Parade Pets

Parrots are seriously so strange, in the best way possible. I have to assume that the first person who ever heard a parrot speak probably went a little crazy. "Uhhh... Did that bird just talk?" 

As fascinating as they are, we learn that one parrot is an absolute charmer in this recent video shared by @thebluerio on TikTok, as he repeatedly greets his parrot pal with a few of his favorite adorable phrases. 

when you constantly need attention🤣💙 #indianringneck #talkingparrot #love #fyp #foryoupage

Now, obviously most of the things parrots say stem from what they hear, so it's hard not to imagine the parents of this parrot greeting this little guy the same way all the time. "Hi baby," he says as his friend flies up to the branch. "Hi babe," he adds, followed by another little, "Hi baby." But it's the flirty, "Hi! Hi..." that cracked me up the most. Too funny!

Related: 'Self Conscious' Parrot Practicing His Dance Moves Before His Date Is Pure Romance

Also, does anyone else agree that it almost looks fake? I know it isn't, but parrots are sort of like the best ventriloquists ever. Since his beak movements aren't completely synched with the sounds, it throws me off a bit. Either way, I could sit here and watch this conversation all day long. I want a pet parrot! 

Most of us know that parrots (and actually a handful of other birds) seem to be able to talk. I mean, they can talk, but the question is: can they hold a real conversation?

Well, the simple answer is possibly. 

While experts say parrots probably don't understand meanings of most words, according to the website Wonderopolis, "They are aware of the context surrounding words and can make associations with the words." 

For one example, a researcher named Tim Wright explained why a parrot might ask "How are you?" when you enter the room. 

"It’s likely not asking about your well-being," he says. "Instead, the parrot imitates the words it has heard you say many times upon walking into a room. Your parrot has made an association between you entering the room and that phrase."

The point is, most parrots are simply mimicking their owners, and unfortunately, they don’t really know what they’re saying. So, a conversation with a parrot is actually, in a way, just a conversation with yourself. 

In fact, they imitate many things, from spoken words to creaking doors to barking dogs (which is pretty hilarious), but with that said, some professionally-trained parrots have learned to understand what they’re saying. But it's very rare. 

As mentioned, parrots aren’t the only birds that can learn to imitate sounds, either. Some other birds that can “talk” are crows, ravens, Indian Ringneck Parakeets, Budgies and Cockatiels, to name a few. 

But I will admit, it'd be pretty freaky to be walking down the street and have a crow say, "Hi baby," as you strolled past it. Can you imagine?

Hey, if you're convinced your bird does in fact know how to talk, I won't sit here and argue with you. I believe you! But the next time you two are conversing, think if that silly little bird reminds you of someone familiar. You might be surprised. 

Pet parents treat their animals today like any other member of the family. Sometimes, we treat them even better. They have their own beds, special foods, and designated routines. We often put their needs ahead of our own.

They seem to know we will do almost anything for them, too. Even pet pigs can recognize this devotion.

See how this happy hog waits for his dad to clear snow for him in a video on January 27:

Pete is ready for Dandelion season. #adventuresofpetethepig #petethepig #potbelly #pig #housepig #minipig #pigsoftiktok #canada #fyp

Pete, the potbellied pig, is living the good life! Just like some dogs and many of us, he's not a fan of seeing freshly fallen snow. He won’t put his delicate hoofs in the cold fluff, even if it’s just a dusting. Instead, he waits for his dad to shovel it off the steps. Ha! What a character! Who knew pigs could be this particular? Once the snow removal was complete, he made his way down into the yard. As parents, when we set those expectations, we must live up to them.

Related: Pet Pig Has Toddler-Style Tantrum When Mom Refuses More Veggies

They can! The recent popularity of these pigs as house pets stems from their intelligence, affection, and housebreaking abilities. However, they aren’t as easy as having a cat or dog. Dr. Kevin Washburn, associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences advises, “A good candidate for owning a pot-bellied pig, as with any pet, is someone who has time to devote to caring for the animal. And who is prepared financially to provide veterinary care, should it become ill or have other problems.” They need vaccinations, yearly checkups, and regular hoof trimming. It is important to feed them a proper diet to ensure their nutritional needs are met. They caution against feeding table scraps because doing so can lead to obesity.

A fenced-in yard is necessary for their protection as well, as they cannot defend themselves against outside attacks. They also need mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to behaviors like digging up carpets or chewing through walls. If left alone without their human for extended periods of time, they may benefit from having a companion to keep them company, as they are social animals. It’s also important to check with your local zoning regulations before bringing one of these sweet animals home. As many areas have restrictions about having pigs or require permits if you do.

It doesn’t take long for animals to learn what we are willing to do for them. However, they are always ready to provide us with unlimited love in return.

It is absolutely heartbreaking when we hear stories of animals being mistreated. And it's hard to understand why humans allow this to happen.

But, when those sad stories turn into positive ones, it is so magical to see life come back into their eyes. Take a look!

After years isolated in captivity, this elephant now has companions 🐘 #animalsanctuary #elephant #captivity

On the investigative TV show 60 Minutes, we learn about an elephant who was kept in captivity for years and what happens when they're finally given the life they deserve.

Related: Elephant at Zoo Atlanta Treated to Special Little Birthday Celebration

"At the zoo, she had zero contact with other elephants for more than 30 years," the video clip shared to TikTok explains. The elephant, named Mundi, previously lived at the Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo, which was found to have "substandard conditions" and was found to have documented instances of "animal mistreatment," according to CBS News.

"In February 2023, the Department of Justice, which enforces federal animal welfare laws on the mainland and in Puerto Rico, took the extraordinary step of sending a battalion of agents to the zoo," the news explains.

Despite Puerto Rico's Department of Natural and Environmental Resources denying any of the allegations, The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado was granted permission to rescue and move the animals, including Mundi.

The animal rescue sanctuary hoped to move the animals to areas where they would be able to "act like wild animals," and for Mundi, they wanted to make sure she had access to other elephants.

"Mundi the elephant, who lived alone for decades at the zoo in Puerto Rico, was brought to a Georgia refuge, where she's learned from the other elephants she now lives with," CBS News explains.

According to National Geographic, living alone, like what Mundi was forced to do for 30 years, can damage elephants.

"Decades of research indicates that anyone who spends more than ten days in involuntary solitude suffers at least some emotional, cognitive, social, and physical health effects, ranging from trouble sleeping to panic attacks and hallucinations," the publication reports. 

Speaking to an expert, they explain that mammal brains are all realtively the same in terms of strucute and function, so it's very reasonable to assume the damage being alone that's proven to happen to humans would happen in elephants, too.

“Growing up in a social context, or in a family, is critical to their development,” one expert who spoke with National Geographic says on elephants and how their social interactions are central to their well-being.

The TikTok video shows that Mundi is doing really well in her new home with other elephants. The workers say her demeanor is better and she is "so much calmer and nicer." 

Adding, "Every day when I would go see her in the zoo, I just — God, I would just hurt," he said. "And then now to see this is just amazing, just truly amazing."

Everyone wants to stumble upon an entire field of dogs playing - and, even better, a field of dogs just like your dog that he can play with. That's like a dream come true scenario!

On Thursday, January 24th, that very thing happened to one couple and their Bernedoodle mix. The result was just as amazing as you can imagine:

Coldest day ever but our pup needs to play fetch on a normal basis and what a surprise! Hes a golden mountain doodle so the retriever really comes out in him when there is a ball around but hes got the berner markings #goldenretriever #goldendoodle #bernesemountaindog #bernedoodle #puppy #goldenmountaindoodle #doodlesoftiktok #doodle #fyp #goldendoodlesoftiktok #bernedoodlesoftiktok

Taylor and Kelly are so lucky. I want to find my way to a puppy meetup, next!

Related: Bernese Mountain Dog's Funny Love for Cicadas Has Everyone in Stitches

The (soon to be) Masons take their Bernedoodle pup on a walk every day, typically to a dog park, so that he can play fetch. Dog meetups are planned somewhat frequently, usually through Facebook: pet parents of a certain breed all come together because they want their pups to play together. While not all dog meetups are breed-specific, there's something so special about a whole flock of identical pups!

Breed-specific meetups are a great idea because it leaves the playing field completely even: you don't have to worry about small dogs potentially getting hurt. This meetup was off-leash, and it looks like all of these pups had the time of their lives - and so did all of their parents!

If you'd like to get in on a meetup like this without waiting to stumble upon it, you can search local groups on social media. Even if there are none, you can always start one yourself. It's a great way to make friends in your community!

Taylor says in the caption that her dog is actually a "Golden Mountain Doodle," which is a Golden Retriever/Bernese Mountain Dog/Poodle. Typically, these dogs have the trademark curly coats of a Poodle, the markings of a Berner, and the coat length and need to retrieve of a Golden Retriever. As the video clearly shows, their dog wants to play fetch at all costs!

Just like a typical Bernese Mountain Dog, Bernedoodles are hard workers. They're easy to train and can be used for a variety of purposes, like:

1. Farm work (though they're not perfect livestock guardians)
2. Hunting companionship
3. Guiding the visually impaired
4. Therapy 

They also don't shed quite as much as a regular BMD or Golden Retriever: their coats are thick, but they're not so long that it's unmanageable. With some good daily brushing to reduce the risk of mats, a Bernedoodle is easily one of the easiest Doodle crosses to care for - and I think they're some of the cutest, too!

Just like humans, dogs have stories that start a little differently every time. Accidents happen, and not every dog is born with the picture-perfect life we see in movies and strive to give dogs ourselves. 

One dog's story started out with being hit by a car. Even so, on Friday, January 26th, her family posted a video to let us know she will never let that stop her: 

She loves her afternoon zoomies #LiveOutlandish #handicappedpets #specialneeds #wheelchairlife #disableddog #handicapable #dogsoftiktok @weratedogs

Super Scooty really is super scoot-y, and it's amazing. She's so inspiring!

Related: Little Dog's Wheelchair Gets 'Bedazzled' for Christmas and It's Perfect

Scooty was hit by a car as a puppy. She was rushed to the vet, and luckily, she was able to be saved, but her two hind legs were too far gone. Other than that, her parents say she was in okay condition, and with a wheelchair, she's gone on to live a great life - now, she's 13 and going as fast as she can!

Scooty's parents are no stranger to rescuing puppy's; just last July, they were able to rescue a Pitbull-Cattle Dog mix who was literally on his way to be euthanized. He's not handicapped like Scooty is, but they were able to give him a great home - he's settling in nicely ever since!

Scooty may not be able to run with four legs through a field of flowers, but having two paralyzed limbs is not a death sentence. The first documented dog wheelchair dates back to the 1960s with a vet named Dr. Lincoln Parks. He created the "wheelchair," which is actually a bit more of a cart than a wheelchair. The dog's hind legs get tucked into the cart so that its feet don't touch the ground, and then the wheels act as its hind legs. 

Dogs with wheelchairs can run just as fast as a dog with four working limbs, though they do sometimes tip over. Additionally, as long as no injuries are left untreated at the time of paralysis, the dog isn't in any pain; it's literally just some extra wheels. Paralyzed dogs can live every bit as long as a regular dog can, with proper care. 

The only real concern in this situation is that many people with handicapped dogs don't exercise them as much as they should, which can lead to obesity, canine diabetes, or growths and tumors. In Scooty's case, though, she's happy and healthy as can be. I'm sure her and her family have tons of fun together!

The dogs we love come into our lives in all kinds of ways. I've chosen furry family members by visiting the adoptable animals at our local animal shelter (which makes for a very tough choice if you're like me and want to take them all home) and I've adopted a dog directly from an animal rescue. And then, there's the story of one of my cats, who came to me as a stray kitten. I'm far from the only one who has taken in a stray animal; those of us who have know that the biggest loves in our lives can find us when we least expect it. 

No matter how we find our four-legged family, the bonds are always just as strong, and that includes the ones that they have with the youngest humans in the pack. And after one of those bonds has made headlines over the past year, their sweet story is being immortalized in the form of a children's book that dog lovers of all ages should definitely check out.

You can purchase the book through the link in my bio and once purchased you can view it on kindle. Thank you for all the continued love and support 🥰 #dogsoftiktok #magic #ebook #kindle #fyp

The love story between this little girl, Luna, and her dog, Magic, started when her family found Magic as a stray. Immediately, they hit it off, and in a video that Luna's mom, Bekah Cowley, has shared on TikTok on Friday, January 26, the family shared their new piece of big news. After 10 months of Luna's friendship with this adorable stray dog, they're sharing their story in a major way.

"Over the last six months my sister and I have created a children's book so Luna can always look back on their story," Cowley wrote in the video. 

The book is called The Tale of Luna and Magic, and is now available to purchase on Amazon as an ebook. This is such a sweet way to share their story! 

Luna and Magic's story first began last year, when Luna's grandparents found the dog in their yard. Magic seems to be a Border Collie mix who hit it off with the little girl just about immediately. After doing their due diligence to find out if Magic already had a family, they were able to determine that she didn't have a microchip and no one seemed to be looking for her, so the Cowley family chose to take her in.

Since then, Luna and Magic have been absolutely inseparable, and Cowley has continued to document their sweet bond on TikTok. Some children and dogs are made for each other, and that certainly seems to be the case here.

We can't get enough of seeing these two together. May they enjoy many more years of mischief! 

We know that baby animals are almost universally cute. And our theory has been proven again, thanks to new footage of a baby seal.

On January 27, 2024, TikTok user Michael Boyd (@michaelboyyd) shared a video he captured of a baby seal, and it's really adorable. Take a look!

baby Robin 🦭 #seal #sealto

In the short clip, we come across a one-day-old baby seal and its mom, and they're really sweet.

Related: Seal at Sanctuary Appears to Want to Pet a Dog Visitor in Funny Video

The video starts with the mom doing their funny hop across the sand to get her momentum going as she heads out into the sea. And just as she turns herself around, her little seal pup joins her.

The baby seal's hops are much smaller than moms, so they're heading down the beach much slower.

But the seal keeps trucking along, eventually settling down to the water.

We're sure all ended up OK, but when we see the first wave the seal encounters, they get knocked off balance, and the mini wave takes over.

"Baby Robin," the video's caption reads. And people took to the comment section to share their reactions to the video.

"Welcome to Earth, sweet baby," one person wrote.

"The baby just got consumed by the waves," someone else noticed.

"So little," another added.

"That wave took little dude out," someone else shared.

"I love how the entire world collectively agrees that seals are adorable," another person added. "I just want to hold it!"

According to the SealDoc Society, there are a lot of interesting things about harbor seals. For example, baby seals weigh around 25 pounds, but they double their size by the time they are a month old, thanks to their mom's milk.

"A mother leaves its pup after the first month to finish growing and fend for itself," the site also shares. "Mothers do not teach pups to hunt; they learn on their own."

When seals do reach the water, they can thrive in saltwater or freshwater, and they can stay underwater for up to 30 minutes at a time, though they typically only dive for about three minutes, the society explains.

As expected, seals are built for the water from their eyes to their fins. "Seals have large eyes to see in dark, deep water," the SeaDoc Society explains. "They have long necks, which they can shoot out quickly to catch fish while swimming."

And to be able to swim as well, and as long as they do, they have a different approach than humans do.

"Unlike humans, harbor seals breathe out before diving," the society writes. "They use oxygen already in their blood and muscles while underwater, and their heartbeat slows from about 100 beats per minute to 10."

Hopefully, this little seal will be able to keep up with mom and grow to be as happy as possible.

Being a professional athlete requires an impressive amount training. And your pre-game routine and warm-up can really make or break your performance on game day. But I have to admit, the 49ers might be onto something here. 

As we see in this adorable video, incorporating cuddle sessions with shelter pups into a player's pre-game routine might be more beneficial than some trainers give credit to. I mean, the Niners are going to the Super Bowl, after all. 

Our friends from @Humane Society Silicon Valley giving the guys some love before Championship Sunday! 🐶 #49ers #NFL

That said—and stretching this moment far beyond sports—this is simply the perfect recipe for a heartwarming moment. Football players are tough. We know this. I mean, they sort of have to be. But hiding within even the toughest cookies are often the softest souls, and you can pretty much see their hearts melting as they interact with these cute little pups. 

Related: Fans Donate Over $50k to Cat Charity to Support Buffalo Bills Kicker Who Missed Field Goal

Add a puppy to any situation and it's immediately better. That's why I seriously think it'd be worth doing a psychological study behind distracting athletes with cute animals before a game to simply help clear their minds. Again, dogs make everything better! They just do. Especially shelter pups who just want to find their forever home. What would make a pre-game ritual any different?

Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) proudly opened the doors of the Peter Detkin and Michelle Oates Detkin Animal Community Center in Milpitas back in 2009, and have been doing groundbreaking work ever since. 

This unique shelter was, "the first of its kind, shifting the paradigm from being a warehouse for stray animals to becoming a welcoming facility that is equipped to meet the individual needs of each animal and person we serve," as explained on their website. 

Around the same time, a group of members from the Association of Shelter Veterinarians put together a task force to address a critical need of shelters across the nation. 

They realized that animals were often living in appalling conditions (partly because there was no central source of guidance for shelter professionals). In fact, most of these veterinarians had personally witnessed animals that were happy and healthy when they entered a shelter but quickly became deteriorated to the point they had to be humanely euthanized. 

The task force aimed to create a set of evidence-based guidelines to help animal welfare organizations improve safety by reducing overcrowding, stress, and disease. This would ensure that shelter animals consistently received appropriate care and would hopefully of lower the risk of harm and prevent unnecessary suffering.

All parties involved really helped lay the foundation of these guidelines, and in turn, have made it very easy for folks like you and me to assist in our own way. Whether adopting, donating or even volunteering, there are many ways to help HSSV to ensure they continue to revolutionize their shelter, and really, inspire all other like-minded animal shelters as a whole. 

HSSV is open every single day and walk-in adoptions are available. That said, adoptions are first-come first-serve, so if you are interested in adopting one specific animal, you should let their staff know right away.

If you're not ready for adopting, that's totally fine! As mentioned, there are other ways to support these animals, whether it's donating or becoming a volunteer. 

At the very least, spending a little time with shelter animals can be extremely beneficial. They want (and need) love just like any other animal. Who knows? You might find the newest member of your family in the process. 

We all want to spoil our fur babies every so often. They deserve it: they're always there for us! 

On Saturday, January 27th, one dog mom did just that. She recreated one of the most popular chain restaurants of all time so that it's completely dog-safe, and it's seriously amazing:

I love working here 😂 Ingredients: 🥥Tortilla made with cassava and coconut 🍚Rice & quinoa 🫘Black beans & chickpeas 🥩Steak & ground pork 🧀Mozzarella & Greek yogurt 🥒Cucumber & strawberry “salsa” 🥬Broccoli sprouts 🥑Peas (cooked) & avocado mash

The CED Life looks like a very hard life to live. I mean, they have to wait to eat? Good thing she was giving them free samples!

Related: Dog Mom Shares Easy Crockpot Recipe for Homemade Dog Food

When we think Chipotle, we might think of slightly spicy food that is positively covered in so many toppings that you can hardly remember what the base was. Typically, a Chipotle run involves an unholy amount of onion, garlic, and dairy - which are delicious to us, but taking a bowl home to your dog is probably not the best idea for their digestive safety. 

That doesn't mean your pups have to miss out on the good stuff: these dogs were lucky enough to be given custom burritos/bowls that make even humans jealous. She used whole, healthy ingredients and no seasoning, so they won't be worrying about being up all night for potty breaks. Really, rice/quinoa, steak/ground pork, and chickpeas is a decent meal for a dog in itself: it's packed with protein and will help keep them full for longer. The rest is all just bonus - and a tasty bonus at that!

There seems to be one main issue people are having with this TikTok: in the caption, mom mentioned using peas and avocado mash to replicate the "guac" from Chipotle. 

Avocados contain a toxin called persin that, in large quantities, is bad for dogs. In mild cases, the dog could have vomiting episodes or diarrhea, but in more severe cases, persin can be lethal. Persin is most concentrated in the skin of the fruit, though small amounts do appear throughout the inside. 

Ripe, peeled avocado given in small - very small - quantities will not have adverse effects on your pup. If it's unripe or they managed to sneak a bit of the whole fruit, you should contact your vet immediately; they may recommend having their stomachs pumped. The CED house's mom says she cut the avocado with cooked peas, and her dogs aren't getting more than what looks like a teaspoon of the mixture anyway. 

A little bit of avocado won't be harmful to the CED pups, but it's totally understandable if pet parents choose never to give their pups any avocado, just out of an abundance of caution. Do what feels best for you!

As far as things we don't see every day are concerned, a situation like this is certainly pretty high up on that list. 

In a video shared by ABC News, we learn that police officers in Indiana recently rescued a group of circus animals—including zebras and camels—after the trailer transporting them caught fire on a highway. 

Indiana police rescued circus animals, including zebras and camels, after a trailer transporting them caught fire on a highway.

How bizarre does this footage look? For one, seeing camels and zebras casually walking down an Indiana interstate is obviously strange enough, but the police lights and glow from the flames really add an extra layer of strange to the situation. 

Related: Silly Baby Camel Protests After She's Told She Can't Play in Water

Even more surprisingly, all the animals seem so calm and unbothered by it all. In fact, most of them were just casually chomping away, probably relieved to be off that trailer and enjoying some fresh air and a snack. It's actually pretty funny. Plus, admittedly, I'm also relieved they got to get off the trailer and enjoy some fresh air and a snack. 

Not that any part of this was necessarily a good thing, but you could argue that it was better that the semi carrying the lions and the tigers didn't need emergency evacuation. 

USA TODAY reported, "The driver, Armando C. Alvarez, 57, of Sarasota, Fla., who was uninjured, told Troopers the trailer was loaded with animals from the Shrine Circus. The animals were reportedly on the way to the Mizpah Shrine Circus in Fort Wayne, Indiana." 

With the semi burning fast and no time to spare, "they needed to do some type of evacuation," Grant County Sheriff's Office public information officer Brent Ressett told USA TODAY. 

It was Trooper Titus and Grant County (Ind.) Deputy Joshua Kennedy—along with a member of the Shrine Circus—who rescued five zebras, four camels, and a miniature horse, police said. (Reassuring us all that no animals were harmed in the evacuation.)

"Police issued no citations and the preliminary crash investigation revealed an equipment failure caused the semi-truck fire," USA TODAY reports. 

Fortunately, no one was injured. It's one of those strange situations that you can look at and think, That was horrible, but it could've been worse. Because it certainly could have been devastating, all things considered. 

I'm sure this wasn't exactly what the police officers and state troopers involved were planning on doing in the early hours of a new day, but hey, it just goes to show you really never know what's waiting for you out there in the world. 

Sometimes you stub your toe, other times you rescue camels and zebras from a burning semi. At any rate, I'm glad everyone was safe and that the animals survived what could've been nothing short of an absolute disaster. 

I'm also glad there aren't wild tigers and lions running around Indiana. Because, well, that would be really, really bad. 

As pet parents, we spoil our furry friends without hesitation. It's their world and we're just living in it. That's just how it is and really, that's how it will always be. 

And since we're on the subject of spoiling, one health-conscious kitty on TikTok recently went on strike after refusing to eat his cat food unless it came with a side salad (a beautiful side salad, at that), and it's pretty hilarious to witness. Take a look: 

#blackcat #housepanthers #funnycat #spoiledcat #pickycat #catseating #healthyeating #becausecats #salads #catsareweird

The on-screen text says, "I have no idea how we got to this point," and it just cracks me up. Getting to "that point" usually happens without realizing it, so it's a fair question, but it was probably bound to happen at some point. Cats are sassy! Raise your hand if you can relate. 

Related: Cat Insists on Wearing Shark Hoodie to Bed and People Are Here for It

He's just so unfazed by it all, too. Like it's completely normal for a cat to be enjoying a side salad with dinner. I wonder how this bougie little habit started? I assume they just fixed him a salad one day as a special little treat...but when it wasn't there the next day, he was like, "Ummm...this doesn't look right." Suddenly, boom—habit formed. 

Cat’s diets need to be pretty specific. They have delicate little digestive systems and can develop things like diabetes if they're fed too much of certain foods and fruits that are high in sugar, for example. Moderation is everything. 

That being said, there are plenty of human foods that are safe for your little kitty to eat as an occasional treat. From cooked fish and lean meats, to a variety of different vegetables and fruits, there's plenty of options to keep the bougie cat in your life satisfied. 

Because cats are carnivores, they love meat and will most likely eat any kind you give them. You just want to be sure to stick to lean, cooked meat to avoid potential illnesses that stem from from raw meat. Beef, in particular, is rich in essential amino acids, which are great for your cat's health. Just make sure you aren't adding any seasoning or additional spices!

Fish is another favorite for many cats. This is a great human food to offer your cat because of its natural amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and fish oil — which help their bones and joints as they age. But similar to meat, you’ll want to make sure the fish you’re sharing with your cat is cooked and free of things like salt and spices.  

While most cats aren't necessarily fans of veggies, cucumbers, steamed broccoli, peas and carrots are all cat-safe options for the health-conscious kitty in your life. If they still don't seem interested, try steaming the veggies and adding them to their cat food to jazz it up a bit. Or hey, just try out a nice side salad! 

Bananas, blueberries, watermelon and apples can be great, healthy options for your feline friend as well, but in moderation. The natural sugar in fruits can lead to digestive issues and upset stomachs, so stick to small portions, but again, it's a tasty alternative to offer as a treat. 

Raw oatmeal is a popular ingredient in many cat foods as well. It's high in protein, fat, and amino acids, and can help sustain your cat’s energy without a ton of bad carbohydrates. 

There are plenty of other options to explore as well, and again, all cats are going to respond differently. They'll let you know if they love or hate something pretty early on, so get creative and see what works. 

Just beware... a bougie habit very well might form. 

Dogs who stand closer to the ground are among some of the cutest. Their short little legs combined with their big personalities are a winning combination. However, as one dog mom tells us, there’s also a downside to their low stature.

Although these adorable pups might have many ways of making a smile, they come with a set of unique challenges. This is only made worse during times of inclement weather. It’s a side effect short-legged pet parents can agree on. While it doesn’t make them any less lovable, it does mean they require a bit more work.

See what the problem is in this video from January 24:

Simon sitting there like 😃

Aww! These little low riders aren’t trying to track in the mud, it’s the way they were made. Simon’s mom Isabel shows us that after just a walk around the block, his belly had quite a bit of dirt on it. She informs us, “I spend a good majority of my life cleaning Simon’s undercarriage.” That’s no doubt true, particularly in these wet winter months. She reports, “These short legs might be cute, but they are deceiving.” Fair enough!

Related: Fluffy Corgi Hops Through the Snow Like a Bunny and Everyone's Obsessed

Unfortunately, there is no good way to prevent this from happening in wet weather. While raincoats might help to keep their head dry, there’s very little to keep their tummies clean. If someone came up with a workable way to put on doggy mud flaps, it might just be a billion idea. Fortunately, at least we can find paper towels on store shelves these days to help make cleaning up our dirty pups easier.

The American Kennel Club also suggests using dry shampoo made specifically for dogs or wet cleaning wipes for mess-free washing. They also suggest using baking soda alone or a mix of baking soda and cornstarch brushed through their fur to help keep them deodorized. That’s a tip that will come in handy if they’re getting wet each day!

Of course, if you live in an area of the country prone to winter weather, it's practically impossible to get around your pup being less than perfectly tidy. After all, if it's snowing a lot, it seems counterintuitive to keep bathing a little dog over and over again.

While these times might be prone to having messy bellies, it’s a small price to pay for all they bring into our lives.

There are many reasons teaching dogs manners is important. Our canine companions must know how to be gentle around older adults and children. While it's possible to teach this behavior, many also seem to possess this knowledge naturally.

This polite Golden Retriever is an ambassador for his breed. Not only was he the perfect gentleman with his baby sister, but he seemed to understand how to let her enjoy giving him a special treat as well.

Check out this video from January 15 to see this sweet sibling interaction.

Thanks, sis!!!#tuckerthegentlegolden #gentleman #fypシ #goldenretriever #tuckergoestowork #fyp #goodboy #gentledog #goldensoftiktok #tucker

Tucker is one lucky boy! His adorable little sister can’t get enough of giving her beautiful brother his treats, and that’s a big win when you’re a dog! No wonder so many pooches love having a new human sibling. This good boy doesn’t just take the dog treat from her hand, he also patiently waits for her queue to retrieve it. Somehow, it’s as if he understands she likes twirling it in her fingers and giving it to him. He’s also listening to his mom, who’s asking him to be gentle. They're just so precious! Growing up together will be a lot of fun for these two.

Related: Golden Retriever Sleeping on Their Favorite Human Is So Full of Tenderness

McCann Dogs recommends starting with bland food for training, as something more enticing, like cheese or meat, can be overwhelming. They also suggest placing the food at the end of your fingertips with an open hand, rather than in between your fingers. It’s also critical to reinforce good behavior and to correct unwanted actions immediately. As with any puppy training, consistency is always key.

People enjoyed seeing the bond between these siblings. Viewer @marshmallow responded, “They are going to be partners in crime someday soon. She’ll be stealing all the treats for him.” There’s no doubt about that! Viewer @OberontheChocolateLab advised, “Love this and their sweetness. I do always try to teach the small children in my life to have a ‘flat hand’ when giving treats. Just in case they are ever around a non-gentle doggo. It helps to save ouchies.” That’s excellent advice. Viewer @Vee remarked, “I love how gently he took it and then ate it like chomp, chomp.” That goes to show how cautious he was being with his tiny sister.

Dogs have a unique ability to make friends with the newest family members. It might be because they know cultivating this special relationship is an excellent way to score even more treats.

Puppies are known for three main things: playing hard, being cute enough to get out of all the trouble they cause, and more importantly, causing trouble. 

Sometimes, puppies get in all their best hits at once, and it's always hilarious. Just look at this video from Saturday, January 24th:

Sleep is for the weak!!! #silverlab #dogsoftiktok #dog #puppy #labsoftiktok🐾 #puppytiktoker #fyp #fypシ゚viral #puppylife #puppiesoftiktok

Little Miss Remi better go get some sleep. She's clearly ready for a nice nap!

Related: Labrador Can't Contain His Excitement Over Giving Postal Worker a Holiday Card

Remi is just about 10 weeks old, it looks like, and at ten weeks old, puppies are the craziest they'll ever be. Lucky for us, her parents have documented her entire journey with them so far - already, in the two weeks they've had her, she's gotten so big! Remi is a silver Labrador, which technically falls under the "chocolate" umbrella, although experts state that the gene has been diluted. Additionally, some say that a "silver" Lab isn't a purebred one: for the chocolate gene to be "diluted," there has to be muddling there somewhere. 

Look at little Remi, though. Who cares? Not her: all she cares about is staying up, playing, and throwing a fit over her orange bird toy. For her parents, the "honeymoon" phase is officially over: Remi is comfortable in her new home and ready to show them her playful side. That almost always leads to overtired tantrums!

If you've got a puppy, no matter the breed, this exact thing is going to happen to you, too. When puppies don't get enough sleep, they usually won't just crash: they get a "second wind" that makes them cranky, mouthy, and resistant to being put down for a nap. The best way to help this kind of issue is to be preventative: create a nap schedule and stick to it. Crate training would be a big help, too: they know where to go to rest. 

Things happen, though. Life happens, and you can't always make sure your puppy goes down at the same time. If you've found yourself with an overtired, tantrum-prone puppy, you can:

1. Turn off all the lights, music, and TV.
2. Give them a little snack so their tummy is full and they don't wake up hungry.
3. Take away any toys, remaining snacks, or distractions.
4. Lay them down in their preferred spot.
5. If you're crate training, just shut the door and walk away. 
6. If you're not (or you just want to snuggle), sit with them and pet them, but don't speak. 

These little fits usually only last about half an hour before the dog is down for the count, so the best thing to do is just wait it out. If your pup still isn't going down after a long time, it's best to give the vet a call: there may be something more serious going on. Happy sleeping!

Most animal lovers know French Bulldogs are prone to specific health conditions. However, the illnesses described in this video have nothing to do with being under the weather. Thankfully, the only side effect of these ‘diseases’ is laughter.

Frenchie parents may agree their beloved pups also suffer from these comical conditions. See what they are in this video from January 18:

😎❤️ #thefrenchiegoat #frenchie #frenchbulldog #dogs #dogoftiktok #frenchbulldogsoftiktok #frenchbulldogsoftiktok #dogs #animals #comedy #funny #sick

Charming Kimbo (@thefrenchiegoat) alerts us that the most severe of the illnesses French Bulldogs possess is called, “Chick-magnattitus.” He describes, “What this is, is an illness all Frenchies have that makes us super cute and attracts all the ladies.” That’s a disease they all seem to have!

Related: French Bulldog's Epic Backyard Zoomies Are the Hype Everyone Needs

The next most common illness they report is “Selective hearing disorder.” This one, although self-explanatory, is exquisitely described as, “If I’m not hearing it’s because you were not selected.” Ha! While that might be a trait of Frenchies, it’s an illness almost all dogs can suffer from, and some more than others.

Finally, French Bulldogs also have what’s called “Zoomie-osis.” This occurs when they put their legs into turbo drive, and “We act like unstoppable crackheads for a good 20 seconds, for no reason.” Ha! Quoting Lil Wayne, he declares, “I’m ill, not sick.” That’s quite accurate!

This breed is known for being fun, loving, and easy-going. They only need moderate exercise, like short walks, to keep them in good condition. While they are overall healthy, their brachycephalic structure makes them prone to breathing and teeth disorders. This trait also makes it hard for them to tolerate the heat, as DogTime cautions. If looking to acquire one, finding a reputable breeder is essential to help lessen the chance of other serious health conditions.

Frenchie lovers are familiar with these unique characteristics. Viewer @LeeAnnaPolce concurred, “Accurate. Except for the 20-second zoomies…it’s more like 2-minute zoomies. They lose their minds!” That’s for sure. Another person remarked, “I have a French Bulldog. His name is Bosko, and he has all of these.” They are popular conditions for this beloved pooch. Viewer @lillyscott2020 stressed, “LOL, it’s so true I have a 6-month-old Frenchie who just ignores me and looks away in disgust, and I’m trying to be so nice and loving.” They're true experts at pushing our buttons.

These adorable dogs have a way of winning our hearts and taking over our homes. Perhaps it’s also because they are so skilled at delivering the perfect side-eye. There’s never any doubt about this expressive breed's thoughts or emotions.

Disney is always coming out with something new, and they love involving animals whenever they can. Whether it's just a sassy little sidekick or a movie completely dedicated to a pet, Disney is ready and willing to put a pooch to work.

On Saturday, January 27th, Disney showed off a throwback video of one of their beloved pooch actors, who started in the film, Cruella, with Emma Stone. This pup's story could be its own flick! 

Good boy 🤝 movie star #Cruella

Disney Studios made a great choice casting Bobby in this role. Emma Stone can't get enough, and neither can I!

Related: Basset Hound’s Amazing Big Eyes Make Him Look Like a Real Life Disney Dog

Bobby was found in Cypress, California, about an hour away from Disney Studios in Burbank. It was a rescue organization that found them, and they apparently just thought Bobby was the best little dog ever, because they contacted a woman named Julie Tottman whose job it is to find and train animals for films. She's worked on several other movies, including Harry Potter!

Julie Tottman's favorite way to find animals for roles is to rescue them; rescue dogs can be trained just like puppies who are trained from birth! Luckily for Bobbly, he had just what they needed: the trainability, the cuteness, and that wow-factor. Now, he's a star!

Bobby stars in Cruella, a 101 Dalmatians reboot featuring Emma Stone. He plays a dog that she rescues as a child, and his on-screen name is Buddy. He's totally perfect for the role: scraggly, adorable, and I'll bet he looks great in a fur coat...

Humans obviously get paid for the movies they star in, but dogs don't really have a use for money, right? Whether or not they get paid is one of the first things a child will ask when they're old enough to understand dogs being in movies. I know I wanted the answer!

"Dogs" do get paid for movies: checks get made out to the pup's caretaker/their manager. It covers potentially lost wages for the human while they're on set as well, and they get paid for training time. Interestingly, dogs are considered freelancers when they're working on movies, TV shows, or commercials, and they don't receive residuals at all. 

Dogs (or other animals) are typically also paid significantly less than human actors: they just don't work as much. No lines to memorize, no long hours in hair and makeup, and they get lots of treats while they're on-set. 

Since Bobby is a rescue, we're not sure who his caretaker currently is, but they're likely receiving his check. Honestly, I think Emma Stone needs to consider it. Did you see how she was looking at him?!

Escaping from the Central Park Zoo is something that animals in film have been doing for years, as we can see in the Madagascar movies. They pull off elaborate heists, bust out of captivity, and then run off and join a circus together. All hail King Julian!

Apparently, one owl took these movies a little too seriously. He's been on the lam from the CPZ for a while, and on Sunday, January 28th, we finally got an update:

One year after escaping from the Central Park Zoo, Flaco the owl is thriving on the streets (and the skies) of New York City. #flaco #owl #nyc #newyorkcity #animals #birdsoftiktok

I'm grateful that ABC News put Flaco on blast. Are we sure this isn't a goose? Because he looks pretty silly to me...

Related: Tiny One-Eyed Owl in Alaska Named 'Tito' Has People Totally Obsessed

Flaco was released from the Central Park Zoo on February 7th, 2023. His enclosure was compromised when someone (who authorities still have not caught) cut a decent-sized hole in the mesh of his enclosure. He was able to fly out before it could be repaired, and he's been living his best life on the streets of New York ever since. 

No one knows why someone cut into Flaco's enclosure, but authorities speculate that it was just a "prank" pulled by some rowdy teens just for fun. It's not the first time a zoo has had this happen, and it most likely won't be the last. It is the first time that one has managed to turn into a bit of a New York celebrity. Flaco has been seen doing things like:

1. Sitting outside people's windows and staring at them.
2. Actively fleeing from people who are trying to "catch" him. 
3. Moving from neighborhood to neighborhood, further from the CPZ.
4. Staring at police officers as if he's laughing at them and flying away. 

Flaco seems to be doing just fine of the streets of New York City. Maybe next, he'll rob a hot dog cart! If you live in the area and come across Flaco, make sure you call authorities; don't try to take him in yourself. Owls can make great pets, but this is not how you'll want to get one!

Generally, a zoo animal won't be able to survive in the wild, especially the bigger ones. Lions, tigers, bears, and other big, carnivorous animals have to be fed chunks of meat: live feeding would not be great for paying customers to have to watch. They don't know how to hunt. If they were returned to the wild, they would not survive.

Owls could be a different story, though. They eat small enough animals (mice, rats, chipmunks, frogs etc.) that they can typically be fed live food - and these small animals can be released within the enclosure to give them a real "foraging" feel. There's no shortage of rats or mice in New York City, so I think it's feasible that Flaco could be catching enough to feed himself. He's not emaciated by any means!

Regardless, though, I do hope he's caught again soon - his home is at the Central Park Zoo! 

Planning a vacation is so much fun... until the time comes to figure out what to do with your pet. Many people have favorite local pet hotels or pet sitters that come in handy at a time like this (or pet grandparents who are happy to babysit, of course). But if you're anything like me, you probably do experience a little bit of guilt when you're going somewhere fun without your pet and you can't take them with you, like I do when our family vacations at Disney World. It just doesn't seem fair that we're spending a week riding rollercoasters and eating yummy snacks while our dog is at home missing out.

But if you need — or simply want — to bring your dog to Orlando with you, there's actually a way you can do that. Unfortunately, they can't go to the parks with you (only service animals are welcome there) but they can stay at a posh pet resort on Disney property that will ensure they're having fun and staying close to you.

next trip i want to take her to yacht club 🙈 #disney #disneyvacation #pet #dog #disneydog #goldenretriever #puppytiktok #disneycontent #disneycontentcreator #disneytiktok #disneytrip #disneyworld #wdw #disneyparks #disneyresort

On Thursday, January 25, Disney World fan @snugglyyducklingg shared this tour of the resort's onsite kennel, which is called Best Friends Pet Hotel — and it seems like a given that her Golden Retriever loved their stay there!

Just from this 30 second video alone, it seems like it's a pet's paradise, with a store full of Disney-themed pet toys as you enter. Her dog stayed in their own little hotel room, complete with multiple beds, toys, and even a TV playing for a little entertainment, along with a personal green space for them to run and do their business at their leisure.

This looks like a dream come true for Disney loving humans and their animals... not that I'd expect anything less!

The best thing about Disney's pet hotel is that it can be a home base for your pup during the day, while you're out having fun at the theme parks, or it can be their home for your entire trip, since they also offer overnight boarding. 

Disney's offerings vary — dogs can enjoy indoor/outdoor boarding with all the basics covered, or you can splurge for a Club Suite, which comes with extras like a bedtime story, a webcam where you can watch your pet from a distance, and even a bath before they're sent home. 

And it's not just dogs who are welcome here; pets can also be boarded at the facility, along with smaller animals like birds and reptiles (though they must come with their own enclosures). 

You can find out more on Disney's website, including how to book your pet for a stay. It might not be as cool as your pet being able to experience Magic Kingdom for themselves, but it seems pretty close! 

Anyone who is lucky enough to be a pet parent knows that the animals who live in your house aren't just pets — they're members of the family. It's no wonder that so many people choose to make their dogs (and sometimes, cats) a part of the biggest milestones in their lives, from including them in their weddings and making sure they pose for family photos. And when adding a human child to the mix, it's important to make sure that your pet feels included then, too... after all, many parents-to-be see it as their four-legged pal becoming a big brother or sister! 

Recently, model Sofia Richie announced the exciting news that she and husband Elliot Grainge are expecting their first child together, and since she's always been a dog lover, it's no surprise that she made sure to include her pup in the moment that they found out if they were having a boy or a girl. And in the end, it made for the most adorable footage. They're obviously going to remember this forever, and after seeing her dog's reaction, it seems like that's true for the pup, too!

Let E! start by saying, #SofiaRichie & #ElliotGrainge are going to be great girl parents. 🥹💕 (🎥: TT/ @sofiarichiegrainge)

The video was shared by E! News' official TikTok account on Sunday, January 28 after Richie posted it herself, revealing her baby's gender to the world in the process. In the clip, we can see Richie and Grainge standing outside with their pup (who appears to be a Golden Retriever) nearby.

When the time comes for the moment of truth, the dad-to-be sets off a cannon, and pink powder and confetti rain down on them. Obviously, this seems to be what Richie was hoping for, because she immediately takes off screaming to do a victory lap around the yard! 

In the process, her dog did seem to be a little startled by the noise, but quickly joined Mom to celebrate, tail wagging.

If you know your gender reveal moment won't be complete without your dog being a part of the festivities, there are plenty of creative ways to include them in the celebration. 

Just take a cruise through Pinterest and you'll see the dozens of ways that people have had their pups be a part of the reveal. From letting the pooches be the one to eat the cake that contains pink or blue icing to having a trusted love one paint your dog's paws so they create paw prints that reveal the news. 

And if you just want your dog in the announcement photo, that's even easier. Consider purchasing a bandana that reveals your baby's sex, or including pink or blue balloons in the photo. It really can be as simple as that while still turning out to be totally adorable. 

Congratulations to Richie and Grainge. This little girl is already so loved — and already has a loyal doggie sibling waiting for her arrival! 

As a proud pet parent to both a dog and two cats, I have a foot in both the "dog person" and "cat person" camps. I know a lot of dog lovers often point to how affectionate and loyal they are as a reason why they believe the animals reign supreme over their feline counterparts, but those of us with kitties at home know better. Like with any pet, it's all about personality, and while some cats tend to be more standoffish, there are plenty out there who are just as loving — if not more — than some dogs can be! 

Many cats are cuddly, sweet animals who can't get enough of their humans, but you don't have to take my word for it. After watching this TikTok video, it's pretty clear that many cats love their people hard... and this one can't get enough of this little girl who he obviously cares about a whole lot.

Click here to watch the video.

This adorable footage comes to us from a TikTok account all about a Maine Coon cat named Gelic, @gelicoon, and was shared on Friday, January 26. Between those head butts and the audible purring, it's easy to see that this little girl is Gelic's person. 

The little girl is keeping her head still near the cat, and Gelic is rubbing his face all over her — a sure sign that he considers this human to be his friend. 

And as if this video isn't enough, the rest of Gelic's account is full of more videos with the same little girl, and it's clear to see that this friendship is a very well established one! Dogs might have a reputation for being loyal, but there's a very good chance that this fluffy cat feels just as fiercely about his person as any dog would.

Not only are Maine Coons one of the largest cat breeds, but they also happen to be one of the sweetest. They're known for showing affection like this to their humans, and there are a few different signs they show that will help you realize that they've claimed you as their person.

As is true with many other cat breeds, Maine Coons will follow you around if they love you — they just want to be near you! And yes, the "slow blink" sign applies here, too; if they're doing this in your direction, you've earned their love.

Funnily enough, you may also see your Maine Coon trying to block your view if you seem to be concentrating on anything but them; this means they could use a little attention from you.

Also, look out for a cat who is chatting at you; these adorable sounds mean they love you, too! 

When a cat chooses you as their person, it's a big deal. Don't let them down!