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Fire up our latest collection of funny parenting tweets and you'll know that moms and dads never get tired. Or, who knows, maybe you even have a little bundle of joy to remind you of that every single day.

Either way, we humans aren't the only ones who have to nurture our young. Far from it. And there's a fresh Twitter thread that beautifully illustrates this universal experience.

It all started when Shawna B shared a picture of a fluffy little family. "One of my favorite very specific image genres is cats that look completely unprepared for the realities of parenthood," she tweeted.

It quickly went viral, receiving over 350K likes and 50K retweets, and many people started responding to it with equally cute photos of animal parents. Continue scrolling to check them out!

#2

Dad Passed Out After A Long Day With The Kids

Dad Passed Out After A Long Day With The Kids

Марина Фомичева Report

The amount of time animals spend with their parents vary tremendously. It's not very common, but there are a few species who stick around mom for a long time—or even their whole lives.

The orangutan, for example, tends to do everything slowly, including leaving home. According to Helen Morrough-Bernard, a primatologist at the U.K.'s University of Exeter, the great apes give birth only once every 7 to 8 years, and the youngster will sometimes nurse until six years old—about the time a new baby comes along.

#3

The Joy Of Motherhood

The Joy Of Motherhood

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#4

Imitation Expert

Imitation Expert

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Most orangutan moms let the older offspring stay together for up to three years after the infant is born, but some chase the juveniles off after six months.

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When the new arrival comes, the older sibling will "go off exploring on their own and may stay out overnight," Morrough-Bernard told National Geographic.

"I like to think of this as like a teenager going off to university and coming back in the holidays. They are not truly independent but are trying out their independence."

#6

Baby Sheep Sleeping On Its Mother

Baby Sheep Sleeping On Its Mother

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#7

Kids

Kids

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Otter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG, I saw a baby rhino once, in the huge savannah habitat at the San Diego Animal Park! The mother was just standing there like a boulder, like your typical adult rhino, while the baby charged around and around her like an Olympic track team on amphetamines. It was still at it when we left.

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The African elephant world is another interesting case, as it revolves around women. The oldest, largest female is typically the leader, and females stay with their natal herd their whole lives.

Males leave their family group between age 9 and 18, and since a wild elephant's lifespan is about 56, that could mean up to a third of his life is spent at home.

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#9

Mom And Baby. Pure Happiness

Mom And Baby. Pure Happiness

danielbenitez1990 Report

Like in elephant society, female lions "are the stable social structure of the pride, and it's the males that come and go, taking over prides," Ed Spevak, curator of invertebrates at the St. Louis Zoo who has also studied African animals, explained.

Male lions always disperse for other groups in this fission-fusion society, and about one-third of females will go off to other prides.

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While the animal kingdom is full of wonderful moms who care for their offspring, often putting their children above themselves, some take a very different approach.

Most lizards, for instance, "deposit their eggs, cover them, immediately forget they did that and move along," Nassima Bouzid, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Washington, said.

#15

When You Find Out You're Pregnant

When You Find Out You're Pregnant

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#16

Caught This At My Parents' House. Just Cruizin' With Mama

Caught This At My Parents' House. Just Cruizin' With Mama

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#17

Pretending To Be His Mother

Pretending To Be His Mother

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#18

Just One Of The Guys

Just One Of The Guys

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Mxd Chx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow! That's a LOT of puppies!! Not to mention the freeloader. Lol

Eiram
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had two dogs and a cat have litters within a week, by two weeks it didn't matter who was feeding who. Cat, dog... all mixed up.

April Caron
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But seriously… forget the added kitten… how many puppies does this poor dog have???

Joanne Nunziato
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful but heartbreaking. What's wrong with people not spaying/neutering their animals. Where will these puppies wind up. This looks like a sad situation. Come on people, there r so many low costs rescues around, or are u going to be selling them? I pray to God your not.

MyCatsTheRealPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd rather they sell them or at least get a rehoming fee to know that they are going to a good home than give the away! I can't imagine them being able to take good care of them all. That's a lot. However I agree I think breeding for profit is wrong and so is not spaying and neutering. However, we don't know their situation so we shouldn't judge. This could have been a rescue situation or anything.

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Zophra
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This seems like a really big litter (not counting the cute orange one). I though 8-10 was expected. Is this still in the normal range?

Linda HS
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Geeezzz, stop breeding doggos! Poor dog! How many puppies she has!!

Rosemary Bartolini
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did all of these puppies come out of that one dog?? holy ___ Someone call Guiness!

thEBOrdeSTpaNDA
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

🎶You're a sneaky little impostor aren't you? Aren't you?🎶...🎶But you're among us, I can feel it, I can feel it in my bones🎶...🎶so why don't you show yourself, and leave us all alone?🎶 Anyone else heard that song?

Claudia Lorenz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why do this to a dog? As if we don't have enough pets needing homes. And then you have irresponsible people who breed more puppies. Do better.

MyCatsTheRealPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you! Totally agree! There are so many animals in this world that need homes, I think it is gross that people bring more into it for money. It's not surprising but it's disgusting. Then the fact that they have no idea much of the time where those puppies they sold are going to end up or how their life will be. It makes me so angry. People don't want to spend the money to spay and neuter but when they're feeding 10 puppies or dogs that they can't or didn't find homes for they realize it would have probably been cheaper to just get them fixed. The only ones who suffer in the end are the animals.

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Weim Central
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yikes! Please make sure mom gets supplements to her diet! She's doing a lot of work!

SG108
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't I have enough to feed and you have to add another one???

somnomania
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

lord that's so many puppies, they have to be supplementing with bottle feedings for that many. i count 14, not including the kitten!

Karen Kaiser
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think someone switched my baby. Hubby and I aren't redheads.

Kim Bush
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please consider having your dog or cat spade/neutered, this world does not need more homeless animals.

Linda Moffitt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of these things is not like the other, one of these things doesn't belong.

Emilie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is my face when I'm walking up to school and end up with a random kid tagging along, who the hell do you belong to? And why am I responsible for you now??

Betsy Novack
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's like the ice cream truck on a summer day. And this is just one block.

HarriMissesScotland
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My sister had 2 ferals that gave birth on her porch within a couple of days of each other. She was able to bring them in. One had just one HUGE kitten, the other had 5. one went and stole the single kitten. We would put him back, but finally his mom gave up. He grew up to be monster boy.

Shalonda Brantley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

PAHAHAHAHAHAAAA😂..."HEY whats everybody doin,lemme in here I wanna see"😂 SOOOO CUTE💖😆

Celeste
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh wow that's a lot of puppies 😳 oh look, a kitty! 😻

MyCatsTheRealPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm against breeding as well but we don't know what the situation is here. This could have been a rescue situation or they could have just brought the dog and pups outside for some fresh air. Many people have pens outside they just use for the dogs to get exercise and fresh air.

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Because they have a cloaca, an opening for their reproductive, digestive, and urinary systems, lizards might even think the eggs are "an uncomfortable and weird poop," and never think about it again.

Bouzid said the lack of parental care in most lizards may simply be part of a strategy to have as many offspring as possible in hopes that at least some will survive.

#19

A Stray Cat Decided To Bring Its Kitten Into My House Today. The Kitten Was Extremely Aggressive But The Mom Was Surprisingly Chill

A Stray Cat Decided To Bring Its Kitten Into My House Today. The Kitten Was Extremely Aggressive But The Mom Was Surprisingly Chill

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Dinosaur
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

mother kitty: i didnt raise you like this ferocious kitty : i got my dads attitude

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#20

Sleep

Sleep

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LittleLiz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Big dog: "for maximum comfort, sleep like this." Baby dogs: "ok I guess we'll try it... Hold on... Oh my gosh this is so comfy!"

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#21

Being A Mother, No Matter How Tired You Are, Kids Are Always Important To You

Being A Mother, No Matter How Tired You Are, Kids Are Always Important To You

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But one lizard species goes even further—not only do their young never see the parents, they never see any adults of their species at all.

At least one population of The Labord's chameleon of southwest Madagascar's dry forests "will lay all of their eggs before winter. The eggs will then hatch just before the summer rains," Bouzid said.

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The eggs spend eight to nine months developing and in the meantime, the adults will have aged and died.

#23

Back To Front - Dad, Mom, Brother, Brother, And Sister. A Family Snuggle

Back To Front - Dad, Mom, Brother, Brother, And Sister. A Family Snuggle

MrFergusonWntBowling Report

#25

The Apple Doesn't Fall Too Far From The Tree

The Apple Doesn't Fall Too Far From The Tree

HMfly Report

Interestingly, many insects actually receive parental care. But not moths and butterflies. They lay their eggs on host plants and leave their offspring to whatever the world throws at them.

"Some lay their eggs near ant nests and the ants take care of the caterpillars. It's like Moses in miniature," Katy Prudic, an entomologist at the University of Arizona, said.

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#28

"Of All The Places He Could Sleep On, It Just Had To Be My Head"

"Of All The Places He Could Sleep On, It Just Had To Be My Head"

NutritionStrength Report

They can be really cunning. Let's also look at the caterpillar of the large blue butterfly.

It secretes a sweet substance attractive to a particular species of red ant and makes itself smell like an ant larvae so the ant takes it back to its nest with its own brood, which the caterpillar then eats.

#30

Six-Week-Old Leopard Cub Jumping On Its Mother In The Okavango Delta In Botswana

Six-Week-Old Leopard Cub Jumping On Its Mother In The Okavango Delta In Botswana

suzieszterhas Report

#33

“I’ve Had Puppies And This Is My Life Now?”

“I’ve Had Puppies And This Is My Life Now?”

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Some young have a natural defense to protect themselves from predators via toxic chemicals from their host plant—and others have pitch-perfect camouflage.

The common lytrosis of eastern North America, for example, can perfectly disguise itself as a twig. And if it happens to fall off its background branch, it can use its silk to attach a "zip line" and pull back up.

They might not have someone to give them a hug like the boys and girls in these pictures, but at least they got an evolutionary "inheritance" from their parents to survive!

#36

Mama Maybel With Her 3-Week-Old Kid, Scout, At Goats Of Anarchy Sanctuary. Maybel Had 4 Kids At The Same Time So She's A Busy Mama

Mama Maybel With Her 3-Week-Old Kid, Scout, At Goats Of Anarchy Sanctuary. Maybel Had 4 Kids At The Same Time So She's A Busy Mama

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#39

I Love You Mommy

I Love You Mommy

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#40

Baby Iguana Hanging Out With Its Mom

Baby Iguana Hanging Out With Its Mom

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glowworm2
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s not actually a baby. I think it’s actually another smaller species of lizard if I remember correctly.

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#42

Proud Momma

Proud Momma

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Dinosaur
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

1... 2.... 3.... 4... 12 puppies also idk if thats a smile of scaring of people

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#43

The Face Of Parenthood

The Face Of Parenthood

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Dinosaur
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

bigger cat: mum why did you give me a punishment when that baby hit me first. kitty: *time for precious eyes how fully she will show her favoritism to me again*

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#44

A Definition Of Parenthood In A Picture

A Definition Of Parenthood In A Picture

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#45

Mama Brown Bear Snuggling With Her Cubs

Mama Brown Bear Snuggling With Her Cubs

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#46

The Joys Of Motherhood

The Joys Of Motherhood

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#47

Big “I Haven’t Slept In Days” Energy

Big “I Haven’t Slept In Days” Energy

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Dinosaur
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

uve drained me of milk so can you please leave me alone so i can eat food

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#54

I Guess This Is My Life Now

I Guess This Is My Life Now

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Shelby Jackson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is how it was for my dachshund too! She would walk around the house with pups hanging on!

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#55

Overworked Momma

Overworked Momma

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Kay blue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cats can fall asleep and nurse at the same time, I wish us humans could do that.

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#56

Chewing Mom's Tail Until She Pays Attention

Chewing Mom's Tail Until She Pays Attention

Ehansaja Report

#60

So My Bulldog Seems To Be Pretty Proud Of His Son

So My Bulldog Seems To Be Pretty Proud Of His Son

STARER_OF_CAMELTOES Report

#62

"Stressed? What Do You Mean? I Am Not Stressed. Do I Look Stressed?"

"Stressed? What Do You Mean? I Am Not Stressed. Do I Look Stressed?"

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#63

My Cat's Reaction To Having Kittens For The First Time

My Cat's Reaction To Having Kittens For The First Time

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#64

My New Foster Momma With Her Babies

My New Foster Momma With Her Babies

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#66

Mom Noms

Mom Noms

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Francine Govan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mom makes exaggerated pain face and noises, to encourage the pup! :)

#67

My Dad's Dog Just Had 11 Pups

My Dad's Dog Just Had 11 Pups

April_loves_James Report

#70

The Mother Is The World's Share Warrior - Who Struggles To Keep The Child On Her Head

The Mother Is The World's Share Warrior - Who Struggles To Keep The Child On Her Head

JuliaGulia76 Report

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#71

First Day Of Motherhood. She’s Exhausted

First Day Of Motherhood. She’s Exhausted

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#72

Momma Clearly Has A Message For Her Little One

Momma Clearly Has A Message For Her Little One

markclagrange Report

#74

Motherhood Can Be A Pain In The Back

Motherhood Can Be A Pain In The Back

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#75

No Milk There, Kid

No Milk There, Kid

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#78

Now They Have To Share This Window

Now They Have To Share This Window

M7rusa Report

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#79

My Cat Being Overwhelmed By Nursing The Newborn Kittens

My Cat Being Overwhelmed By Nursing The Newborn Kittens

VanierDe Report

#81

The Beginning Of Fatherhood

The Beginning Of Fatherhood

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#85

Three Weeks Old And I Think The Kittens Nearly Outweigh Mama By Mass

Three Weeks Old And I Think The Kittens Nearly Outweigh Mama By Mass

OVEiTeNt Report

#86

My GF's Cat Might Be Regretting Motherhood

My GF's Cat Might Be Regretting Motherhood

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#87

First Days After Giving Birth vs. One Month After. Mom's Still Questioning All Her Decisions

First Days After Giving Birth vs. One Month After. Mom's Still Questioning All Her Decisions

nievedpistache , nievedpistache Report

#88

Snickers Is A Proud (Anxious) Mama To 6 Adorable Pups

Snickers Is A Proud (Anxious) Mama To 6 Adorable Pups

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#89

The Face Of Motherhood

The Face Of Motherhood

chelsearain Report

#91

Oldie But A Goodie. My Cat Bluebell Completely Overwhelmed By The Duties Of Motherhood

Oldie But A Goodie. My Cat Bluebell Completely Overwhelmed By The Duties Of Motherhood

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#92

She’s Done With Motherhood Already

She’s Done With Motherhood Already

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#94

Two Weeks Into Motherhood, Mimi Needed A Break

Two Weeks Into Motherhood, Mimi Needed A Break

Leoklank1 Report

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Hannah Edwards
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Took my Boston out for a walk because I thought that she needed a motherhood break, she refused to go further than the end of our street, then hurried home.

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#95

Poor Mama

Poor Mama

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#96

Life Decisions Are Flashing Before Her Eyes

 Life Decisions Are Flashing Before Her Eyes

DidiCarisma Report

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Cold Contagious
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She's like, did this really just happen 😳, did that thing just come out of there? No, oh no, how did this happen...

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#97

My Dog's Face About Sums Up Motherhood

My Dog's Face About Sums Up Motherhood

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#98

Reality Of Parenthood

Reality Of Parenthood

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#100

The Luxuries You Give Up In Parenthood

The Luxuries You Give Up In Parenthood

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#101

Mama Needs Patience With These Rascals

Mama Needs Patience With These Rascals

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#102

The World's Biggest Pitbull Cuddles Up To His Adorable New Litter

The World's Biggest Pitbull Cuddles Up To His Adorable New Litter

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Catarina
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such a tired face....you're beautifull even when you haven't slept for days....

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#105

Guess I Am A Puppy Pillow Now

Guess I Am A Puppy Pillow Now

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My O My
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*as long as the kid is quiet I'll put up with this

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#106

I Think My Sister's Dog Is Regretting Motherhood

I Think My Sister's Dog Is Regretting Motherhood

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#107

Dad Feeding The Young Ones

Dad Feeding The Young Ones

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#108

Mother And Her Kids

Mother And Her Kids

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#109

When The Baby Won't Sit Still You Sit On It. Oh, Is That Not How Parenting Works? My Bad

When The Baby Won't Sit Still You Sit On It. Oh, Is That Not How Parenting Works? My Bad

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#111

My Friend's Cat Had Kittens

My Friend's Cat Had Kittens

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Cecily Holland
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Your best friend is an irresponsible jerk for not spaying their cat

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#112

She Looks Terrified Of Motherhood In This Photo

She Looks Terrified Of Motherhood In This Photo

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#113

My Friend's Cat Had The Exact Same Expression

My Friend's Cat Had The Exact Same Expression

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#114

The Look

The Look

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Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had a broody hen who kept trying to incubate two unfertilised eggs, so one night we sneakily switched them out for two chicks. It worked - next day she was out in the yard with her new babies, proud as anything! She raised them both beautifully.

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#116

The Look Of Parenthood

The Look Of Parenthood

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moose man
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dog lookin like she hasn’t had any sleep in a few days going bug eyed

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#118

5 Weeks Today. This Doesn't Happen Often, But She Will Tolerate Them For A Bit. She Does Think Twice Before Jumping In, Though. Poor Girl

5 Weeks Today. This Doesn't Happen Often, But She Will Tolerate Them For A Bit. She Does Think Twice Before Jumping In, Though. Poor Girl

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#119

Help Me

Help Me

Animal shelter ''Second home'' Report

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#120

She Wasn’t Ready

She Wasn’t Ready

MrDidget Report

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ohjojo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well then pixie should have said no. She'll still make a good mama

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