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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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#1
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
RELATED:
#3
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.
#5
Caught Him Hugging The Giant Dog He Didn't Want, He Was Also Singing The Dog His Own Personal Song
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.
#7
Dad Went From "You're Taking Him With You When You Leave." To "Are You Really Gonna Take Him With You??"
#9
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?”.
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.
#10
My Dad (79) Went From “I Don’t Want That Dang Cat” To Carrying Her To “Her Room” For Bed Each Night
#12
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?
#13
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
#14
"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
#18
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
#19
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”
#21
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”
#22
My Dad Dressed "The Dog He Didn't Want" In My Childhood Dress He Kept For His First Grand Daughter
#23
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
#24
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
#27
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”
#28
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
#29
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
#31
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
#32
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
#34
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
#35
"I'm A Cat Person," He Said. Now, "Where's Penny?! I Need Penny! I Can't Sleep Without My Doggy!"
#36
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
#39
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
#41
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"
#43
“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?”
#47
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
#48
My Dad's Officially Part Of The Club. He Told We Would Not Be Taking A Dog Home Today. This Is Him Hours Later
You might also like: 50 Times Cats Made Their Owners Laugh And They Just Had To Share Pics Online
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