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Few things are cuter than hearing the sound of paws hitting the floor when your dog runs to greet you at the door or watching your cat purr lovingly in your lap. While a pet—any pet—is a huge responsibility, they are also an immense joy, a part of the family, making life just a little bit more exciting when they’re around; which, in some cases, can be up to 10, 15, or even 20 years.
Today, we want to celebrate the beloved pets that accompany their owners through many ups and downs over the years. We have put together a list of some of the cutest ‘then and now’ pics of critters posing with their favorite humans, showing just how loyal and loving they are; so scroll down to find the pictures below, but view them at your own risk – some of them might simply be too cute.
Below you will also find Bored Panda’s interview with Dr. Anastasia Stellato, an Assistant Professor in Companion Animal Science at Texas Tech University, who was kind enough to answer a few of our questions about the human-animal bond.
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#1
How I Met My Human
Jesse 1 year ago
That kitty looked so sad and tiny in the first pic, I'm glad he found a loving home
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#2
Received My Cat, Chandni, For My 10th Birthday. I Turned 30 Yesterday, So We Celebrated 20 Years Together
Victoria Howell 1 year ago
Both of you have aged very well! Whatever you are doing - keep doing it.
Anna Drever 1 year ago (edited)
One of our cats made it to 19, and I was very upset years later when my cat at the time died at 15. The vet said 15 was really good and not to compare with the older cat, so 20 is doing really well.
#3
10 And 15 Years Later. My Old Pal Is Still Going Strong
Roan The Demon Kitty 1 year ago
all black with that stylish grey beard... reminds me of my childhood dog! <3
As much as I would hate to admit it, we all know that life with pets is not always fun. There are times when they cause serious problems, be it because of their habit to chew on something expensive, or their tendency to rip apart whatever important document they can find. Moreover, there’s always the stress of having to take them to the vet if need be or the total heartbreak once it’s time to say your goodbyes.
Be that as it may, all of the positives arguably outweigh the negatives; otherwise, there wouldn’t be so many choosing to share their home with a pet. According to the 2024 APPA (American Pet Products Association) National Pet Owners Survey, as many as 82 million households in the US own a pet.
#4
The Ratio Of Dog To Boy Stayed Constant, That’s So Cute
Zoe Vokes 1 year ago
I’m lucky. I can go next door and hug my neighbour’s Samoyed.
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Shirley Heyn 1 year ago
Looks like the dog doesn't know what to do with his legs, just trusting you not to drop him! :-)
#5
Mojo And I In 2005 And 2024. This Year, He Turns 20 And I Turn 50
According to the aforementioned survey, dogs are by far the most popular choice, as they can be found in roughly 58 million households around the country; the second most popular pet, cats, can be found in as many as 40 million of them. If you were wondering – next on the list are freshwater fish, reptiles, birds and other small animals, and horses respectively.
#6
My Dog Lexi Is Turning 10 Soon. Through College, 3 Cities, 2 Apartments, And Our First Real House - Anywhere We Go, We Go Together
#7
Me And My Cat Shadow Then And Now, 19 Years Later
Kelsie Marx 1 year ago
The bottom picture looks like it was taken of a lead singer, from a 70’s rock band 🎸. It’s pretty awesome 😎!!
#8
My Best Friend Has Survived Cancer Twice And Made It To 15 Years Old This Week
Discussing what makes dogs and cats such common choices for people looking for a pet, Assistant Professor in Companion Animal Science at Texas Tech University, Dr. Anastasia Stellato suggested that the two offer companionship and have the capability to live easily in our homes and be integrated within our varied lifestyles.
“In this way, they can live alongside us within our family units and take part in our day-to-day tasks and adventures, such as road trips, travel, social events, or hikes, for instance. In addition to a variety of other reasons, I believe this may explain why they are more popular compared to other animals,” the expert told Bored Panda.
#9
Fifteen Years Later, Still Best Friends
Kelsie Marx 1 year ago
All he had to do was stick a pacifier in his mouth, and he would have re created that upper picture. Too sweet 😊!
#10
Even After 10 Years, Some Things Never Change
Andrew Arons 1 year ago
My dog likes to knock my phone out of my hand when I try to look at it when he wants attention.
#11
Me And My Baby Boy On The First Night We Ever Met And Now 12 Years Later. Haven't Missed A Single Night Snuggling To Sleep While At Home With Him, Not Once
E 1 year ago
Beautiful Flame Point Siamese. I have one as well, cannot wait to see his red get more prominent as he ages.
Janine Hunt-Jackson 1 year ago
Before I got my 2 cats, I was horrified when my daughter mentioned that a foster cat slept on her pillow. Now, my cats rule the house AND me! I sleep with 1 or both every night...
Victoria Howell 1 year ago
I love a man who loves cats. Actually, I love anyone who loves cats.
Kenny (He/it) 1 year ago
Never knew this breed exsted until now! May you and your baby have many more years together! ♡
Having a companion for all sorts of activities, from hiking and road trips to snuggling on the sofa, is just one of the many benefits of sharing a home with a pet. “Research has found that brief interactions with companion animals can lead to improvement in mood,” Dr. Stellato told Bored Panda, naming another perk of such an arrangement.
“[In addition to that,] owning a pet has been associated with reduced stress, improved physical health (cardiovascular health and survival rates), mental health (reduced feelings of loneliness, reduced reports of depression), and improved social skills and self-esteem.”
#12
Then And Now. 1996 vs. 2013
NotAName 1 year ago
Outlive? That tortoise isn't even done growing. He is going to be getting bigger by al least 1/3 and will easily get over 100lb. Then he will walk over your grave and bust through the fence cause it saw an interesting bird over there
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tracy black 1 year ago
i didnt know you could have a turtle as a pet or are you not in the states
ElfVibratorGlitter 1 year ago
We can have turtles and tortoises as pets in the US. Depends on which species, as some are protected.
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He’s Given Me 19 Years Of Love
Beachbum 1 year ago
My boy is 15, and I can only hope to have 4 moreyears with him.
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#14
Photos Are 6 Years Apart. They're Such A Sweet Pair
While there are many positives that come from owning a pet, it’s not only humans that benefit from such a friendship. According to Dr. Stellato, owners provide their pets with secure attachments, routine, and guide them through the world while accommodating the environment and interactions to suit their needs, consequently maximizing their welfare.
“Promoting their welfare involves creating opportunities for positive experiences while reducing the negative experiences,” she explained, adding that research also found that animals experience an increase in oxytocin—happy hormone—during certain interactions with humans.
#15
20 Years Of Love
#16
17 Years Later, Dodger The Doxie Is On His Way To Outlive The Whole Family
#17
Prom And Wedding Day, 16 Years Apart! Beaker Has Been With Me Through Milestones, Heartaches, Celebrations, And Challenges. She's 19 Now And Still My Favorite Girl
Tempest 1 year ago
A dream of mine is to have my elderly cat with me at my wedding. She’s 11 now and I don’t have any idea of when I’ll get married but I hope she’ll stay put cause she’s definitely gonna be in the wedding party!!
Katchen 1 year ago
I got one of my cats when I was in junior high and was married with a child before she died. She lived to be 19.
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While any person can arguably benefit from having a loyal friend, such as a dog, a cat, or a reptile, for that matter, it is arguably especially important for kids and young adults.
In the interview with Bored Panda, Dr. Stellato emphasized that that is not only because of the aforementioned positive aspects of a strong human-animal bond, but also because it helps kids develop a sense of responsibility.
“A sense of responsibility is achieved when they are held accountable to care for another being, especially when taught and expected to perform responsible pet care, such as cleaning, walking, feeding, grooming, or training.”
#18
I Got Photos Taken Of Me And My 13-Year-Old Dogs To Recreate Some Old Ones For Christmas
Janet Graham 1 year ago
Labs always grey out so nicely! I love it when they get to the all-grey face.
Andrew Arons 1 year ago
I can tell they're thinking "Squirrel!" in the bottom photo. All three of 'em!🤪
#19
He’s Been My Comfort From Beginning To End
#20
17 Years Together
ElfVibratorGlitter 1 year ago
Macaws and grey parrots can live up to 50 years or longer with proper care.
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NancyandCharlie Miller 1 year ago
My cockatiel lived to 26, so this birb could still have quite a few years left!
Chances are, quite a few pet owners in these pictures became more responsible because of the creatures that depended on them. What is even more likely is that they probably got to enjoy endless hours of playtime, scenic walks, and snuggles, with their friends, which ought to have increased their own levels of oxytocin, too.
#21
My Cat And Me 14 Years Ago vs. Us Today
#22
True Love, 13 Years Later
#23
Best Friends Then And Now, 18 Years Later
Tasha Wöbke 1 year ago
Is it me or is this the same photo as number 8? Young boy looks the same!
#24
4 Years Later, Still A Smitten Kitten
#25
Today I Said Goodbye To My 15-Year-Old Cat That Grew Up With Me. Love You, Pumpkin
EmAdoresHerKats🇮🇪🇩🇿🇵🇸 1 year ago
My lily pickles died Monday the 19th of August and i had her 15 years too. She was a stray and she meant everything to me. I hope OP is OK, because i don't think i will over get much it.
Teresa Spanics 1 year ago
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your dear sweet Pickles 😭😿💔
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#26
13 Years Later, My Dog Still Does This To Me When I Lay On The Floor
#27
From Crazy 4-Month-Old Rescue To 8-Year-Old Medical Alert/Response Service Dog. My Best Friend And Lifeline
#28
My Dog And I, 15 Years Apart. The Day We Met, And The Day We Said Goodbye
#29
A Picture Of My Cat And Me 12 Years Apart. 2009 vs. 2021
#30
It's This Little Diva's Birthday Today! She Was My Birthday Present 18 Years Ago
#31
Wiggles And I 13+ Years Later
#32
When We Brought Her Home, And 22 Years Later
#33
Little Guy Wouldn’t Let Me Hold Him This Year, But Here’s Another Year Later
#34
My Cat Ralf And Me In The Same Place, 20 Years Later. She Was A Bit Grumpy During The Photoshoot
justagirl 1 year ago
Wonder if they have more brain cells than male counterparts.
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#35
17 Years Of Unconditional Love
#36
22 Years And Counting
#37
My Cat And I, Pictures Taken 18 Years Apart
Greymom 1 year ago
Love is super important, but sometimes all the love in the world won’t keep them here when it’s time to go. Sometimes love means letting them go. Had to do that for my heart doggie when she was in SO MUCH pain. The ten years we had together were not enough 🐶❤️😢
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#38
I Had To Say Goodbye To My 19-Year-Old Childhood Cat Ophelia. I’m Making This Post To Memorialize Her Because She Is So Special To Me And Has Such A Big Place In My Heart
Teresa Spanics 1 year ago
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your dear sweet Ophelia 😭😿💔
#39
Me And My Best Friend, Fuzzy, 11 Years Apart
#40
Me And My Sweet Girl, Taz. Been My Best Friend For 19 Years And Counting
#41
Got My Best Friend 10 Years Ago Yesterday
#42
They Grow Up So Quick
#43
10 Years Goes By Fast
Bruce Scheiman 1 year ago
The guy looks like it's been longer then 10 years. The pup, not so much. Lol
#44
Growing Old Together. 2001 vs. 2021
#45
Growing Girls, One Year Apart
Brian Droste 1 year ago
In the second picture the dog is closer to the camera so it looks bigger than it probably is.
#46
14 Years Later. Me And My Pup
James Twong 1 year ago
Emma Watson doesn't have a hairy face or a wet nose?
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10 Years Later We Still Love This Book
#48
Me And My Dog After 11 Years, Best Friends Forever
#49
Almost 4 Years With Daisy
Pittsburgh rare 1 year ago
Daisy is CHONKY. I can't stop laughing at that face. Such sweet girl 😍
joanne kearns 1 year ago
That's awful! You won't be having many more years with her if you dont get her on a diet. Poor thing
#51
Had To Put Down My Cat Today. That's Us 18 Years Apart
#52
Best Friends Forever Then And Now
#53
My Puppy And I, Four Years Apart
#55
My Dog And I Throughout The Years Turning 24-29. Missing 28. We Both Have The Same Birthday
#56
First And Last Day With My Best Friend Of 15 Years
#58
5 Years Apart Between Photos. They Love Each Other Very Much
#59
Rescued The Runt Of The Litter When I Was 4 Years Old. Today, 15 Years Later My Sweet Baby Became An Angel
#60
Me And My Dog 5 Years Apart
#63
One Year Apart
#64
11 Years Later And We’re Both Still Cute
#65
Same Shoulders, 3 Year Apart. Look At That Glow Up
Bruce Scheiman 1 year ago
How ADORABLE. The titty tat is so sweet. That is one heck of a glow up, for sure. Precious 💞💕💞💕
#66
Twenty Years Between These Photos. He’s Still My Baby
#67
I Just Found Out That Sophie Here, At The Grand Old Age Of 19, Hasn’t Got Long Left And Will Need To Be Sent To Sleep. Thank You For All Those Years, Sophie. I’ll Never Forget You
EmAdoresHerKats🇮🇪🇩🇿🇵🇸 1 year ago
Well I'm a snotty mess now after all that.
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My Boyfriend With His Puppy, Then And Now
#69
This Is Brandy And I On Her First Birthday, And 14 Years Later On Her Fifteenth. Happy Birthday To My Beautiful Beloved Brandy
#70
Same Boy, Same Dog, Same Couch. 16 Years Apart
#71
10 Years Of Floofiness
#73
My Beagle Turned 16 Today. Had Her Since She Was Born
#75
Our First And Last Moments Together
EmAdoresHerKats🇮🇪🇩🇿🇵🇸 1 year ago
This article is killing me. I'd just washed my face after the last few and now I'm crying again
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I can't....like instant emotions. I know this pain, I'm sorry you had to go through it.
#76
Me And My Dog, 2002 And 2016
#77
Same Person, Same Dog, Just A New Set Of Smiles
#79
A Year Sure Happens Fast
Robert van Deventer 1 year ago
How come the dog looks older and the guy looks younger??? That's some Benjamin Button sh*t, right there!
Brian Droste 1 year ago
Regarding the guy looking younger is probably he doesn't have a beard in the second picture.
#80
Our 1st Christmas Together And Our 12th Christmas Together
#81
Me And My Dog, 10 Years Apart. We've Both Grown So Much
#82
My Wonderful Puppy, Which I Was Lucky Enough To Have Through My Whole Childhood
#83
3 Years Ago When We First Got Her Versus Now
#84
He's Been My Baby For 17+ Years Now. We've Been Through Everything Together
#85
Coconut And Me 11 Years Apart (Ages 3 And 14 For Her, And 14 And 25 For Me). Always A Good Sport. Best Dog To Grow Up With
#86
My Daughter And The... Kitten. 2.5 Years Apart
#87
My Best Friend And I, Then And Now. 13 Years Apart
My dog Cain and I in 2009. We grew into adulthood together; he's been with me through the good, the bad, and the ugly. My best friend, my protector, my therapist. He passed in 2022 at 13 years old, and it’s been rough without him around, but I'm thankful for the years we spent together.
#88
8-Week-Old vs. 1-Year-Old. The Love Of Our Lives
#89
22 Years Of Love Later, I Said Goodbye To My Baby Girl. Couldn’t Have Asked For A Better Cat Or Familiar
#90
15 Years Apart. My Handsome Ein
#91
Forever The Best Of Buds. 4 Months To Just Under 2 Years. How They Both Have Grown
#93
My Daughter And Our Dog - 12 Years Later
#95
His Hooman. The Pictures Were Taken About 8 Years Apart
#97
Me With My Dog At 9 Years Old And Then With Her At 22
#98
Mister Murdock And I When He Was 4 Months Old vs. 5 Years Later At My Wedding
#99
Snickers Then And Snickers Now, We Grew Up Together. Miss You
#100
Pictures 11 Years Apart. Same Dislike Of Having His Picture Taken
#103
Two Years And One Month Apart And Tormund Is Still A Beast!
#104
6 Years Ago I Started Taking Annual Christmas Photos With My Parent's Dog (I'm Missing A Year Between The 1st And 2nd)
#105
How It Started vs. How It’s Going (Almost 9 Years Apart)
#106
17 Years Apart. Let’s Just Say I Don’t Know Life Without My Guy
#108
Me And My Rare Old Boy 7 Years Apart. He’s Always Been There For Me
#110
Me And My Dog, 8 Years Apart
ZovThePhoenix 1 year ago
I wish I would have trained my dog to do some sort of trick. The only trick she does is fart when she sits! 😂
Judy Reynolds 1 year ago
Oh, I bet she does lots of things! Comes for food, licks your face, walks well on leash. (My guy still pulls like a locomotive)
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What do you think ?
Carries 1 year ago
This post made my eyes leak. Our pets do not live nearly long enough. I'd happily give up half my lifespan if only my dog could have a few more years.
Daya Meyer 1 year ago
I once read a saying: For your pet you are the only family it will know.
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Hafiz Ismail 1 year ago
My cat died about a year ago. I still called him accidentally when I actually intended to call his half brother. Miss him so much.
Metalhead Turtle 🇺🇦 1 year ago
For my fellow Pandas who have lost pets, I'm terribly sorry for your losses. I'm sending my virtual love.
Sandra Morison 1 year ago
So many wonderful stories. I could not live without my cats . I've lost a few over the years and all rescues but I know they had a great life
Jenny Mason 1 year ago
I've had both of my cats for 11 years. Best guess is that they were around 2 years old when we adopted them so they are old ladies now and one of them seems to be slowing down a lot in recent months.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 year ago
13 years is still young! ;) My old gray girl was two months shy of her 20th birthday when she died. Just make sure you get yearly checkups on your little ladies, and make sure the vet checks their kidney values via urinalysis AND their T4 (thyroid) every year. Kidney failure is super common in older cats (as is hyperthyroidism) but both can be treated easily! My old girl was diagnosed with kidney failure at age 14 (95% of her kidney function lost) and with treatment and fluids, she made it another 6 HAPPY years! <3 Here's to many more years for your girls!
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Carries 1 year ago
This post made my eyes leak. Our pets do not live nearly long enough. I'd happily give up half my lifespan if only my dog could have a few more years.
Daya Meyer 1 year ago
I once read a saying: For your pet you are the only family it will know.
Load More Replies... Hafiz Ismail 1 year ago
My cat died about a year ago. I still called him accidentally when I actually intended to call his half brother. Miss him so much.
Metalhead Turtle 🇺🇦 1 year ago
For my fellow Pandas who have lost pets, I'm terribly sorry for your losses. I'm sending my virtual love.
Sandra Morison 1 year ago
So many wonderful stories. I could not live without my cats . I've lost a few over the years and all rescues but I know they had a great life
Jenny Mason 1 year ago
I've had both of my cats for 11 years. Best guess is that they were around 2 years old when we adopted them so they are old ladies now and one of them seems to be slowing down a lot in recent months.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 year ago
13 years is still young! ;) My old gray girl was two months shy of her 20th birthday when she died. Just make sure you get yearly checkups on your little ladies, and make sure the vet checks their kidney values via urinalysis AND their T4 (thyroid) every year. Kidney failure is super common in older cats (as is hyperthyroidism) but both can be treated easily! My old girl was diagnosed with kidney failure at age 14 (95% of her kidney function lost) and with treatment and fluids, she made it another 6 HAPPY years! <3 Here's to many more years for your girls!
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