, not to mention the fact that unfamiliar surroundings can be very stressful for a lot of animals. But then, there are the pro travelers, who are on and off planes with their humans all the time like it's no big deal — with enough practice, they can easily become our favorite four-legged jet setters! 

That includes the senior cat who celebrated 50 flights recently, and his mom shared the sweet gesture that the airline did for him to celebrate. This is so sweet! 

@kmart702

19 years young ✈️ #fypシ゚viral #catsoftiktok

♬ original sound - Kris

In this video shared by @kmart702, a gray cat named Church, who is now 19 years old, was celebrated for his milestone flight with a shout out from the cabin crew after takeoff. 

We can hear the full announcement in the video, which says, "We also want to extend an extra special happy birthday to our little feline friend, Church. This is Church's fiftieth flight today, he is 19 years old! Happy birthday, Church. We hope you live a long, happy kitty life." 

That's just too cute — and with all the "aww"-ing going on in the background, it seems like everyone else on the plane feels the same way! 

And as it turns out, this senior cat has actually traveled even more than that, because his mom wrote in a comment that number is just an estimate. 

"We are way over 50 bc most of our flights have connections each way from west coast to east coast. I told the steward he has flown over 50+ flights. It’s more near 80 I would estimate," she said. 

Wow! 

More About Church the Cat

Elsewhere on Church's mom's TikTok account, you can see plenty of his adventures. He's one lucky cat — and well traveled, too.

In one video, he's watching people hang glide, and in multiple others, he's exploring the beach. Not all cats do as well on a leash as Church does, but it's obvious that he's a special kitty. 

He's also very well loved. Another video shows his birthday party last year, complete with a cake and decorations. Wonder if they're planning a similar celebration now that he's turning 19? 

Church and his mom seem very lucky to have each other, and with so much travel under their belts, there's no doubt they have made so many memories with each other over the past 50 flight and beyond. 

When you first get a puppy, you can’t help but fall in love with them. They instantly capture your heart with their adorable personality and all-around cuteness. Though, when it comes to choosing the pawfect name for your furbaby, the immediate decision isn’t always there. In fact, figuring out what you’re going to call your pet can be one of the trickiest decisions you’ll have to make because whatever you end up going with will be with them for forever, so you want to pick something that’s special and truly captures who they are. Speaking of, Parade has pulled together some of the best black dog names for you to consider.

One way to easily nail down a name is to use your pet’s appearance as inspiration. So, no matter if you’ve adopted a dark-coated dog from a local shelter, or you’re welcoming a brand new black and white pup into your family, you'll be sure to find some options here that you’ll L-O-V-E. We included girl and boy monikers, cute names and even unique and unusual ones. That way, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Check out all the sweet black dog names we compiled, below! Once you do, you’ll no longer feel stressed about the topic. Instead, you’ll feel excited and giddy knowing you’ve found the right one for your pet. Happy naming!

Related: Get Ready To Say ‘Awww!’ These 50 Cute Animals Are the Most Adorable Creatures in the Entire World

205 Best Black Dog Names

Canva

1. Ash

2. Jet

3. Bear

4. Hershey

5. Midnight

6. Opal

7. Indigo

8. Storm

9. Shadow

10. Carbon

11. Charcoal

Related: Here's the List We've All Been Waiting For: 30 Cutest Dog Breeds of All Time

Female Black Dog Names

Canva

12. Velvet

13. Bailey

14. Rebel

15. Rio

16. Smudge

17. Spark

18. Buttons

19. Sable

20. Zara

21. Blue

22. Oakley

23. Winnie

24. Roo

25. Ebony

26. Zoey

27. Piper

28. Scout

29. Obsidian

30. Luna

31. Violet

32. Jade

Related: 25 Popular Teacup Dogs if You're Looking for a Super Cute Tiny Dog

Male Black Dog Names

Canva

33. Elvis

34. Ink

35. Knight

36. Metallica

37. Matches

38. Koda

39. Diesel

40. Flint

41. Razor

42. Buddy

43. Bernie

44. Tank

45. Bandit

46. Boomer

Related: 311 Sweet Pet Quotes About the Fur-ever Love Between You and Your Best Little Buddy

Canva

47. Ninja

48. Boots

49. Rex

50. Dakota

51. Jasper

52. Ozzy

53. Kobe

54. Nyx

55. Neo

56. Starling

57. Buzz

58. Duke

59. Milo

60. Berry

61. Navy

62. Slate

63. Bruno

64. Ace

65. Hunter

66. Cash

67. Ziggy

Related: 75 of the Doggone Best Dog Jokes That'll Have You Barking With Laughter

Food-Inspired Black Dog Names

68. Cookie

69. Mousse

70. Java

71. Blackberry

72. Licorice

73. Chocolate

74. Coffee

75. Beans

76. Cupcake

77. Cocoa

78. Sundae

79. Pepper

80. Truffles

81. Fig

82. Olive

83. Pudding

84. Starbucks

85. Chip

86. Espresso

87. Cola

88. Cappuccino

89. Cocoa Puff

90. Brownie

91. Kit-Kat

92. Fudge

93. Taco

Related: 20 Gorgeously Purr-Fect Black Cat Breeds That You Can Love Fur-Ever and Ever

Nature-Inspired Black Dog Names

94. Eclipse

95. Granite

96. Raven

97. Clay

98. Cosmo

99. Moon

100. Aurora

101. Star

102. Astrid

103. Ant

104. Cloud

105. Thunder

106. Ocean

107. Dusky

108. Lead

109. Rocky

110. Everest

111. Forest

112. River

113. Sky

114. Spruce

115. Bay

116. Cliff

117. Fern

118. Reed

119. Rye

120. Aspen

121. Cedar

122. Cypress

123. Maple

Related: Anything Is Paw-sible With These 50 Funny Dog Puns Sure To Leave You Howling

124. Willow

125. Spruce

126. Woody

127. Birdie

128. Wolf

129. Wren

130. Delta

131. Banks

132. Lava

133. Breeze

134. Windy

135. Clover

136. Pebbles

137. Buck

Black Dog Names Inspired by Famous Characters

138. Hercules

139. Gatsby

140. Zorro

141. Zelda

142. Buffy

143. Vader

144. Yoda

145. Spock

146. Thor

147. Loki

148. Katniss

149. Mickey

150. Wednesday

151. Toto

152. Minnie

153. Batman

154. Meeko

155. Bolt

Related: 300 of the Most Adorable Disney-Inspired Dog Name Ideas for Your Pooch

Magic-Inspired Black Dog Names

156. Salem

157. Hocus

158. Merlin

159. Spirit

160. Dumbledore

161. Wizard

162. Mystic

163. Sage

164. Hedwig

165. Sabina

166. Maleficent

167. Enchantra

168. Oz

169. Merryweather

170. Spell

171. Draco

172. Tarot

173. Wonder

174. Magic

175. Charm

176. Hex

Related: 300 Cool Dog Names for Males and Females with Meanings

Black and White Dog Names

177. Puffin

178. Barcode

179. Puzzle

180. Dotti

181. Dice

182. Tuxedo

183. Freckles

184. Zebra

185. Panda

186. Checkers

187. Snoopy

188. Ying Yang

189. Spec

190. Spade

191. Oreo

192. Patches

193. Marble

194. Spot

195. Domino

196. Splatter

197. Pongo

198. Peppermint Patty

199. Sprinkles

200. Dot

201. Speckles

202. Skunky

203. Polka dot

204. Ombre

205. Kaleidoscope

Next: How Well Do You Know the Animal Kingdom? These 100 Animal Trivia Questions Will Reveal Your Animal IQ

A small stray dog had a chance encounter that completely changed their life. The little dog went from unhoused to a sitcom superstar.

On April 25, 2024, People shared the story of a small dog named Noelle who had a pivot in her life she probably didn't see coming. Here's what happened.

View the original article to see embedded media.

The amazing story of Noelle is told to the magazine through her human, Jubel Chen, who first met the sweet stray dog when she was wandering around Los Angeles.

Related: Apartment Building with 'Pooch Pods' Next to Work Stations Takes Dog-Friendly to New Heights

According to the reporting, Jubel was in LA working on a movie in 2017, where she works as an animal trainer for movies, when someone asked if that random dog they found was one of theirs.

The "skittish, scruffy dog" wasn't one of theirs, but Jubel told the publication that she said they would take the scared dog to see if they could help find where she was supposed to be.

Jubel and her co-workers put out flyers and took the small dog to a local veterinarian to see if there was a microchip that would provide more details on where she was supposed to be.

According to People, no leads were obtained from any of their attempts to find where this small dog was supposed to be.

Noelle Finally Found Her Forever Home, and a Calling Too

"After spending weeks searching for Noelle's family, Jubel found that the little pup had 'kind of grew on' her, especially with "her little face" and 'grandpa eyebrows,'" People reports.

So, after all that, Jubel decided she would officially adopt the dog, and help her feel comfortable with her before she decided if she would be great addition to the dogs she worked with for her job.

"She took a little bit because she was kind of skittish," Jubel told People. "She was a little worried about things," but with spending so much time with Noelle, Jubel thought: "She's too cute not to be in the business. It took her about six months before she was like, okay, I think you can do this."

Noelle took to the business like no one's business, starring in several commercials and big TV shows like Modern Family and Reboot, per People.

Now, she's hit the big game and her biggest role yet, starring in Lopez vs Lopez. In the show, Noelle plays the family dog Churro, and she's proven herself to be really easy to work with. And a delight to have on set.

Now, it's been six years since Jubel met Noelle and made her a part of her life. And the sweet pup has grown so much.

"She's gotten super confident and is not scared of strangers. She'll walk up to people and wag her tail," Jubel told People.

Jubel is hopeful that reading about Noelle's story will encourage others to "give rescue animals a chance," People writes. And that people will understand that sometimes a dog just needs some time and patience to really open up.

"All the animals at shelters and rescues need some time and socialization," Jubel shares. "Have patience with them, and they turn out to be amazing pets. They feel it, and they will give it back to you. I feel that with all of my animals. If you treat them well, they will be super grateful."

Noelle, we're so happy you found your calling!