Have you ever imagined what cows would look like if they were shampooed and blowdried? Me neither. But now that I’ve seen it, I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. They’re unexpectedly fluffy and adorable. Glowed up cattle is the content we never knew we needed. And we’re happy to have found it on an Instagram page called Delightful Animals. The account has more than 80,000 followers and it’s easy to see why…
From wholesome and uplifting animal stories, to cute photos and funny tweets, the wall is a wonderful gallery of all God’s creatures great and small. There’s a tale about a stray dog who met her match, and found a forever home after randomly joining a desert marathon. There’s a photo of a bunch of guide dogs, sitting quietly on seats, watching ballet together at the theater.
But we won’t give away too much just yet. Bored Panda has put together the best posts from the page for you to scroll through at your leisure. And some might just be the best content you’ll see on the internet today.
#1
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Have you ever wondered why many of us find baby animals so cute? Apparently, there’s a scientific reason. It’s not “just because.”
According to Britannica, cuteness serves a purpose when it comes to survival, particularly in species whose young cannot live on their own right away. “People are drawn to babies, and it’s their body proportions (large head, large eyes, and small mouth, compared with the rest of the body) that may be an evolutionary trigger or a reminder that nurturing our young is an important adaptation for our long-term survival as a species,” reads the site.
Humans subconsciously know that babies are helpless. And affection and our instinct to protect them kicks in – whether or not they’re related to us. Or have two legs or four.
#2
Just good boys, doing good work 🐶😍
In Italy, an elite squadron of 350 specially-trained canines from the Italian School of Water Rescue Dogs has successfully been patrolling the beaches, working as lifeguards.
Thanks to their willingness to perform, strength, and fearless exploits, including leaping from helicopters into the surf below to rescue at-risk swimmers,an average of 20-30 lives are saved annually by the doggie guards, and that number continues to climb each year.
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#3
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There’s a whole science to cuteness. And people like Marc Bornstein from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Oxford’s Morten L. Kringelbach and Catherine Alexander were curious enough to study it.
The researchers say cuteness works by involving all the senses and strongly attracting our attention by sparking rapid brain activity. In fact, cuteness may be one of the strongest forces that shape our behaviour – potentially making us more compassionate.
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The experts say that cuteness can help to facilitate well-being and complex social relationships. This is because it activates brain networks associated with emotion and pleasure, and triggers empathy and compassion.
“When we encounter something cute, it ignites fast brain activity in regions such as the orbitofrontal cortex, which are linked to emotion and pleasure,” writes Kringelbach. “It also attracts our attention in a biased way: babies have privileged access to entering conscious awareness in our brains.”
#7
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#8
Dion Leonard, a seasoned ultramarathon runner from Scotland, was participating in the 155-mile Gobi Desert Run in China when he noticed a small stray dog join him.
The dog, who Dion later named Gobi, ran alongside him for a remarkable 77 miles. “On Day 2, I was at the start line for the race stage and she was standing next to me looking up at me,” Leonard told The Dodo.
“I thought to myself this little dog isn’t going to last very long at my side as we raced off, but she ended up running the whole day and 23 miles distance.”
After crossing the finishing line and settling in at camp, the dog still refused to leave Leonard’s side.
From then on, they were inseparable, and Leonard decided to name his new companion Gobi.
Day 3 was no different. Again, with Leonard by her side, the formerly unloved dog ran along for that 26-mile stretch.
Gobi had to sit out for Day 4 and 5 because the weather was deemed too extreme to let her participate. Instead, she was given a lift to the ending point by race organizers so that she’d be there to greet Leonard as he came in.
On the sixth and final day, however, she was back in the race – running along with Leonard until they crossed the finish line as a team.
He successfully brought Gobi home to Edinburgh after a 4 month period of medical clearance and quarantine in China, they were finally able to reunite and stay together.
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If you think you feel happier after scrolling through this list, it’s not only in your imagination.
“Studies have shown that the simple act of looking at cute animals can stimulate oxytocin release, leading to feelings of warmth, gentleness, and a general sense of well-being,” reports Mirage News. “This biochemical response strengthens our emotional bond with these creatures, further enhancing their perceived cuteness.”
#9
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#12
Founded in the UK in the 1970s, the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) is a leaderless global network fighting animal cruelty through direct action.
Their operations-like rescuing animals, exposing abuse, and sabotaging exploitative industries-aim to end animal suffering, even if it means breaking the law.
Though classified as extremists in some countries, supporters view the ALF as necessary heroes confronting a***e others ignore.
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#19
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#20
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#21
Puppy police recruits are undeniably cute, and a big part of that comes from their playful energy, oversized paws, and curious expressions as they explore their new environment. Dressed in tiny training vests or harnesses, they often look like eager little professionals in the making, which only adds to their charm. Their clumsy movements and occasional distractions remind us that, despite their future serious roles, they’re still just young pups learning the ropes.
Beyond appearances, there’s something heartwarming about seeing a puppy begin the journey toward becoming a working dog. Knowing that these adorable recruits will one day serve in roles like search and rescue, detection, or protection adds a layer of admiration to their cuteness. It’s the contrast between their soft, innocent beginnings and the strong, skilled dogs they’ll become that makes them so endearing to watch.
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#22
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#23
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#24
Stubby was a stray who wandered onto the training grounds of the 102nd Infantry Regiment at Yale University in 1917. He was adopted by Private J. Robert Conroy, who later smuggled him aboard a troop ship bound for France.
During his 18 months of service, Stubby participated in 17 battles on the Western Front. He was known for his keen senses, which enabled him to detect incoming artillery shells and mustard gas attacks-often alerting soldiers in time to take cover. He also had a talent for locating wounded soldiers in no man’s land, barking to alert medics to their location.
One of Stubby’s most remarkable feats was the capture of a spy. While the spy was mapping Allied trenches, Stubby detected him, chased him down, and held onto him until American soldiers arrived.
For this act of bravery, he was promoted to the honorary rank of sergeant, becoming the first dog to receive such a rank in the U.S. Army.
After the war, Stubby became a national hero. He led parades, met three U.S. presidents, and became the mascot for Georgetown University’s football team.
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#39
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#40
In Nepal, Kukur Tihar, a festival dedicated to dogs, takes place as part of the larger Tihar festival—a five-day Hindu celebration similar to Diwali in India. Held on the second day, Kukur Tihar honors dogs for their loyalty, companionship, and role as guardians. During the festival, dogs are adorned with flower garlands (mala), given a red tika (a blessing) on their foreheads, and offered special foods as a sign of respect and gratitude. Both pet and stray dogs are celebrated equally.
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#41
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#42
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#43
Baby owls, or owlets, often sleep face down because their heads are too large and heavy for their neck muscles to support while upright. To rest safely, they lie on their stomachs with their heads turned to the side. In the wild, they use a special toe called the hallux to grip branches and avoid falling while they sleep.
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#44
The pudu is the world’s smallest deer species and is native to South America. There are two types: the Northern pudu and the Southern pudu. Both are known for their tiny size, shy behavior, and preference for forest habitats.
Standing only about 12 to 17 inches tall, pudus are herbivores that eat leaves, fruit, and seeds.
Despite their small stature, pudus are agile and well-adapted to moving through dense underbrush. Sadly, due to habitat loss and poaching, they are now considered a vulnerable species.
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#45
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#46
A local teen has turned his passion for pups into something extra special, a charity for dogs. He even used his own money from dog walking and pet sitting to get it off the ground. Alex Flowers (@theirbestdayever) of Havertown, has loved animals his whole life, with a special love for dogs.
Some requests are basic, like a hike in Valley Forge National Historic Park, in King of Prussia with Aspen, an almost 9-year-old German Shepherd losing his sight. Other best days have included a day at the beach in Jupiter, Florida, frolicking in the water, a hike in Bushkill Falls, in the Poconos, for Max who lost his owner, to Scout, who has arthritis and had unlimited use of a pool for the summer.
Credit: (@showkased)
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#47
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#48
During the summer season in Croatia, beach safety gets a unique upgrade-with the help of specially trained dog lifeguards. These incredible canines, often Newfoundlands, Golden Retrievers, and Labradors, are not just adorable beach companions. They undergo up to three years of intensive training to master water rescues, learning to recognize distress signals, swim through strong currents, and tow swimmers to safety. Some are even trained to leap from boats or helicopters during emergencies.
Originally inspired by Italy’s program, Croatia’s initiative began in the late 1970s and has grown into a respected system that blends tradition and innovation. Working side by side with human lifeguards, these dogs don’t just save lives-they offer emotional comfort in high-stress situations. Their strength, loyalty, and gentle nature make them ideal guardians of the shore, ensuring that beachgoers are safe, supported, and smiling.
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#49
China’s first police corgi, Fuzai, made headlines after stealing a grilled sausage from a child during a patrol in Weifang, Shandong. Caught on video casually walking off with the snack, the mischievous moment amused many online. Fuzai, just 1.5 years old, joined the police force in 2024 for his skills in explosive detection. Though well-trained, he’s had past mishaps-like napping on duty and urinating in his food bowl. After the sausage incident, his trainer apologized and promised stricter food training. To make amends, Fuzai visited the child’s school with gifts and snacks. The child’s mother took it lightly, wishing them both well.
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#50
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#51
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#52
When eight-year-old Bryson Kliemann’s puppy, Bruce, was diagnosed with parvovirus, he set up a stand to sell his cherished Pokemon cards, hoping to cover the costly vet bills. His mother shared the story online, and it quickly spread, sparking community and online support. Through donations and a GoFundMe page, Bryson raised more than $19,500—well above the initial goal. Pokémon even sent him a package of collectible cards to thank him for his generosity. With the funds, Bruce received life-saving treatment, and Bryson’s family plans to donate the surplus to help other pet owners with veterinary costs, allowing Bryson’s kindness to benefit even more pets.
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#53
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#54
Japan, known for its aging population and low birthrate, now has more pet cats and dogs than children under 15, according to recent government and industry data. Estimates reveal around 16 million pets compared to just 14.3 million children, highlighting a shift driven by societal trends like delayed marriage, declining fertility, and a growing preference for companion animals over starting families.
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#56
Nestled in the hills of Costa Rica, Territorio de Zaguates, also known as the Land of the Strays, is a unique no-kill sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and caring for stray dogs. With 1,800 dogs roaming freely across its vast grounds, the sanctuary offers a safe haven for animals that have been abandoned or mistreated. The dogs live in a peaceful, natural environment where they can roam and interact with one another. One of the most remarkable aspects of Territorio de Zaguates is its commitment to allowing visitors to experience this extraordinary sanctuary. Guests can hike through the sanctuary’s trails, accompanied by the dogs, creating a memorable and heartwarming experience. The sanctuary aims to promote adoption and raise awareness about the plight of stray animals in Costa Rica. It remains a beacon of compassion, where both dogs and humans find joy in the company of one another in a shared natural space.
Image credits: delightful_animals
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#58
Cows aren’t just herd animals-they’re deeply social beings with emotional bonds that often go unnoticed. Research from the University of Northampton revealed that cows form close friendships, and when they’re with their chosen companions, their heart rates drop and they remain calm. But when separated or paired with unfamiliar cows, signs of stress like increased heart rate, restlessness, and vocalizations quickly appear. Just like humans, they find comfort in the presence of someone familiar. These findings highlight something powerful: cows have emotional depth. They build relationships, form attachments, and experience anxiety when those bonds are broken. This challenges the way we view livestock and raises important ethical questions about how cows are treated in farms and industrial settings. If we acknowledge their emotional world, shouldn’t their care reflect it
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#62
Schoep the German Sheperd mix lived for another year after this photo was taken and was 20 years and one month old when he passed. ❤️ Schoep’s owner, John Unger, was battling depression when he found Schoep in a shelter 20 years earlier. “He saved me that night and I could only do my very best for him after that,” he said. RIP Schoep
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