Parade Pets

Dogs are so hit or miss when it comes to dressing them up. In my experience, they pretty much all dislike it, and really, I can't blame them. But sometimes it's necessary.

One (hilarious) example can be seen in this comical video of a Doberman testing out his new winter gear. I can't tell if it's slippery or if he's just being silly, but either way, it'll bring a smile to your face. See for yourself: 

new boot goofin

Honestly, that's quite an impressive outfit. He looks super stealth, doesn't he? Well, maybe not his clumsy demeanor, but the gear is pretty slick. And he seems to be enjoying it... I think? I can't really tell what's going on in that crazy head of his, but his energy is totally infectious either way. I love it!

Related: Doberman Caught Red-Handed After Getting Into Feather Pillows Is a Hoot

It's one of those videos where the more you watch it, the more you laugh. For a second there, I thought he was about to start moonwalking! He's just going crazy. I can't imagine how strange it must feel. He must be thinking, "What just happened!? What are these strange things!? Why can't I feel anything!?"

Because Dobermans naturally have a very short, single-coat of fur (and a general low-tolerance for the cold), pet parents should certainly consider getting jackets or sweaters for their Doberman if temperatures start to reach below 45 degrees. 

If the temperature is slightly above 45 degrees, jackets and coats can be optional, but all pups will react different to the coldness either way. Chances are, you know your dog's behavior pretty well, so as long as you're closely monitoring them, you're on the right track. 

A Dobermans average body temperature is between 101-102 degrees Fahrenheit, but just know if their temperature drops below 100 for an extended period of time, it could be dangerous. 

Some obvious times that your pup should be wearing their snow gear are when it's raining or snowing—this will obviously cause them to get wet, which will quickly reduce their body temperature—and when experiencing above-average windchill. 

Windchill in particular can often make it seem like it's 20 degrees colder than it actually is, so if it's exceptionally windy out, it's probably time to throw on that sweater or coat! 

The age of your Doberman is a big factor as well. If you have a puppy or an older dog, then you probably already know they unfortunately aren't as good at regulating their body temperatures as well as a healthy adult. 

If that's the case, you might want to keep them bundled up (even when it's warmer than 45 degrees). Dobermans often have stiffness or pain in their joints and exposure to the cold weather can obviously make this worse. 

If you see your Doberman shaking or shivering, chances are they're cold. That said, they are a breed that tends to shiver a lot (even when they aren't cold) and it's best to just keep a close eye on them. If you notice a clear increase in shivering however, it's probably a sign to warm them up! 

Also, if you see them pacing anxiously or acting restless, this could very well be their way of telling you they're uncomfortable. 

Similarly, they're great communicators as well—if you notice them whining and whimpering out of character, it might be time to break out the coat or simply find some warmth. 

In any case, you should never underestimate how easily your Doberman can get cold. Suddenly, this goofy little snow outfit that we see here seems to make a lot more sense, huh? 

I mean, they'll probably think it's strange, but at least they'll be safe! 

Dogs are way more observant than we often give them credit for. Maybe I'm just speaking for myself, but those cute little eyes are always watching. 

For that exact reason, one adorable little Frenchie was left pretty disappointed as his familiar Sunday "donut bag" ended up not being a donut bag at all. And his reaction in the video below is too funny: 

Looking for his sunday doughnut lol#frenchiesoftiktok #bellabae #fypシ #frenichebulldog #petsoftiktok #thedailyboogie #boogiedabendito #doughnuts

Poor little guy! What a let down that would be. And really, can you blame him? I have to assume his Sunday donuts come in a white paper bag exactly like that, and are most likely placed right there every time. He looks determined and convinced that his treats have arrived, but he's sorely mistaken. 

Related: Frenchie Learning to Walk in Crocs Is Absolutely Priceless

It's hilarious that as humans, we often need to do whatever we can to convince our dogs that something is or isn't there. Mom has to literally let him investigate before he gets back down. And that last little look of disappointment hits hard. He's like, "Why would you do this to me?" His eyes are saying more than any words ever could. 

While most therapy dogs are often breeds like Retrievers, sometimes a smaller pup is just what the doctor ordered—and Frenchies are a natural fit. 

They're well-behaved, adaptable, and comfortable companions with a naturally loving nature. Plus, they're extremely cute, which never hurts!

Sara Morgan, a handler for Therapy Animals of San Antonio’s CARE Program (who has a Frenchie of her own), told the American Kennel Club: 

“They are extremely clever and a real source of joy, but they’re insanely curious and as naive as toddlers. There’s an innocence about them; they resemble babies with their big round eyes and big heads. Our human instinct might be to pick them up and coddle them. But if there’s trouble, their curiosity will find it, and if you turn your back on them, they can really be in hot water.”

Add the fact that they're pretty easy to train and love to be bribed with treats, and the list just keeps on growing. They're emotional little pups and seem to recognize when you're not feeling your best. 

And just because I personally love it so much, another quick story from Morgan was:

“One evening, a little girl was upset and she crawled under the table. The counselors couldn’t get her to come out, but Hazel crawled under with her and loved on her and the little girl emerged,” she says. “I’m so blessed to be able to share the love of my dog with those that need it.”

After hearing all this, I feel extra bad for Boogie the Frenchie and his utter disappointment with his donuts. Here he is, working hard to make everyone comfortable and happy... and all he wants is a little treat. But it wasn't there! 

In fairness, maybe it wasn't Sunday? Dogs are observant but they don't necessarily know the days of the week. It could just be a classic case of confusion. 

I just hope that this coming Sunday, his faith in humanity will be restored as he chomps down on his sweet treat. Fingers crossed! 

The Toronto Zoo is kicking off the new year with some big news.

The zoo recently welcomed two new residents, and they're asking the public for help naming them. Here's what you need to know.

On February 1, the zoo shared two photos of the Tamanduas, who are new to their zoo, and a list of iconic duos who are on the shortlist for their names.

Related: Toronto Zoo Shares New Footage of 2-Week-Old White Rhino Playing With His Mom

"Time to name some Tamanduas," the zoo said on Facebook, including two photos of the new Tamanduas. Both animals were photographed high up on climbing branches, looking down at the camera.

Both have cute ears, a long nose, and sharp, long nails.

"The Zoo is now home to two young tamanduas, one male and one female tamandua, who are settling in behind-the-scenes in the Outreach and Discovery area," the zoo shared in a press release.

The zoo offered five different couple pairing names to choose from in their vote.

The first naming pair Pacha and Yzma, named after Disney's characters in The Emperor's New Groove; the second is Bruno and Mirabel from Encanto, Wanda and Cosmo from The Fairly OddParents; Barbie and Ken, which is fitting given the success of the movie; and Swift and Kelce, after the current it couple, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. 

In the comments of the social share, people were happy to share their opinions on the name options.

"Swift and Kelce.......or Sonny and Cher!" one fan wrote. "I know they are not on the list, but they went well together."

"Bruno and Mirabel all the way," another shared, " they are adorable.

"I like Lois and Clark, but they are not on your list," someone else suggested.

Looking at what people are sharing in the comments, the running for which name pair will win seems to be pretty even between the four options.

Voting is open on the Toronto Zoo's website until February 6, 2024.

The Toronto Zoo also shared some interesting details about these animals since they're not really common to hear about. 

"Also known as lesser anteaters, Tamanduas are much smaller than their cousin, the giant anteater," the zoo explains. 

"As adults, they will weigh 2-7.5 kg (our two are still young and growing). This species is found throughout much of South America and is fondly known as the “stinkers of the forest.” When threatened, they can release a spray four times more powerful than a skunk," the zoo continues. 

The zoo also shared that these animals don't have any teeth inside their big snout. Instead, they use their really long tongue and sticky saliva to catch termites, eating them whole. 

"Tamanduas can eat up to 9,000 insects a day! This helps keep large populations down and can reduce negative impacts of parasitism in plants, but they are also super sustainable eaters," the zoo shares. "When eating ants or termites, they can smell the difference between the workers and the queens, only eating the workers and only enough so the populations continue in the area and they don't have to travel further and further for food."

Currently, the two to-be-named Tamanduas are not viewable at the zoo, but they will be soon enough. 

"Come the spring, you may spot them in Kids Zoo or on mini adventures throughout your Zoo when the weather warms up," the zoo shared. "Stay tuned for their winning names and when you can say hello."

Ireland Baldwin wants everyone to know how much she loves her baby goat!

On January 27, the mom of one shared a few social media photos highlighting how much she loves her baby goat. Take a look!

View the original article to see embedded media.

In a series of photos, Ireland shared snaps of her baby goat and how she likes to carry the little one.

Related: Baby Goat Meeting the Rest of His New Family Is a True Heart Melter

"My child," Ireland wrote in the caption of her photos, in all caps with a crying face emoji and heart. In the first photo, her baby goat is cuddled right in, snug in a baby carrier the star uses for her daughter, 8-month-old Holland.

In the second photo, Ireland has taken the goat out of the carrier, so we can see how tiny the little one is as she holds the goat in her arms.

The third photo appears to be the same image as the second one without a filter.

In the comments, people were all about the sweet little goat.

"Need videos, please," one person wrote.

"This duo," another shared.

"You are living the life, honey," another added.

"They change so fast when they're babies," someone else wrote.

"Oh my God. Jealous. Give me all the goats," shared another.

Ireland's dad, Alec Baldwin, shared a comment, too, writing, "Now that's a Wes Anderson movie..."

And Paris Hilton wrote, "What a beautiful day."

On social media, though we don't see her goats often, we do get to see her four cute dogs make an appearance in her photos shared on social media. 

View the original article to see embedded media.

On January 30, Ireland shared a photo of her Husky dog Kota, who always keeps his eye on her. The photos show Kota peeking over the baby's playpen in this social share. "My favorite stalker," she wrote.

A post shared by ireland (@irelandirelandireland)

She also has two Dachshund dogs, one named ChikinBoi and another she calls "P." Ireland also has another small dog named Kurt. 

RSPCA says owning a goat is "a big commitment and can be very time-consuming and expensive." They suggest people interested in getting a goat do some reading and research.

"Goats can be destructive to fences, housing, and gardens," they warn. "They can be noisy, so may not be popular with your neighbours."

There are also some details potential goat parents should be aware of, including uncastrated male goats or getting a female goat who can lactate.

Fort Worth Zoo in Texas is celebrating the birth of its first Mandrill in close to 30 years.

The baby was born on January 11, 2024, but the zoo made the announcement to the world on January 30. Here's what you need to know.

View the original article to see embedded media.

"Another surprise!" the zoo wrote on Instagram. "Say hello to our newest Mandrill baby."

Related: Fort Worth Zoo Celebrates Birth of Their First-Ever Rockhopper Penguin Chick

"This is the first Mandrill born at the Fort Worth Zoo in nearly three decades and only our third in Zoo history!" the caption continued, along with an Instagram reel of the little baby and her mom.

"Named Ruby, the little primate was given the colorful moniker as a nod to mom, Scarlett," the zoo explains. "Mom and Ruby are doing very well and have formed a healthy bond."

The baby's dad, J.J., has also been able to bond with the little baby. The first-time dad "has been sticking close to mom and baby, and our other female Sudi is also spending time with the pair."

The zoo shared that Ruby can now be seen at the zoo when you go to visit.

"Overall, the troop is adjusting well to the newest arrival," they write. "Ruby can now be seen in the Zoo’s World of Primates habitat with her troopmates, most likely snuggled close to Mom."

In the comments, people were happy to share how excited they are about the little baby, too.

"Cute baby," one person wrote.

"Amazing! What a cutie!" another shared.

"Mandrills are my favorite!!" added someone else. "I can't get enough of their smiles."

"We have got to visit the zoo soon! So many babies!" wrote another fan.

"I saw her yesterday and took so many pictures!" a zoo visitor shared. "The troop was loving the weather."

The zoo also shared details on the vulnerable species in the news about Ruby's arrival.

"Mandrills are listed as vulnerable, and populations continue to decline," they wrote. "Ruby’s birth contributes to a diverse, genetically healthy population of Mandrills among U.S. zoos and ensures their survival for future generations."

According to The Dallas Morning News, these animals are only found in a few countries in west-central Africa, and their numbers are falling because of "habitat destruction and illegal, unregulated hunting."

They also shared that these primates are the "largest monkey species in the world" and are "among the most colorful, closely resembling baboons."

The zoo explains the colors on the mandrils with its "red and blue muzzle and a bluish-purple rump."

They explain that you see the color more on males than females or young mandrils. "While many animals do not have color vision, primates are an exception. The Mandrill’s bright coloration makes it easier for the monkey to locate other members of its species," the zoo adds. "In fact, when Mandrills become excited, the coloring on their bodies becomes even brighter."

We can't wait to watch Ruby grow!

Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona, is asking for help from the public in naming their new baby giraffe.

On February 1, 2024, the zoo shared some new photos of the little baby giraffe on social media and asked people to vote for their favorite name. Take a look!

View the original article to see embedded media.

In a multi-photo share on Instagram, the zoo posted three new pictures of the little giraffe, and they're all so adorable.

Related: Baby Giraffe's Reaction to Camera at the 'San Diego Zoo Safari Park' Has People Obsessed

On January 15, 2024, Reid Park Zoo celebrated the birth of a baby giraffe at their zoo, the first giraffe calf born there in close to 24 years.

And now, a few weeks later, the zoo is asking for the public to vote on which name they should give to the little guy.

"He's the first giraffe calf born at Reid Park Zoo in nearly 24 years, and he needs a name!" the zoo wrote in the caption of the photo shares.

Voters can choose from one of three names, including Mosi, Hodari, and Moyo.

"Mosi, meaning 'firstborn,” is a traditional Swahili name for the eldest son," the zoo explains.

The second option, Hodari, means "courage/ strong/ brave" in Swahili," the zoo notes, "as he is very curious and loves exploring new spaces."

And the third option is another Swahili name, Moyo, which means "heart, as he has a small heart shaped spot on his neck and a larger upside down heart just above it."

Voting will be open until February 15, "one month after the calf's birth at 10 a.m.," the zoo shares, "and we will announce the winner on the Zoo’s social media that afternoon."

According to the zoo, the little one is doing very well and is bonding well with his mom.

This is the first giraffe born at Reid Park Zoo in almost 24 years "and the first offspring born to mother Penelope and father Jasiri," the zoo shared. 

"The calf and his mother are both doing well and have begun exploring the outdoor habitat. Alongside his mom, the calf is sometimes visible to the public for short periods throughout the day."

The dad, Jasiri, has "been able to spend some time with the calf," the zoo said, "but the younger giraffe needs a little more time with mom before they can be fully introduced. In the meantime, Jasiri has been very interested in everything the calf is doing."

The reticulated giraffes are endangered, and any birth of a baby is good news. According to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, it's estimated that there are only 16,000 reticulated giraffes left in the wild," a decline of over 50% from the approximate 36,000 three and a half decades ago."

You can head to Reid Park Zoo's website to cast your vote for the new baby's name. Polls close on February 15.

Our furry friends bring us so much joy, but they also have an endearing knack for getting themselves into trouble. As pet owners, we do everything we can to keep our animals safe, but occasionally, accidents still happen. When they do, it's important to understand the common injuries our pets face so we know what to look out for.

Having a grasp of potential treatment costs can help pet parents prepare for managing vet bills. Let’s explore the most frequently seen pet injuries veterinarians encounter, diving into what causes them, how they’re treated and what pet owners can expect to pay.

Related: The 7 Worst Dog Breeds for First Time Pet Owners, According to Vets

There's no definitive data showing whether dogs or cats are more prone to injuries. The likelihood depends on several factors—breed, age, activity level and environment. However, vets do see common injury patterns in dogs and cats.

As Dr. Sam Meisler, founder of PetWellClinic, explains, "Dogs are active animals prone to injuries such as sprains, strains, fractures and wounds." Their energetic, fearless nature lends itself to more accidents. Additionally, "Larger or more energetic breeds may be more susceptible to injury."

Cats also experience their share of injuries related to falls, fights with other felines, or general accidents. Per Dr. Meisler, "Outdoor cats may face additional risks." Access to the outdoors exposes them to more potential hazards, including injuries from encounters with wildlife or vehicles.

Related: The 10 Best Exercises for Your Cat, According to Veterinarians

Especially prevalent in athletic, active dog breeds, lacerations typically occur when a sharp object like a fence, garden edging, or nail punctures the skin. Per Dr. Erin Tate of CityVet, treating lacerations runs $400 to $1,200 depending on severity. Proper care prevents infection and facilitates healing.

Related: These Are 11 of the Healthiest Dog Breeds, According to Veterinarians

As Dr. Tate explains, broken nails often happen when toes catch on objects like furniture or tree roots while playing or running. She notes expenses range from $300 to $800 based on severity. In some cases, part of the nail may need surgical removal if the breakage causes significant injury to the toe.

Dogs playing exuberantly may accidentally bite one another. Additionally, when unneutered males fight over territory or mating rights, bite wounds can result. As Dr. Tate indicates, non-surgical treatment costs $150 to several hundred dollars. Surgical intervention for more significant wounds can require thousands of dollars.

Infection is a major concern with bites, so timely veterinary care is essential, especially with outdoor cats. “Cats who roam outside tend to get into fights, especially if they’re not spayed or neutered,” explains Dr. Joyce Myers, a veterinarian at Vetster. “The bacteria that live in a cat’s mouth are pretty nasty, so feline bite wounds usually get infected.” Lancing, flushing, antibiotics, and wound care cost $100+ even for simple cases. Complex abscesses run upwards of $300. Rarely, euthanasia is required if rabies risk exists.

Related: 30 Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds for First-Time or Busy Pup Owners

Low to the ground, pets often scrape their eyes on bushes, tree branches, and other environmental objects. Per Dr. Tate, addressing corneal abrasions or ulcers runs approximately $175 to $600. Though eyes heal quickly, injuries must be professionally treated to prevent permanent damage.

The most affordable injuries to treat, sprains and strains related to normal activity and play cost $50 to $500 according to Dr. Meisler. However, major ligament tears or injuries requiring surgery can run up to $4,000 with diagnostics and medications. Rest and anti-inflammatory medications alleviate most cases.

Related: The Real Reason Why Dogs Like To Sleep in Their Owners’ Beds

Puppies and kittens can break bones when playing with kids, shares Dr. Myers. Fortunately, youth speeds healing. Splinting suffices sometimes, though surgery is often vital. Expenses run wide depending on fracture type and medical complexity.

Letting dogs chew ice or hard objects risks broken carnassial teeth; costs start at $700 says Dr. Myers. Similarly, outdoor cats can break teeth fighting or hunting. Repairing or extracting fractured teeth requires anesthesia, x-rays and expertise resulting in high bills.

While no pet owner enjoys dealing with injuries, understanding common occurrences helps you watch for signs of trouble. Having realistic expectations of potential treatment expenses allows you to budget accordingly. Most importantly, be vigilant about prevention — keep environments safe, supervise play, walk pets on leashes, and consider pet insurance. Your furry friend will thank you—probably with a lick!

Next: 10 Sweet Signs Your Dog Thinks of You as Their Mom and Dad

• Dr. Sam Meisler, founder of PetWellClinic
• Dr. Erin Tate of CityVet
• Dr. Joyce Myers, a veterinarian at Vetster

It really doesn’t take much to entertain our furry friends. In fact, sometimes a mini ball pit is all you need for hours of endless entertainment (followed by hours of clean up). Ha!

Although he's making a total mess, one little pup recently discovered the joy of the timeless treasure that is a ball pit. And as we see in this short but sweet clip, this little guy is living his best life. Take a look:

The growls are the best 🤣 #ballpit #dogtoys #doglovers

I love how he’s just completely engulfed in the ball pit. In fact, you pretty much can't even see him until the end of the video when he pops up his little head. Oh, and those ferocious growls are cracking me up. I wish I knew what was going on in that head of his. Whatever it is, he means business.

Related: Mini Doodle's Reaction to Human Sister Returning From College Is the Best

Can you remember playing in ball pits when you were a kid? I sure can. Those were the days. That’s why seeing this little guy letting loose really hits me hard. This is some pure youthful energy! Don’t ask me why it’s so fun, either. It just is. And if you don’t believe me, well, just ask this little Doodle. He’ll confirm.

It's hard to deny that Doodles are quite the rage in the canine world these days. They're everywhere! And every single one of them is as cute as the next. So it's really no surprise that they're such great pets. 

Doodles are a mixture of two purebred dogs, and this combination has brought together some of the most adorable and intelligent pups on earth. 

They're typically a hybrid between a Poodle and any other dog breed, which has resulted in an amazing breed of dogs with some pretty unique characteristics. 

These pups have excellent personalities and are known for their affectionate nature towards humans, which is just one of the many reasons they're such suitable family pets. They're also very intelligent, calm, and gentle dogs that get along well with children and other animals.

Keep in mind that Doodles require a lot of socialization, though. But this is really how they develop their excellent behavior, since they can become anxious and shy if they're not adequately socialized during their early life. 

Therefore it's pretty necessary to introduce them to as many different people, places, and things as possible at an early age. 

The good thing is, Doodles are highly trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please their owners. Plus, since Doodles have Poodle genes, they are considered one of the smartest dog breeds. 

If trained properly, Doodles can learn basic obedience commands surprisingly fast, which is a huge plus.

However, despite any fun facts or characteristics these dogs possess, the simple fact that they're pretty much the cutest dogs ever (in my humble opinion) makes them highly desirable as well. Who wouldn't want one of these cute little guys around?

Also... is anyone else already online searching for mini ball pits for their pups after seeing this? Because I am! This looks like way too much fun. 

By the time February arrives, most of us are tired of the winter. If you don’t enjoy skiing or ice skating, there isn’t much to do at this time of year. Even our dogs, it seems, can yearn for spring to arrive.

Non-fans of cold weather will relate to this dog's viewpoint. Her sweet face doesn’t leave us wondering what she’s thinking.

Check out her hilarious expression in this video from January 31:

She loves her winter jacket SOOOO much 🤣 #vizsla #dogsoftok #winterjacket #dogjacket #doghumor

Poor Maple Bacon! Her face captures the exact feeling I have when I need to bundle up in my winter coat. Even though her human might have bought her a lovely new jacket, she isn’t feeling it. She wears her displeasure boldly on her face. When this doesn’t help her get it removed, she walks away in total disgust. LOL! When is spring coming already?

Related: 10 Coats To Keep Your Pets Cute and Cozy In Cold Weather

Some dogs don’t seem to mind wearing a jacket. Many even ask to be put into their warm and snuggly clothes. Others like Maple, however, are not fans of putting on their outerwear.

This depends on the type. In colder weather, a short-haired Vizsla like Maple should wear a coat because they only have one layer of fur. It’s a Vizsla reports, “Their short coat is perfectly suited for hunting, as it is less likely to pick up burrs or snag on thickets when hunting for birds and ducks.” While this might help them when out hunting, it doesn't help them when they aren't running around. As puppies, they describe, they are even more sensitive to the cold. However, as they get older, they can tolerate a bit more.

Wire-haired Vizslas, however, do not get cold as easily because of the water-repellent undercoat they develop in the winter months. They reveal, “The Wire-haired Vizsla is classified as a separate breed and was bred specifically to be a more hardy hunter than the short-haired Vizsla in the freezing winter months. As a result, they can handle cold weather better.”

People found this dog's attitude amusing. Viewer @JanetL.Peacock responded, “Lol! She is like, I can’t even deal with you”. That’s the truth! Viewer @MaybeNowItsTime remarked, “That is gonna be pulled off in about 35 seconds.” Maple’s human confirmed, “She ended up just rubbing it on all the furniture.” That sounds right because her face didn’t look as though she was intending to just lay down.

Hopefully, those warmer days will arrive soon. Our dogs, like us, crave the feeling of sunshine on their faces once more.

What is it about dogs and always being hungry? There's pretty much never a bad time for a snack, as far as they're concerned. 

In this case, one adorable Chocolate Lab got 'busted' stealing his mom's snack (after just having one of his own) and the video of her retrieving it is too funny. 

Not my cheetos 😭😭

He's like, "Nope. Nothing to see here," as he sneaks away to the couch. At first, I was honestly thinking to myself, I don't see anything. But I quickly realized why. However, I didn't expect an entire snack-sized bag of Cheetos to come out of his mouth! 

Related: Chocolate Labrador Sitting 'Like a Grown Man' Takes the Internet by Storm

The craziest part is that they still looked like they were in pretty good condition, right? It's like he had a plan to save them for later, but got caught in the process. The way he looks at her afterwards has me cracking up, too. As soon as she crunches the bag, it's almost like he's thinking, "So...I can still have them, though...right?"

When they're not stealing your snacks, Chocolate Labs can be exceptional pets. And honestly, they still are even when they are stealing your snacks. How could you be mad at a face like that? 

Regardless, Labrador Retrievers in general (despite the color you prefer) are wonderful family dogs and are always a great addition to any household. That is, as long as they're getting plenty of exercise and playtime in on a daily basis. This breed is active! 

You definitely can't just leave these dogs in the back yard every day with one walk around the block. Too much confinement and not enough exercise often leads to rambunctiousness, so as wonderful as they generally are, they need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Sounds like the perfect distraction for some energetic kids, eh? Hey, just saying!

They're known to get used to new surroundings (like a new home) very quickly as well and are very eager to please. And pretty much all Labs are happy to meet family members and strangers alike. They're steady tempered and very dependable around humans. 

That said, most Labs are fine with other dogs and cats, too. In fact, they're typically fine with livestock and small pets (like rabbits and ferrets) as well. So if you're housing a variety of pets, they'll usually be downright thrilled to meet them! But introductions should be made properly before doing so, of course. 

"Don't just plunk a baby bunny onto the floor and let your full-grown Lab loose in the room," says Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books. "Even a friendly dog can make mincemeat of a small fragile creature simply by jumping on it." 

But after some proper introductions, who knows? They might become best friends. 

These loving, energetic dogs typically live 10-12 years. And many Labs do in fact live to 12 or 13, (but usually with chronic health issues like arthritis). Either way, that's why it's our responsibility to make every second count, right? 

At the end of the day, Labs might be snack stealers, but who are we kidding? All dogs are! They might not all drop their snacks on command like this, however, so that's a major plus. 

Someone commented, "Like a little vending machine!" And I'm just going to leave that there. Too funny! 

When you have a truly above average amount of animals to care for, sometimes it really can feel like "running a staff" of sorts. Different behaviors. Different personalities. It's all there. 

One woman knows this all to well, which is why she shared a hilarious video of her most recent "staff meeting" that took place on her farm, and it's pure comedic gold. Rainy days mean a little more work, and she has her hands full!

Spring is wild. #chaosacres #farm #farmlife

There are just so many one-line-zingers in here! This woman is seriously hilarious. "Don't make me call HR!" she tells her rambunctious group of farm friends. "I will fire any of you," she comically adds. "Seriously." But it's the ending that has me literally laughing out loud. "Add it to your comment cards on what a wonderful place this is to work," she concludes. Too funny. 

Related: Farm Dog Sweetly Protects 3-Legged Goat Who Just Had Leg Surgery

I love the way they all run over to her at the beginning of the video, too. Pure chaos! But in a lovable, goofy kind of way. There are just so many of them, each as eager as the next to make sure they're getting their rations! All the while, her comical commentary really sets the tone. It's like... she's kidding, but she's definitely absolutely serious as well. 

Although chickens are pretty tough birds, they still need some proper protection. Whether it's potential predators or weather-related issues, keeping them safe should always be top priority. 

The good news is: chickens are usually quite happy in a wide variety of weather. For instance, they don’t mind warm weather as long as they have essentials like shade and fresh water. And their downy undercoat keeps them protected in cold weather (as long as they aren’t exposed to drafts).

Many chickens don’t mind getting occasionally wet in the rain, either. Their feathers can repel water (a bit), sort of like a raincoat, but keep in mind their feathers are not nearly as water resistant and can still easily get soaked. 

Plus, drizzly days can often provide great bug hunting opportunities for your birds. And there are typically fewer predators out and about as well.

All that said, there are still potential concerns to keep in mind. Say your birds get soaked down to the skin? You should still watch out for things like hypothermia. Signs of hypothermia in chickens can be subtle, too, and can unfortunately turn fatal very quickly in certain instances. 

If your bird is shaking, has a blue wattle or skin, or they're breathing slower than normal, you definitely need to get them warmed up.

"Some birds are silly and try to sleep outside even when it’s raining," says Kathryn Robles, author of Backyard Chickens: How To Have A Happy Flock. Reassuring us that, "I have a few like that. If the weather is generally warm, one wet night probably won’t do them in." 

Like all animals, every individual chicken is going to react differently to the rain. As long as you’re keeping an eye out for hypothermia and your birds have adequate shelter provided, you really don't need to worry too much about chickens being in the rain. But again, just make sure you're keeping a close eye on them. 

As far as these chickens are concerned, the rainy weather sure didn't seem to harm them during lunchtime! I'm just wondering if any of them are really going to full out those comment cards. Do people still use those?

Have you ever been really excited for someone to come over that you found yourself just counting the minutes?

On February 1, 2024, TikTok user Karl & Janelle (@karl.and.jan) shared how Karl acts when he's waiting to see his grandma. Take a look!

Karl’s 3 favourite words: Grandma’s 😯 Coming 😳 Over 😁 #grandmasboy #needydog #cutestaffy #dogsoftiktok #staffysoftiktok #staffylove #funnydogs #bluestaffy #shoethief #smartdogs #fyp #viraldogs

In the quick video, just over 30 seconds long, we meet Karl, a beautiful Staffordshire Bull Terrier who wants to see his grandma.

Related: Moment Dachshund's 'Grandma Radar' Is Activated Is Total Cuteness Overload

"When you say 'grandma is coming over,' and he waits impatiently by the door," the text on the screen reads as we see Karl doing exactly that. He's sitting in the kitchen, patiently staring at the door, which is just far enough to ensure he can see the full door frame.

Karl's mom, who is behind the camera, walks up to Karl, and he only takes his eyes off the door for a moment to look at his human before laser focusing back on the door.

"Heard the buzzer and is getting more excited," the text on the video reads now as Karl gets up from his seated position and walks around with a nervous and excited energy. His mom tries to help keep him calm by telling him she will be there very soon.

The door starts to open, and Karl loses his mind when he sees grandma walking through the door. His tail wags so fast, and he even grabs a shoe in his mouth to welcome them all in.

"Karl's three favorite words: Grandma's Coming Over," the video's caption reads.

In the comments, people were so excited for Karl.

"He is so beautiful. The love we get is like nothing else," one person shared.

"Doesn’t know what to do with all those feelings! Picks up shoe," added someone else.

"What a sweet baby boy," added another.

"All three of mine start to whine when we turn down grandma's street," shared another dog parent.

While Karl doesn't seem too excited or overly excited, some dogs may struggle with this; according to The Dog Wizard, it can be a battle for some. 

"Keeping a dog calm can feel like an endless battle that neither of you wins," the site says. "Hyperactivity in dogs can be the result of several things, from anxiety to lack of exercise."

First, you should find out why your dog is struggling to calm down. "In many cases, your pet has simply not found enough coping mechanisms for stress — or requires additional training to learn commands that help it meet your expectations," the site adds.

Adding: "Understanding the root causes and implementing effective strategies can help you and your dog find a balanced state of calm."

Of course, in this situation, Karl is excited because he can't wait to see grandma and he stayed really calm and collected until he heard to door buzzer.

There are boy moms and girl moms in this world. However, the Universal Cat Distribution System sometimes has other plans, and we end up out of our comfort zone.

On Thursday, February 1st, one cat mom showed what she was doing in an attempt to bond with her male cat, and it's just hilarious:

Replying to @Macy888 Works every time 😎🙌🏻 #catsoftiktok

When his construction career takes off, I sincerely hope Louie the Lilac Ragdoll is wearing an apron. He's too pretty to get dirty!

Related: 10-Week-Old Ragdoll Kittens Take Their First Bath and It’s Too Cute for Words

Louie goes with his mom on a trip to Home Depot in this video, just because she thinks maybe he'll like it there. Guys like to build stuff, right? We should be making Louie build stuff. He's actually very talkative during the trip: he meows at the lights, purrs at the tools, and even talks to some of the other Builder Guys that he sees there. Louie is like my dad at Home Depot.

This might sound like just a funny idea, but Home Depot is actually a very stimulating place for animals: there are tons of lights, smells, and sounds that they probably don't hear too often. Home Depot is indeed pet-friendly, though all animals have to be on leashes and they reserve the right to ask an animal and its handler to leave at any time if it behaves badly. 

We've all seen dogs in places where we don't think dogs should be: it's just a part of life now. Service animals are always welcome everywhere, of course, but a lot of places are becoming more "pet-friendly" than ever. If you're wanting to take your pet into am establishment with you, there are a few things to check first:

1. The place is in fact pet friendly.
1. This varies from store to store, so call ahead if you're unsure. 
2. Grocery stores, indoor-only restaurants, and other places where the primary purpose is "food" are typically a hard no. 
2. Your dog is fully vaccinated. You just never know. 
3. Your dog is well behaved. 
1. Excessive barking, charging, or leash-pulling can trigger people or other animals.
4. You have a leash. You should never let a dog walk around in public without a leash. 
5. You're prepared to clean up any accidents. 

Louie had a blast at Home Depot, and I bet they loved having him there. While bringing your pet places with you is a super fun experience, you should always make sure you're not disrupting anybody else's shopping, breaking any rules, or doing something you know your pet won't enjoy. Happy shopping!

Reese Witherspoon wants to know if you have a dog that looks like her. 

The actress took to social media to say that she was on the search for any dogs that looked like her and tried to determine which dog breed she would be if she were a dog. Take a look!

A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon)

On January 29, Reese posted a reel on Instagram (@reesewitherspoon) sharing that's she's hoping to find a dog that looks just like her.

Related: 25 Mixed-Breed Dogs That Will Have You Ready To Adopt Your Next Fur Baby

"Which dog am I?" the text on the video reads as Reese contemplates which dog breed she most resembles while getting her makeup touched up.

"I think I'm a Yorkie," Reese said in the reel. "Or, you know what I'm not? I'm not a Rottweiler. I'm not a Doberman Pinscher," she continued before agreeing that she "could be a Golden Retriever."

"But that little Dachshund one, isn't it cute?" she continued. "I saw one of those golden ones at the mall, and I picked it up, and I almost put it in my purse."

And it sounds like she was serious about wanting to find a dog that looks just like her.

"If somebody out there has a dog that looks like me, I will come meet your dog. Oh, I will." she continued in the video.

With one caveat: "But, I've got to agree, send me a picture. I will come meet your dog. I'm talking like a Yorkie. I'm talking like a mini Dachshund, one of the golden ones."

"But you're also going to need to change the name of your dog to Reese Witherspoon," she laughed.

"Dog lookalike submissions are open," the caption of the real said.

In the comments, people debated on what dog breed Reese most resembles.

"My mom thinks you might be like me, a Biewer Yorkie!" one person added.

"Our Golden Retriever is named Reese after Reese Witherspoon," another shared.

"Reese is definitely a Golden Retriever," someone else commented.

"Cavalier King Charles Spaniel" was someone else's guess. "The cutest and totally worthy of being compared to the gorgeous Reese Witherspoon."

"Reese! You’re totally a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!" another noted.

"Okay, my Golden is definitely your look alike," was another Instagram user's guess. 

Doing a quick look through the comment section, the two dog breeds that seemed to be the most suggested for being like Reese were the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Retriever, and both make sense.

According to the American Kennel Club, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are good with other dogs, great with children, and very affectionate dogs. They're seen as regal dogs because of their "all-around beauty, regal grace, and even temper."

Golden Retrievers are similar in that they're also known for being good with kids, good with other dogs, and very affectionate. They're loyal and well-loved as well, which means either breed sounds like they'd be a good fit for what we know about Reese.

Perhaps the real answer on which dog breed Reese most resembles is a mix of the two: a Golden Cavalier.

Aging is a natural part of living. As we age, we wrinkle. Our bodies are not what they once were, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. 

Some are "luckier" than others when it comes to aging, though. As it turns out, one pug is the luckiest of all, and she's aging very gracefully. Just look at this video from Thursday, February 1st:

Loulou ages like Benjamin Button, back to being a puppy 🥹🩷 #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #pug #seniordog

Loulou, I love you. Her eyes are so beautiful. She's just perfect in every way!

Related: Senior Pug’s Epic ‘Howls’ Have Huskies Shaking in Their Boots

As pups age, they go grey around their faces, a phenomenon that many lovingly refer to as "powdered donut face," because it looks like they've just eaten one! Powdered donut face is absolutely precious, but it's also a little bittersweet: it's something that forces us to acknowledge that our dogs are aging. Along with grey hairs, pups will often start to wrinkle a bit, and their eyes become cloudy. 

Not Loulou, though: her eyes are bright as can be, and there's hardly one wrinkle to be found on that pretty face of hers. Truly, she looks like a puppy again! Her mom says she's aging like Benjamin Button: a character who starts his life as a grown man in a nursing home and ages backwards. It's a fabulous book/movie (so good that Taylor Swift named a cat after it) and it definitely fits Loulou's look!

It's just that, however: a story. There is a disease called Progeria that has been nicknamed "Benjamin Button Disease," which is a genetic mutation that results in children rapidly aging. Typically, children with this disease only live about 15 years - but that's kind of reverse Benjamin Button disease, isn't it? Progeria can occur in animals, too, but that is not what Loulou has. Loulou is just a pretty pup aging like a fine wine!

Just like humans, the way a dog ages has a whole lot of do with genetic and environmental factors. Stress, unclean air, a bad diet, and genetics can make for some very "accurately-aging" dogs, while others live easy lives and are able to age "better."

In many cases, especially with light-colored dogs like Loulou, going grey can actually make the face look smoother and diminish the appearance of wrinkles. My dogs are all black and white, so aging is obvious on them, but a light dog will look younger for longer as they go grey. As for her pretty eyes, Loulou is blessed enough not to have cataracts. With age, both humans and animals develop a cloudy film on the lens which both impacts sight and gives the eyes a cloudy "aged" appearance. Again, genetics. 

Not every dog is going to get old, sit around, and wait grumpily for the end. If a dog is in good health for its entire life, it will spend its golden years in good health, too. Plenty of senior dogs never lose their zest!

Kevin Costner is beaming, happy to share some good news with the world, introducing a new meme about his family.

On February 1, the Yellowstone actor took to Instagram to share the "newest addition" to his family, and he's so cute. Take a look!

View the original article to see embedded media.

Kevin posted a series of three images on his social media to share his new puppy with the world.

Related: Labrador Gets Well Deserved Party for Being in Remission and It’s So Incredible

In the first photo, Kevin and his sweet puppy are outside, standing next to a large pickup truck with a surfboard strapped to the roof. 

Kevin looks down at his little puppy, who seems interested in something just off-camera. He looks like he's been running because you can see his little ears flopping.

In the second photo, you can see Kevin's in love with his puppy, who is napping in his arms.

The third photo is about this little dog lying on the floor and staring directly into the camera.

"Newest addition to the family. I’m already in love with this special guy," Kevin wrote in the caption of his post.

People in the comments had a lot of sweet things to say about this special pup.

"He is just adorable like his daddy," one person wrote.

"Get all the cuddles," someone else shared.

"He is just so cute," added another.

"He’s gonna be loyal and lovable. Look at the paws on him. He’s a looker. Oh, and you are, too," another fan shared. "Congratulations on the newest member of the Costner family."

Kevin hasn't shared any other details about his sweet dog, including his name or the specific breed — though he looks like a labrador — but some people had some suggestions in the comments.

Some of the names thrown around in the comments included "Bobby," "Aspen," "Crash," and "Wyatt."

While we can't know for sure right now if this sweet new puppy of Kevin's is a labrador, there were enough people in the comment section mentioning this, and it would make sense. 

According to Rover! "Labrador retrievers are America’s favorite for a reason: they are born and bred family dogs!"

The site says that because these dogs are "eager to run around in the backyard with the little ones or play roughhouse with another dog," they're perfect for families and people who love to spend a lot of time outdoors. 

"Have a swimming pool or a nearby lake? Labradors sport an 'otter tail' that helps them propel through the water with ease," the site continues. 

"Active, social households are the best fit for a young Lab. Labs won’t do well left alone for long hours, though a trusted pet sitter or dog walker can help."

We can't wait to see more photos of Kevin's adorable dog, and a name, too, we hope!

Cockatiel's are known for their powerful, smooth little whistles. They're creative singers that love show off, and this adorable bird named Bibi is no exception. 

In a recent video shared on Bibi's TikTok account, we get a front row seat to her opera lessons, and let me just say—Bibi has a real talent! Have a listen:

Bibi and her attempts to sing opera 😂😂😂 . . #cockatiel #calopsita #bird #pet #animals #cute #fyp #foryourpage #fypシ゚viral

Somebody get this bird a record deal or something! I could sit here and watch (well, listen to) this all day. I'm not kidding when I say I'm thoroughly impressed. It's the perfect song, too. Catchy, familiar, maybe a little challenging... but Bibi is clearly a natural. Actually, dare I say it—she's a straight up pro! 

Related: Funny Parrot Fakes Being Hurt So Mom Will Give Her Cuddles

It sounds so good when the music is playing in the background, but honestly, I love when she goes acapella. Like, she totally understands that when the music stops, it's officially her turn to "practice" what she just heard. And again, she's seriously nailing it! I hope she feels proud, because she should.  

Maybe you're watching this video and thinking, How can I get my cockatiel to sing opera!? While there are plenty of ways to teach your cockatiel how to sing, the initial steps are fairly universal. 

Birds are naturally vocal creatures, but only some of them use their vocal abilities to "sing" songs. Not all cockatiels are natural songbirds, either, but many are capable of learning how to sing. 

Just like teaching any other animals tricks, teaching your feathered friend to sing is all about repetition.

The first thing you'll want to do is introduce your cockatiel to the sound of music. You can start by standing nearby and casually whistling or humming aloud the tunes of a few different songs. Repeat this step several times a day so your feathered friend becomes familiar with the melodies.

Next, you'll want to model the singing process for your cockatiel. Make sure you're standing close enough to their cage (close enough that they can see your lips moving) and sing aloud to your feathered friend. 

Repeat this step at least twice a day over the course of a week so your cockatiel can experience what singing a song is all about.

Eventually, you'll want to start exposing your feathered friend to a variety of songs and sounds on a regular basis. The more your bird is exposed to certain melodies and sounds, the more likely they'll begin to whistle along or mimic those sounds.

If you're both still on board after the first initial weeks or practice, you can then create a training schedule of sorts. 

Designate at least two or three periods per day, if possible, during which you will be able to consistently devote at least 10 minutes of your time and undivided attention to helping your bird to sing. 

An ideal training schedule would include morning, afternoon and evening sessions of no more (and no less) than 10 minutes each. Practice makes perfect!

From there, just keep exposing your cockatiel to sustained repetition of songs, and praise them when it makes noises (but don't give treats until the noises sound like actual attempts to sing). 

Every time you hear your feathery friend whistle to the tune of the song or attempt to mimic the lyrics, be sure to praise them enthusiastically and give them a treat. Rewarding them with a rare treat in conjunction with praise should really reinforce this behavior.

I'm not sure how long Bibi has been practicing opera, but she is one talented bird. And I admire her persistence. Soon we'll be buying tickets to see Bibi perform in opera houses across the globe! Or, maybe not...

But if that was the case, I'd be front row center. Nice work, Bibi! 

I have so many mixed emotions about this scenario. Let's just say I'm as relieved and happy as I am shocked and heartbroken. 

As we learn in this video shared by CBS, a dog trapped in a shipping container 25 feet off the ground was recently saved by US Coast Guard inspectors, and the thought of it is simply mind-blowing. How? Why? What!?

A dog trapped in a shipping container 25 feet off the ground was saved by US Coast Guard inspectors on Wednesday. “Connie the Container Dog,” who had been trapped in the container for at least a week, was taken to a local animal shelter. #news #dog #rescue #houston

Appropriately named “Connie the Container Dog,” this pup had been trapped in the container for at least a week and was taken to a local animal shelter after being fed and loved by her heroic rescuers. 

Related: Adorable Rescue Dog’s Need to Be Close to Mom Evolves in Most Hilarious Way

It is so beyond me how a situation like this can even happen. Was it an awful accident? Who could abandon such a loving little pup? Who could ever do something like this to any animal!? While I'm thrilled Connie was rescued, it breaks my heart to think she'd been suffering in that container for as long as she did. 

As devastating as this could have been, the good news is Connie is currently safe and sound at the Animal Shelter in Pasadena, Texas. 

"The rescuers said the dog was trapped in the container for at least a week and was tired, hungry and very happy to see her rescuers," said WKRG in a recent article. "The Coast Guard members gave her water and brought her to a local animal shelter for further care. At last report, Connie the Container Dog was safe and sound."

Sometimes, the universe really is looking out for us, and Connie the Container Dog was thankfully able to experience this first hand. 

These marine inspectors from Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston were busy randomly selecting shipping containers for inspection when suddenly, they heard barking and scratching coming from one of the containers in a stack. 

Realizing something clearly wasn't right, they lowered the container and opened the door... and out popped Connie's face. Say what you want, but this was a pretty miraculous moment. 

It's one of those situations where the slightest little change could've made a massive difference in all of their lives. The fact that they were inspecting that container, out of the hundreds on that ship, really tells you something. 

There are countless comments on the post giving praise to the Coast Guard and they deserve every bit of it. With no time to spare, they acted fast and literally ended up saving a life. Because of them, Connie has a second chance at life, and it's a beautiful thing. 

Anyone interested in adopting Connie can visit the Pasadena, Texas Animal Shelter and fill out an application using Animal ID 168752.

Cats often come in large numbers. Mama cats will have big litters - bigger than her caretakers can handle, and they have to re-home some of them, or worse, just letting them go. It happens all the time. 

A rarer treat, though, is the band all getting back together. On Thursday, February 1st, one foster mom was able to reunite a cat with her kittens, and their happy reaction is everything:

There is no better feeling than being able to reunite a family 😭❤️ ICYMI: I trapped 4 older kittens (about 8 months old) a couple of weeks ago, but their mom kept evading the trap. Finally, last night, we were able to get her and the second I put her in with her kittens, they glued themselves to her. I always worry that mama cats think something happened to their kittens when I catch them first, so I’m so relieved I was able to show her that they’re all okay. Mama Mocha is the brown cat all the way in the back of the tub, Cafe Au Lait is black & white, Macchiato is the lynx point siamese, Caramella is the longhair seal point siamese, and Java is the maine coon mix. Such a stunning litter and proof that you can find just about any type of cat in rescues ❤️ #fyp #foryou #fy #fosterkittens

Emilie from @emiliexfosters definitely did the right thing. Look at how happy they are!

Related: Foster Kitten’s Journey to Recovery From Birth Defect Is So Inspirational

According to the caption, Emilie had seen these four kittens in her neighborhood, and she set out a trap to catch them - and it worked, she caught all of them except for their mama. She says the four kittens are around 8 months old, but their mom's age isn't specified anywhere. Regardless, she's beautiful, and so are her babies!

When we get kittens from a cattery, they're usually allowed to start going home at around 8 weeks - they're separated from their mothers. However, at 8 months old, these kittens are obviously still very attached to their mom, but as far as anyone knows, they've never known different. The most likely scenario is that she was impregnated and gave birth outdoors, as outdoor cats often do, so they've never been inside at all. 

Their mother has most likely been their only provider since they were babies, and they've been following her around ever since. In the "wild," cats have been known to follow their mothers around for years before going off to do some overpopulating of their own.

Before we knew any better, people were letting their cats out for hundreds of years. It saved time on potty training, and it's an animal: people assume it will like to be outside. While going outside is definitely good for any animal, cats should be supervised: otherwise, they're out killing natural wildlife, leaving messes everywhere, and getting up to heaven-knows what!

Outdoor cats are at risk for:

1. Theft
2. Abuse
3. Injuries (they could be hit by cars, trapped, fighting with other cats or animals)
4. Poisoning
5. Malnourishment
6. Unwanted pregnancy
7. Disease

Even if you don't think your cat is at risk, it is, and things like the reunion cuddle in this video happen because someone took in the cats they found. If your cat is outside un-collared and intact, someone may assume they don't have a home and take them in. At that point, if they start paying vet bills and have a reasonable claim to ownership, you could have a hard time getting your kitty back!

If, for whatever reason, you cat absolutely must go outside unattended, you should at least ensure that they're spayed/neutered, fully vaccinated, wearing a collar, and microchipped. Stray cats are a serious (and solvable!) problem!

Don't even try to pretend you've never waited until everyone has left the house for the day and snuck back to bed so they couldn't judge you. It's part of the human experience!

Actually, it might not be so "human" after all... Based on this video from Tuesday, January 30th, it looks like dogs enjoy a good "guilty nap," too:

Quick! There’s no one here to judge us for going back to bed😂 #snuggles #love #dogsoftiktok

Queen Kallie has definitely done this before - and she deserves it. Look at her sweet little face. It's hard being beautiful!

Related: Teacup Yorkies’ ‘Ramp Rage’ To Get the Spot Closest to Mom Is Everything

Kallie is a Morkie (a Maltese/Yorkie mix) and she is ready for a nap! As soon as everyone is gone from her house, she's taking off up the stairs, but not before looking to make sure mom is right behind her. She gets right back in bed: she wants to snuggle. This is a normal occurrence in tons of households: the kids go off to school, your partner leaves for work, and you have a little quiet time. 

Many people want to be "productive" during that time, and that's great, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with going back to bed for a little while. It's productive for your health! Kallie is no stranger to this: it seems to be part of her routine!

Co-sleeping with dogs in general is a bit of a hot topic. Some people say we sleep better when we sleep alone, since there's nothing there to disturb us. Others say it's fine to do, that it's almost necessarily: a dog's life is so short, it's important for them to feel safe, happy and loved at all times. 

There are a few things you should consider when trying to decide whether or not to let a dog sleep in your bed:

1. Size: too small and they could get hurt, too big and they're just annoying.
2. Age: letting a puppy sleep in your bed is asking for an accident.
3. Training: letting your pup sleep in your bed regularly disrupts crate training. 

Personally, I do not let my dog sleep in my bed at night. She's still potty training, and she's small enough that I'm worried I'll hurt her and not realize. She is allowed on my bed for naps and random snuggle time, but at bedtime, she goes into her own space and sleeps there. I think she's better for it: she's already very independent, and that's what I need. If that's not what you need, snooze and snuggle away!