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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
#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
#6 He Never Wanted A Dog. Four Days After They Met, She Helped Him To Recover From A Stroke
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??"
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 He’s Never Been A Dog Person. Ever. And Now My Dad Takes Yuki Sailing And Talks To Her Wherever They Go
#11 My Dad (79) Went From “I Don’t Want That Dang Cat” To Carrying Her To “Her Room” For Bed Each Night
#12 He Was A Firm Opponent Of The Hairless Cat But Skin To Skin Is The Best Way To Connect
#13 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?
#14 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
#15 "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
#16 Dad - "I Dont Want A Dog!" Also Dad - "Gaston Need Is Own Bed And Night Table"
#19 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
#20 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”
