Bernedoodle Treating 5 Foster Kittens Like His Own Is Proof That Love Is Real
It's a lot of work being a single dad. Just ask Rock, a Bernedoodle who's appointed himself the father of five rambunctious little kittens. Owner Jessica Mixon has posted numerous videos on TikTok that show the adorable Bernedoodle (a cross between a poodle and a Bernese mountain dog) doting on the five fuzzballs. In one video that's been viewed more than 576,000 times, the proud pooch papa pulls back a blanket on the couch to reveal the kittens all squished together in a cozy cuddle puddle. His demeanor suggests a loving but weary parent who's just managed to get his babies to lie down for a nap.
@jessicamix2424 My Dog is a father to 5 beautiful kittens! #dog #kittensoftiktok #cat #kitten #lovestory
Many viewers of the TikTok video wrote a tongue-in-cheek variation of "You are the father!" to Rock, in a nod to Maury Povich's oft-repeated line about proving paternity. Several individuals praised the pup's parenting of the felines. "He's not the father but he's the father who stepped up," one commented. Another wrote, "It's always amazing to me how animals can care for other animals...even ones that aren't the same as themselves. We humans could learn a thing or two."
Can cats and dogs get along?
Before bringing dogs and cats into the same household, many owners worry about whether dogs can bond with cats and wonder if cats and dogs can live in harmony. Fortunately, the internet is full of heartwarming tales of cute pet friendships that prove felines and canines can happily coexist and even become BFFs. The keys to encouraging successful interspecies friendships are patience, constant supervision, and positive reinforcement, but of course, much relies on the personalities of the animals in question. "So precious. This video shows that even those who are supposed to be enemies can love and protect each other. 'Different' doesn't mean 'bad,'" one viewer wrote.
Jessica Mixon might have intended just to foster the five kittens, but it's now clear that Rock has other plans. All of the video's viewers seem to agree that the paternal pooch should be allowed to keep at least one kitten for himself — and preferably all five. "Ma'am, those aren't fosters. Those 5 kittens are foster fails. You can't separate them from their dad ❤," one viewer commented. Another pointed out, "Hate to tell you but you're no longer fostering. Clearly the adoption has been finalized 🥰."