Parade Pets

The first picture shows a hollow-eyed, underweight black cat with dull fur and a tense posture, as if it hasn't decided yet whether it's safe. Then you look at the after photo and see a beautiful black cat, looking like she is posing for a pet magazine.

Posted to r/aww, it's hard to believe it's the same cat. He was rescued in June 2025, and the before-and-after photos quickly caught Redditors' attention.

🐶SIGN UP to get "pawsitivity" delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

can’t believe this is the same cat I rescued in june of 2025!
by u/newbhere12 in aww

The transformation shows how much a pet can change when they finally feel safe. It might not be flashy, but it is remarkable.

The Difference a Year of Stability Makes

Comments quickly piled up on the Reddit post. "Such a cute void you have. Growing up I had a black cat with the same eyes, beautiful yellow," one Redditor shared.

Another talked about the joy of seeing a tiny cat become a healthy adult, saying, "I know that kittens are great." Another wrote that "there is nothing like the joy of seeing a tiny baby become a healthy adult."

The transformation is all about stability. After one year in a safe, routine environment, cats begin to feel secure. The chronic stress that left their body hollow is gone. Eyes brighten, muscle tone returns, and posture opens up. Cats begin to move through your space with confidence, not caution.

The change in black cats is usually even more apparent. When under stress, their fur looks dull and almost gray. However, consistent nourishment and love can help their coat look deep and rich.

Related: 'Shut-Down' Black Cat Spent 899 Days in Shelter — Then One Moment Changed Everything

The Internet Has a Thing for Void Cats

Black cats have become some of the more popular felines on the internet. Fans have come up with plenty of nicknames, from voids to little panthers and midnight cats.

Their unique look has a lot to do with it. In some photos, they might appear as little more than glowing eyes floating in darkness. In others, the sunlight can reveal their hidden shade of charcoal or silver.

However, for many black cats, their most stunning trait is usually their yellow or green eyes, which stand out against their dark fur.

Still, black cats are statistically less likely to be adopted thanks to lingering mythology and superstitions. Black cats are not a single breed either, with the Cat Fanciers' Association recognizing 22 breeds that can have a solid black coat. Common non-purebred domestic cats can also come with black coats.

In OP's case, everyone loved the physical transformation of her black cat. The photos showed a rescued kitten who has become a confident cat who knows he's safe—and that is certainly worth celebrating.

Related: Rescued Black Cat With Vitiligo Looks Like She Dipped Her Ears in Glitter

I have two daughters, and I don't know where I'd be without the support of my mom friends. And as it turns out, plenty of cats out there feel the same way, including these mama Maine Coons who are parenting their kittens together.

Here, we have proud new moms Stormi and Luna, who each gave birth to their own litter of kittens less than two weeks apart from each other. Having babies so close together means they can tag team this whole raising kittens adventure, and it's the sweetest thing ever.

@wildmane_mainecoons

Everyone is doing amazing 🤍🖤 #mainecoon #kitten #mainecoonkitten #cutekitten #newbornkitten

♬ Sogni ancora - Piero Piccioni

When Wild Mane Maine Coons shared this video on Sunday, June 21, the older litter of kittens was two and a half weeks old, and the younger litter was one week old. They are still so tiny, and they also all seem happy to nurse from whichever mama cat happens to have the space available.

As they're adjusting to the world, the kittens are starting to come alive a bit more and are walking around and becoming more active, which is proof that these moms are doing a great job working together.

Nothing is quite as sweet as the very end of the video, though. Both exhausted mamas snuggling up for a nap together with their kittens? They deserve the rest!

Related: This Mama Cat Refuses to Leave Her Tiniest Kitten Behind

Do Cats Really Help Raise Each Other's Kittens?

Blended families are pretty common in the human world, and they're also more common in the animal world than you might think, especially when it comes to cats.

Also known as "alloparenting," cats have such a maternal instinct that they will often feel the pull to take care of kittens who aren't their own, especially if two adult cats live in the same house and have litters of kittens around the same time like the kitties in the video above did.

In fact, this is so common that it's a practice that is sometimes used when a litter of kittens is in need of a mom to look after them when their biological mother can't be the one to do it.

“At [Animal Care Centers of New York (ACC)] we often put orphaned kittens in with lactating moms, who then begin nursing and providing for them right away,” cat behaviorist Steven Quandt told Adopt a Pet.

Some cats are even known to mother babies belonging to other species, that's how strongly they feel they need to take care of the littlest members of the wild. It's an amazing phenomenon — one that has likely saved many baby animals' lives.

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾

I grew up around horses, so I know they can be brave, powerful, and graceful animals one minute and deeply offended by a suspicious object the next. A horse can handle a whole job, cross rough ground, move cattle, and then lose all faith in the universe because a plastic bag looked at them wrong.

This 22-year-old gray horse understands that feeling.

@marcella.moeckel

The gray 22-year-old’s first encounter with a camel ! 🐪 #camel #camelsoftiktok #kansascowgirl

♬ original sound - Marcella Moeckel

In the video, he's staring hard at something off camera, and you can tell immediately that whatever he sees has failed inspection. His ears are up, his body is busy, and he keeps moving like he’s trying to decide whether to investigate or just run to the ends of the earth to escape.

His mom is holding him, but he clearly doesn't feel reassured. 

He even tries to pull away, because in his mind, the situation has crossed from “new animal nearby” to “absolutely not.”

Then the camera finally pans over and reveals the threat.

It's a camel.

Not a charging camel. Not a dramatic camel. Just Eva, the camel, standing there existing. Mom even tries to defend her, saying Eva hasn’t done anything, but the horse doesn't accept this statement. Eva may not have done anything, but she is shaped like a camel, and apparently, that's enough.

The caption explains that this is the gray 22-year-old's first encounter with a camel, which makes his reaction even funnier. After two decades of life experience, he has seen plenty, but this is where he draws the line.

Mom adds that this same horse had just been out corralling bulls, which makes the whole thing perfect. Bulls? Fine. Actual ranch work? Handled. One tall, long-necked mystery creature? Immediate nope.

People in the comments were losing it, too. One person joked that the horse looked like upset TV static, which is such a ridiculous and specific description that it somehow fits a gray horse in full emotional malfunction. Someone else replied that they had never heard a gray called that before, and now, unfortunately, none of us can unsee it.

He really does look like static with opinions.

But that’s part of what makes horses so funny and lovable to me. They’re not pretending to be cool. If something feels weird, you’re going to know about it. This horse may be 22, experienced, and capable, but he still has the right to decide that Eva, the camel, isn't on his approved list yet.

Honestly, fair.

New friendships take time, especially when one party has humps.

Why Horses React Strongly to New Animals

Horses are prey animals, so unfamiliar sights, smells, and movements can make them nervous fast. If your horse meets a new animal, give them space, stay calm, and don’t force the introduction. Let them look, sniff from a safe distance, and settle before asking for more.

The Open Sanctuary shares that horses can react to fear, stress, and unfamiliar situations in ways that may look dramatic but make sense given their instincts. Patience, steady handling, and positive experiences can help build confidence.

Eva may not have done anything wrong, but this gray gentleman clearly needed several business days to process the camel situation.

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

Related: Group of Horses Stops in Their Tracks To Say a Final Goodbye to a Dying Friend

There is a specific type of embarrassment story every dog parent knows. You have a well-trained dog that listens to commands like sit, stay and come, making you look like a responsible dog parent. Then, suddenly, one dog appears, and everything falls apart.

Unfortunately, one Labrador retriever mom recently experienced this exact scenario and posted to r/DogAdvice seeking input.

🐶SIGN UP to get "pawsitivity" delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

Her 5-year-old Lab is, by her own account, obedient, but the moment the neighbor's small rescue dog appears on the other side of the fence, everything falls to the wayside.

She isn't necessarily hoping they become best friends, according to her Reddit post. She does, however, want to find a way for them to peacefully share the same fence without every encounter turning into an aggressive barking match.

Fence Fighting Between Dogs

OP's Lab and the rescue have been at war since the neighbor adopted a rescue dog about a year ago. Whenever they share the yard, they lunge on sight, and as the woman explains, her Lab's weight adds another layer of anxiety.

Fence fighting between dogs is all about barrier frustration. When dogs can see, smell or hear another animal but cannot reach it, they quickly build on their arousal.

What looks like aggression is often frustrated excitement with nowhere to go. Yes, some dogs seem to hate each other on sight. Sometimes it is due to a bad first interaction. Whatever the reason, fence fighting creates a cycle that is challenging to break.

Related: Aussie and Border Collie Meet on a Trail—What Happens Next Is Heartwarming

Reddit Community Suggested a Solution

Thankfully, Redditors quickly piled on with useful advice to combat OP's problem. Among the responses, one pet parent came up with something that helped him, too. He lived through nearly an identical situation, including the size of the dogs.

He explained how the neighbor's dog constantly charged the fence and barked at his dog. So every time the barking started, he calmly called his dog back inside using the "leave it" command.

When the dog disengaged and followed his parents inside, they rewarded him. As the person explained, "It took months, but it worked."

And the best part is the improvement carried over to walks. Another parent explained that distance is your friend. Instead of bringing their dog inside, they rewarded calm behavior outdoors while keeping the dog on a leash during training. They started far away from the fence and tried to create enough space that the dog could still think and listen.

How Neighboring Dogs Can Learn to Coexist

The first step is to find the threshold distance from the fence. This is the point where dogs can still take a treat and respond to their name. Start with every session at this threshold.

Use high-value treats for fence training, and mark and treat the moment your dog disengages from the fence. Reward every glance away, turn of the head, or a drop in posture. All these small wins pile up.

If your neighbor is willing to cooperate, parallel walking can help. When dogs walk in the same direction, far apart, with the gap decreasing, it builds up tolerance.

The Successful Formula: "Time + Patience + Treats"

Many commenters agreed on one thing: it takes time to get it right. And one person summed it best, saying, "Time + patience + treat is literally how I trained my dog to do everything."

It is not easy, but after thousands of small experiences and wins, dogs eventually learn what gets them the reward.

Related: The 'Two-Finger Rule' Trainers Swear By to Keep Your Dog Safe and Comfortable on Walks

New fathers often try to take on baby duty for moms to give them some much-needed rest. While many dads are fully prepared for all the responsibilities involved in infant care, there are some who get that "deer in the headlights" look and realize they are out of their element.

The same applies with animals, where a daddy dog or cat may step in to care for their fur babies while the kitty mama has some "me" time. This orange-and-white feline father looked less than thrilled when he had to watch his kitten while mom took a cat nap.

@rose.rozi13

Well he was not happy about it but I don’t care he should be an active parent #fyp #foryoupage❤️❤️ #viral #viralvideos #cat

♬ lovers’ carvings - Bibio

In the TikTok from @rose.rozi13, a tiny orange kitten nuzzled in his dad's arms and looked perfectly at peace. The pretty kitty's face showed pure contentment and security as he sleepily snuggled with his father.

The papa cat was clearly having other emotions. His inconvenienced expression seemed to say, "I didn't sign up for this," as he uncomfortably stared off to the side, hoping time would go faster. Meanwhile, the mama cat was getting the sleep she desperately needed.

"I give the baby to the dad so mommy can sleep," the on-screen text read, with the caption adding, "Well, he was not happy about it but I don't care — he should be an active parent."

Followers noticed the dad cat's trepidation and guessed at what was going through his mind:

• "Dad’s just waiting for mom to wake up," one remarked.
• "He looks like he wants to go buy cigarettes," another noted.
• "No instruction manual was provided to dad," a follower pointed out.
• "He’s trying so hard to shift his reality," someone posted.

Do Male Cats Recognize Their Kittens?

Cats use scent and sight to recognize each other. If father cats and their kittens spend consistent time together and form a bond, they will both learn each other's scent and physical appearance, enabling them to quickly identify each other. If they are separated early in the kitten's life, father and kitten would not know they come from the same family.

Related: ‘Surrogate Mama’ Cat Steps in to Care for 2 Kittens Rejected by Their Mother

Dad cats show a paternal instinct toward their kittens by grooming, protecting and playing with their kitties.

This daddy cat may just need a little time to settle into his parenting role and fully embrace fatherhood.

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

I still remember when my own Maine Coon, Meatball, was just a kitten. He was all giant stompy paws, ears that looked way too big for his head and fluffy little tufts sticking out everywhere. Looking back at photos now, I honestly don't know how I survived the cuteness.

Which is exactly why this adorable tuxedo Maine Coon kitten is reminding me that I absolutely do not need another cat. Even if I want another cat. Maine Coon kittens are basically roly-poly, purring balls of fluff, and in my opinion, they're some of the cutest and most entertaining kittens on the planet.

@distinct.felinestx

10 weeks old and already straight 🔥🔥 structure loud, coat coming in crazy, and the attitude to match 😮‍🔥🐾 this one different… just wait on it 😏 #mainecoon #mainecoonkittens #mainecoonlife #mainecoonlovers #europeanmainecoon

♬ My Kitty - Emergency Mouse

The adorable clip was shared by @distinct.felinestx and features a proud Maine Coon mom and breeder showing off a gorgeous black and white kitten who is already turning heads at just 10 weeks old.

The caption reads:

"10 weeks old and already straight fire, structure loud, coat coming in crazy, and the attitude to match."

Related: This Fluffy Gray Maine Coon Kitten Looks Like a Storm Cloud—and We're Not Evacuating

Seriously, the confidence is deserved.

With his enormous ears, fluffy coat and tiny vampire face, it's easy to see why viewers immediately started comparing him to a miniature Dracula.

The comments section was completely smitten:

• "Absolutely adorable."
• "Oh he is just stunning."
• "Cutie."
• "He looks like a little Dracula kitty!"

Personally, I think it's the ears.

Those giant ears combined with his tuxedo markings make him look like he should be introducing himself with a tiny Transylvanian accent.

And somehow, Meatball is probably reading this over my shoulder and reminding me that one giant Maine Coon is enough.

How Fast Maine Coon Kittens Grow Compared to Regular Kittens @furly26

“Maine Coon owners… where does it stop?! 😭” #mainecoon #cat #petlover

♬ original sound - Furly

Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, and they grow much more slowly than many other cats.

While most cats reach their adult size around one year of age, Maine Coons can continue growing for three to five years. Their giant paws, oversized ears and gangly bodies are often early clues that a kitten has a lot more growing to do.

As adults, male Maine Coons can easily weigh 15 to 25 pounds or more.

Which explains why many Maine Coon kittens start life looking like adorable little bats before eventually turning into majestic house lions.

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾

I swear the things we humans go through for long eyelashes are absolutely ridiculous. We've got mascara, lash growth serums, extensions, false lashes and enough beauty products to fund a small country. Meanwhile, here comes a dog with naturally perfect eyelashes, and honestly, I'm jealous.

Not only does this adorable Bernedoodle have lashes worthy of a beauty campaign, but she also has two different colored eyes. At this point, Rocky is just showing off.

@thedailyschvitz

Brb asking for the link to her lash serum #bernedoodle

♬ Aww so cute so cute - cherriwenyu

The gorgeous clip was shared by @thedailyschvitz and features Rocky, an adorable Bernedoodle whose eyelashes are so long they almost don't look real.

According to the caption, the dog mom joked that Rocky's lashes belong in a Maybelline commercial and asked for the link to her lash serum.

Honestly, same.

Because I have spent actual money trying to achieve what this dog was apparently born with.

Related: This Dreamy Snow Bengal Kitten Looks Like She Comes From Old Money

And as if the eyelashes weren't enough, Rocky also has heterochromia, meaning her eyes are two different colors.

It's honestly unfair how pretty she is.

The comments section was completely obsessed:

• "OMG I am obsessed with her."
• "Yes and the groomers trim them and they still grow so long."
• "I have never seen this in my life, omg."
• "Wait, how can I get eyelashes like this?"
• "Help, I'm a cat person. Is this real?"

One comment absolutely broke my heart in the sweetest way:

• "My poodle had the best most beautiful lashes ever. I bet she uses them as her wings in heaven."

Excuse me while I go cry over a stranger's dog.

Honestly, Rocky could probably influence me to buy mascara.

And she's not even human.

Should You Get Your Dog's Eyelashes Trimmed? @phoeebeer

And now they’re 3 inches🥲 we trim them once they start to go in her mouth #dogs #cockerspaniel #showcockerspaniel #chocolatespaniel #goldenspaniel

♬ i just can't help you - i don't like mirrors

Most dogs don't need their eyelashes trimmed. In fact, eyelashes serve an important purpose by helping protect the eyes from dust, dirt and debris.

Some breeds, particularly Poodles and doodle mixes, naturally grow very long lashes. Groomers may occasionally trim them if they become excessively long or start irritating the dog's eyes, but many veterinarians recommend leaving them alone if they aren't causing problems.

If you're concerned about your dog's eye health, it's always best to ask your veterinarian before reaching for the scissors.

Because unlike the rest of us, dogs don't need beauty treatments.

Apparently they just wake up looking fabulous.

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾

Some dogs have very distinct characteristics that mimic famous toys or cartoon characters. I've always thought my Pug mix resembles Simba from the Disney classic The Lion King with his honey-colored fur and cub-like ears. My silly pooch even has the same childish sass and clumsiness that Simba possessed before he grew up to be the King of the Pride Lands.

Hugo, an adorable Coton de Tulear covered with white, cloud-like fur, has his own famous doppelgänger and bears a strong resemblance to a beloved toy dog:

@hugo.the.coton

🙈 #fyp #cotondetulear #dogsoftiktok #puppytok #doggo

♬ Originalton - AlvaTheHotDog

In the TikTok from @hugo.the.coton, the canine cutie stared into the camera, unknowingly showing off his excessive adorableness. His layers of lush, pillowy fur were like plumes of soft cotton surrounding his face and covering his entire body.

Hugo had the typical small-dog build of a Coton de Tulear, along with those expressive dark eyes that seem to stare into your soul. The fluffy fur baby was a hit with followers, with some saying he's a spitting image of Coconut, the iconic Westie dog from the American Girl doll collection:

• "He looks exactly like the real version of Coconut from American Girl," one remarked.
• "I feel inferior in his presence," another admitted.
• "This looks like my American Girl doll dog," a follower posted.
• "That’s literally Coconut," someone commented.

View this post on Instagram

Coconut, the West Highland White Terrier, was introduced as as part of the modern American Girl line in 2000. Originally marketed as a male, Coconut was reintroduced as a female the following year. The popular stuffed animal was officially retired in 2016, but then made a reemergence as Coconut Chip in 2022.

The Coton de Tulear Breed Name Is Inspired by Its Coat

Coton means "cotton" in French, making Coton de Tulear the ideal name for this fluffy breed. These dogs have soft, literally cotton-like coats that are considered hair rather than fur. A Coton de Tulear is typically low-shedding, so this breed holds a nearly hypoallergenic status.

Related: Mini Dachshund's Rare 'Natural Mask' Makes Him Look Like a Work of Art

Maintaining their coat is essential and requires brushing several times a week. Cotons de Tulear should be bathed every one to three weeks so their coats remain clean and free of dirt and debris.

These loyal and affectionate dogs get along with kids, other dogs and cats. Their friendly nature and loving spirit make them wonderful family pets.

And, like Hugo, Cotons de Tulear are over-the-top cute and cuddly.

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

Being an animal person is one thing, but becoming a parent to a special kitten requires so much more than just liking cats. So, how do you know if you’d be a good cat parent? You’ll need to think about if their personality aligns with yours, as well as their energy level, along with things like if you can tend to their basic needs. But there’s one more thing you probably haven’t considered: the month you were born. You see, when it comes to discovering if you're destined for cat ownership, astrologers and spiritual experts reveal that there are four birth months that make the best cat parents.

Since each month of the year has its own cosmic energy, your birth month highlights key personality traits that may influence how naturally you will connect with a kitten that can help you know if pet parenthood is for you. In fact, NYC-based astrologerLisa Stardust shares that the planet alignment during your entrance into this lifetime can make you more naturally predisposed to qualities needed to help a feline friend thrive.

Are you ready to see if you are meant to be a cat mom or dad? According to astrology and numerology, these four birth months stand out from all the others and are said to make the best cat parents. Keep reading to find out if you're one of them!

Related: Which Adorable Kitten Breed Is For You, Based on Your Birth Month

Which Birth Months Make the Best Cat Owners? A happy cat who loves its cat parent.

Getty Images NiseriN

To determine whether you were born in a month that makes you an amazing cat parent, disregard your numerical birth date. Instead, focus solely on the month in which you were born.

March

If you were born in March, you may be destined to be a cat parent. March birthdays are shaped by compassionate Pisces and spirited Aries, creating a personality that will naturally connects with feline family members. You see, Pisces is traditionally ruled by Jupiter, the planet of growth and wisdom, while intuitive Neptune serves as its modern ruler. This influence makes you an animal empath and gives you an ability to understand your cat's mood, quirks, and unspoken needs. At the same time, since Aries is ruled by Mars, the planet of confidence, this fiery energy will help you keep up with your cat's playful antics and give you the determination needed to care for an independent pet.

"Both Pisces and Aries have extreme amounts of intuition and vitality," Stardust reveals. That combination makes March-born individuals especially well-suited to life with cats. You'll instinctively know when your furry friend wants attention, when they need space, and how to create an environment where they feel safe and loved. Basically, a Pisces' sensitivity and Aries' vitality make you the kind of cat parent any kitty would be lucky to have.

August

Like all August babies, you’re a beautiful mix of passionate, creative Leo and dutiful, precise Virgo. A cat will be instinctively drawn to your warm Leo energy as you bring a playful spark that even the most independent feline can’t ignore. You’ll always be thinking of new ways to keep your cat entertained, whether it’s rotating toys, setting up cozy spaces, or finding ways to spark their curiosity.

But you’ll not only be a fun cat parent, you’ll be a responsible one, too. Your Virgo energy will come through in your diligence and attention to detail. In fact, you'll have an unmatched ability to notice your cat’s subtle cues, knowing exactly when they want affection and when they need time to themself. As Stardust explains, “August-born pet parents will give a whole lotta love to their cats while respecting their cat’s desire for independence and privacy as well."

That blend of warmth and attentiveness is what makes people with this birth month amazing cat owners since they are in tune with their felines.

Related: What Bird Reflects Your Soul, Based on Birth Month

September

September-born individuals may just be some of the most devoted cat parents in the zodiac. Stardust points out that this fall birth month is Virgo and Libra time. "This is a pairing that creates the perfect balance of care, love, and emotional awareness for cat parenthood as you'll deeply respect your cat and make sure they are treated as an equal in the household" she notes. "People with these birth dates will be diligent when it comes to taking care of their pet.”

Seeing how Virgo energy is ruled by Mercury, you'll be able to instantly make your cat feel safe and truly at home with you. Libras as no different. Since Libras are ruled by Venus—the planet of love and connection—you'll form a bond like no other with your cat.

October

According to Stardust, every October baby is destined to have a cat in their life seeing as your birth month gives you the perfect mix of traits to become an intuitive, devoted cat parent. After all, since Libras are ruled by Venus, you'll have a strong desire for connection when you enter cat parenthood as you'll be especially attentive to your cat’s comfort, routines, and need for balance at home. Scorpios, on the other hand, will form a powerful, almost unspoken bond with your furbaby thanks to being traditionally ruled by Mars and modernly ruled by Pluto, which will give you more emotional depth.

"Overall, because October is also a time when the veil between the spiritual and physical world is thinned, pet parents born in this month will tend to view their cats as family," Stardust explains. "They will honor their pets for the protection and companionship they bring by offering affection, indulgences, and plenty of space to simply be themselves.”

Source:

• Lisa Stardust is an NYC-based astrologer

Pacha the golden retriever has an established brand reputation. The brand is polished, charming and very good at posing. The reality of the situation is something else entirely. Her family loves both versions so much they immediately want a second dog. Maybe.

The TikTok from @goldengirlpacha paints the full picture. The caption: "Pacha is my reality tv 🍿" The text overlay does the rest: "Our first dog who made us want a second one. Just kidding, she's a hot mess. What she wants you to see... what she's actually like."

What she wants you to see: soft eyes, perfect poses, golden retriever charm turned all the way up.

@goldengirlpacha

Pacha is my reality tv 🍿 #dogsoftiktok #dogtok #goldenretriever #cuteanimals #funnyanimals

♬ original sound - DJ Precise

What she is actually like: rolling off the bed on repeat, getting into something spicy and stealing things so someone will chase her for them. The falling has become a whole thing. It is always funny. It never gets old.

The comments were full of opinions and observations:

"How does she keep rolling off the bed omg 😭😂" — Pedigree

That is the actual Pedigree brand stopping mid-scroll to ask the very real question everyone needs answered. 

Related: Golden Retriever Absolutely Would Not Last a Day in the Wild—His Tuxedo Cat Has Submitted Her Review

"She clearly understood the assignment of being an only child 🐶🐾🤣"

"This is literally what it's like having that first and second child 😂"

"She's such a goofball ❤️😂"

The chaos of having a puppy is not the problem. For a lot of families the chaos is exactly the point.

Why the Hot Mess Dog Is Always the One Who Makes You Want Another

According to Cherished Companions, getting a second dog can genuinely double the fun and the silliness at home. If your first dog tends to start getting into things when they’re bored, a second dog can give them something more constructive to do - mainly, keep each other entertained, engaged and out of trouble.

That said, as Cherished Companions puts it, "Some dogs like to be the only dog. Not every dog wants a buddy." Pacha has spent her whole life being the center of her parents’ universe. The second dog may feel differently about how that goes.

Age is worth considering, as well. Cherished Companions says bringing a puppy home to a dog who is already 10 or older can be really hard on the older dog. If your first dog is somewhere between 6 and 8 though, a younger dog coming into the home can actually help keep them feeling more youthful, active and playful.

Once the second dog’s home, the source says the most important thing is making sure you spend time with each dog one on one. Both dogs need to feel connected to you and not just to one another.

Pacha has had her whole era as an only child. She definitely understood the assignment. She rolled off the bed - several times. She got into some spicy situations. And in the end, she got everyone completely obsessed with her and her antics.

A second dog will have very big paws to fill.

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

At this point in his career, Guy Fieri can do no wrong. But what does the multi-talented Food Network star do when he’s already accomplished so much? Focus on his pups, of course.

In a new collaboration with Bark, the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives host is taking his love for food to new heights, opening Flavortown to a wider audience with a special collection of treats, toys and wearables—all designed with help from his French bulldog Cash and tiny chihuahua Smokey.

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

Guy Fieri Is Taking Your Dog to Flavortown View this post on Instagram

Bringing Guy’s legendary flavor-forward energy and general love of a good time straight to your dog’s toy box, the Bark x Guy Fieri collection is perfect for both fans of Flavortown and pups who live for playtime. Featuring a limited-edition line of toys, treats and wearables that honor the Mayor of Flavortown himself, it’s an eclectic collection only Guy could dream up.

“Flavortown wouldn’t be the same without man’s best friend so after years of bringin’ the fun and flavor to the people, I’m finally bringin’ it to the dogs,” Guy Fieri said in a press release. “My dogs, Cash and Smoky went to town on these toys and I know your pups will too!"

Related: This Crash-Tested Essential Is a Game Changer for Pet Safety

Guy’s Love for Dogs Runs Deep

You might not know this, but Guy’s connection to dogs runs deeper than his public persona suggests. He’s a devoted dog dad to his pups Cash and Smokey, who served as both major inspiration for the collection and enthusiastic product testers throughout the process.

“When we started talking to Guy, it became clear that his love of dogs was just as outsized as everything else about him,” said Dave Stangle, Vice President of Brand Marketing at Bark. “Guy didn’t just lend his name to this—he showed up, had strong points of view, and was every bit as enthusiastic about dogs as he is about everything else in his life.”

In another interview with reporters, Guy also admitted that while he’s admittedly surprised his career has led to this moment, it’s quickly proven to be his “greatest honor yet,” outweighing a long list of personal accolades.

Guy Fieri with his dog Cash and the Guy Fieri X Bark Collection

Bettina Bogar / Bark

Bark X Guy Fieri Collection

Now available for new and existing BarkBox subscribers (starting at $27 a month) and Super Chewer subscribers (starting at $29 a month), the flavor-packed collection includes:

• Fetch Fieri: The Mayor of Flavortown, reimagined as a soft and squeaky dog toy with whip-n-flip limbs your pup can toss, tug and thrash.
• Guy's K9 Camaro: A hide-a-treat road trip toy that lets pups pack a snack before rolling out to Flavortown.
• Barkin' Cheeseburger: A tuggable, T-shirt rope toy for the dog who wants to go six and seven rounds with their favorite sandwich.
• Trash Can Dogchos: A hide-a-treat toy inspired by Guy's legendary Trash Can Nachos.
• Flame Broiled Button-Down: A lightweight wearable so your dog can dress like Guy.

You can learn more about the Bark x Guy Fieri collection and sign up for a subscription by visiting bark.co. And if you’re looking for even more ways to elevate your furball’s world, check out Target’s Calming Wrap-Around Hug Pet Bed and Costco’s 2-in-1 Pet Stroller Wagon.

Related: Mexico's New World Cup 'Ambassador' Is an Adorable Duck Named Merlin

Senior dogs are known for being quirky, goofy, and filled with particularities. And when you combine those things with the sass of a Shih-Tzu, you're really in for it!

Take Tenshi, one of the Shih-Tzus behind the account @10shiiiii on TikTok. Tenshi, a senior Shih-Tzu, adheres to a very strict 7 PM bedtime. And when his humans are not falling in line, he makes his frustration VERY apparent.

@10shiiiii

When your senior shih tzu is STRICT with his bed time and everyone needs to get on his schedule! #shihtzu

♬ Welp, Didn't Expect That - Yu-Peng Chen & HOYO-MiX

As noted in the caption of the video shared to social media, Tenshi takes his bed time very seriously and runs a strict program. Commenters on the video found him and his antics hilarious and chimed in with their reactions.

"😂😂😂 Mine does the same thing! Stares me down til I come to bed! 😂"

"The Shih Tzu sneeze/temper tantrum! 😂"

"Little dogs have the biggest attitudes I love it!! ❤️"

Why Shih-Tzus Are So Bossy Close-up of Shih-Tzu looking up

Image via Unsplash/Monika Guzikowska

The reason behind a Shih-Tzu's bossy personality may go back to their literal royal bloodlines. Shih-Tzus were originally bred to be companions for Chinese royalty so it's in their DNA to be pampered, particular, stubborn, and used to getting their way.

On top of this, shih-tzus are incredibly confident and intelligent dogs. This makes them very independent thinkers, which can be difficult from a training perspective. This independence leads to the sass factor that so many shih-tzus are known for. Shih-Tzus are very attached to their people and learn their personalities very quickly, making them inclined to learning how to manipulate each of their people a little differently.

While the sassiness and the bossiness can be cute and entertaining, it is still important to establish and maintain boundaries with even the most opinionated dog. This ensures for a happy, safe, and harmonious home for everyone involved.

All that said, Tenshi also has pretty clear boundaries around bedtime and they are not to be played with! Lights out or else!

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

Related: Pomeranian-Shih-Tzu Mix Goes From 'Scruffy Lion' to 'Fluffy Teddy Bear' After Grooming

There are a lot of ways to accidentally become a parent, but being chosen by a group of ducks while you’re simply trying to exist in your own yard feels especially unfair.

In this video, a Bulldog has apparently been promoted to duck mom, and no one seems to have asked for her opinion. The video caption explains that the ducks imprinted on the family dog and now follow her everywhere, which sounds adorable until you see the Bulldog’s face.

@niahdesignco

And to top it off she's so freaked out by them 😂 #ducksoftiktok #ducks #petduck #runnerducks #animalsofttiktok

♬ original sound - Fiftiesdaily

She's not glowing with maternal pride.

The ducks are no longer tiny babies, either, which makes the whole thing even funnier. These aren't little fluffy ducklings waddling behind her like a storybook parade. These are full-sized, committed followers who have decided this dog is their leader, their emotional support animal, and possibly their entire life plan.

The post caption adds that the Bulldog is completely freaked out by her new fan club. She walks through the yard while the ducks trail behind her like loyal puppies, except she clearly didn't order puppies. Or ducks. Or this responsibility.

You can almost see her thinking, “Why are they still here?”

The ducks, meanwhile, are locked in. They're moving with purpose. Wherever she goes, they go. If she turns, they turn. If she walks away, they follow. If she tries to mind her own business, they make that impossible. This is less of a casual friendship and more of a tiny feathered security detail.

And then comes the final clip, where the Bulldog has had enough and starts running away from them.

That’s the moment the whole video becomes perfect.

The ducks are treating her like their beloved mother figure, and she is reacting like someone who accidentally joined a group chat they can't leave. It’s funny because she isn’t being mean. She’s just overwhelmed. Some animals have a natural nurturing response. This Bulldog appears to have a natural “please stop following me” response.

You can’t really blame her. Being adored is nice, but being followed around by a waddling committee with no personal boundaries might be a lot before lunch.

Still, there’s something so sweet underneath all the chaos. The ducks clearly trust her. They chose her as their safe place, even if she would personally prefer a little space and maybe a duck-free afternoon.

It’s one of those animal videos that works because everyone is telling a different story. The ducks think they’ve found Mom. The Bulldog thinks she’s being haunted. The humans are watching the world’s weirdest blended family unfold in real time.

And honestly, she may not love the job, but the ducks have already clocked in for family duty.

How Animal 'Imprinting' Actually Works

Imprinting is a kind of early learning when young animals, especially birds, may attach to whoever or whatever they first recognize as a caregiver or safe figure. In real life, that can get messy, adorable, and confusing fast, especially when the “parent” is a very overwhelmed Bulldog.

PBS explains imprinting as a form of learning that happens during a specific early period in an animal’s life. If you’re raising young birds, it’s smart to supervise them around dogs, give everyone safe space, and make sure the dog can leave when they need a break.

The ducks may have chosen their mom, but this Bulldog deserves visitation hours and a quiet room.

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

Related: Gentle Golden Retriever Acts as a Personal Water Taxi for a Flock of Tiny Ducklings

Cockatoos are known for having big personalities, but Tango is is truly in a league of his own in that department. Just ask his dad!

These two have gone viral countless times in the past for their funny relationship, and it seems like nothing has changed between them since the last time the internet was cracking up at their exchanges. This time around, Tango really wants his dad's attention, and he'll stop at nothing to get it.

@tango.the.cockatoo

Tango wants attention from dad #bird #parrot #funnyanimals #fyp #animals

♬ original sound - Tango!!

Tango's dad is just trying to kick back and scroll on his phone, but this bird isn't about to have it. Why look at his phone when he could be looking at Tango instead? The winning choice seems very obvious here.

Not only is Tango bobbing back and forth in a very dramatic fashion (and showing off those beautiful pink feathers in the process), but he's also screaming, as he's known to do... much to his dad's dismay.

As usual, no amount of reasoning works for this bird, so of course, he ends up screaming even louder by the end of the video. I'm pretty sure he won this battle, though. His dad is definitely paying attention!

Related: Cockatoo Discovers Her Feet for the First Time -- and Her Brain Instantly Glitches

Why Cockatoos Need Attention

Of course, caring for any type of pet means that you'll need to invest time into giving them your full attention, but Cockatoos can be especially needy when it comes to wanting their humans' focus totally on them.

According to PetMD, this is because Cockatoos are naturally very social creatures. They will form an attachment to you as their very favorite human, and they will absolutely expect the feeling to be mutual. Spend time with them, tell them about your day, pet their head. They'll love you for it!

You will want to dedicate as much attention to your bird as you can, or else you may notice they will start acting out in very undesirable ways, like destroying the house. Those claws and beak can do a lot of damage, surprisingly enough.

And while they may demand a lot from you, Cockatoos are also very affectionate birds, so they are sure to give as good as they get. They will love you forever (and keep you laughing the whole time).

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾

Both of my dogs are basically oblivious to what's on television unless animals are involved. If there is a dog, cat, lion, tiger, bear, you name it — their furry friends capture their attention, and then they're glued to the screen. Add the volume with different animal sounds, and they won't leave the TV set until we turn it off.

Yuki the Dachshund had something of great interest playing on the iPad. He was clearly captivated and couldn't tear himself away, almost like a kid watching cartoons.

@yukithesausagedog

Cat timp mama munceste, eu stau cuminte si ma uit la desene 🥰 #dachshund #teckel #doxie #dogplaytime #dog

♬ original sound - Yuki | The Sausage Dog

In the TikTok from @yukithesausagedog, the darling Doxie was completely sprawled on the couch with an iPad set up right in front of him. The Disney hit series Bluey was on and had Yuki completely invested in the plot.

The fur baby probably didn't blink, afraid to miss a moment of the animated show. Yuki literally didn't move a muscle as the story unfolded and gave off total "do NOT bother me" vibes. All he needed was a can of soda along with some chips and dip to complete the hilarious scene.

Followers were completely charmed by the Dachshund's devotion to Bluey and compared him to a small child.

• "It really is like having a toddler," one remarked.
• "I am concerned because my fur baby likes watching Law and Order not Bluey," another shared.
• "Get him some snacks," a follower suggested.
• "Oh, he needs to start contributing to the electric bill," someone pointed out.
• "All they need is a tablet… just like a kid," a fan noted.

Is Screen Time Safe for Dogs?

Canines usually don't run to their devices to binge-watch a show though some fur babies may have a favorite series or two. While some screen time is fine for dogs, just like with humans, excessive use can have negative effects.

If you notice your pooch frequently looking at screens, look for behavioral changes including broken sleep patterns, decreased interest in physical activities, increased anxiety and reduced interaction with family members.

Related: Mini Dachshund's Rare 'Natural Mask' Makes Him Look Like a Work of Art

If some or all of these signs are present, decrease your dog's screen time and replace it with activities like:

• Interactive toys that are mentally stimulating
• Games, such as fetch or tug-of-war
• Outdoor play, walks and hikes

Bluey may be Yuki's only "must-see TV" show. So as long as he maintains some moderation, the committed canine can keep watching.

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

With summer underway, home and garden upgrades are starting to take over our explore pages. And while there's plenty of inspiration to be found all around, it's Hobby Lobby that consistently delivers some of the most charming and practical finds of the season.

Case in point: this undeniably cute Rustic Bird House, currently available at your local Hobby Lobby for just $11.99. Resembling an adorable farmhouse-style home, it's just the thing you need to jumpstart a good seasonal refresh, one that elevates your existing decor and invites a little more life to your outdoor space.

🐶SIGN UP to get "pawsitivity" delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

Rustic Bird House, $11.99 at Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby

Pet household or not, a simple birdhouse can go a long way in bringing more winged visitors to your yard. And with a little care and upkeep, one like Hobby Lobby's Rustic Bird House makes it even easier to create a welcoming setup all your favorite local birds can enjoy.

With its $12 price tag and rustic, farmhouse-style design, this charming birdhouse is ready to elevate any space, indoors or out. Featuring a distressed white body with a basket-like base, the design is finished with a wavy metal roof and a natural jute rope for hanging. 

Tying the look together, the birdhouse features a main circular opening for birds to peek in and a single wooden perch directly beneath it.

Related: Shoppers Are Racing to Grab Five Below's $20 253-Piece Parrot Lego Set

Hobby Lobby

Of course, thanks to its stylish appearance, reviews rolled in quickly, earning it a five-star rating from fans.

"This birdhouse is very well made and worth the price," one satisfied shopper shared. "I love it!"

As for its exact footprint, the birdhouse stands 6.89 inches tall, 7.28 inches wide and 5.2 inches deep, giving it a decently sized profile that, while still compact, will stand out among existing decor. It also has a clean-out hole with a removable plug on the bottom, allowing you to easily remove old nesting material at the end of the season.

To set it up, simply use the included jute rope to hang it from a tree branch, fence post, garden stake or any other creative spot. Once in place, sit back on a calm, quiet morning, sip your coffee and watch nature do its thing.

With an affordable price point and an adorable yet practical design, this birdhouse isn't just a great pickup for yourself; it also makes a thoughtful gift for a nature-loving friend. Snag one (or two) while they're still around and instantly transform your or a loved one's space. And if you really like what Hobby Lobby has to offer, don't miss out on this $12 Sunflower Bird Feeder or this $9 Birds & Flowers Coir Doormat either.

Related: Hobby Lobby's New $14 Bird Feeder Adds Cottagecore Charm to Any Space

Walking your dog is an important part of pup parenthood. It's an essential activity for their mental, physical and emotional well-being, providing them with mental stimulation, socialization and exercise. Walks can help them stay at a healthy weight and also ward off anxiety, burn excess energy and prevent any unwanted behaviors in the home such as chewing furniture or getting into the garbage. Plus, it’s a great way for you and your canine BFF to bond.

Of course, dog walking is a skill just like anything else, and having the proper methodology for successful, happy and safe walks is key. One such strategy is known as the “U-turn” method, and it's a favorite by non-force trainers for a number of reasons.

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

To find out more about it, we spoke with Brian Galea, a professional dog trainer and behaviorist, to get all the details on the U-turn method for training your dog to walk safely and happily. He also shares why you shouldn’t pull back on your dog’s leash, the best type of leash and harness to use, what to do if your dog is pulling toward another dog and more. Read on to learn how to take better, safer walks with your pup.

Why Pulling Back Only Makes Them Pull Harder

Andriyko Podilnyk/Unsplash

Pulling back on your dog's leash will only make your dog pull even harder. In fact, it's a natural reflex for them called the opposition reflex.

"Most animals have some form of this. If something pushes you in one direction, your body naturally pushes back the other direction so you don’t fall over. It’s also called a postural reflex," Galea says. "Dogs do the same thing, so when you’re walking and you pull back on the leash with constant force, your dog reflexively pulls forward against it. The result is that you can actually train your dog to pull harder over time, even though you're both walking in the same direction. Many owners need to be taught how to unlearn walking with constant force, using the leash for communication, not to physically hold their dog in place for the whole walk."

What Exactly Is the U-Turn Method? (and Why Force-Free Trainers Love It)

Honest Paws / Unsplash

"The U-turn method is a force-free correction that you use when your dog gets ahead of you on the leash. Instead of pulling them back, you simply turn around and walk the other way, which is a 'punishment' because it takes away the thing your dog was pulling toward," Galea says. "In training terms, this is a 'negative punishment’ because you're removing something the dog wants, rather than doing something the dog finds unpleasant, which would be called a 'positive punishment.'"

The U-turn method is a great way to help course correct your doggie's behavior without pain or coercion, and it's a fan favorite of force-free trainers for this reason. However, one thing to look out for when using this training method is that it can backfire if the conditions are just right.

"One thing to watch for is that the U-turn can backfire," Galea says. "If whatever's in the new direction is more interesting or novel than what they were originally pulling toward, you can accidentally reinforce the pulling instead of correcting it."

Ditching the Retractable: The Exact Leash and Harness You Need

Jana Shnipelson / Unsplash

If you're using a retractable leash, you may want to consider swapping it out for a different type, especially when training your dog.

"It's not that retractable leashes are specifically worse for dogs that pull; they're generally a bad fit for most everyday situations," Galea says. "The variable length with a retractable means too much slack in tight spaces like downtown areas, crowded sidewalks, or anywhere else with lots of dogs and people. That extra length can make the walk genuinely dangerous for everyone involved, so most trainers tend to avoid them like the plague."

Instead, Galea recommends a different kind of leash. "For most training, a standard, non-retractable, non-bungee, 6-foot leash is your best bet," he says. "Simple, easy-to-replace tools that teach real handling skills beat anything that can solve the problem quickly but become a crutch over time that the owner is dependent on."

Related: The #1 Mistake Dog Owners Make During Summer Walks, According to Vets

Why You Need to Practice This in Your Living Room First

Per Lööv / Unsplash

"Just like with any new skill, you want to build consistency and have your dog gain a solid understanding of a behavior so they have something to refer back to when they get it wrong in a tougher environment," Galea says.

This is why practicing in your living room first is key.

"If you jump straight into a high-distraction environment, your dog won't have a strong enough foundation to succeed, and things get confusing fast. This causes stress, shutdown and all kinds of other bad downstream effects," Galea says. "Smooth increases in difficulty and clear understanding are the safest bet. Ideally, your dog should be getting it right about 90 percent of the time at whatever level you're working at. As you add distractions, that success rate is going to dip, so you increase difficulty gradually only as fast as your dog's understanding (and your handling skills) can keep up."

How to Execute a Flawless U-Turn Walk

Marsha Reid / Unsplash

Here's how Galea says to properly do a U-turn walk with your dog:

1. Start in a low-distraction environment and build consistency before adding challenges.
2. Use high-value treats to get your dog focused on you so you're starting from a loose leash, not correcting one that's already tight. Reinforce the loose leash walking behavior with eye contact and engagement first before you ever need to correct anything.
3. Every once in a while, let your dog wander off or ahead of you. With your arm down at your side, turn back the other way, and when there is tension in the leash, give it a light tug-tug-tug with your wrist (NOT your whole arm) to show your dog you’ve gone the other way. The mild annoyance will be enough to get their attention. 
4. When they turn and walk toward you, get happy and fun and engage with your dog for 10 seconds or so, then go back to treating them. (Don’t treat too quickly, or you’ll accidentally reinforce the walking ahead that you didn’t want.)
5. Get the whole family on the same page so everyone knows exactly what to do—one person training and everyone else undoing that training doesn't work.

What to Do When They Immediately Pull the Other Way

Lukasz / Unsplash

If your dog immediately starts to pull the other way, there are some ways you can correct the behavior. "If you're doing reinforcement-based training, you should already have treats on you. The first move is to use them. Get the treat right up to your dog's face so they focus on you and you're working from a loose leash from the start," Galea says. "From there, reinforce the loose-leash walking first."

If your dog continues to pull away, Galea recommends employing positive or negative reinforcement.

"Positive punishment is a light, annoying tug on the leash," Galea says, and notes that it's important to remember not to jerk on the leash. Instead, you just want to give your dog a mild, unpleasant nudge.

On the other hand, negative punishment would be using the U-turn method, which removes whatever your dog was pulling toward. Galea says if your dog keeps pulling in both directions when you pull a U-turn, you can either stop in place for a bit, or scale back to using the treats more to keep their attention and set them up for better success.

What to Do If Your Dog Is Pulling Toward Another Dog

If your dog is pulling toward another pup, Galea recommends redirecting your dog's attention.

"My go-to method is to stand in front of my dog, 'smoosh' a treat right up to their face, and use that to get them focused on me and to sit," Galea says. "I’m aiming for them to do a 'wait,' even if they don't fully know that command yet."

Galea says you can use your body and handling to help sidestep and block them from bolting toward the other dog. Once you've got their attention, you can make a decision: walk away and treat your dog for focusing on you, or give them an "OK" release to go say hi to the dog as their reward instead. Galea notes that you don't want to do the greeting every time, but it's valuable for your dog to learn that the way to get what they want (in this case, greeting another dog) is to sit and focus on you first.

Why the Whole Family Needs to Use This Method

Dog training only works if everyone in the house is on board, so even if only one person is doing the actual training, everyone else in the family needs to make sure they don't undo the progress the training person has made so the dog stays on track with their training.

Galea says that "the U-turn method on its own won't fully teach a dog not to pull the leash tight,  but it definitely is something every family member can do easily to avoid accidentally reinforcing the pulling by letting the dog drag them toward whatever they want."

Armed with these tips and tricks, you and your dog will have much calmer and enjoyable walks. Happy walking!

Related: What to Do If You Encounter an Off-Leash Dog While Walking Your Own

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

For a limited time, thanks to Walmart Summer Deals, you can get an adorable Toucan LEGO set for such a low price, you might want to buy several. The LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Tropical Toucan Building Toy is now only $10 when it normally costs $18 at Walmart. And it comes with free shipping options.

This adorable 225-piece LEGO toy creates three beautiful animals from the same set of bricks: a tropical toucan, a graceful butterfly, and a vibrant tropical fish.

Each animal has movable joints that let you pose it for creative storytelling. The toucan has a movable beak, wings and tail feathers! The butterfly has posable wings, and the fish has fins that can wiggle with 360-degree rotation.

All three animals also come with their own nature-inspired stand, letting you put them on display until you're ready to build the next one.

LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Tropical Toucan Building Toy for $10 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop it!

If your child gets stuck at any point, they can use the LEGO builder app for step-by-step instructions and 3D model viewing.

Why Buyers Love This LEGO Toy

Buyers adore this LEGO toy, rating it 4.8 out of 5 stars on Walmart's website. They say the instructions are clear and they love how affordable the toy is.

Here are just a few of the reviews they're leaving:

• "One of the best! I love the variety of colors and flowers. They look so real."
• "I especially love how the vibrant colors are layered in the toucans mouth, such a cool look! Every detail is perfect, down to the little feet."
• "My son who loves birds enjoyed building this together. It kept him occupied for hours."

If you're still debating getting the LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Toucan Toy, why? For only $10, it's incredibly inexpensive and a low-risk purchase. And if your child loves it, the price will be more than worthwhile.

Walmart offers free shipping options and free 90-day returns on this item.

Related: Walmart's Expandable Cat Backpack Lets You Go on 'Kitty Cat Adventures'

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

If you've been looking for a fun way to help your cat enjoy the outdoors safely, then check out this Amazon Prime Day deal. The Furhaven Portable Dog & Cat Playpen is now only $20 in size medium when it normally costs $29. That's 30% off for a limited time.

This cute tent is listed as an "Amazon's Choice" item due to its popularity and high ratings. It's available in seven colors: Green & Pink, Gray Pebbles, Hunter Green, Purple, Navy, and for $21 Sailor Blue and Gray.

At the same listing, you can also get it in sizes small through extra large. The medium size measures 29 inches tall, 42 inches wide, with a door opening of 17.5 by 15 inches. The tent pops open simply by twisting it, and it collapses into a smaller size just as easily when you're putting it away.

The pop-up tent comes with a removable zippered top, mesh panels for great ventiliation, a quick zippered entry, and a roll-up entrance option. It has a carry bag for easy storage and travel, along with stakes if you don't want your pet making it roll around outside.

One buyer writes: "It's open and airy, easy to access tiny wiggly kittens inside and also easy to put kittens inside as the top zips open. Their claws did not rip the mesh (it's very durable construction) no matter how hard they tried."

Furhaven Portable Dog & Cat Playpen for $20 on Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop it!

The tent has a 4 out of 5 star rating on Amazon with more than 21,000 reviews. This means that more than 12,600 people gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 star rating. One buyer says the medium is a perfect size for a single cat with a bed and litter box. But if you have a larger cat like a Maine Coon, you might want to get a size large.

Buyers say it's spacious enough for cats, a great choice for foster kittens, and works great for camping or backyard visits.

Check out a few things they're saying online:

• "I use these for rescue kittens and cats. They are perfect!"
• "Perfect size kitty playpen for our 8 lb crazy playful cat. Easy to set up and portability to move from our living room to outside is fast."
• "10 months and dozens of foster kittens who have sharp claws and love to climb the walls of the playpen later, it’s still standing strong. Haven’t had any issues with holes from the kittens loving to climb."

Amazon offers free 30-day refunds/replacements.

Related: Amazon's 'Must-Have' Cat Stroller 'Changed Our Life And Family Walkies'

One of the reasons I don't garden is that I know I'd hate it when someone/something got into the produce, but I also know that I'd feel too bad to kick them out or make them stop. Especially if it was a really cute animal!

This year, one Golden Retriever's mom noticed that the strawberries in her garden have been a little low. Usually, the plants yield a good amount of fruit... But something changed. Then she caught her pup in 4K, stealing the berries right off the plant:

@oliveinsb

Absolutely no shame whatsoever… She’s just casually munching on them in front of me 🍓

♬ original sound - Olive in SB

Olive the Golden Retriever is amazing. I like how she found one right off the bat, but she didn't stop there: she was nosing around in that pot like a truffle pig! Apparently, one didn't satisfy her taste for crime.

Luckily, she's really cute, so her mom doesn't mind. After all, she'd rather her pup be sneaking fruit than getting caught with her snout in the treat jar! It might have been nice to wash them first, but Olive will live.

Related: Rare Black Golden Retriever Puppy Looks Like a Toasty Marshmallow

Olive is just a hungry girl. She loves to try and eat everything she can: she likes to try different textures and as many different tastes as possible. She will try everything once! Here's her review of an extra crunchy leaf:

@oliveinsb

Every object gets the same review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ would eat again! Credit: @Mason, Cheeto & Spud

♬ original sound - Olive in SB

She loved it. If she gets another one, you can bet she'll be finishing it. Very crunchy! While she loves sweet, soft, stolen snacks (strawberries), she loves a good crunchy snack as well.

How Often Can Dogs Have Strawberries?

Although Olive should not have eaten that strawberry, it's not because it was bad for her. Strawberries are perfectly safe, but she should have saved some for mom!

chendongshan / Getty Images

Strawberries are perfectly safe for dogs to eat, and even good for them in moderation. They're juicy, sweet, and would make an excellent treat for a training puppy. Alternatively, you could freeze them and give the frozen ones to teething puppies!

Strawberries are higher in sugar than most dog treats, though, so they should be fed in moderation. One or two berries every few days is perfect. More than that might upset their tummies, and no one wants that! Well, it seems like Olive might...

🐶SIGN UP to get "pawsitivity" delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾