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We know it’s been a tough year, dear Pandas. But it’s time to start the healing process. And we hope this list, full of animals staring deep into their owners’ souls with love in their eyes, will bring a smile to your face and give you the energy to give it your all this week.

We’ve collected some of the most wholesome photos for you to enjoy from the very wholesome r/Catsmirin and r/DogsMirin subreddits (worth following, definitely), so go on and give each pet a gentle pet by clicking the upvote button next to the pics. Pssst, hey you, yeah you… you’ll find some more soul-gazing pets in Bored Panda's earlier post right over here. Go on, you know you need it in your life. (I gotta tell you that working on this article has done wonders for me!)

You’ll also find Bored Panda’s interview about how social pets are and how they respond to shifts in their owners' moods with the Arizona Humane Society below, so read on to learn something new!

#1

His Daughter Taught Him How To Take Selfies And This Is What The Result Was

His Daughter Taught Him How To Take Selfies And This Is What The Result Was

TheToxicLogic Report

#2

Was Told To Post Rey Cuddling Up With Me On The Couch

Was Told To Post Rey Cuddling Up With Me On The Couch

javawong Report

#3

Lolita’s First Night At Home!

Lolita’s First Night At Home!

reva_r Report

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

Doug The Pug, I used to know a black pug named Pearl, who had one of the sassiest walks I’ve ever seen. It was like she had a little song in her head...🎶I’m Pearl, I’m a Pug; I’m Pearl, I’m a Pug🎶 on a loop. The cutest pug possible!

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

She honestly looks like a Disney dog.She has so much trust and love in her big, beautiful eyes that it made my heart melt. It's one of the purest expressions of love from an animal that I've seen captured.

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

OH Gosh! we have one of those, talk about hyperactive puppy of speed, good luck!

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

"She will never sleep with us!!!........ooooooooooh waiiiiiit....."

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A representative of the Arizona Humane Society explained to Bored Panda that how we, the owners, act and behave can have a significant impact on our pets and their behavior.

“A few studies have found that pets can mirror their owner’s moods and can be sensitive to human’s feelings of stress and anxiety,” the AHS representative detailed that our furry little friends pick up on your body language, tone of voice, and other cues that can indicate our agitation.

#6

Just Rescued My Baby Girl From Being Put Down A Month Ago! Most Loving Dog I’ve Ever Known

Just Rescued My Baby Girl From Being Put Down A Month Ago! Most Loving Dog I’ve Ever Known

notmelania Report

However, the pet expert told Bored Panda that we shouldn’t be worried too much about ‘infecting’ animals with our anxiety or feelings of stress. “Pet owners do not need to worry about this particularly, as pets are more of a social support for us just like we are social support for them.”

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Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean that we can do whatever we like without feeling responsible for our pets. The AHS rep said that we’re still in charge of our pets’ physical and mental healthcare that’s necessary for them to live long and happy lives, full of affection (and, hopefully, soul-piercing stares full of love).

#8

Princess Betty And I Had Almost 16 Years Of Loving Gazes But This Is My Favorite

Princess Betty And I Had Almost 16 Years Of Loving Gazes But This Is My Favorite

icouldusea-hey-yo Report

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#9

Melt My Heart Why Don’t You!

Melt My Heart Why Don’t You!

ritafirefly Report

“Giving our pets the physical and mental care they require, along with lots of love and safety will ensure a lifetime of reciprocated love and affection between our four-legged friends and their human family.”

#10

Stepdad Was Adamant That We Weren’t Getting A Dog. He Still Calls Her A Gremlin, But I Think Their Love Is Pretty Mutual

Stepdad Was Adamant That We Weren’t Getting A Dog. He Still Calls Her A Gremlin, But I Think Their Love Is Pretty Mutual

lializzy Report

#11

Delta Loves Her Dad! This Picture Just Cracks Me Up Haha

Delta Loves Her Dad! This Picture Just Cracks Me Up Haha

Honbesdl Report

#12

Charlie Looking Up At Me

Charlie Looking Up At Me

unicorndanceparty Report

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Earlier, I spoke about bonding between cats and their owners with Dr. Kristyn Vitale from the Human-Animal Interaction Lab at Oregon State University. 

"Our research has demonstrated that pet cats can form stable, affectional attachment bonds with their owners,” Dr. Vitale told Bored Panda.

#14

Max And I Have Been Together For 17 Years And He Still Tries To Guilt Me Into Feeding Him Early

Max And I Have Been Together For 17 Years And He Still Tries To Guilt Me Into Feeding Him Early

mastodonpizzles Report

#15

Adopted This Lil Guy A Few Weeks Ago, He Was The Last Of His Litter Adopted Because He Was So Shy. Now He Won’t Leave Me Alone!

Adopted This Lil Guy A Few Weeks Ago, He Was The Last Of His Litter Adopted Because He Was So Shy. Now He Won’t Leave Me Alone!

lovelyflo Report

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

Thank you for choosing a cat that many others may not have. Congrats on your new family. What a bond you will share ❤

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“The majority of cats have the capacity to use their owner as a source of comfort and security, especially when faced with stressful or unfamiliar situations. Our research has also shown that cats can be very social toward their owners, especially when their owner pays attention to them," Dr. Vitale said.

#17

This Is My Favorite Picture Of Us. She Was My Best Friend

This Is My Favorite Picture Of Us. She Was My Best Friend

Carpedicks Report

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

I take it WAS means she's no longer here with you. Sending prayers your way. What an amazing bond you shared ❤

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#18

Husband Came Back Home After A Couple Days. This Is How The Cat Looked At Him While He Slept

Husband Came Back Home After A Couple Days. This Is How The Cat Looked At Him While He Slept

naazu90 Report

However, there’s still plenty about cat-human bonds that’s still unclear. “Kittens aged 3-8 months and adult cats display secure bonds with their owners. However we don't yet know how long it usually takes for cats to forms bonds with their owners," the expert on animal bonding gave us an example.

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#19

Let A Mangy Stray Dog In From The Cold One Day, Years Later And She’s Never Stopped Looking At Me Like This

Let A Mangy Stray Dog In From The Cold One Day, Years Later And She’s Never Stopped Looking At Me Like This

bitchpizzas Report

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

Thank you for saving this babe. Y'all were meant to find eachother. ❤

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#21

He Turns Me Into A Puddle Every Day

He Turns Me Into A Puddle Every Day

abbiemosk Report

"We do know that at least in kittens, these bonds do not easily change. When we followed up with kittens, 81% of them displayed the same attachment type as they had previously (either secure or insecure). If a kitten was secure the first testing session, they were likely to be secure upon follow-up. Although we don't know how long these bonds take to form, they seem to be relatively stable once established.”

#22

I Originally Posted This On Another Subreddit. Was Told It'd Be A Good Fit Here

I Originally Posted This On Another Subreddit. Was Told It'd Be A Good Fit Here

diggyrex Report

#23

Caught My Little Sausage Mirin

Caught My Little Sausage Mirin

heymanmaniac Report

#24

They Sit Like This Nearly Every Night Before Bed

They Sit Like This Nearly Every Night Before Bed

aveysophie Report

According to Dr. Vitale, we can maintain the secure bonds that form with our pets by being receptive to them, especially during situations that are very stressful. “In humans, we know that attachment bonds can be impacted by how the caretaker handles negative experiences. So if you know that a stressful event is going to occur, such as if you are moving or taking the cat to the veterinarian, it is particularly important to remain calm and provide positive attention to your cat. This can help the cat continue to see you as a source of comfort and security."

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#25

I'm In Love With Theses Eyes

I'm In Love With Theses Eyes

reddit.com Report

#26

I Call It “Mutual Mirin”

I Call It “Mutual Mirin”

Primary_Purple Report

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What’s the bond like between you and your pets, dear Pandas? Do they gaze into your soul with eyes full of love or do they just let you know that they’re hungry? Do you have any gorgeous photos of your pets to share with us and the other Readers? Drop us a line or share a photo in the comment section at the bottom.

#28

Was Told This Would Be A Well Loved Post Here As She’s Smiling At Me

Was Told This Would Be A Well Loved Post Here As She’s Smiling At Me

RubyJune1993 Report

#29

Koji; 12 Weeks Old And Already Mirin. I Love This Little Fellow

Koji; 12 Weeks Old And Already Mirin. I Love This Little Fellow

myapurple Report

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#34

I Was Told My Little Guy Needed To Be Here

I Was Told My Little Guy Needed To Be Here

reddit.com Report

#35

Harlee Only Has Eyes For Her Dad, Not His Quesadilla

Harlee Only Has Eyes For Her Dad, Not His Quesadilla

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#38

That Loving Feeling! How Can This Look Not Say, "I Love You!"

That Loving Feeling! How Can This Look Not Say, "I Love You!"

GuybrushBeeblebrox Report

#41

10-Week Old Golden Puppy Mirin Pappy

10-Week Old Golden Puppy Mirin Pappy

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

12 weeks old. Doesn’t take long at all to fall in love.

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#42

My Little Guy Arlo Likes To Stare At Me While I Work All Day Every Day

My Little Guy Arlo Likes To Stare At Me While I Work All Day Every Day

krusty-toast Report

#43

Mirin While Being Rocked To Sleep

Mirin While Being Rocked To Sleep

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Madre_Dr4gnZFly
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Hush little kitty, don't say a word. Daddy's gonna buy you a mocking...oh, wait..."

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#45

Got (Gay) Married A Year Ago Today. Here's Our Flower Pup 'Mirin Us Brides

Got (Gay) Married A Year Ago Today. Here's Our Flower Pup 'Mirin Us Brides

howlingoffshore Report

#46

We Knew She Was The One When She Started Mirin My Partner When We Visited Her. Getting Her In 1 Week And The Waiting Is Hard To Do!

We Knew She Was The One When She Started Mirin My Partner When We Visited Her. Getting Her In 1 Week And The Waiting Is Hard To Do!

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#47

It's Easy To See Who Petra's Favorite Parent Is...

It's Easy To See Who Petra's Favorite Parent Is...

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#48

This Is Nala’s Very Beautiful “I Love You” Face

This Is Nala’s Very Beautiful “I Love You” Face

11_throwaways_later_ Report

#49

Scout Likes To Cuddle Inside My Sweaters, But She Likes The View On The Outside Better

Scout Likes To Cuddle Inside My Sweaters, But She Likes The View On The Outside Better

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#50

When You Win Over A Friend’s Puppy It Feels So Validating

When You Win Over A Friend’s Puppy It Feels So Validating

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

Animals know who’s a good person. They also know who’s rotten. Their judgement is so reliably good, you can pretty much use it to predict someone’s true character.

Note: this post originally had 68 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.