Dad logic is one heck of a tricky business. Ask them anything and they are likely to find a way to go about it—convincing your mom to pay your rent until you turn 35 is alright, but just try mentioning a pet and you've just served yourself a rant. ‘Cause dads don’t wanna see any of those filthy paws in da house until they actually get one.
You see, there are a whole bunch of jokes surfing around the internet about just how much dads adore their new pets and how easily they forget that "never ever" that they swore, like, a day ago.
Bored Panda has compiled a list, or rather solid evidence, that busted the dads who shouted the loudest but now love their little furballs more than they love their kids. And no, don’t try telling your parents that’s how it works. Part of the magic is that any dad would ever dare to accept it.
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Dad: We Are Not Feeding That Feral Cat. Also Dad: I Set Up A Heated Cat House In The Backyard And Put A Camera So We Can Make Sure She’s Home Safe Every Night
“We Can’t Keep It” - My Dad 10 Months Ago
No Matter How Much I Begged, My Dad Never Let Me Have A Pet When I Was Younger. This Is Him Dragging My Cat In A Box (Which He Named The “Kitty Express”) While Making Train Noises, And Laughing Like A Child
It turns out, the emotional connection between middle-aged men and pets is not just in our heads. Bored Panda spoke to Chris Blazina, a psychologist and professor at New Mexico State University College of Education, who researches the emotional and psychological connection between men and dogs.
He is also the author of two books: “When Man Meets Dog,” which was recognized with the National Indie Excellence Book Award in the Men’s Health category, and “Men And Their Dogs: A New Understanding of Man’s Best Friend.”
Chris told us that in Western culture, “there is a very rigid approach to what is considered ‘masculine’; these include being stoic, tough, and denying a need to emotionally bond with others.”
This results in a complex issue because for “all the rigid rules, men are still social creatures that are hardwired to make and sustain emotional bonds with others.” It explains why, in popular culture, depictions of "masculine" men bonding with cute little pets are so rare.
No Dogs!
No dogs will live in my house... so I'll make him one! And that's my last word!
Caught Him Hugging The Giant Dog He Didn't Want, He Was Also Singing The Dog His Own Personal Song
He Never Wanted A Dog. Four Days After They Met, She Helped Him To Recover From A Stroke
However, in reality, as men age, “their bond with their animal companions can take on a more complex and central role,” explained Chris.
He also added that it happens due to men’s social networks that are usually smaller. “As males age, they shrink to the size of a postage stamp—a romantic partner and if they are lucky, an animal companion,” said the professor. Hence, emotional support is dependent on very few connections.
Dad Went From "You're Taking Him With You When You Leave." To "Are You Really Gonna Take Him With You??"
“He’s Only Going To Be In The Way, I’ll Step On Him”
Dad: "No Animal Allowed In This House!". Also Dad:
If your dad appears to love the new family pet more than his kids, it may just be so. “In one study, 45% of middle-aged men were more likely to turn to their dogs in times of emotional support than any other connection—parents, friends, siblings, and adult children; the only bond that rivaled the one with a dog was their significant other,” said Chris.
What makes the matter even more difficult is that the research suggests that males tend to “mask and underreport their emotional behaviors and feelings for their dogs; for fear of being thought less manly.” This sense of convert intimacy is what many onlookers do not fully understand from the outside.
He’s Never Been A Dog Person. Ever. And Now My Dad Takes Yuki Sailing And Talks To Her Wherever They Go
“Shall we garden today? Ooh let’s dig a hole. Where shall we dig it? Over there! That’s good digging. Would you like a carrot? Some water? Shall we get the paper and do the crossword?”.
My Dad (79) Went From “I Don’t Want That Dang Cat” To Carrying Her To “Her Room” For Bed Each Night
He Was A Firm Opponent Of The Hairless Cat But Skin To Skin Is The Best Way To Connect
If Your Dad Didn’t Say “We Are Not Keeping The Cat” And Then Bond With Her And Love Her The Most Is He Even Your Dad?
It Took 3 Years To Convince Him Since "He's More Of A Cat Person." He Finally Agreed As Long As The Pup Wasn't Allowed On The Bed Or Furniture. This Is Now What I Wake Up To Every Morning
"That Brown Dog" Became "Brown Dog" Became "Mr. Brown" Became "Doc Brown Wants To Stay With Me When You Move Out." Doc Brown Did Move Out With Us, This Is Their First Reunion After About 6 Months
Dad - "I Dont Want A Dog!" Also Dad - "Gaston Need Is Own Bed And Night Table"
My Grumpy Dad When He Holds Up The Cat So She Can Look Out The Window
My Dad: I Don't Want Dogs In This House. Also My Dad:
I Wasn't Keen On Getting Cats ( I Can't Even Pet Them), I Now Watch Videos For Cats With Luna At Least Once A Day
My Dad Said No Dogs Ever Again After Our Last One Passed Several Years Ago. My Mom Has Always Wanted A Dachshund, But They Both Agreed To Wait Until Retirement. But He Recently Realized That “Life Is Too Short Not To Try To Make Her Smile Every Day”
My Father, Who Used To Hate Cats, And Linus, My Cat
My Dad: Can We Return It??? If We Keep It, It Can’t Go On The Furniture And I Want Nothing To Do With It. My Dad, Out Loud, More Days Later: “Let’s Move This Pillow To Give You More Room. Are You Comfy? Do You Want Some Pets? Let’s Read Together”
My Dad Dressed "The Dog He Didn't Want" In My Childhood Dress He Kept For His First Grand Daughter
Hubs Was Never A Cat Person. Now He Tells Me How They Individually Like To Be Pet, And They All Behave And Don’t Fight When Sitting By Daddy. I Don’t Know Who Trained Who
My Dad Didn’t Want A Dog. I Watched Him Cry At The Shelter When This Guy Sat On His Lap. I Knew It Was All Over. Welcome Home Beni
I feel that some dads are just too scared of becoming emotionally involved because pets are most likely to pass before we do....
Dad Didn’t Want A Dog. Dad And The Dog:
In 7 Months We've Progressed From "We're Not Getting A Dog. Period." To This
My Dad Who “Didn’t Want A Cat” Showing Lucas Every Item Of The Weekly Shop Because “He Wants To See What We’ve Got”
My Husband, The Life Long Cat Hater. He Found Crookshanks Abandoned On A Job And Offered Some Token Resistance When I Wanted To Bring Him Home. Six Months In And While They've Been Tight Since Day 1, He Often Remarks That Crook Is The Weirdest Dog He's Ever Had
My Dad Complains That Remus Lays In His Lap Anytime He Sits Down. This Is The Smile I Got After Saying How Jealous I Am
Apparently My Dad Now Plays Guitar Every Night For The Cats He Never Wanted To Adopt
My Husband "Doesn't Like Cats" And Refused To Let Me Get A Kitty For The Longest Time. He Now Gives The Kitten A Dab Of Cream Cheese Every Morning And Naps With Him On The Couch... But Maintains That He Doesn't Like The Little Dude
Update, Over A Year After Dad Finally Said Ok To Our (His) Cat, Here Is Big Mechanic Dad Enjoying The Fall Fire With His Little Boy
My Dad Who Did Not Want Pets Comforting A Scared Pup On His First Vet Trip
I think sometimes grown man dont want a pet because deep down they know they will get attached and feel so much love for them, it scares them to become a soft hearted person. I dont know if that makes sense. My dad never wanted a cat at first, he hated the idea. Then we got our cat and when she died at 13 years old from cancer, my dad cried like a child. Ive never seen him cry in his life.
Dad: I Don't Want A Pet, So Stop Pestering Me About It. Also Dad: Please Go On Vacation So I Can Hang Out With My Grandson Again
"I'm A Cat Person," He Said. Now, "Where's Penny?! I Need Penny! I Can't Sleep Without My Doggy!"
Penny was blessed to be there. Isn't that a superhero cape on your dad?
My Dad: I Want Nothing To Do With That Pile Of Hair. Also My Dad: Let Me Build Him His Dog House With My Own Two Hands, Complete With Stairs And A Dog Door Leading Into The House So He Can Have His Own Room And His Own Bathroom
“We Are Never Getting A Cat” - My Husband
My Dad Always Talks Smack About My Cat And I Come Into The Living Room To Find This
My Dad Claims He Doesn’t Love Our Dog, But He Built This End Table With A Little Hut For Her. If That’s Not Love, I Don’t Know What Is
My Dad After He Said “Keep The Damn Cat Off The Bed”
Puffy cloud ☁️ has entered the bed. Warning ⚠️: Cats are not allowed. Puffy cloud has not been accepted as a cat. Entered the bed.
Dad: "If We Get A Tortoise I'm Not Looking After It" Also Dad: "Get Comfy, Hector, And Let Me Show You Pictures Of Your Brethren"
My Dad: No, We’re Not Getting Another Dog!! Also My Dad:
“If You Get A New Puppy, I Won’t Want Anything To Do With It. I Won’t Let It Out. I Won’t Touch It. I Won’t Feed It. You’re Fully Responsible. I Want Nothing To Do It With. Deal?”
I Present To You, My Dad Who Didn’t Want Another Dog
My Dad Says He “Doesn’t Like Animals” Including Hammie
“A Dog Will Never Be Allowed In My Car Or On My Bed” - My Dad
My Boyfriend Who Thought All Cats Were Evil Is Now Doing Indoor Rock Climbing To Reach Her. Why? Cause He Wanted To Kiss Her Forehead
My Dad's Officially Part Of The Club. He Told We Would Not Be Taking A Dog Home Today. This Is Him Hours Later
He Regularly Makes Fires Specifically For The Cat Because She Likes To Sleep In Front Of Them In This Chair
You can't help loving something when that something loves you so completely.
Me...I'm not keeping an indoor cat, because I hate the smell of a litter box and refuse to deal with it. So, a little black feral cat walks in through the pet flap and takes over the house, teaches the dogs good manners, and never needs a litter box because she goes outside. 15 years, still frisky as a kitten, best cat ever.
and she never knocks anything over, either. RoomMates-...b3c695.jpg
Load More Replies...After moving out of my childhood home and taking the dog my dad "never wanted" with me across the country, my dad would call my landline while I was at work everyday just to leave sweet, lengthy messages on my voicemail... for the dog.
This gallery so much reminds me of my grandparents. They used to have a cocker spaniel that passed away 20 years ago and they didn´t want to get another dog. They just kept resisting to our mentions that a new doggy would be a good friend for them. Then one day (it was my granddad´s birthday) we bought them a new dog - cocker spaniel (again). The moment my granddad saw the dog he was like "What is this? No, no way, take it away, absolutely not in this house." 10 minutes later my granddad was holding the dog in his arms, speechless and in tears. Now they are the best friends and Monty follows him everywhere he goes. That´s just older men and their pet kids :-)
What a beautiful story, well done and all the best for Monty and granddad
Load More Replies...animals are so important for your health and happiness! I don't know in which condition my 82yo dad would be without our dog. The dog is the reason to get up and go outside even if he doesn't feel well.
It is kind of dangerous when the men in your life agree too easily to getting pets. Me to my husband: We need a rabbit, him: Okay. Me to my husband: the dogs won't play Hendrix, we need to get him a girlfriend, him: Okay. Me to my husband: So there are these birds, him: Okay. Me to my husband: Why the hell do we have so many animals, I am so sick of cleaning the floors, my husband: Because the are f*****g adorable and stop shouting, you are scaring the children.
My husband, who didn't want a dog... who now takes long walks with her every day 20200308_1...6b1634.jpg
Think I read somewhere that cats allowed them to be domesticated, so they could be looked after: Clever felids, very clever.
A beautiful collection. This was me with my mum and our cat. Brought her home in my second year of secondary school when I was 15 and she said the cat would be gone in a week. The cat sleeps next to her on a special pillow, almost 16 years later. Unfortunately her tumour came back. I will sell a few unnecessary things to get enough money together, but she is worth it.
Very nice dad collection. Men are always more attractive when they're giving love.
I scooped up a scrawny, flea bitten, parasite ridden little tortie kitten off the street. I already had 4 cats so her stay with me had to be temporary. I got her healthy then, after great effort, talked my ex, who I'm still friends with, into taking her. It took less than 48 hours for him to fall head over heels. My response: "when are you going to finally realize I know what you need even if you don't?" I still give him hell about it 8 years later. I swing by to feed her sometimes when he goes out of town. Every time he asks me I'm all "oh, you mean that cat you 'definitely' didn't need?" All good natured kidding aside, I'm very glad I found her and that he's given her a really great life.
My FIL swears he hates cats. Hates 'em. Every day, he sings to his cat as he gives her the medication she needs, and if she needs a lap, guess whose lap she owns? Yep. But he "hates cats".
my father was a "we don't need another dog" after our last one passed. when we went to meet our new dog she greeted him first and he is her favorite. When we get donuts she gets her own and he even writes her name on the bag so we all know. She naps with him in the afternoon and lately he's been picking her up outside my window so she can see inside where I'm working.
After reading the comments and learning that these men don't want to initially open their hearts because they know they'll be devastated when the pet passed has never dawned on me before. I am totally destroyed and darn these onion cutting ninjas!
Similar. I used to be afraid of CHIHUAHUAS, but then we got my dog. I now love dogs.
This is always one of my favorite subjects. My father loves dogs and we always had one.
To be honest, all these dads put up with 20+ years of you being you, especially the first years when it was just noise stench and anger coming off you then it went downhill... So they're all pleasantly surprised and therefore accepting of their new fate.
My dad used to complain about the neighborhood dogs coming into the yard and hanging out around the house...one day I witnessed him sneaking them treats while (he thought) no one was looking. A few days later, I discovered his stash. He had a jar in the garage that he filled with treats for the neighborhood doggos that stopped by. Pretty adorable.
Fun Fact: Archeologist were conducting a dig on a mass grave. They found canine bones buried alongside human bones suggesting that the animals were domesticated. They carbon dated the bones and found that they were around 14,000 years old, making them the earliest evidence of humans keeping pets. Cats are only around 7,000 but still imagine that? How much time we've spent evolving side by side.
My uncle hated animals before they got their puppy. Now, they're best friends
What a heart-warming grouping of pics and stories. Love all the love 💕💕💕
This is a fabulous compilation. Unconditional love whether it is a Hammie, Doggie, Cat, Bird or whatever animal has adopted you. Be thankful. They are all wonderful companions.
The love shown for these wonderful creatures (the quadrupeds) brought me to tears.
With such good hearts, next week you will have universal healthcare and the stolen money given back to Saudi Arabia, Japan and Ukraine. Could you make it wednesday, for maximum press coverage?
Such delightful dads. These stories and images shows big hearted dear men.
My 2 year old dog Lewis absolutely adores my ex and the feeling is mutual. This is my ex of 20+ years mind you that I remain on good terms with. Lewis’s joy when he comes to the house and the hugs they share when greeting each other never ceases to amaze me given we never had a dog when together as they were too much trouble.
A wonderful post, must have been difficult, to choose for the post, so many terrific ones, good that there were cats and dogs, a great selection, thanks panda !!!
This made me very emotional. My dad was never very affectionate and now his bonding with our cats Elena and Nega is just one of the purest forms of love I've seen.
Our multipoo was in labor, and delivered the placenta first, then when she seemed to stop labor, we took her to the vet for an emergency c-section. Called 3x over the next 3 hours. Finally the receptionist said they were just taking the cat back. Sadly, they waited too long and the puppies died. Enter: a friend with newborn kittens. She gave our dog a newborn kitten, and the dog thought she was her puppy. She took care of that kitten and nursed her, and my grandkids named the kitten "Puppy." Now Puppy is bigger than her doggy mom!
"Until you have been loved by an animal, you will never truly understand unconditional love."
I love all of these. I had a dad just like them. I think they're tough talk is just that, upholding the image they think they should present, but the humanity takes over very quickly. 💙💜
Our neighbour never wanted a pet. Their three children brought a puppy once. Their dad tried to pretend to be a tough guy. When we see him, we hear: "What the f..g dog is doing here...". And when he thinks he is alone: "Come Alma wanna some sausage I give you big hug..."
You can't help loving something when that something loves you so completely.
Me...I'm not keeping an indoor cat, because I hate the smell of a litter box and refuse to deal with it. So, a little black feral cat walks in through the pet flap and takes over the house, teaches the dogs good manners, and never needs a litter box because she goes outside. 15 years, still frisky as a kitten, best cat ever.
and she never knocks anything over, either. RoomMates-...b3c695.jpg
Load More Replies...After moving out of my childhood home and taking the dog my dad "never wanted" with me across the country, my dad would call my landline while I was at work everyday just to leave sweet, lengthy messages on my voicemail... for the dog.
This gallery so much reminds me of my grandparents. They used to have a cocker spaniel that passed away 20 years ago and they didn´t want to get another dog. They just kept resisting to our mentions that a new doggy would be a good friend for them. Then one day (it was my granddad´s birthday) we bought them a new dog - cocker spaniel (again). The moment my granddad saw the dog he was like "What is this? No, no way, take it away, absolutely not in this house." 10 minutes later my granddad was holding the dog in his arms, speechless and in tears. Now they are the best friends and Monty follows him everywhere he goes. That´s just older men and their pet kids :-)
What a beautiful story, well done and all the best for Monty and granddad
Load More Replies...animals are so important for your health and happiness! I don't know in which condition my 82yo dad would be without our dog. The dog is the reason to get up and go outside even if he doesn't feel well.
It is kind of dangerous when the men in your life agree too easily to getting pets. Me to my husband: We need a rabbit, him: Okay. Me to my husband: the dogs won't play Hendrix, we need to get him a girlfriend, him: Okay. Me to my husband: So there are these birds, him: Okay. Me to my husband: Why the hell do we have so many animals, I am so sick of cleaning the floors, my husband: Because the are f*****g adorable and stop shouting, you are scaring the children.
My husband, who didn't want a dog... who now takes long walks with her every day 20200308_1...6b1634.jpg
Think I read somewhere that cats allowed them to be domesticated, so they could be looked after: Clever felids, very clever.
A beautiful collection. This was me with my mum and our cat. Brought her home in my second year of secondary school when I was 15 and she said the cat would be gone in a week. The cat sleeps next to her on a special pillow, almost 16 years later. Unfortunately her tumour came back. I will sell a few unnecessary things to get enough money together, but she is worth it.
Very nice dad collection. Men are always more attractive when they're giving love.
I scooped up a scrawny, flea bitten, parasite ridden little tortie kitten off the street. I already had 4 cats so her stay with me had to be temporary. I got her healthy then, after great effort, talked my ex, who I'm still friends with, into taking her. It took less than 48 hours for him to fall head over heels. My response: "when are you going to finally realize I know what you need even if you don't?" I still give him hell about it 8 years later. I swing by to feed her sometimes when he goes out of town. Every time he asks me I'm all "oh, you mean that cat you 'definitely' didn't need?" All good natured kidding aside, I'm very glad I found her and that he's given her a really great life.
My FIL swears he hates cats. Hates 'em. Every day, he sings to his cat as he gives her the medication she needs, and if she needs a lap, guess whose lap she owns? Yep. But he "hates cats".
my father was a "we don't need another dog" after our last one passed. when we went to meet our new dog she greeted him first and he is her favorite. When we get donuts she gets her own and he even writes her name on the bag so we all know. She naps with him in the afternoon and lately he's been picking her up outside my window so she can see inside where I'm working.
After reading the comments and learning that these men don't want to initially open their hearts because they know they'll be devastated when the pet passed has never dawned on me before. I am totally destroyed and darn these onion cutting ninjas!
Similar. I used to be afraid of CHIHUAHUAS, but then we got my dog. I now love dogs.
This is always one of my favorite subjects. My father loves dogs and we always had one.
To be honest, all these dads put up with 20+ years of you being you, especially the first years when it was just noise stench and anger coming off you then it went downhill... So they're all pleasantly surprised and therefore accepting of their new fate.
My dad used to complain about the neighborhood dogs coming into the yard and hanging out around the house...one day I witnessed him sneaking them treats while (he thought) no one was looking. A few days later, I discovered his stash. He had a jar in the garage that he filled with treats for the neighborhood doggos that stopped by. Pretty adorable.
Fun Fact: Archeologist were conducting a dig on a mass grave. They found canine bones buried alongside human bones suggesting that the animals were domesticated. They carbon dated the bones and found that they were around 14,000 years old, making them the earliest evidence of humans keeping pets. Cats are only around 7,000 but still imagine that? How much time we've spent evolving side by side.
My uncle hated animals before they got their puppy. Now, they're best friends
What a heart-warming grouping of pics and stories. Love all the love 💕💕💕
This is a fabulous compilation. Unconditional love whether it is a Hammie, Doggie, Cat, Bird or whatever animal has adopted you. Be thankful. They are all wonderful companions.
The love shown for these wonderful creatures (the quadrupeds) brought me to tears.
With such good hearts, next week you will have universal healthcare and the stolen money given back to Saudi Arabia, Japan and Ukraine. Could you make it wednesday, for maximum press coverage?
Such delightful dads. These stories and images shows big hearted dear men.
My 2 year old dog Lewis absolutely adores my ex and the feeling is mutual. This is my ex of 20+ years mind you that I remain on good terms with. Lewis’s joy when he comes to the house and the hugs they share when greeting each other never ceases to amaze me given we never had a dog when together as they were too much trouble.
A wonderful post, must have been difficult, to choose for the post, so many terrific ones, good that there were cats and dogs, a great selection, thanks panda !!!
This made me very emotional. My dad was never very affectionate and now his bonding with our cats Elena and Nega is just one of the purest forms of love I've seen.
Our multipoo was in labor, and delivered the placenta first, then when she seemed to stop labor, we took her to the vet for an emergency c-section. Called 3x over the next 3 hours. Finally the receptionist said they were just taking the cat back. Sadly, they waited too long and the puppies died. Enter: a friend with newborn kittens. She gave our dog a newborn kitten, and the dog thought she was her puppy. She took care of that kitten and nursed her, and my grandkids named the kitten "Puppy." Now Puppy is bigger than her doggy mom!
"Until you have been loved by an animal, you will never truly understand unconditional love."
I love all of these. I had a dad just like them. I think they're tough talk is just that, upholding the image they think they should present, but the humanity takes over very quickly. 💙💜
Our neighbour never wanted a pet. Their three children brought a puppy once. Their dad tried to pretend to be a tough guy. When we see him, we hear: "What the f..g dog is doing here...". And when he thinks he is alone: "Come Alma wanna some sausage I give you big hug..."