There's a special bond between pets and their owners.
People who adopt a cat or a dog invariably see their lives change for the better, and often come to the conclusion that their pet has become their BFF.
Here are 20 photos that illustrate the sheer joy of owning a pet.
1. Dozing off to the baby's heartbeat

© Peter_Puppy / reddit
2. The look of love

© n4os3iqueus3rn4m3p0r / reddit
3. A morning ritual

© blinkytoo / reddit
4. This dog started clinging to its owner when she began to feel extremely tired - and who later found out she was pregnant!

© yukidjesus / reddit
5. Someone wants a cuddle...

© rikachu1 / reddit
6. Bonding time

© orion2222 / reddit
7. When your puppy discovers snow for the first time

© kgergely_HUN / reddit
8. A happy smile

© monstrum_crustulum / reddit
9. A pampered pooch!

© GrandmasterGraba / reddit
10. Father and son enjoy a nap

© etherfield-e / reddit
11. His way of asking for a treat

© JokellOwO / reddit
12. Just loving the attention

© Greenteaiscool / reddit
13. They've been buddies from day one!

© hardboiledhoe / reddit
14. Nothing better than a good scratch!

© Lust-Exe / reddit
15. This cat loves sniffing flowers!

© Lolhead****bre / reddit
16. With the wind in your hair...

© haileywink / reddit
17. Checking out what's going on outside

© dcoughl02 / reddit
18. Hanging out in the paddling pool on a hot day

© herroturry / reddit
19. Too cute for words!

© pepamurias / reddit
20. When a puppy is still in its bouncy stage

© Deflorestation / reddit