ADVERTISEMENT

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

Verena Gitterle
Community Member
5 years ago

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.....

View more comments
RELATED:
    #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

    Pepper Pots
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    OMW that face is a REY of sunshine

    View more comments
    #3

    Lolita’s First Night At Home!

    Lolita’s First Night At Home!

    reva_r Report

    Verena Gitterle
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    So sweet!

    View more comments

    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.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #4

    I Don’t Deserve Her, To Be Honest

    I Don’t Deserve Her, To Be Honest

    OutgoingOrange Report

    Maggie Beltaa
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    What a babe she is 😍

    View more comments
    #5

    One Time I Got The Rare Double Mire

    One Time I Got The Rare Double Mire

    AwkwardBalloonMan Report

    MagicalUnicorn
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    real love <3

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #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

    neonn_pieee
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Thank you for saving her. She looks so precious!

    View more comments

    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.”

    ADVERTISEMENT

    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).

    #7

    She Loves Her Dad

    She Loves Her Dad

    rijoys Report

    Alex the awful German
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    *cuteness overload*

    View more comments
    #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

    TheReader19
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Secret love

    View more comments
    #9

    Melt My Heart Why Don’t You!

    Melt My Heart Why Don’t You!

    ritafirefly Report

    Kay blue
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    "Dad because I love you, I will wear this"

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    “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

    Doug The Pug
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    aww!

    View more comments
    #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

    Braydon Tan Jin Yan
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    so cute

    View more comments
    #12

    Charlie Looking Up At Me

    Charlie Looking Up At Me

    unicorndanceparty Report

    TheReader19
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    She says things are good between us

    View more comments

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

    ADVERTISEMENT

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

    #13

    How She Looks At My Husband

    How She Looks At My Husband

    alaelh Report

    Joanne O'Brien
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Got competition, eh?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #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

    TheReader19
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Oh, he looks heart broken

    View more comments
    #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

    Maggie Beltaa
    Community Member
    5 years ago

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

    View more comments

    “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.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Add us on Google

    #16

    So Much Behind Those Eyes

    So Much Behind Those Eyes

    boxer44 Report

    Maggie Beltaa
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Such a look of love and trust ❤

    View more comments
    #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

    Maggie Beltaa
    Community Member
    5 years ago

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

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #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

    Maggie Beltaa
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Oh my goooosh. Too precious 😻

    View more comments

    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.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #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

    Maggie Beltaa
    Community Member
    5 years ago

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

    View more comments
    #20

    Mirin Daddy

    Mirin Daddy

    we4donald Report

    Julia Atkinson
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Love the matching collar and shirt

    View more comments
    #21

    He Turns Me Into A Puddle Every Day

    He Turns Me Into A Puddle Every Day

    abbiemosk Report

    Susan Green
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    He would turn me into a puddle too!

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT

    "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.”

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #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

    Kirsten Kerkhof
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    True love.

    View more comments
    #23

    This Kind Stranger Just Wanted To Play, I Obliged Him And He Loved Me For It

    This Kind Stranger Just Wanted To Play, I Obliged Him And He Loved Me For It

    613TheEvil Report

    El Dee
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    I miss the days when dogs could be let out to wander at will in the same way cats still can. They'd go and meet their 'dog friends' and go and have 'dog fun' before coming back for their evening meal. If you were lucky enough to meet such a dog on your travels you could even be surrounded by a few and pats would be demanded!! As a kid, very occasionally, a dog might get into our school's playground. Of course the kids would give it all the attention the could and dogs would be wagging their little tails off before we had to go back to our lessons..

    View more comments
    #24

    Caught My Little Sausage Mirin

    Caught My Little Sausage Mirin

    heymanmaniac Report

    Eva Schmutz
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    you guys match with the fur and hair and blanket

    View more comments

    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."

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #25

    They Sit Like This Nearly Every Night Before Bed

    They Sit Like This Nearly Every Night Before Bed

    aveysophie Report

    Susan Green
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Awww lucky guy!

    View more comments
    #26

    I'm In Love With Theses Eyes

    I'm In Love With Theses Eyes

    reddit.com Report

    Cooper Schultz
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    "Hi! Hi! Do you see me? Please notice me! Hey! Hey!"

    View more comments
    #27

    I Call It “Mutual Mirin”

    I Call It “Mutual Mirin”

    Primary_Purple Report

    Ssss
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    What a great picture!

    View more comments

    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.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #28

    Squid And My Dad

    Squid And My Dad

    Warped25 Report

    Susan Green
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    What a sweet, happy dog!

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #29

    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

    Lorelai Purvis
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    awww

    View more comments
    #30

    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

    TheReader19
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    True romance 😁

    View more comments
    #31

    Hopper Loves His Dad

    Hopper Loves His Dad

    popaulina Report

    Susan Green
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Oh you loving beauty!

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #32

    Simon, My Very Best Boy

    Simon, My Very Best Boy

    LOLELECTRONICS Report

    Maggie Beltaa
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Definitely the bestest boy ❤

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #33

    Smitten Kitten And Her Man

    Smitten Kitten And Her Man

    Faebertooth Report

    MagicalUnicorn
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    gorgeous gatto!

    View more comments
    #34

    A Precious Meowment

    A Precious Meowment

    Snoozedoggo Report

    Linda HS
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Adorable

    View more comments
    #35

    I Was Told My Little Guy Needed To Be Here

    I Was Told My Little Guy Needed To Be Here

    reddit.com Report

    Maggie Beltaa
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    So precious 😊

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #36

    Harlee Only Has Eyes For Her Dad, Not His Quesadilla

    Harlee Only Has Eyes For Her Dad, Not His Quesadilla

    wolfinsocks Report

    Marcellus the Third
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    I see you fell for it. The eyes are the gateway to the quesadilla, and she knows.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #37

    Midna Loves Her Grandpa

    Midna Loves Her Grandpa

    kinglucent Report

    banana mcnana
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    such a beautiful dog

    View more comments
    #38

    My Perfect Girl

    My Perfect Girl

    im-actually-a-cat Report

    Maggie Beltaa
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    What a gorgeous cat 😻

    View more comments
    #39

    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

    Vicky Z
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Aww the little paw!!!!

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #40

    My Mini Loves Me

    My Mini Loves Me

    Mr__O__ Report

    Riolu Claw
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    those eyes are so pretty omg

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #41

    My Wfh Helper

    My Wfh Helper

    Sweet_cherry-pie Report

    Vicky Z
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Time for a break and cuddling!!!

    View more comments
    #42

    10-Week Old Golden Puppy Mirin Pappy

    10-Week Old Golden Puppy Mirin Pappy

    red-plating Report

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    5 years ago

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

    View more comments
    #43

    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

    Maggie Beltaa
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    "So.. You're still giving me treats later.. Right?!" 😹😹

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #44

    Mirin While Being Rocked To Sleep

    Mirin While Being Rocked To Sleep

    heyjudesmellthis Report

    Zena Marsh
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Who needs a human baby, when you can have a cat to cuddle?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #45

    I Think He Loves Me..?

    I Think He Loves Me..?

    reddit.com Report

    Maggie Beltaa
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    He most certainly does 😻

    View more comments
    #46

    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

    Maggie Beltaa
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Congrats! What a cute pup!

    View more comments
    #47

    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!

    bendygrrl Report

    Maggie Beltaa
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Thank you for giving her a FURever home. ❤

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #48

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

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

    noahleeann Report

    Susan Green
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Gorgeous dog!

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #49

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

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

    11_throwaways_later_ Report

    Vicky Z
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Love the name!

    View more comments
    #50

    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

    coolforcatzzz Report

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Mutual Admiration Society.

    View more comments
    #51

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

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

    cosjoy Report

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    5 years ago (edited)

    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.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #52

    ~~~~~

    ~~~~~

    _GorillaCookies_ Report

    Two Silly Pups
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Both hella cute here

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #53

    Heard Stella’s Look Of Love Belonged Here. She’s The Only Thing Getting Me Through This Breakup

    Heard Stella’s Look Of Love Belonged Here. She’s The Only Thing Getting Me Through This Breakup

    skp4583 Report

    El Dee
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    They know what you're feeling even if they don't know what you're saying. They know the right thing to do and don't have to say a thing to remind you how much you're loved..

    View more comments
    #54

    Callisto Mirin My Husband. She Only Has Eyes For Him!

    Callisto Mirin My Husband. She Only Has Eyes For Him!

    callistobear Report

    Bill
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Wait. What's on the table?

    View more comments
    #55

    Abby Mirin Me While I Work

    Abby Mirin Me While I Work

    showmeyouranklesbaby Report

    Cupcake168
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Can somebody please translate "mirin"? Google doesn’t know.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #56

    He Loves His Daddy

    He Loves His Daddy

    reddit.com Report

    Mariam Gad
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Those eyes tho 🥺

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #57

    Emma Mirin My Husband

    Emma Mirin My Husband

    akcitygirl Report

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Animals seem to pick their person and stick to them. I’m the one who actually rescued our dog off the road, yet Scruffy positively worships my husband, who wasn’t even there at the time.

    #58

    I Wish Anyone Would Look At Me The Way My Dog Looks At My Husband

    I Wish Anyone Would Look At Me The Way My Dog Looks At My Husband

    coconutlemongrass Report

    Just me...
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Amen sister!

    View more comments
    #59

    The Polar Vortex Has Been Hard On My Old Girl. It’s Currently 62 Degrees In Our House, So Domino’s Mirin My Body Heat And Early Monday Undereye Bags

    The Polar Vortex Has Been Hard On My Old Girl. It’s Currently 62 Degrees In Our House, So Domino’s Mirin My Body Heat And Early Monday Undereye Bags

    seitanictemple Report

    Bill
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    This is why I like winter thebest. Cuddling season

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #60

    Jaxx Loves His Daddy!

    Jaxx Loves His Daddy!

    coolgirlveryfriendly Report

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Jazz has chosen Daddy as “his person”.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #61

    She Wiggles And Yips Incessantly... Until Her Uncle Is Holding Her

    She Wiggles And Yips Incessantly... Until Her Uncle Is Holding Her

    Report

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Kids always love their “fun uncle”.

    #62

    Volunteered At The Local Shelter And Got To Meet This Sweet Baby

    Volunteered At The Local Shelter And Got To Meet This Sweet Baby

    morganleigh_18 Report

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Should’ve taken him home!

    View more comments
    #63

    My Pup Doing A Morning Mirin

    My Pup Doing A Morning Mirin

    zcecsyc Report

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    24/7/365 “mirin”.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #64

    Stella Loves Long Walks, Cuddles, And ‘Miring Her Favorite Human

    Stella Loves Long Walks, Cuddles, And ‘Miring Her Favorite Human

    ejg62 Report

    Cupcake168
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    To all of you with low points: you all are so sweets with your pets! 💖I think people are only too lazy to vote up all the pics.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #65

    My Puppy Mirin At A Mere 12 Weeks

    My Puppy Mirin At A Mere 12 Weeks

    Nicolee28 Report

    El Dee
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Puppy Love..

    View more comments
    #66

    A First, Cautious Mirin

    A First, Cautious Mirin

    golden_fellatio Report

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Sneakin’ a lovin’ look.

    #67

    Mirin Or Begging??? The World Will Never Know

    Mirin Or Begging??? The World Will Never Know

    abbykaitlan Report

    Denikitty
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Reminds me of my cousins dog

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #68

    Tilly Mirin Me Her Human

    Tilly Mirin Me Her Human

    itsbeenadelight Report

    El Dee
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    Mutual love..

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT