Parade Pets

Decisions can be really hard to make sometimes.

Especially when you're debating between your responsibility and something you absolutely love.

We see this firsthand in a new, heartwarming dog video featuring a Golden Retriever who faces the tough dilemma of carrying the newspaper from the driveway or his beloved Lamby toy.

What he does next will astound you.

@rebeccadevine_

My golden retriever’s morning routine consists of two very important things: the newspaper and her lamby, lol 🐾 #goldenretriever #goldenretrieverlife #dog #dogsoftiktok #fyp @Newsday

♬ Funny Song - Funny Song Studio & Sounds Reel & Thomas Hewitt Jones

Well, why decide when you can fit both in your mouth!

Viewers are obsessed with how seriously he approaches the decision, and quite frankly, we are impressed by this feat of strength.

Related: This Golden Retriever Is Living Her Best Life on a Boat Day With Mom

Why Golden Retrievers Love Carrying Things in Their Mouths

This is probably not the first time you've seen Golden Retrievers carry something quite large in their mouths or a few different items.

I recall a particularly memorable birthday card in my house one year that featured a Golden Retriever with five tennis balls in his mouth.

So how are Goldens able to carry so much in their mouths?

Well, they were bred to do it.

Originating in Scotland in the 19th century, they were bred to retrieve waterfowl from lakes and rivers where humans shot birds, such as ducks or geese.

They were very strong swimmers, with their webbed feet and muscular chests, shoulders, and hindquarters, and apparently, they were also great at holding rather large items in their mouths.

These pups were excellent at retrieving waterfowl because they were able to hold the birds with a degree of gentleness, so that no teeth marks were left on the birds.

Quite impressive!

So though it may not be a duck being served for Christmas dinner, this Golden Retriever still exhibits those classic traits of the breed, not only carrying a lot in his mouth but also not damaging the newspaper or Lamb Chop toy.

Plus, he didn't even have to make a decision between the two!

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Most Border Collies spend their days herding sheep, competing in agility competitions, or finding increasingly creative ways to outsmart their humans.

Zero has chosen a different path.

She has discovered lizards.

And apparently that's enough excitement to keep her occupied for the foreseeable future.

@zerothesupercollie

Zero has an obsession 🦎

♬ Just Can't Get Enough - The Big 80s Guys

TikTok user @zerothesupercollie shared the hilarious video with the caption:

"My dog discovered lizards, and now this is all she wants to do."

Related: German Shepherd Has the Weirdest Tiny Best Friend and Protects Him With His Life

The clip shows Zero intensely monitoring lizards throughout her yard, patio, and garden wall as if she has personally appointed herself Head of Reptile Security.

No lizard movement goes unnoticed.

No tiny tail flick escapes scrutiny.

No reptile shall pass without being observed.

The funny thing is that Zero never seems to lose interest.

Every new lizard sighting appears to be just as exciting as the first one.

Viewers immediately recognized classic Border Collie behavior.

One commenter wrote:

"She's trying to herd them and is having trouble getting the desired responses."

Which feels pretty accurate.

Border Collies are famous for trying to herd anything that moves, including:

• Children

• Cats

• Ducks

• Vacuum cleaners

• Family members

• Occasionally, absolutely nothing

Lizards may simply be Zero's latest challenge.

Another viewer joked:

"Border Collies really do try to herd literally everything."

Meanwhile, someone else perfectly summed up the situation by writing:

"She has discovered her special interest. Sometimes it's trains, sometimes it's lizards."

That might be my favorite explanation.

Because anyone who has ever loved a dog knows that sometimes they become unexpectedly obsessed with the most random thing imaginable.

One day, they're normal.

The next day, they're dedicating their lives to monitoring backyard reptiles.

Several viewers also pointed out that Zero may actually be protecting her family from tiny dragons.

"There are tiny dragons in her yard. She is keeping you safe."

Actually, I see no evidence disproving that theory.

My Orange Cat, Tarkus, once spent three straight days staring at a single spot on a wall, so I completely understand becoming deeply committed to a hobby nobody else understands. He does have dementia, but still.

Why Are Border Collies So Intense? @happypawsz

You won’t believe how smart this dog really is… The Border Collie isn’t just intelligent — it’s a real four-legged genius. From understanding hundreds of words to predicting your actions, this dog is on another level. Would you ever want one at home?#SmartestDog #BorderCollie #DogFacts

♬ original sound - Happy Paws

Border Collies are widely considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world.

Because they were originally bred to herd livestock, they naturally have strong instincts to:

• Watch movement

• Focus intensely

• Solve problems

• Monitor their surroundings

• Stay mentally engaged

Without enough stimulation, many Border Collies create their own projects and hobbies.

In Zero's case, that project appears to be maintaining constant surveillance over the local lizard community.

And judging by her dedication, business is booming.

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Livestock Guardian Dogs take their jobs seriously. Protecting livestock from predators is something many are bred to do, and it’s a role that combines instinct and training.

For Judge, a massive LGD at Raven Tree Ranch, that job now includes helping mentor a young recruit. His three-month-old Anatolian Shepherd trainee, Grimm, may only weigh 62 pounds right now, but he’s already showing that he’s paying close attention to the veteran dogs around him.

And based on this late-night moment, it seems Grimm has inherited a bark that’s far bigger than his age or size.

You can hear the young pup in this May 25 Instagram from @raventreeranch:

View this post on Instagram

It’s hard to believe that deep bark is coming from such a young puppy. The moment Grimm heard Judge let out a bark, he went from fast asleep to fully alert and sounding the alarm right alongside him.

Even more impressive, Judge seemed to take notice of the youngster’s booming voice. The goats certainly did, too. Several immediately turned their heads toward Grimm as he joined in warning any potential predators that might have been lurking nearby.

Related: 10-Week-Old Anatolian Shepherd Puppy Makes Border Collie Bestie Look Tiny

Watching working dogs communicate and coordinate without human direction is always fascinating. For Livestock Guardian Dogs, staying aware of their surroundings and responding to unusual activity are important parts of the job, even at a young age.

Livestock Guardian Dogs Are Raised to Defend Livestock From Predators

According to the American Kennel Club, Livestock Guardian Dogs are bred to live alongside and protect livestock from predators. Unlike herding dogs, which move animals from one location to another, guardian breeds remain with the flock or herd and act as a constant protective presence.

Fans were impressed by Grimm’s surprisingly powerful bark.

One viewer wrote, “All that bass coming out of such a small body is insane!”

@chantal.adler joked, “When your bark is bigger than your body.”

That’s for sure.

Another commenter added, “If you weren’t looking, you would think it was Judge the whole time. That’s an incredible bark for a puppy.”

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And it turns out Grimm isn’t learning from just one experienced mentor.

He’s also spending time with 10-year-old Bo, another respected guardian dog on the ranch. After a decade of protecting his farm family, Bo has earned a reputation for knowing exactly when something deserves attention.

As the ranch explained, when Bo gets up, “it’s getting real.”

You can see Judge, Bo, and the rest of the guardian team protecting the barn from coyotes in this May 29 Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

Grimm may still be a puppy, but if his bark is any indication, he’s well on his way to becoming an impressive Livestock Guardian Dog. With experienced mentors like Judge and Bo showing him the ropes, the future of barn security at Raven Tree Ranch appears to be in very good paws.

The homeless animal crisis is a global problem, with countless abandoned dogs and cats trying to survive without proper food, shelter, or medical care. Thankfully, there are worldwide rescue organizations that work tirelessly to save and rehabilitate these animals.

Rescue P.A.W.S. in the Hua Hin region of Thailand was launched in 2013 and helps these four-legged fur babies get a second chance at life. The animal advocates recently saved a dog that was emaciated and left in a garbage bag, with little hope of survival. The precious pooch surprised everyone with her courage and was named Glory to reflect her amazing spirit.

@happydoggoniall

When Glory first arrived in a trash bag, she was just skin, bones, and completely broken. No one thought she would make it through the night, but she had a tiny spark left in her, and this remarkable team refused to let it go out. They fought for her every second and Glory fought right back. Now, this beautiful girl is officially looking for her forever home and waiting for the life she truly deserves. 🏡🥰 This rescue actually comes from our wonderful partners, @Rescue P.A.W.S. Thailand . We work together sterilizing thousands of dogs every year but their tireless work on the ground helping individual dogs inspires us here at Happy Doggo. If it wasn't for them, little Glory wouldn't be alive and there are many more that they save on a daily basis. A follow for the wonderful folks over at Rescue Paws Thailand would be massively appreciated🙏❤️ #streetdogs #dogsofthailand #dogrescue #puppies

♬ original sound - ☆ Madison ☆

Niall Harbison from the Thailand animal rescue Happy Doggo shared Glory's story on his TikTok @happydoggoniall. Harbison often partners with Rescue P.A.W.S. and wanted to highlight their amazing work with this sweet fur baby.

"When Glory first arrived in a trash bag, she was just skin, bones, and completely broken," the caption explained, as the video showed the horribly malnourished and injured condition she was in. "No one thought she would make it through the night, but she had a tiny spark left in her, and this remarkable team refused to let it go out."

The rescue's medical team gave Glory the necessary care and medication she desperately required to keep going. Staff members made sure she got daily nutritious meals, along with plenty of love and affection as they nursed her back to health.

Glory Is Now Available for Adoption

The social media post captured Glory's remarkable recovery and shared that she's ready for a forever family.

"They fought for her every second and Glory fought right back," the story continued. "Now, this beautiful girl is officially looking for her forever home and waiting for the life she truly deserves."

Glory's bio on the Rescue P.A.W.S. website describes her as "part Thai Bankaew, with a sprinkle of Terrier sass, a dash of Spitz charm, and maybe just a pinch of Shiba Inu mischief. In short: 50% mystery, 50% street smarts, and 100% heart."

The canine cutie also gets along very well with other dogs and cats, and would make a wonderful addition to any family.

Related: Street Dog Who 'Never Knew Kindness' Transforms Into 'Silliest' Fur Baby

Thanks to the efforts of these caring rescue workers, Glory has a new leash on life.

Rescue P.A.W.S. is a nonprofit animal welfare organization in Thailand with a mission to improve the quality of life of animals through sterilization, adoption, and education. To learn more about this organization or to make a donation, visit their website.

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When I was little, one of the pets I wanted more than anything was a squirrel. I've never met anyone who had one, but I was determined to be the first... Closest I've gotten is a Guinea Pig, though.

One Abyssinian cat is giving all of the squirrel vibes, and I can't get enough of him. When he was out in the sun recently, his mom caught him on video, and he's absolutely stunning:

@ellaknott

my tiny red squirrel lion cub #kitten #catyoga #abyssinian #fyp #kojey

♬ original sound - guy ☆

Ella Knott is the best mom to her cat, Kojey. He looks like a little red squirrel and a lion cub had a baby! Kojey is so handsome, but that's not all: he's hilarious. He loves to roll around upside down, and whenever he can, he likes to be outside on his leash.

His mom takes him out every day (weather permitting), so he's used to it, and he loves it. They have a nice backyard, but he frequently goes out into the world, too: he's not scared of anything!

Related: Greenhouse Cat ‘Samples the Catnip’ and Finds Out It’s the Good Stuff

Kojey is a pretty chill guy who's usually down for anything. His mom loves experimenting with different places to go and activities to try, and she's been hard-pressed to find something he doesn't like... Until she put him in his birthday outfit:

@ellaknott

I think Kojey really enjoyed his private birthday party #kitten #abyssinian #catyoga #kojey #fyp

♬ Tonight, Just Us - Cuisine Culture

I mean, he ate that outfit up. He looks great, and he must not have hated it that much, because he let her keep it on him even while he ate. It's kind of like a fancy bib!

What Are Abyssinian Cats Like?

Abyssinian cats aren't rare: you can find them pretty easily. However, they're not a breed a lot of people know about. It's a shame, really; they're so underrated!

Anna-av / Getty Images

Abyssinian cats are long, skinny cats with smooth, speckled Tabby coats. They typically have some patches of darker fur, creating a wavy banding pattern. They have wide eyes and large ears, and their personalities are:

• Affectionate.
• Independent.
• Resourceful.
• Adventurous.

These cats love to try new things, but they also like to have their favorite humans by their side. As long as you're there for support, they can do anything!

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Cats make such amazing moms, even when their babies weren't planned. Whether Mama is a stray cat on the street or she's living large in a cattery, she cares for her kittens just the same. It's unlike anything else!

One mama Maine Coon takes mothering to the next level every single day. Whenever she has to take a moment away from her babies, she comes back and greets them with the warmest snuggles:

@chaneycheyenne

She loves her babies 🧡🖤 the absolute BEST Mana! #mainecoon #mainecoonsoftiktok #mainecoonkitten #mainecooncat

♬ original sound - freya wilmot ꫂ ၴႅၴ

Chaney Cheyenne's cat and her kittens are so adorable that it makes me a little angry. I want to have that many cute kittens in my house, but it's probably for the best that I don't. I would never get anything done!

Related: Baby Kitten Treats Maine Coon Cat Like a Giant Chew Toy

Mama's name is Doja, and she gave birth to these kittens about a month ago. They were really small at first, and they actually ended up needing to be tube-fed. However, they nurse from their mom too, and they've grown quite a bit!

There are 3 kittens in the litter, and there's even an orange female! There's only about a 20% chance of that happening, so it was a rare treat! They're all growing up nicely, but Nugget is definitely my favorite:

@chaneycheyenne

obsessed with Nugget (she’s a GIRL! very rare!) #mainecoonkitten #fyp #mainecooncat #mainecoonsoftiktok #mainecoonbaby

♬ original sound - Conner West

The little stretch made my heart melt, and it looks like everyone else felt the same way. Most of the comments think Nugget is super:

• Pretty.
• Precious.
• Cutie.
• Any other word you could possibly think of to call someone cute.

One comment in particular said, "She's giving girl!" I never understood how much different girl pets were to boys... Until I got a girl dog. Now, I can sniff out a girl pet from a mile away!

Maine Coons Are Very Loving

If you're looking for a cat and you have the space, time, and guts for it, Maine Coons can be a great choice. Raising these cats is not easy, and best left to experienced cat parents, but they're awesome!

Image via Shutterstock / photosbelkina

Maine Coons are playful, clingy cats who love to hang out with their favorite humans and pet siblings. They require a lot of effort, but they can make excellent companions for homes with:

• Other cats.
• Dogs.
• Kids.

These cats are gentle giants, but they will assert their boundaries whenever they need to. Make sure they have their own space and, if you have kids, that they're being respectful!

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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.

This is the perfect time of year to elevate your backyard birding adventures by attracting hummingbirds to your home. And thanks to this Amazon deal, you can get a highly rated, beautiful feeder for a new low price.

The Bolite Hand Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeder is now only $18 at Amazon in the color Red. At the same listing, you can choose from 10 other colors that range from $20 to $22. And you know you're getting a high quality product, because more than 8,000 people have given it a perfect 5-star rating.

The stunning feeder measures almost 8 inches tall and 6 inches wide and holds 22 ounces of nectar. The five feeding ports are designed to be bee proof, and the feeder includes an ant moat to block the pesky pests.

Each feeder is handmade with a thick, durable glass that will attract hummingbirds thanks to its bright colors.

Bolite Hand Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeder for $18 on Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop it!

Buyers adore this feeder, with more than 10,000 people giving it a solid 4.6 out of 5 star rating overall. More than 3,000 people have bought it this month alone.

Check out just a few of the stellar reviews that buyers are leaving:

• "They definitely keep the ants out."
• "Perfect! It’s beautiful and the birds love it!"
• "It fits together well and is made of thicker glass versus some of the cheap ones available. Fair price for the quality. It is also easy to fill with with the flat top."
• "I’ve never seen happier birds. 10/10 entertainment value."

Features You'll Love

The Bolite Hummingbird Feeder comes with many features you and your hummingbirds will love, like:

• 22 ounce large capacity
• Premium, durable glass that's hand-blown by artisans
• Bright colors to attract hummingbirds
• Five bee guard ports
• Ant moat included
• Leakproof edge
• More space to protect birds from the heat
• Easy to fill and clean

The manufacturer recommends cleaning the feeder regularly with unscented soap and water, and changing the nectar every 3 to 5 days or sooner if it becomes cloudy or spoiled. Hang the feeder in a secure location that's away from strong winds and predators.

Amazon offers free deliveries on orders of over $35 shipped by Amazon, and free 30-day refunds/replacements. Prime members always get free shipping.

Related: Amazon's 'Beautiful' Antique Bird Bath Is an 'Attractive Addition' to Any Yard

Birds are so awesome, especially around this time of year. It's mating season, which means you get to see all of the cool birds doing all of their most impressive tricks. Whether that's mating dances, puffing up their feathers, or anything else, each bird is cooler than the last!

Recently, someone caught a pair of Blue-Footed Boobies doing their mating dance, and everyone loved it. They're so graceful, elegant, and a little bit silly at the same time! They just look so happy to be there:

@moni.jain

#bluefootedboobey #birdsoftiktok #galapagosislands #bluefootedboobies #ecuador

♬ original sound - Nostalgia Library

Moni Jain is so lucky to have seen this in person. I love these birds so much, mostly because they walk like dogs trying on shoes for the first time. When they're moving around during their mating dance, it doesn't look quite so graceful, but the way they elongate their necks is amazing.

It looks like the one on the right is the female: she's larger, and her feet are slightly darker than the other bird's. Plus, she appears to be following his lead: female Blue-Footed Boobies will mirror their partners' movements once they've accepted them.

Related: This Mama Bald Eagle’s Dedication to Her Babies Is Melting Hearts

She saw these birds in the Galapagos, which is where they're from! So not only did she get to see a super cool mating dance, she got to see it in their natural habitat. She even got another close-up shot:

@moni.jain

#galapagos #birdsoftiktok #bluefootedboobies #rareanimals

♬ Clair de lune/Debussy - もつ

I'm just in love with these birds. If I could keep one species as a pet, I think it would be them: they're so cute! Plus, I could leash-train one and take her for a waddle on the town! (Do not do that, these birds are not meant to be pets. But a girl can dream!)

More About Their Mating Life

Blue-Footed Boobies are super interesting birds. Their mating dance is awesome, as you saw, and they're precious. They take mating season very seriously.

photography by Ulrich Hollmann / Getty Images

Blue-Footed Boobies mate between June and August each year. Their mating ritual is long and very specific, including:

• A beginning where the male waddles toward the female, showing off how cool and blue his feet are.
• Then, he elongates his neck.
• If she accepts him, she'll start doing it back.

Sometimes he might also bring a gift for her, like a rock or a stick, to show that he'll contribute to their home-building process. He really does stick around, too: these birds mate for life, and they raise their babies together. How sweet is that?!

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Most horses wait by a gate for treats, but one horse named Fabio prefers the front door. This charming horse has a simple routine: showing up at his owner's doorstep and making his treat requests known until something is done about it.

His demands usually involve papaya. That is his favorite treat, and if you are not producing it fast enough, he will walk through your fence, find the front door himself and wait for as long as it takes.

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Fabio has no shame about any of this. In fact, hours after his owner posted on Reddit that Fabio had shown up at her front door again, she posted a follow-up: Fabio got his papaya.

Found Fabio at my front door begging for treats
by u/HeidrunBakes in aww A Dog Trapped in a Horse's Body

Fabio operates exactly like the family dog who materializes beside the dinner table the moment food comes out. The instincts are identical, but the scale is considerably different.

That combination of confidence and charm is what has made him a growing favorite among animal lovers on Reddit, and it is not hard to see why.

How It Started

His owner put up a flexible band fence to keep him on his side of the property. Fabio walked straight through it, left it on the ground and continued toward the house.

Waiting by the fence was, in his view, optional. He had somewhere to be and a specific treat in mind.

Related: Horse’s Gentle Goodbye to Senior Husky Before Her Final Farewell Has People in Tears

Welcome to the Fabio Show

Fabio is already a star on Reddit, and the internet has taken notice. One comment said, "This is like the character in games to take you on side missions." We totally agree. Fabio shows up uninvited with a request, and he is not leaving until it is handled.

Another person wrote, "If Donkey from Shrek was a horse."

The treat visits are only part of his appeal. In a separate post that has been making the rounds, Fabio very carefully tried to kiss his owner's cat. He missed on the first attempt. He tried again.

The whole sequence, the gentleness, the focus, the commitment to the second try, is exactly what you would expect from a horse who has never once second-guessed himself. His Reddit fans were completely won over.

As one commenter put it after going through his owner's full post history: "He needs his own show with all his personality."

His owner's response was simple: "Some horses are just born being funny."

Pure Personality Wins the Internet

Fabio is not a trained horse. Nothing in his videos is staged. He is an animal with strong opinions about fruit, a complete disregard for property boundaries, and enough confidence to walk up to a front door and simply stand there until service arrives.

He is handsome. He is ridiculous. He tried to kiss a cat and needed two attempts to get it right. And somewhere on his mom's property, a flexible band fence is still lying on the ground where he left it. That fence never had a chance.

Related: This Stunning Appaloosa Horse Looks Exactly Like Chocolate Chip Pancakes

For me, one of life's greatest mysteries will be my dog's love/hate relationship with water. She will be the first to jump into a sprinkler or a kiddie pool in the backyard on a hot day, but the second she realizes it's bath time, suddenly water is her greatest fear and she is out of there.

When it comes to a true dislike of bath time, though, she's in good company... but I will admit she's never gone to the (adorable) lengths to avoid it the way the Dachshund in the TikTok video below does.

@honuinthecity

when it’s bath time #dogsoftiktok #dachshund #cutedog #doggo #puppy

♬ Stealthy mischief(1088178) - KBYS

Honu is hiding, but there's just one problem: This dog is the farthest thing from a hide and seek champion.

He might think that he's totally hidden behind the curtains, but clearly, this isn't his best work. Fortunately, it sounds like his mom is totally willing to play along (and so are the commenters on this video who are all acting like he's invisible).

There's a good chance that this hiding spot wasn't enough to get him out of taking a bath, but he definitely gets credit for trying.

Related: This Tiny Paralyzed Dachshund Has a Morning Routine Everyone’s Falling in Love With

How to Ease Bath Time for Your Pup

There are plenty of dogs out there who simply cannot find any joy in splashing in the tub, but that doesn't mean it needs to be a miserable experience for them (or you) every time they need to get clean.

If there doesn't appear to be a clear reason why your dog has developed this aversion to bath time, there are a few things that you can try to make dog baths more pleasant for everyone involved, as animal welfare expert Cathy Rosenthal pointed out on her website:

• Make sure there's something in the tub to keep their paws from slipping around, like a no-slip mat or even a towel they can stand on
• Dilute their soap, which can still get them clean without taking forever to rinse out, making the bath take longer than it needs to
• Place cotton balls in their ears while washing their head to keep water from running in
• Avoid too much splashing, which can be stressful for some dogs
• And of course, offer plenty of treats. A lick mat in the tub can also work wonders

I'm sending you all the good bath vibes for next time around. It can be total chaos, but it's worth getting our furry BFFs clean.

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One woman shared on Reddit that her Jack Russell terrier had taken on a mission. Every evening, she'd pace the fence line, nose to the ground, disappear into the bushes and refuse to come inside. She was not barking at anything or spinning in circles. She was patrolling like she knew there was something out there.

Her mom searched the yard with her and found nothing. She figured it was a scent trail or a neighborhood cat—the usual suspects.

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It turns out her dog was indeed onto something.

The Dog Was Convinced Something Was Hiding

Jack Russells were bred to hunt foxes and small animals. They are famous for their determination and drive, and any JRT parent will tell you these dogs do not bark for no reason.

This one continued her patrols night after night, completely focused on finding the intruder. Then, she finally solved the mystery.

One evening, her mom could hear the dog but couldn't see her. She searched the yard and discovered her Jack Russell physically wedged between a fence and a retaining wall platform, stuck and unable to back herself out. Once she managed to free her dog, the mystery was solved.

There was a possum hiding underneath.

Related: Tiny Jack Russell’s Special Day Is More Emotional Than It Seems

The Rescue Operation Was Its Own Adventure

Getting her out was, by her owner's description, fairly ridiculous. The dog had no interest in being extracted.

She was still panting away in the dark, locked onto the possum, treating the whole situation less like a crisis and more like a personal triumph.

Built for the Hunt

The remarkable part is that the dog was far less bothered about being trapped than her owner was. The comments on the Reddit post quickly turned into a full Jack Russell terrier breed description in real time.

One person wrote, "Must. Get. The. Possum," capturing the JRT mindset in four words flat. Another added, "This is sooooo JRT. They live for this." And then came the Spider-Man reference: "JR Senses be tinglin."

Jacks have a powerful instinct to pursue, squeeze into tight spaces and stay on a scent long after a less stubborn dog would quit. That is not a quirk. That is the entire point of the breed.

When a Jack locks onto something, the mission does not end until it is complete. Her owner had no idea what the mission even was for several days. But the moment she found the possum wedged under that platform, everything made sense. Her dog always knew. She just needed the time to prove it.

Related: Jack Russell’s Wild Zoomies Leave Her Chill Labrador Brother Completely Unbothered

As dogs get older, they tend to get a little grumpy. My oldest dog is turning 11 this year, and he is legitimately the grumpiest guy I have ever encountered, even though he's also the sweetest. That's just how life with a senior dog is, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

One senior dog has officially entered her Terrible 12s era. Every single thing her mom asks her to do is up for negotiation, and unfortunately, it's equal parts adorable and hilarious. Even if she is the most unhelpful girl ever:

@raymae19

#springvibes #dogpersonality #dogsoftiktok #dogmom #seniordog

♬ Just A Girl - No Doubt

Rachel and Mara Ann are the perfect duo. Mara Ann is no help and makes that her whole personality. Rachel is a super kind and caring dog mom who will do anything for Mara Ann. It could not be a better situation for Mara Ann to spend her golden years in.

Mara Ann is not in any sort of trouble. She has no problems, no mobility issues, nothing. In fact, Rachel took her to the vet, and they diagnosed her as, quote, "a chunkster." My 11-year-old dog shares that diagnosis, so I really can't wait to see what awaits me in his Terrible 12s...

Related: Golden Retriever Gets Trapped in ‘Nap Jail’ by the Fluffiest Ragdoll Kittens

Mara Ann goes outside every day, and whenever she wants to, she walks. However, there are also plenty of times she refuses to move a muscle, even when her mom asks her nicely. She also lives on a farm and has a royal carriage to get around:

@raymae19

#dogpersonality #seniordog #dogsoftiktok #golfcartdog #spoileddog

♬ They See Me rollin songvibezz - 🎵💯🤝

As she should. I wonder if she waves at the cows and other animals on the farm as she passes by. After all, she is their queen!

Why Do Senior Dogs Not Move As Much?

As dogs get older, they often start refusing to get up. It's annoying, but it's just part of their lives. It happens to almost all of them: when they don't have to, they won't move.

Image via Shutterstock / Kelly Magnuson

Senior dogs, especially breeds with a lot of joint issues, will often start refusing to do excessive physical activity. The reasons are simple:

• It hurts.
• It tires them out.
• It's harder for them to breathe.

There's a difference between not wanting to get up and not being able to. Senior dogs should still be able to get up and down, and they should be able to go to the bathroom. If you notice they won't get up to eat and have started soiling themselves, it's time for a trip to the vet!

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Most dog parents have been through this exact scenario. One moment your dog is splashing through a puddle like they are starring in their own adventure movie, and the next they stand at your car door looking happy and joyful. Yet, the question is...should you let them in, muddy paws and all?

Your dog had the walk of their life, but when the reality of wet fur and dirty paws hits, you rethink the whole day. If you are one of those pet parents who improvise with an old hoodie or a gym towel you wanted to wash days ago, we want you to know there is a better way.

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The Heart to Tail Gray Pet Towel at Aldi gives you a chance to prevent the mess before you get home. This quick-drying, absorbent towel is perfect for wiping down wet or muddy paws after a day filled with adventures (and before they get back in your car).

Heart to Tail Gray Pet Travel Towel, $6.99 at Aldi

The towel comes in gray or green, and it is 27 inches by 42 inches. You can easily wash it in your washing machine too for easy cleanup.

Here is the thing most pet parents forget: cleanup has to start before you get home. Dogs that love adventure have a special talent for finding water. If there is a puddle, they will go right in it. And if there is mud nearby, they will find the deepest patch available. Throw this specially designed towel in your car, and keep it there to have on hand so you are not caught unprepared after an outdoor adventure. Trust us, your dog (and your car) will thank you.

Related: Aldi's $13 Summer Essential Keeps Pets Cool All Season Long

More Than a Towel

The main reason to get this cheap find at Aldi is to use it for post-walk cleanup, but the good news is this towel can do a lot more. Here are two other ways you can use this towel:

• Prevent spills and contain accidents. Place it on the floor of a crate or across the back seat to create a barrier before any fluid soaks into any upholstery.
• Use it as a rest mat for your pet if you're on the go. Because it smells familiar, it may help your dog settle faster.

Why Regular Towels Don't Work as Well

You might think a standard bath towel can help with muddy paws, but they can be bulky and slow to dry. Microfiber towels like this one change everything. They absorb faster, wring out cleaner and dry between uses without developing a damp smell.

The Aldi Heart to Tail Pet Travel Towel is a practical find, one that solves real problems for pet parents. And the best part is it is compact enough to keep it in your trunk without thinking about it.

Related: Aldi's $10 Travel Essential Is a Must-Have for Pet Play Dates

Dogs might get a lot of flak for their loud barks, but if you really want to talk about animals who make a lot of noise, birds might be the clear winner. Sure, some of them can actually learn to talk, but when they're not chatting, they're making all kinds of other noises to communicate (or, in some cases, to hear their own voice. If you have a bird like this, you already know).

And boy, are some of these noises cute. Case in point: The baby Macaw in the video below, who is making the softest, most precious sounds as he tries to fall asleep.

@vnunez05

I tried to catch him putting himself to sleep with his whisper honks, no background noise this time #BabyMacaw #ParrotTok #BirdTok #HarlequinMacaw #PetTok

♬ original sound - Vanessa Nunez

This video shared by @vnunez05 on TikTok shows a tiny Macaw sitting in the car, all bundled up in a pet bed, trying to soothe himself to sleep with these teeny little noises that his human describes as "whisper honks."

In a comment, his mom shared that he's just three months old, so this little guy really is brand new to the world. He must be protected at all costs!

Not only does this bird sound so cute, but he's also incredibly gorgeous. Those vibrant colors are everything!

Of course, in other moments that his mom has shared on TikTok (like the video below, where she's feeding him) he's a bit less like an innocent newborn and more like a wild toddler, but just as cute all the same.

@vnunez05

Feeding has gotten easier although it’s still a full contact sport. We are now incorporating fresh chop in the line up 🤌🏽 #ExoticPets #MacawBaby #VelcroBird #PetTok #ParrotLife

♬ Tchaikovsky "Dance of the Reed Flutes"(1257471) - kzy

Related: ‘Offended’ Macaw Holds a Grudge—Until Mom Says 3 Important Words

Why Birds Make Soft Sounds While Drifting to Sleep

There are a few different reasons why birds might make noises while they're falling asleep, but a big one is known as "flock reassurance," which is a way that they keep themselves safe in what could be vulnerable moments.

Of course, birds use their calls and other sounds to communicate with each other in the wild, and as Road Scholar points out, sometimes, the purpose of that communication is to keep the flock safe from predators. This means that those soft sounds that your bird makes while they're falling asleep could be their way of tricking any predators who might be around into thinking they're still awake so they will be left alone.

Birds will also call to each other at night to establish their territory. Once they've found a cozy place to sleep, they want everyone to know that it's taken. No sharing!

The sweet baby in the TikTok video fortunately doesn't have to defend himself while he's snoozing, but he totally could if he needed to. Well, maybe if he learns to sound just a bit less adorable.

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I love going into a store and finding out they have some kind of pet. Like how some Bodegas have cats, or gas station dogs. I once went to a bookstore that had a parrot! He was awesome. I spent too much money there just because I loved him.

Recently, one greenhouse shared that they have a resident cat. His name is Dixon, and his job is simple: walk around and make everyone smile. Note that "sample the catnip" is not in the job description, but he does that anyway:

@hooksgreenhouse

Dixon in the catnip again! 😆 🥰 #hooksgreenhouse #greenhousecat #catsofttiktok

♬ original sound - Hook’s Greenhouse - Hook’s Greenhouse

Hook's Greenhouse seems like such a fun place to shop, as long as you're not looking for catnip. The catnip is all taken: Dixon, their shop cat, likes to lie on the catnip and test it out. He prefers the fresh stuff to the dried catnip you can find in toys.

Obviously, Hook's Greenhouse's catnip is the best stuff in town. It's:

• Thoroughly inspected.
• Pruned with love.
• Pre-loaded with a couple of cat hairs in every bundle.

If you go there to get some, though, you should know that the cat is NOT included with the purchase. He might try to go home with you, though, especially if you get the last bundle...

Related: Baby Kitten Treats Maine Coon Cat Like a Giant Chew Toy

Dixon makes sure that every single pot of catnip is inspected, and he has a thorough system. He uses his whole body:

@hooksgreenhouse

Dixon found the catnip #cat

♬ original sound - Hook’s Greenhouse

If a cat were rolling around on regular plants, I would probably issue some type of warning about not letting them do that: you never know if the person purchasing it is allergic. However, it's catnip. I doubt people are just buying it because they think it's pretty.

Is Fresh or Dried Catnip Better?

Clearly, Dixon prefers fresh catnip. It's the only kind he gets, since he's the greenhouse cat. If you want Dixon-tested catnip, you'll have to get the fresh stuff from Hook's.

Image via Shutterstock / Kelly Magnuson

Both types of catnip are safe and completely fine for cats, and they'll take whatever they can get. However, if you really want to give them a treat, fresh catnip is the way to go. It has more oil in it, which means it lasts longer and is more fun for them.

Plus, to be honest, it's so pretty! Dixon is one lucky cat!

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Joey the Golden Retriever frequents a certain café in town, but it isn't for the table scraps. This attention-seeking pup hangs out there for the extra helpings of affection he receives by making himself practically unavoidable to patrons as they exit. He positions himself right in front of the door, and his genius strategy makes us want to visit this restaurant ASAP so we can give him all the pets he deserves.

@joey_how_u_doinn

He knows exactly what he’s doing 😂🤭 #dogsoftiktok #goldenretriever #dogs

♬ Lil Boo Thang - Paul Russell

The video says that Joey's strategy only has a 50% success rate, but how is that possible? Fans like me are mystified because, as one person comments, "The absolute pile-up I would cause just sitting there and giving all the love to that goodest boy" is real. It's seems inhuman to ignore him.

The comments section is blowing up with viewers who wholeheartedly agree:

"I don’t understand how anyone could walk by without giving a pet."

"I could never trust anyone who can walk past a golden and not pet them."

"50% success rate? Anything less than 110% is unacceptable."

"WHO'S NOT PETTING JOEY?!"

I mean, I'll just say it: if you walked by Joey without as much as a head scritch, you're dead inside.

Related: Golden Retriever Siblings Show Their Bond in the Sweetest Way—and People Are Emotional

Why Golden Retrievers Are Basically Hardwired to Love Every Person They Meet

A Golden isn't just born friendly — it was built for human connection from the ground up. A 2017 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that breeds like Golden Retrievers carry genetic variations in oxytocin receptor genes — oxytocin being the same "love hormone" that bonds mothers to babies and makes hugs feel good. Goldens don't necessarily produce more of it, but they respond to it more strongly than other breeds. In other words, human connection doesn't just feel nice to them — it hits differently, right at the genetic level. So, Joey isn't just being cute. He's doing exactly what his DNA is telling him to do.

According to the AKC, a Golden's "friendly and affectionate temperament makes it an excellent pet and companion." And as this article goes on to say (as if the author knew Joey personally), "This playful breed tends to greet everyone—strangers included—with a wagging tail. They are known for their goofy, attention-seeking behaviors that delight owners and passersby alike."

This social predisposition is also why Goldens are so naturally suited to therapy and service work. Their DNA literally drives them to seek eye contact, read human emotions, and thrive on interaction. Which is probably why, when given the choice, a Golden will always pick the spot where the most humans are likely to show up.

Related: Bernedoodle Meets His Tiny Sheepadoodle Brother—and His Reaction Is Pure Sweetness

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Dogs are naturally caring and empathetic with their loved ones, both human and four-legged. Canines also have a strong maternal instinct and will sacrifice their own well-being to give their puppies what they need.

Moon is a rescue dog who tirelessly tended to her litter of seven puppies and now needs a home of her own.

@peggyadamsarl

Everyone loves puppies, but what about their mom? 🐶 Adoptable Moon deserves SO much love! 🧡 Moon was the best mom. She raised her puppies big and strong, and now they’re eating on their own in foster homes. Now, it’s Moon’s turn to be pampered! She is now spayed, so her mom era is over, and it’s all about MOON! Moon is 2 years old, LOVES to cuddle (she will lay on your lap forever if you let her), and can never get enough belly rubs. Moon is the gentlest girl in the world and a true joy to meet. Let’s find Moon the loving family she deserves 🌙 Ready for Moon to join your orbit? 🌎 🌝 Meet her at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League! Open 11-6 daily, no appointment needed. 🩺 Please spay and neuter your pets! Peggy Adams offers low-cost public appointments + free spay/neuter for mom & dad dogs with puppies. Spay and neuter is the best way to stop pet overpopulation and suffering in our community, and ensuring that dogs like Moon live happy, healthy lives. #momdog #adoptdontshop #spayandneuter

♬ I'm A Survivor - Reba McEntire

In the TikTok from @peggyadamsarl, Moon sat in her kennel at the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League with a sweet look on her face that radiated her gentle spirit. Several clips of the video showed the precious pooch with all seven of her pups, rotating between nursing them (all at once), snuggling, and just staying close to her canine kids.

Moon never looked impatient and was a constant presence for her adorable puppies. All of her fur babies are currently thriving in foster homes. Now with a cone on her head following her spay surgery, Moon is longing for a forever home.

"Everyone loves puppies, but what about their mom?" the caption posed. "Adoptable Moon deserves SO much love!"

The canine cutie took her mama role seriously and made sure all of her puppies were loved and well-fed. With her entire litter launched, Moon hopes for her own fresh start.

"Moon was the best mom," the story continued. "She raised her puppies big and strong, and now they’re eating on their own in foster homes. Now, it’s Moon’s turn to be pampered!"

Moon Is 'Gentlest Girl'

Moon is now spayed, so she won't be carrying any more litters. The precious pooch is still young with so much to offer, and would make a wonderful addition to a loving family

"Moon is 2 years old, LOVES to cuddle (she will lie on your lap forever if you let her), and can never get enough belly rubs," the caption raved. "Moon is the gentlest girl in the world and a true joy to meet."

Related: Street Dog's 'Resilience' and 'Strength' Kept Her 6 Puppies Alive

This mama dog gave her whole heart to her litter of pups, so now it's her turn. Moon is ready for her next chapter.

For more information on Moon and the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, visit their website.

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Get ready to cry when you see this heartwarming video of a stray cat finding his forever family.

We see a cat outside checking out a stroller of kittens, and in a serendipitous moment where fate came into play, a stray cat found a new forever home.

And it looks like from this video, it was meant to be for Pistachio, the cat, and his new family!

@almondandcashie

❤️ pistachio truly completed our nutty fam #catsoftiktok #cattok #straycat #foster #rescue

♬ sonido original - soundtracks

Pistachio, who appears to be a Tabby cat, seemed to form an instant connection with the Orange Catsin this family, named Cashie and Almond (we assume Pistachio was his adopted name).

The trio of kitties enjoys lounging on furniture and cat trees, grooming each other, watching TV, and taking walks together on their leashes.

Related: Stray Cat Brings Her ‘Rainbow Kittens’ to Woman’s House for Dinner

How To Welcome a Stray Cat Into Your Family

When welcoming a stray cat into your family, the first thing to remember is patience.

You have to move slowly when welcoming a stray kitty into your home.

First, offer them food, water, and a safe and separate space from the other cats and animals in the house.

For a cat who has been living outside, a sudden change like this could be very overwhelming.

Once you've done that, you should take the new kitty to the vet as soon as possible to make sure they don't have any health issues or injuries, as well as fleas or parasites.

After all this, the new cat should be introduced to the other pets in the house with supervised visits.

Help bring routine to the stray cat's life with their own bed, litter box, and daily schedule.

Clearly, Pistachio had a smooth transition into his forever home and took to his new family right away, but other kitties may take a bit longer to settle into their new lives.

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Kittens are always going to be a little crazy, but that's part of why everybody loves them. The kitten phase will eventually chill out a little, though most of them will stay rambunctious for several years after the kitten phase has ended. Especially if they have siblings!

One little kitten has a sibling who knows exactly what it's like to be annoying. He's a Maine Coon! So, when his new little brother decided to use him as a giant chew toy, he was completely unbothered:

@the_maine_coonies_

he’s so gentle w the babyyy #fyp #catsoftiktok #mainecoon #foster #fosterkitten

♬ original sound - the_maine_coonies_

The Maine Coonies are no strangers to having baby siblings here and there. Their mom is always fostering kittens, and she's had some real crazies!

Related: Maine Coon Lets ‘His’ Foster Kitten Win a Wrestling Match in the Sweetest Showdown

The Maine Coon in this video is Dexter: he's huge, and usually, he's mostly impartial toward the kittens. He's a gentle boy, never wanting to hurt anyone or do anything that could make his family upset. He takes good care of the kittens who find their way into his home.

This latest kitten is named Ringo, and according to their mom, Ringo is the son Dexter absolutely did not want. It's really funny because he's so grumpy and loving at the same time, often literally hissing, grumbling, hooting, and hollering all while showering them with love:

@the_maine_coonies_

he’s over my 💩 #mainecooncats#mainecoon#fyp#kittenrescue#fosterkittens

♬ original sound - the_maine_coonies_

Ringo is very special in a lot of ways, but this area is not one of them. Dexter grooms every baby he sees, even if he whines about it all the while. As a big sibling, that's his right: I'm 8.5 years older than my sister, and I definitely asked to hold her and then complained the whole time when she was a baby.

Dexter's mom said in a comment that, though Ringo will soon be off to his forever home, there's not going to be a shortage of foster kittens in her home! She runs an animal rescue, and right now is just the beginning of Kitten Season.

What Is 'Kitten Season?'

Every spring, something inside of me awakens and forces me to talk everyone's ear off about kitten season. It's important to me, and to these animals, that as many people as possible are educated about Kitten Season and its dangers.

Image via Shutterstock / Nadia Cruzova

Kitten Season isn't so much one period, but a 6-ish month stretch (April-October). It starts when the weather warms up and kittens continue to be born until it cools back down. This leads to:

• Inbreeding.
• Widespread communicable disease.
• Kittens being injured/killed by predators.
• Dumped kittens when people let their cat out and she comes home pregnant.

Kitten Season often seems worse in April/May because very few kittens are born in the wintertime, at least in places with defined seasons. In warmer areas, like Florida, for example, cats are having babies year-round. They also have some of the highest numbers of cats in shelters.

Luckily, Dexter's mom is doing her part during this difficult time, and you can, too! Even something as simple as turning in kittens to the shelter, donating to your local TNR organization, and just checking in any boxes/bags you see on the road could save lives!

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Soccer fans may THINK they’re emotionally prepared for this summer’s biggest international tournament. But respectfully? Nothing could possibly prepare anyone for a Chihuahua leading Team Mexico while 48 rescue puppies sprint around a soccer field completely ignoring the rules of organized sports.

And that’s exactly why LG Channels’ upcoming World Pup event looks so ridiculously fun.

Premiering June 10, LG Channels World Pup transforms rescue puppies into tiny international soccer stars in a bracket style competition inspired by this summer’s massive global soccer tournament.

LG World Pup, Thursday, April 2, 2026 in Jersey City, N.J. (Jason DeCrow/AP Content Services for LG-Electronics)

Image Via Jason DeCrow/AP Content Services for LG-Electronics

The four-part event comes from Bright Spot Content, the producers behind The Puppy Bowl, so viewers should probably prepare themselves for:

• dramatic puppy rivalries
• accidental tackles
• chaotic zoomies
• emotional support barking
• at least one athlete getting distracted mid play by absolutely nothing

The competition features eight national squads, each captained by one of their country’s iconic dog breeds.

That Means Viewers Will See:

• a Boston Terrier representing the United States
• a Chihuahua leading Team Mexico
• a King Charles Cavalier representing England

...along with dozens of other rescue puppies competing for the coveted LG Channels World Pup Trophy. The idea of tiny puppies participating in an international sports tournament while having absolutely no understanding of strategy feels deeply important to me emotionally.

Trying to maintain order throughout the adorable madness is former U.S. World Cup veteran and CBS Sports host Jimmy Conrad, who serves as the tournament’s official “Rufferee” -- which sounds significantly harder than actual professional soccer.

According to LG Channels, Conrad previously handled international competition during the 2006 World Cup, but has “never dealt with 48 puppies who don’t know what an offside call is.” And honestly? That feels accurate.

The event also includes appearances from fan favorite dog influencers Chili and Lumi, who help provide commentary and scene stealing moments throughout the tournament.

Meanwhile, AirCorg makes a special appearance to deliver the tournament’s final prediction because apparently sports analysis becomes infinitely better when delivered by a corgi.

But beyond all the tiny soccer chaos is a genuinely meaningful mission. Every puppy featured in World Pup is adoptable.

LG Channels partnered with shelters and rescue organizations across the country to spotlight dogs searching for forever homes while also highlighting the people working tirelessly in animal rescue every day.

Participating Organizations Include:

• Florida Little Dog Rescue
• Connecticut Humane Society
• Hearts & Bones Rescue
• Louie’s Legacy
• The Sato Project
• Providence Animal Center

But there are several additional rescue groups nationwide.

LG Channels described World Pup as “the feel good sports event of 2026.”

That’s hard to argue with when tiny rescue puppies are representing countries in an international soccer tournament.

Are All the Puppies in ‘World Pup’ Really Adoptable? LG World Pup, Thursday, April 2, 2026 in Jersey City, N.J. (Jason DeCrow/AP Content Services for LG-Electronics)

Image Via LG Channels

Yes! Every puppy featured in LG Channels World Pup comes from a rescue organization or shelter and is available for adoption.

The event also helps raise awareness for animal rescue organizations caring for vulnerable pets every day.

Watching rescue puppies accidentally turn international soccer into complete furry chaos while helping them find forever homes feels like a win for literally everyone involved.

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