Lifestyle

Maternal Instincts: Photographic Proof That Pets Make The Best Parents

Meaghan Curry

I have two dogs and a very fat cat. One day, when I choose to have children, I will be fully comfortable leaving my babies with my furry friends.

No, this isn’t some Mowgli sh*t. I won’t go to work and expect my Labrador to feed the baby, or my kitty to purr him or her to sleep. I simply mean I’m more than comfortable leaving my future child unattended with my pets while I do something in another room or run downstairs to drop off the laundry.

Sure, there will be tons of training and test runs involved, but in my opinion, pets are inherently good parents.

Want proof? Scientists at Emory University did a study on odor processing in the brains of dogs and noticed his or her reward centers light up like crazy when presented with an owner’s familiar smell, and preferred it over other scents. Dogs love us. Cats — well, cats tolerate us.

There are countless adorable videos on YouTube of kitties and pups protecting their newborn friends. Dogs especially have a pack mentality, so even with new additions to the clan, they’re bound to be extra-protective and tolerant — even when mini-you pulls on his or her tail.

Want more proof? Scroll through the evidence.

They will give piggyback rides when all you want to do is nap.

They will watch your baby sleep while you catch up on "Downton Abbey."

They will always be down for one more game of peek-a-boo.

They will watch the same exact cartoon with your baby again… and again… and again.

They will teach your kid that sharing is caring.

They will be a teething ring when your arms/face/ears don’t cut it.

They will potty train your baby.

Just kidding, they’ll live vicariously through your child while they wet their pants for the thirteenth time this week.

They will be there when things get a little scary.

They will wait for you to come home.

They will play with toys… until they become one.

They will always make sure the baby is buckled up.

They know the value of naked time.

They get that naptime is not to be messed with.