Parade Pets

Every morning is the same. Someone really needs to chill. But that someone is not going to chill. Someone else is rolling her eyes in exasperation about the entire situation.

The TikTok from @kylieapitts sets the whole thing up perfectly. Text overlay: "POV: What every morning is like with the Weiner dog I told my husband we could not have." Caption: "Even Bailey is sick of his 💩☠️ Everyone said if you have a Boykin Spaniel, then having a Dachshund will be a breeze… LOLLLLLL☠️🤣😭"

She told her husband they couldn't have this dog. They have this dog.

His name is Winston, and he's a dapple Dachshund with tiny legs and enormous confidence, marching across the couch like he's about to deliver some very important neighborhood gossip.

The transcript is the morning negotiation nobody asked for:

Even Bailey is sick of his 💩☠️. Everyone said “oh if you have a Boykin spaniel then having a dachshund will be a breeze…. LOLLLLLL☠️🤣😭 #minidachshund #weeniedog #dogmom #funnydogs

"If you're gonna lay down with me, you have to actually lay down."

"Okay, you can sit up here, but you actually have to chill."

"No, uh-uh. I told you you had to chill."

"I'm not gonna lie, you are kind of crazy."

"I never know what's gonna be next."

Then he winks. Next, he jumps.

Bailey the Boykin Spaniel has been watching all of this from the couch. She's melting into the cushions like life has been particularly hard despite having absolutely zero responsibilities. She's got documented opinions about Winston, and she'd like them on the record.

"Bay said she didn't sign up for this mess."

"I loved being an only dog child, ya know!” 

"Even Bailey is rolling her eyes at him 😂"

Bailey's feelings are 100% valid. Bailey's feelings are shared by many.

The comments arrived in full solidarity:

"I've had mine for 13 years and every day I question my decision 😂"

Thirteen years. Still questioning that decision. But, still there.

Related: Mom Buys Her Corgi a Cheap $3 Wig—and the Transformation Is Hilarious

Validates the headline directly.

"Ours just turned two. Ain't ever had a chill day in his life!"

"The chill is still loading"

Non-negotiable and absolutely correct.

"You can't look them in the eyes; it activates them somehow 😂"

The most specific dachshund survival tip in this entire comment section.

"When that saxophone gets louder and louder, you know it's about to hit the fan"

Every dachshund parent just nodded. If you know, you know.

Everyone said it would be a breeze, and everyone was wrong. Here's the thing about dachshunds: chaos isn't a flaw. It's a feature.

Winston didn't just wake up and choose chaos. He was built for it.

According to Dogster, dachshunds are genuinely some of the most stubborn dogs around, and the reason goes all the way back to what they were originally bred to do. Dachshunds were hunting dogs bred to track down and chase badgers and other animals into their underground burrows. That job meant working completely on their own, making split-second decisions, and never stopping just because someone told them to.

That history is Winston, every single morning.

When something catches a dachshund's attention, Dogster explains, they lock in completely and everything else disappears. Winston isn't ignoring the request to chill. He just found something way more interesting than chilling.

Fearlessness is built in, too. Dachshunds were bred to go nose to nose with badgers and porcupines without blinking an eye. That same fearlessness means that consequences don't really register with him. They want to do things their way, and there's genuinely not a lot anyone can do about it at that moment.

The good news is that stubborn doesn't mean it is completely impossible. Dogster says consistent positive reinforcement, keeping training fun, and keeping things fresh go a long way. Treats help a lot too. Patience helps the most. It's a slow process, but it gets there.

And here's the thing: most of the people in that comment section have a dachshund. None of them gave theirs back.

The chill is still loading. Bailey's still definitely rolling her eyes. Winston's already on to the next thing.

It's only Tuesday.

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It's easy to see why Doodle mixes are so popular — they're so adorable, they're almost unreal. While Goldendoodles might be the first breed that comes to mind for many people, you do not want to sleep on Bernedoodles, which are a mix between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle.

And after you meet Truffle, you might be trying to figure out how to add one of these puppies to your family the way I'm about to...

Big yawns & cuddles after a holiday weekend . . . #puppy #toebeans #puppytok #vacation #cuddle

Truffle's humans caught him in an extra cuddly moment in this video, and OMG — this is the kind of content we really need to see on the internet.

From the way those ears wiggle to how he covers his eyes with his paws, it's like this dog knows exactly how cute he is and he's willing to take advantage of it. How does Truffle not get everything he wants with moves like these?

And just when you think he couldn't possibly get any cuter, Truffle lets out that little sneeze. So cute!

I really don't see how his parents are able to get anything done when they live with a dog who happens to be this cute. Obviously, their only job should be snuggling him all day.

Related: Multicolored 'Squishmallow' Bernedoodle Puppy 'Dances' With a Blueberry, and It's Hilarious

With over 1,500 comments, it's safe to say that everyone is falling in love with Truffle:

• "A calico fluff. This baby is the cutest pup I've ever seen. Congrats on hitting the puppy lottery, he's perfect."
• "How are you supposed to go on with your day when you have that at home?"
• "Omg that is the cutest fur baby I have ever seen."
• "Cuteness overload! I wanna hold him."

Not only are people comparing Truffle to a plushie, but they also think he looks like everything from a character from the classic show Fraggle Rock to a living teddy bear. He even received an AI accusation or two, but nope — Truffle is the real deal.

So, um, anyone know where I can adopt one of these Bernedoodle puppies? I suddenly feel like the most important thing in my life is becoming a mom to a real life plushie.

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Momma cats spend a lot of time cleaning their kittens. For the babies, it's warmth, care, and probably the closest thing they'll get to a full-service spa.

For Luna, the Maine Coon, however, one difficult client sends the appointment off the rails.

Luna really doesn’t like when her kittens fight back during bath time 😂 #mainecoon #kitten #mainecoonkitten #cutekitten #catsoftiktok

In the video, Luna has one tiny kitten for bath time. She is licking, fussing, and making sure every piece of fluff is properly cleaned.

Then the kitten fights back.

Not enough to start a real rebellion. Just enough to interrupt Mom's plan.

Luna freezes, throws her head back, and throws her head up toward the ceiling like an exhausted soap opera star asking the universe why motherhood has become so difficult.

The difference is crazy #mainecoon #kittens #mainecoonkittens #cutekitten #catsoftiktok

The post explains that Luna doesn't appreciate it when her kittens resist during bath time, and her expression makes that clear. She doesn't look angry so much as personally betrayed.

"I gave you life, and this is how you respond to grooming?"

One viewer immediately declared that Luna is the drama. Another admitted to replaying the clip 20 times, which makes sense because the head toss gets funnier with every watch.

Maine Coon kittens already look like tiny clouds with paws, but this baby came with opinions. The kitten is small enough to fit under Mom's chin and still confident enough to challenge the bath schedule.

Luna has the energy of a parent who has answered the same question all day and just heard it one more time.

The whole exchange lasts seconds, but it tells a complete story: Mom has a job, the baby objects, and Mom briefly leaves the conversation emotionally.

Anyone who has cared for babies of any species will recognize the feeling.

Of course, Luna goes right back to being their mom. The dramatic pause isn't a resignation letter. It's simply a moment. And every overworked mother deserves one.

What do you think Luna was saying with that head toss?

A mother cat spends much of her day nursing, grooming, protecting, and teaching her kittens. As the babies become more active, she may choose more time away. Giving Mom a calm place to rest can help without separating the family too soon.

VCA Animal Hospitals notes that nursing cats can become anxious when their nesting area feels too noisy, bright, or busy.

Watch for these signs that Mom may need more support:

• She keeps trying to get away. Give her a safe space she can enter and leave on her own.
• She seems tense or overwhelmed. Let her choose when she wants attention.
• She stops eating, avoids the kittens completely, or seems unwell. Call your vet immediately.

Luna's head toss may be comedy gold, but even the most devoted cat mom deserves a quiet minute before the next bath begins.

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Related: Stunning Rare Ragdoll-Maine Coon Mix Is a Big Ball of Fluffy Sunshine

Sweet Pea, the Cockatoo, has been obsessed with her dog brother, Copper, from the moment she joined the family. As the sweet bird's first and best friend, the Black Lab has a high bar to live up to if the bird's to be her usual happy self. Recently, Sweet Pea gifted the pup with Mom's slipper, and his reaction is kind of heartbreaking.

Caught Sweet Pea stealing my slipper to show the dog, but he wasn’t interested 😢🦜

Rescue Cockatoo, Sweet Pea, is a one-of-a-kind gal with a huge heart. She loves offering Copper household items in exchange for his forever friendship (whether he asked for it or not). The video shows Sweet Pea showing Mom's slipper to an unenthused Copper, and the rejection is palpable!

Copper is used to Sweet Pea's shenanigans by now, but she's a sensitive gal. The walk back to Mom to express her disappointment shows how deeply the precious bird feels about her dog brother, and why his not caring about the slipper hurts.

Luckily, Mom swooped in to the rescue to convince Copper to give the slipper another look (though, Sweet Pea still needs a minute to process the pain).

Related: Dramatic Cockatoo Demands Dad's Attention in the Funniest Way

As painful as that was for Sweet Pea, she has other house buds she can turn to, like an African Grey Parrot named Brody. Most days, Sweet Pea spends her time annoying or taunting him, but sometimes, the two share a heartwarming moment that Mom catches.

In this one, the doting Cockatoo gently pets Brody's head with her little claw, and he's more than happy about it:

Watch my parrot ask his parrot friend for head scratches 😳 Do I need to worry he might start to consider world domination?! Let me know your thoughts #parrot #africangrey #smart #genius

There's no doubt that Cockatoos are one of the smartest birds on Earth, but the reason Sweet Pea's slipper offering is so adorable is because of the meaning behind it. These intelligent, social, and affectionate Parrots like bringing items to their favorite people and pets as a way of building a bond, showing their love, and sometimes asking for attention.

In the wild, these birds do the same by sharing food or nesting materials as a way of getting the attention of a potential mate or to show they care about their flock. Humans and household companions become their flock, and gift giving is their way of saying "I love you."

Sweet Pea may have gotten her feelings hurt this time around, but knowing her, she'll try again and again because she really is that sweet (hence the name)!

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Being a brand new kitten is probably a little scary, but mostly a lot of fun. There's so much to explore, there are people who can't wait to meet (and pet) you and tell you how cute you are — honestly, what's not to love?

I can tell you with complete confidence that it is going to be hard to avoid wanting a kitten after watching this video, so strap in and good luck. She is the most adorable!

cat cattok pet adorable pettok

This video from @lilo_the_kittyy on TikTok shows Lilo doing that thing that all kittens do every time they're presnted with something they've never seem before, like staring down the barrel of the camera while batting at it.

Commenters all seem to agree that this is more of a Littlest Pet Shop toy come alive situation. All of those tiny features, combined with her huge eyes? She's definitely too cute to be real. Her new humans are so lucky they get to snuggle her every day!

{And for the record, the '90s kid in me really wants to make sure you know that the Littlest Pet Shop animals that comments are referring to are the newer ones, not the ones from when we were kids and they were a bit more realistic.)

Lilo definitely seems to have found the right home for her... and now we get to see her grow up via the magic of social media, so that's pretty cool, too.

Related: Oriental Shorthair Kitten Legit Looks Exactly Like Dobby From 'Harry Potter'

Lilo's account made its TikTok debut on July 1, but in that short time, she's already made so many friends from all over the world. She almost has 1,000 followers — not too shabby in less than two weeks!

Catching people's attention with those huge eyes probably helps quite a bit, though. And boy, does she love to show them off.

Just look at what a gorgeous kitty she is here:

cat cattok fyp kitty pet

She's full of so much energy that she always has to be on the go, but it doesn't seem to bother her one bit. She's got places to do and people to see... and maybe, she just needs a free evening to watch her favorite shows on TV now that she has discovered cartoons!

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I've fostered dogs in the past and can honestly say, I'm a total foster failure. Both dogs I fostered became permanent family members and I have zero regrets, though I realize how important fostering is for shelter dogs. Many animal lovers foster numerous canines with the knowledge that these fur babies will move on to their forever families. Giving them a loving home environment so they don't have to sit in a shelter while they wait is a wonderful and selfless act.

This adorable black and white puppy is enjoying life in her foster home and clearly getting lots of affection.

the cutest air swim ever!!! please share and follow to help the puppies #puppy #adoptdontshop #foster @Junebug Foundation

In the TikTok from @foster4theheart, the canine cutie was being held by her foster mom and getting tons of kisses.

"Are you powered by smoochies?" her mom asked, giggling as the pretty pup kicked her legs back and forth in a sort of 'air swim'.

"This little foster pup has to be the cutest thing ever!" the onscreen text read, stating the obvious.

The adorable fur baby literally smiled as her foster mom covered her with kisses, and even leaned her head in whenever her mom stopped as if to say, "Keep going!" The puppy's tail never stopped wagging.

Followers fell in love with the charming pup and noted they would have a hard time letting her go.

"Thank you for the PSA and reminding me I am not strong enough to foster lol," one pointed out.

"I fostered ONCE 6 years ago... anyway Phoebe loves living her best life with us," another shared.

"Yea, at that point she would no longer be a foster. That would be my new child," a follower posted.

"This would be a foster fail for me," someone admitted.

"That's one of the cutest things I've ever seen!" a fan raved.

There are some factors to consider before applying to become a foster parent for canines. Ask yourself some defining questions, such as:

• Do you have experience with dogs?
• Are you able to walk, feed, and interact with a foster dog on a consistent schedule?
• Do you have the time and energy to give a foster dog the love and attention it needs?
• Do you have other pets, and how do they get along with other dogs?

Related: Multicolored 'Squishmallow' Bernedoodle Puppy 'Dances' With a Blueberry, and It's Hilarious

These are just a few things to ponder before making a commitment. A foster dog may need to stay with you from weeks to months, depending on the situation. Many shelters provide food and supplies to foster parents, and veterinary expenses are usually reimbursed. Check with the shelter or rescue that you are considering applying to as a foster.

Like this irresistible puppy, many pooches immediately steal your heart. Whether a foster dog ends up with another family or with you, it's never a fail when they get a forever home.

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Pets bring so much joy to our lives, and it's such a special journey to see how our bonds change throughout the years. Getting to spend special days with our pets and form memories is truly the whole point of this life journey we go on with them.

Paige Ry, or @paigery12 on TikTok, shared a video of her day on the water with her beautiful Golden Retriever. While lounging in the water, Paige's Golden uses her legs and feet like a makeshift pool noodle, and the results are dreamy and so relaxing.

The video went massively viral on TikTok, generating over 27 million views, 6.8 million likes, and over 5400 comments. The video has immaculate vibes and may inspire feelings of FOMO.

My life is golden

Paige captioned her video "my life is golden," and the thousands of commenters on social media fully agreed with her sentiment.

"This right here tells me everything I need to know about you as a person🥹❤️"

"We all know the best leg workout is holding up a golden retriever lol so cute"

"a pup who is going to be okay ✨"

Keeping your dog safe around the water is of the utmost importance. This comes from making sure your dog is comfortable in and around bodies of water and always making sure you prioritize supervising them.

Some Tips For Water Safety for Your Dog:

• Always make sure there's plenty of fresh water around when your dog is swimming so they aren't drinking their swimming water
• Watch for hazardous materials or algae that can be harmful to your dog
• Keep out of strong currents and tides
• Equip your dog with a well-fitting lifejacket for additional safety
• Always make sure your dog knows how to get out of the water, whether it's a pool or otherwise
• Watch for signs of exhaustion and dehydration, which can be very dangerous

With a little bit of time, training, and thought, you can make the dreamiest day at the water for your dog, too. And best part is you can be a pool noodle for them!

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Related: Black Lab Puppy Takes the Dreamiest Boat Nap — and We’re Extremely Jealous

It's scientifically proven that seeing cute animals releases dopamine and makes you happier. And when that cute animal is probably the fluffiest kitten you could imagine? Well the dopamine will be off the charts!

TikTok user @gnocchiandbear shares their two British Longhaired Persian cats on social media. Bear, the black one of the two cats, recently showed off for the camera, loafing and bounding along the bed. Bear is absolutely adorable and also undeniably looks like the bounciest ball of lint.

Warning: The following video of Bear may, in fact, induce immediate-onset kitten fever.

he looks like a ball of lint #kitten #fluffykitten #persiancat #britishshorthair #cuteanimals

The cuteness overload was real and viewers and commenters on social media could not get enough of Bear.

"Feisty ball of lint"

"I can’t believe it’s real 😭😭😭"

"My heart just fell on my stomach 💜😍💜🥰💜😍"

Suffice to say, Bear is precious and we're lucky he has graced our various screens with his adorable floof.

Image via Unsplash

Getting your new kitten used to being groomed is a great way to ensure they're properly socialized and used to being handled. It's great to start this around two to seven weeks of age, so that hopefully you'll have an adult cat who is fully comfortable being groomed if need be.

Some Tips For Acclimating Your Kitten To Grooming:

• Start when your kitten is already relaxed, not when they're amped up or playing
• Keep initial sessions on the shorter side, no more than 10 minutes
• Introduce tools like brushes and clippers slowly and with patience
• Give rewards and treats for positive behavior
• Always brush their hair in the direction of growth
• Use cat-safe wipes or warm washcloths around the ears and eyes

With plenty of patience and time, you and your kitten will have a great relationship to grooming. It's a great way to get closer and a sweet way to bond with your little furry friend.

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Related: Rare Brown Kitten With Serious Medical Issues Faced Long Odds—Then Everything Changed

Rescuing a dog comes with an endless list of things that make each day better than the one before. Topping that list is when they completely trust you enough to be their fun, silly, goofy selves. There's no better example than Molly, a rescue dog who quickly rose to viral fame for her special talent: dancing!

Vocal Molly 🤗🎤#fyp #molly #dogs #low @T-Pain

Thank goodness the internet exists so the world can be as blessed as dog dad @fraank_dsm with Molly's epic choreography! The hilarious clip shows the charismatic rescue pup doing her thing to T-Pain's "Low" like it's her audition for the next music video (please hire her, someone!).

"She especially likes ‘WITH THE FUR, WITH THE FUR’ the whole club was looking at her!" one fan wrote. Another pointed out her reaction, adding, "Her stopping to see if the whole club is looking at her," while another praised the good girl writing, "Molly shaking her moneymaker is the cutest thing… You go, girl."

Now that everyone's aware that this dancing rescue dog exists, may there be a million more videos of her shaking her groove thing, because it's pure sunshine in a bottle!

Related: Rescue Dog With Face of a Human Man Has Everyone Swooning

The sweet party pup is all over Dad's TikTok page as the most beautiful girl in the world (as seen in a series of photos here), but her mega-viral fame didn't come until April 2026. That's when Miss Molly gave her first big "pawformance," and fans fell madly in love!

Look at this excited pup go (and her outfit is A+):

@NINA SKY #fyp #music #dogs #molly #dogsdancing

There are a lot of cool pets online, but Molly's in a category of her own. In general, dogs can wiggle, jump, or seem as though they're dancing when excited, but Molly's cute moves may come from a series of things she's learned, mostly Dad's hype over her doing the routine.

While dogs don't know how to dance to a beat on their own accord—because they can't keep rhythm like humans—they can be trained through "Musical Freestyle" or "Dog Dancing." This teaches them to learn complex choreography with positive reinforcement and training called shaping, which pieces a bunch of single tricks together to look like a whole dance routine that appears as though they do have rhythm.

Experts say you can teach a dog to "dance" by luring them with a yummy treat and spinning them in a circle while adding a verbal cue like "dance." Once they do that, offer praise so they connect the reward with the movement. With time, you can loop this trick in with another, so the movements are fluid—just like a real dance.

It doesn't matter how Molly's dance came about. We demand more of Molly getting down with Dad in the car, forever (please and thank you)!

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The majority of nightly walks end with tired legs, a happy dog, and maybe a conversation about what's for dinner.

This one ended with a second dog.

A couple had headed out for their usual evening walk with their Yellow Lab when a man stopped them with a question they probably never expected to hear: Could they give his little black dog a better home?

I still can’t believe this happened. We went on our nightly walk with our yellow lab… and somehow ended up getting a dog. 🤎 A man asked if we’d give her a better home, and we couldn’t say no. 🥹 Meet Chiquita. Follow along for her rescue journey. 🐾❤️ #creatorsearchinsights #gettingadog #dogsoftiktok #rescuedog #dogmom

That is a lot to process in the middle of a walk.

The video starts with the little dog already walking beside them, sweet and trusting, as if she had always been with this group. They clearly couldn't leave her behind, so they said yes. (I would have, too.)

Just like that, the usual route home became the first walk of a completely different life.

The next stop was not a pet store or a long family meeting.

It was the bathtub.

Chiquita, as she would soon be introduced, needed a good wash, and somehow she stayed calm through the entire thing. That detail gets me. Baths can be stressful even for dogs who know exactly where they are and who they're with. Chiquita had just left one home, joined two strangers and their Lab, and landed in a tub.

She seemed to understand that she was being cared for.

Then came the part that makes my heart sing.

Fresh from her bath, Chiquita runs down the hallway of her new home. She gets food. She starts exploring. And by the final clip, she is smiling for the camera like someone who already knows she's made is somewhere safe.

Her new family introduces her as Chiquita, though "Chiqui Baby" clearly became the nickname immediately.

That feels right to me!

You don't bring home an unexpected little dog from a nightly walk and keep things formal. The Yellow Labrador has questions. We all have questions.

One comment focused on the man who asked for help, saying they loved that he understood the dog deserved better and hoped he was OK, too. That thought adds another layer to the story. Rehoming a pet is not always about someone not caring. Sometimes caring means recognizing that the current home may not be able to give an animal what they need.

We don't know everything that led to that moment.

We do know he asked.

They said yes.

And Chiquita got a bath, a meal, a hallway to run through, and a family who is there if she needs them.

Imagine heading out with one dog and coming home with two.

The Yellow Lab probably thought this was the strangest walk yet.

Chiqui Baby probably thought it was the best.

A new home can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming for a dog.

The American Kennel Club explains that patience, consistency, and a calm routine can help adopted dogs adjust.

A few ways to help:

• Keep the first few days quiet. Give your new pup time to rest and explore.
• Create a predictable routine. This can help a new dog feel secure.
• Give them a safe place. This gives them somewhere to decompress.

Chiquita's new life began with one expected question. We look forward to seeing how the story goes!

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Related: This Labrador Has One Job at Fetch—Ruining It for the Golden Retriever

Niall Harbison specializes in helping street dogs heal through his animal rescue, Happy Doggo. The animal advocate tends to canines suffering from physical and emotional trauma, providing both medical care and tons of love and affection.

One of Harbison's rescues recently got to enjoy a special day out before starting his road to recovery and was truly treated like royalty.

Named Rod Stewart for mimicking the rock star's iconic hairstyle, the precious pooch was rescued by Harbison after being left alone and afraid. The Instagram video from @wearehappydoggo told his story.

"Rod Stewart was abandoned by his [family] and left to survive all alone," the on-screen text explained as the sweet dog shook in fear when his rescuers arrived, showing the horrible conditions Rod was left in.

He was also battling several health issues, including a "severe abscess, heartworm, and anemia," the story continued. Yet despite his traumatic circumstances, Rod's loving spirit still seemed intact as he literally smiled from his crate. "Through all the pain, he looked up at us and chose to trust. That smile changed everything."

Rod was immediately treated at the Happy Doggo medical clinic and given a bright bandana to mark his new beginning.

Harbison knew Rod had a "long road to recovery" ahead of him and wanted to treat him to a "grand adventure" to start his new leash on life.

First and foremost on the list: Rod's first Pup Cup. The pretty pup scarfed it down and enjoyed every lick.

Next up was getting some pictures in a photo booth to properly capture the special occasion. Rod looked extremely handsome in every image.

His fun field trip concluded with some time at the beach, and there were plenty of cuddles and affection throughout the entire day. Harbison and his team are committed to Rod's recovery and making sure he feels completely loved.

"His past is behind him," the on-screen text noted. "His healing journey starts now, and we'll be with him every step of the way."

Related: 'Gentlest' Shelter Mama Dog Raised 7 Puppies — Now She Wants Someone to Choose Her

Harbison launched Happy Doggo in 2021. In addition to the sterilization and daily feeding of thousands of street dogs, he recently opened a full-service medical clinic in honor of his beloved Golden Retriever, Tina, and a retirement village for senior dogs.

Learn more about Happy Doggo or make a donation by visiting their website or social media accounts on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

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Puppies have the best little quirks and the ability to melt our hearts with the simplest actions. They call it puppy fever for a reason!

Take Mable Jean, an adorable Basset Houndpuppy who started her account @mablejean_ recently to share life as a basset growing up. In Mable's first video, she shares her absolutely enchanting head tilts, and we've got to say, they're the best head tilts we've seen in quite some time!

I love her ears so much pls 😭 #dogsoftiktok #bassethoundpuppy #floppyears #funnydogs

With her long, floppy Basset ears and her big, puppy eyes, there's no denying that Mable Jean is too cute to handle.

We can't wait to follow along with her journey as she grows up!

Obviously, the best part of having a puppy and going through the puppy stage is learning your new baby's personality and getting to see them shine. One of the best ways to learn about your new forever friend? Playing with them!

While playing with a puppy may seem intuitive and obvious, getting a new furry family member can be overwhelming, and you may struggle with knowing where to start—which is totally okay!

Some Tips for Playing With Your New Puppy:

• Collect some designated toys to discourage your puppy from biting your hands
• Keep your playing sessions to the shorter side while their brains are still developing
• Integrate basic commands like "sit" and "come" into play to encourage that training
• Stop playing immediately if there are signs of aggression or biting
• Avoid things that encourage said aggression
• Playing things like calling the puppy from across the room can encourage recall skills
• Fetch is very popular and helps with "drop it"

Follow your gut and your vet's advice, and you'll be sure to set up your puppy for success. And then you'll be well on your way to receiving some of the best head tilts of your very own!

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Related: These Labrador Retriever Puppies Dressed Up Like Bees, and They’re the Sweetest Little Honeys

When you're not stocking up on sweets or checking out the latest blind box toy, a trip to your local Five Below can turn up all kinds of unexpected finds. From whimsical home decor and apparel to pet essentials, electronics and more, it's easy to head home with affordable gems you never knew you needed.

Take the Block Tech Crankin' Creatures Speedy Cardinal Set, for example. This 199-piece building set recreates a beloved backyard bird, complete with movable wings that simulate flight. Compatible with leading brick brands and priced at just $6 a pop, it's an affordable pickup for curious young builders, bird lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

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Five Below

Designed for ages 8 and up, the Block Tech Crankin' Creatures Speedy Cardinal Set comes with everything you need to bring a vibrant red cardinal to life. Made up of 199 pieces, the finished build features the bird in all its glory, wings outstretched, while its mechanical design allows them to flap up and down.

What makes this set even more appealing, however, is that it's part of a larger lineup of animal-themed builds, giving you the chance to collect and create a variety of wild creatures. From whimsical creatures like butterflies, dragonflies, frogs and grasshoppers to larger animals like monkeys, fish, sharks and toucans, there's a whole world of nature-inspired designs to explore.

Related: Tractor Supply's 'Adorable' $20 Hummingbird Feeder Is a Whimsical Garden Upgrade

Five Below

Adding to its charm, this set also shines as a budget-friendly way to get into brick-building without the higher price tag of larger, name-brand collections. Even better, the pieces are compatible with nearly all leading brick brands, making it easy to combine builds and expand creativity beyond this set alone. For young builders, that means more possibilities to explore without being limited by a single collection.

At the moment, supplies are limited by location, but if the Speedy Cardinal isn't available near you, you can always check another store or purchase it online. That said, don't wait too long to add this charming build to your mantel or gift one to a curious young family member. Once word gets out, it's only a matter of time before other shoppers get the same idea.

While you're at it, check out Five Below's Exotic Parrot Build Set for another fun family-friendly build.

Related: Aldi's 336-Piece Lego Puppy Set Packs Three Whimsical Builds in One

Every puppy deserves to know what it feels like to be loved, and one tiny foster pup is getting exactly that. In a heart-melting video, this little one's foster mom showers her with kisses, and her priceless reaction says more than words ever could.

One look at the sweet scene, and it's obvious this little girl is loving every second of the attention and affection. Mom asks if she's "powered by smoochies," and after seeing that adorable tail wag and happy little feet dance, it's hard to argue otherwise. The pure joy between them is absolutely contagious, and the video has viewers swooning and reaching to click the replay button.

the cutest air swim ever!!! please share and follow to help the puppies #puppy #adoptdontshop #foster @Junebug Foundation

And guess what? The puppy got a new name, and it's absolutely perfect: Smooch! We're not sure how her foster mom could let another family have her after watching this video on repeat; it seems these two have developed the perfect bond!

@panda006 said exactly what we were thinking and won more than 343,000 likes: "I can’t foster because I’d own 8,000 animals." @Mikayla Cook agreed, "Oh that would be an immediate fail for me."

@YouTube loved the video as much as we did, saying, "That's premium fuel!" @Kleenex added, "Never saw a smoochie-powered pup before."

Commenter @Cara cracked us up with, "I fostered ONCE 6 years ago... anyways, Phoebe loves living her best life with us." Mom shared in another comment, "I'm at 95 fosters in a year and a half! Zero fails besides one I kept that was not suited to be rehomed."

Related: Egg Roll the Foster Puppy Goes to the Beach for the First Time and It's Incredible

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For puppies in foster care, love is every bit as important as food and shelter. Gentle affection, consistent routines, and positive interactions help build trust and confidence during a critical stage of development.

Like most things, though, balance is key. Constantly showering a puppy with affection can lead to clingy behavior and, as Stat K9 Training notes, it may also contribute to issues such as separation anxiety, insecurity, and resource guarding in some dogs.

Judging by this little foster pup's happy tail wags, though, she'd say she's getting the perfect mix of love from her mom.

When it comes to feral cats, most people would save them all if they could. Every cat in the world deserves a loving home, but unfortunately, it just doesn't work like that all the time. There are thousands of cats out there who have never, and unfortunately will never, have homes.

One mama cat did everything she could to make sure that wasn't what happened to her baby. She found the kitten a home, though she knew she herself couldn't go inside, and she still comes by to visit:

Replying to @mag🫧 This was the first time I ever caught Galadriel staring in, Greyvi thought she was looking in a mirror and I had to hold my happy tears from a half a house away lol #tnr #catsoftiktok #kittensoftiktok #catcolonycaretaker #cat

Sassa Esmith is happy that the mama cat trusted her with her last baby! She's the best: not only did she take the baby into her home forever, but she even TNVRed Mama. She took her to the vet, had her vaccinated and spayed, and let her go.

It might seem harsh or "unfair," but most feral cats could never live happily indoors. It's different for kittens: they're young and impressionable. Once they've spent years outdoors, though, forcing them to adjust to indoor life is too tough.

Related: Feral Cat ‘Begs’ Kind Woman to Save Her Babies, and It’s a Match Made in Heaven

Sassa did exactly what she was supposed to do in this situation. Had the cat wanted to come inside too, she most likely would have allowed it. However, she didn't, and so now the goal is to give the kitten the best life possible and save more kittens:

My cat sitter named him Teddy, I will update once I hear word that he’s clear to adopt in Louisville 🥹 #tnr #catsoftiktok #kittensoftiktok #adoptdontshop #louisville

Teddy will hopefully be available for adoption soon. If you live close enough, you might even get Mama coming by for a visit!

Sassa knows what she's doing. She looks after an entire cat colony and does a ton of TNVR work. She knows everything there is to know about how to help feral cats and kittens —much more than the average person would know.

Oleg Elkov / Getty Images

Taking in a feral kitten is entirely different from adopting a kitten or buying one from a cattery. Feral kittens have a lot of unique challenges, including:

• Socialization needs beyond typical kittens
• Extra expenses dealing with vaccines and potential medical issues
• Difficulty keeping them indoors

Feral kittens need more time and energy than typical kittens a lot of the time. If that's not something you can offer them, it would be best to leave them to the professionals!

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

If you've been wanting to get a cat window so your kitty has a small version of a catio to play in during the day, then Walmart has a deal you'll want to check out.

The Haverchair Catio Cat Window is just $70 in two colors at Walmart: Brown and Gray.

The catio is made of sturdy solid wood materials and is designed to hold up to 44 pounds. It has triangular brackets that allows the catio to be securely fastened to a variety of house walls, and is "suitable for many types of windows, including top and bottom sliding windows," the manufacturer writes.

The catio has lockable double cat doors on both sides, and allows cats to enjoy a full, unhindered view of the outdoors through a metal mesh fence.

The catio's roof has a wavy design to prevent water from pooling and to block UV rays.

"My cats love it," one happy buyer writes.

Courtesy of Walmart

While the catio cat window only has 13 reviews so far on Walmart's website, all of the reviews rated this window a solid 5 out of 5 stars.

Two reviewers also included photos of their cats enjoying their time in the catio window.

"My cats love it and my boyfriend said it was so easy to assemble," one reviewer notes.

"We connected 3 of these and our indoor cats love them. They go from one room to another running after each other and have so much fun," another buyer writes.

One person raves that this is "easy to install" and "very easy to put together." They advise that they used "longer construction screws" to attach the window to their house, because they wanted higher quality screws.

"And if you need to add any more support be sure to drill before putting in a screw because the wood will splinter easily," they add.

They also suggest adding some "some type of netting or even chicken wire" to a small gap between the roof of the catio and the window, to ensure sneaky kitties can't squeeze through.

Overall, they say they've loved the catio and it was "way bigger than we both expected."

Walmart offers free shipping options on the Haverchair Cat Window Catio and free 30-day returns.

Related: Walmart's 'Purrfect' Catio with Wheels Is 'Really Nice and Sturdy'

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

This is the perfect time of year to attract hummingbirds to your backyard. And if you're hoping to see them up close, then you'll want to check out this great deal at Tractor Supply Co. The Nature's Way Window Hummingbird Feeder is only $10 at Tractor Supply (and buying it online with in-store pickup may make the price even lower!)

This little feeder packs a mighty punch. It's listed as $10 if you buy it with online delivery. But some stores are offering online purchases a limited in-store pickup for only $6!

The feeder comes with two strong suction cups to secure it to the window of your choice, so you can enjoy close-up viewing. It comes with three feeding ports and built-in perches, making it more attractive to little hummers.

The dish-style feeders have a bee-resistant design, and can detach from your window easily for simple refilling and cleaning. Buyers agree, with one person noting that "this little feeder is easy to see, clean and reattach."

The feeder has an 8-ounce capacity, and a UV-stabilized plastic reservoir that resists fading in sunlight and stays clear. The manufacturer notes: "Hummingbirds tongues can extend up to twice the length of their beak, allowing them to reach nectar in dish feeders, even when nectar levels are low."

Courtesy of Tractor Supply Co

Buyers say the feeder "works well." One person notes that while it does look "a little deep," they don't mind refilling it often enough to keep the nectar levels high. "I have several hummingbirds coming to this feeder every day! It's awesome to see them up close," they write.

Another buyer calls the feeder "window magic."

"The hummingbirds seem to like the feeder very much, coming back multiple times to feed," a third person shares.

Tractor Supply offers online delivery and free in-store pickup where available.

Related: Tractor Supply's 'Adorable' $20 Hummingbird Feeder Is a Whimsical Garden Upgrade

It's summer, and that means one thing. Whenever we can get by the water or to the beach, we should be taking full advantage and doing just that.

Butters, a long-haired Miniature Dachshund, clearly understands this rule and had the absolute best beach day. Sharing to their social media account, @butters_theweenie, Butters' beach day went totally viral, garnering more than 3.1 million views on the app.

His excitement is palpable through the screen, and we can't lie, we're completely jealous of what looks to be the absolute best day.

Butters first beach day! #puppy #dachshund #summer

Commenters on TikTok couldn't get enough of Butters, his joy, and the infectiously happy video.

"look at that happy face!"

"Core memory unlocked. 🔓"

"Maybe life really is sunshine and rainbows"

Here's to happy puppies, our toes in the sand, and both whenever we can have them!

When you bring home a new puppy, it's always a good idea to make sure you're creating an environment that is best suited for them. This, of course, includes their diet, which includes most dogs' favorite word: Their Treats.

There are different kinds of treats to consider when thinking about your pup's diet. When training, you want something high-value but low-calorie so that you can properly reward without going overboard. For teething, bully sticks and even frozen vegetables can be a great option for sore gums. Probiotics are great for sensitive stomachs, as well as things with limited ingredients.

No matter what, it's important to remember that treats should not exceed more than 10% of your puppy's calorie intake each day.

Whether you're at home or by the ocean, making sure you're feeding your puppy the right treats for them is very important. Not all puppies or treats are created equally, so making sure you're doing your research and talking to your vet is always the best course of action.

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Related: Sweet Senior Dachshund Named 'Mr. Ernie' Is Peak 'Living His Best Life'

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

Are you looking for a cute bird house to attract small feathered friends to your yard? Then check out this deal on an Amazon's Choice product.

The Natureylwl Store's Pine Wood Small Bird House is now just $12. According to the description, this bird house is designed for smaller wild birds, like hummingbirds, parakeets, chickadees, and little wrens.

This bird house is made of natural solid wood, so it's environmentally friendly and durable, breathable and great for all types of weather. The nesting box is ideally sized for smaller birds, the manufacturer notes, with an entrance that has a diameter of 9/10". This size "perfectly fits the body shape of hummingbirds."

The bird house has a small perch at the entrance for birds to stand on, where they can feed or protect their chicks.

"Easy to install, and birds have hatched, great quality," writes one happy buyer.

Courtesy of Amazon

Overall, the bird house has a 4.4 out of 5 star rating on Amazon. Buyers appreciate how easy it is to assemble and install, and the quality.

"It’s beautifully crafted, sturdy, and the perfect size for hummingbirds," writes one verified purchaser. "Since putting it up, I’ve noticed birds visiting almost daily, and it’s been wonderful to watch them up close. The design is charming and blends nicely in my garden, and it's easy to clean."

Buyers say this is "perfect for hanging in a tree," but it's also "good for mounting on a 4x4 post," if you prefer.

Note: the manufacturer lists this as also being a hummingbird house. However, multiple online references note that hummingbirds prefer open nests and don't typically use enclosed bird houses.

Amazon offers free 30-day refunds/replacements.

Related: Amazon's 'Sturdy and Safe' Cat Window Perch Is Just $22 — 'My Cats Adore This'

Some rescue dogs need weeks to settle into a new home. But Kerrigan — yes, that is a name a man gave his rescue pit bull — warmed up instantly. As her new dad explained in a Reddit post, "She's already sleeping in my bed. Laying on me on the couch. I don't think she can warm up anymore."

In that same post to r/dogpictures, he explained that he saved the pup from a shelter, added that it's his first dog, and named her Kerrigan.

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This lucky pit bull girl was abandoned earlier in the week when her former parent moved away.

Despite everything, she greeted her new life with a huge smile. As her new dad explained, "We gotta treat her for heartworms but she's gonna be okay. She's so well behaved for a shelter dog."

He paid just $25 to adopt her but decided to donate a little extra to the shelter anyway.

The StarCraft fans in the comments had a natural follow-up request. One fan wrote, "Please adopt one more and call him Raynor!" That would be the ultimate power couple. In StarCraft lore, Jim Raynor is Sarah Kerrigan's long-time ally and the obvious companion to complete the pair.

However, the answer was no. As Kerrigan's dad explained, "The apartment has a two-pet limit, and my girlfriend is moving in with her own dog."

The Swarm, it turns out, is capped at three.

Related: Lonely Shelter Dog Is 'Still Waiting' for Adoption After 185 Days, and We're Emotional

One look, and StarCraft fans will understand the reference. Kerrigan is a warm golden-brown pit bull mix with a white blaze running straight down the center of her face.

In the car photos from her first day, she is already leaning into her new dad like she has known him for years. She is wearing a green collar that somehow makes her look even more cheerful.

In one photo, her tongue hangs happily out the side of her mouth while she leans comfortably against her new dad. In another, we see her enjoying gentle head scratches during the ride home. Despite going through a huge change, she looks completely relaxed.

Her smile definitely doesn't give away that this dog was abandoned only a few days earlier.

Besides the name, fans joked that she is now part of the Swarm. One fan wrote, "A new member of the swarm! Both of the zerg and dog owners alike!" To that, Kerrigan's new dad wrote, "She's definitely a Zergling."

Even those who have never played StarCraft will appreciate the light-hearted exchange. It adds another layer of personality to a story that was already winning over people.

Related: Street Dog's 'Before' Rescue and 'After' Adoption Transformation Will Have You Crying Happy Tears