Dads Who Didn’t Want Pets, But Now Can't Live Without Them

The relationship between dads and house pets is a strange one

Damjan

• Published in Animals
• July 24, 2020

The relationship between dads and house pets is a strange one. Many of them didn’t want one in the first place, but all dads end up adoring the family pets.

But why were they opposed to getting a pet in the first place? No one can tell, and there must be many scientific studies that went nowhere because they could not reach a solid conclusion…

When listing reasons to their kids, dads list reasons like hygiene, big commitment… but when the pet arrives, they forget all about those reasons.

There are many “before and after” jokes and photos of dads and the family pets that somehow became their inseparable buddies. We have collected some of the best, and we know you will love them.

"He Still Calls Him "Stupid Cat"

"My Uncle, Who Absolutely Thinks Pets Are A Waste Of Time And Money"

"Dont You Dare Get A Cat, I Hate Cats"

"My Dad Always Talks Smack About My Cat And I Come Into The Living Room To Find This"

"The Photos My Dad Sends Me Of The New Kitten He Doesn’t Want"

"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"

"My Dad Rocking The Cat Who Wasn’t Allowed In “His Chair” That He Said He Did Not Want In His Chair Looking Pleased As A Peach"

Yeah.

"My Dad Dressed "The Dog He Didn't Want" In My Childhood Dress He Kept For His First Grand Daughter"

Photo Shoot

"From Calling Him “The Big Black Thing” To “I Can’t Get Up Yet, He’s Using My Arm As A Pillow”

"He Never Wanted A Dog. Four Days After They Met, She Helped Him To Recover From A Stroke"

"My Dad Told Us He Never Wanted Another Dog... But Then Allowed Us To Get Two Puppies From The Same Litter. This Is The Seating Arrangement Every Night"

"He Regularly Makes Fires Specifically For The Cat Because She Likes To Sleep In Front Of Them In This Chair"

"From “Please Tell Me You Aren’t Serious” To “Mac’s Helping Me” Within A Week"

"Update, Over A Year After Dad Finally Said Ok To Our (His) Cat, Here Is Big Mechanic Dad Enjoying The Fall Fire With His Little Boy"

"He’s Never Been A Dog Person. Ever. And Now My Dad Takes Yuki Sailing And Talks To Her Wherever They Go"

"Took A Lot Of Convincing To Get One Cat, Let Alone Two. Cat #2 And Dad Are Now Best Buds Who Make Pancakes Together"

"Dad: I Don't Want A Pet, So Stop Pestering Me About It. Also Dad: Please Go On Vacation So I Can Hang Out With My Grandson Again"

"Used To Hate Cats. Now He “Doesn’t Want To Mistreat Them By Getting Up”

My Dad Three Years Ago: "I Can’t Believe You Brought Another Dog Into This House". My Dad Now"

"3 Months After Saying He Didn’t Want A Dog"

"Hubs Was Never A Cat Person. Now He Tells Me How They Individually Like To Be Pet, And They All Behave And Don’t Fight When Sitting By Daddy. I Don’t Know Who Trained Who"

“I Want Nothing To Do With This Damn Dog. He’s Your Responsibility"

"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"

"My Dad: I Want Nothing To Do With That Pile Of Hair. Also My Dad: Let Me Build Him His Dog House With My Own Two Hands, Complete With Stairs And A Dog Door Leading Into The House So He Can Have His Own Room And His Own Bathroom"

"My Sister Told Me I Should Post Our Dad Here. Our Dad Is The Stereotypical Mexican Dad. He Used To Always Say “Yo No Quiero Animales En Esta Casa!”. I Just Received This Picture. Also, He Told My Mom That The Dogs Are His"

"My Dad Didn’t Want A Dog. Now He Hangs Up Both Their Coats To Dry After It Rains"

"Pit Bulls Are Dangerous He Said"

"My Dad: “I Don’t Want A Dog”

"I'm A Cat Person," He Said. Now, "Where's Penny?! I Need Penny! I Can't Sleep Without My Doggy!"

“We Don’t Need 2 Eighty Pound Monsters Running Around The House And Getting All Over The Couch” Now Bambi Is Dads Go-To Couch Buddy"

."My Dad Hates Cats""

"He Spent 20 Years Refusing To Get A Dog, Now They Play Until They Both Fall Over"

"Dad Finally Gave In And Let Her Have The Pillow"

"Pupdate: My Dad Now Swaddles/Cuddles Louie (Dog) When There Is A Thunderstorm"

"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"

"From A Dad Who Did Not Want A Pet To A Pet Who Does Not Want A Dad"

"No Dogs!"

“If You Get A New Puppy, I Won’t Want Anything To Do With It. I Won’t Let It Out. I Won’t Touch It. I Won’t Feed It. You’re Fully Responsible. I Want Nothing To Do It With. Deal?”

"My Dad Went From Not Wanting A Cat To Watching Basketball With Simba"

"My Dad's Officially Part Of The Club. He Told We Would Not Be Taking A Dog Home Today. This Is Him Hours Later"

"1,5 Years Ago Dad: We Are Not Getting A Dog. 2 Weeks Ago Dad: We Are Not Getting Another Dog"

"My Grumpy Dad When He Holds Up The Cat So She Can Look Out The Window"

"Dad 5 Years Ago: No Dogs. Dad Now: “He Was Cold”

"My Dad Doesn't Want A Cat But The Cat Definitely Wants My Dad"

"When My Mum First Met My Dad He Had Never Had Cats And Was Not A Fan - 17 Years Of Marriage And 6 Cats Later This Is Where He’s At"

“We’re Not Getting A Dog!” Says The Man Who Now Matches His Suspenders And The Dog’s Collar"

"My Dad After He Said “Keep The Damn Cat Off The Bed”

Chris Blazina, a psychologist and professor at New Mexico State University says that we are not just imagining this connection between middle-aged men and their pets. 

Chris says 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 creates a problem because despite “all the rigid rules, men are still social creatures that are hardwired to make and sustain emotional bonds with others.” 

"He Tells People He’s Not Much Of An Animal Person But The Second He Gets Home He’s Wanting Cuddles And Making Sure Our Fur Baby Is Happy And Cozy"

"Dad: "If We Get A Tortoise I'm Not Looking After It" Also Dad: "Get Comfy, Hector, And Let Me Show You Pictures Of Your Brethren"

"Part 2 Of “If You Get Another Dog I’m Moving Out” — Still Here"

"Against My Dad's Wishes (And Allergies) I Brought A Cat Home 2 Years Ago. Here He Is Laying Down Fishing Out Cat Toys From Under The Fridge With Said Cat"

“I Hate Cats” “They’re Evil” “He Has No Concept Of Boundaries” “Did Anyone Get The Salmon For The Cats? They Don’t Like The Roast Beef One Anymore”

“We Can’t Keep It” - My Dad 10 Months Ago

"I'm Pretty Sure I'm Allergic To Dogs" To "Look At The Halo! She's Like An Angel Sent From Heaven"

"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"

"My Dad, After One Week When He Said "No Cats In This House"

"She Can Stay For 2 Weeks," Turned Into Him Telling Her It Hurts When She Doesn't Hug Him On Christmas"

"Here’s Another One Of Nico And My Dad, Caught Red Handed"

"Um Can We Get Some Privacy Please?"

"My Dad Claims He Doesn’t Love Our Dog, But He Built This End Table With A Little Hut For Her. If That’s Not Love, I Don’t Know What Is"

"Boyfriend ‘Didn’t Want A Cat’ And We Were Told She ‘Isn’t A Lap Cat’... This Was The Result 24 Hours After Minnie Came To Her Forever Home"

“Alright, Lets Go...” Says The Grumpy Old Man To The “Stupid Dog” For Their Nightly Beer In The Backyard"

"The Purest Love Is The One Between Grumpy Dads And The Pets They Said They Didn’t Want"

"I Think Dads Say They Don't Want Pets Because They Can't Handle The Bond They Form"

"My Dad Complains That Remus Lays In His Lap Anytime He Sits Down. This Is The Smile I Got After Saying How Jealous I Am"

"My Dad 10 Years Ago: I Don't Want Any Animals In This House! My Dad Today:"

"My Dad Didn’t Want A Second Dog. Now They Have Matching PJs"

"He Was A Firm Opponent Of The Hairless Cat But Skin To Skin Is The Best Way To Connect"

"My Father, Who Used To Hate Cats, And Linus, My Cat"

"Apparently My Dad Now Plays Guitar Every Night For The Cats He Never Wanted To Adopt"

"Dad Didn't Want A New Dog. And Then He Stumbled Upon This OG (Original Golden). Meet Nigel (Dog, Not Dad)"

"Parents Came Over To See Our New Place. Dad Left Living Room And Was Gone A Long Time. Found Him In Our Pet Room"

"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?"

"From Swearing He Would Never Have An Animal In The House To Feeding Her Pizza From The Table"

"My Dad Always Says He Doesn't Care About Our Cat. A Few Days Ago He Asked My Mom To Take This Picture"

“We Are Not Getting A Cat.” (They Now Have Two And He Comes To My House Regularly To “Check On” My Two Who Lived With Them For A While)"

“We Are Never Getting A Cat” - My Husband"

"From “We Are Not Keeping Her, I’m Taking Her To The Pound Tomorrow” To Rubbing Her Belly And Putting His Face Against Hers"

"My Boyfriend Who Thought All Cats Were Evil Is Now Doing Indoor Rock Climbing To Reach Her. Why? Cause He Wanted To Kiss Her Forehead"

"My Dad 4 Years Ago: "No Hamsters In This House!" My Dad Now:"

“You Can Get A New Cat But Keep That Filthy Animal Away From Me” Yeah Ok Dad"

"Here’s My Favourite Pic Of My Dad And Our Dog, Sid. Not Quite Sure What He’s Got In His Mouth Haha"

"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"

“A Dog That Small Isn’t A Dog It’s A Rodent!!” Also Him “I Got Him Two New Winter Coats So He’s Not Cold But Make Sure He Eats The Lunch I Made Him Before He Goes Out”

"My Dad: I Don't Want Dogs In This House. Also My Dad:"

"He Keeps Threatening To "Put Him Back [ In The Alley] Where He Found Him"

"1 Year Later"

"Fine, But You're Taking Care Of It"

"Caught Him Hugging The Giant Dog He Didn't Want, He Was Also Singing The Dog His Own Personal Song"

“We Aren’t Getting A Damn Dog.”- Husband, One Year Ago. “Awww, She Keeps Crying, Can’t She Just Sleep With Us?” - Husband, Two Days After We Acquired This Little Squirt"

“The Only Good Cat Is A Dead Cat” - My Dad, Who Then Claimed My Rescue Kitten A Few Hours After He Arrived And Renamed Him George. They’re Now Inseparable"

"Husband Was Not Happy About Rescuing This Feral Cat"

"My Mexican Dad Who Said She Could Stay For One Week. It’s Been Ten Years Now"

"This Dog Is Not Only In His House, But In His Heart Now"

"My Dad: No, We’re Not Getting Another Dog!! Also My Dad:"

"I Don't Want A Cat"

"This Is My Dad Who Didn’t Want One Dog Let Alone 2 And Most Certainly Did Not Want A Cat"

"It’ll Last Two Weeks" - My Dad 5 Years Ago"

“He’s Only Going To Be In The Way, I’ll Step On Him”

"Five Years Ago My Dad Said He Didn’t Want A Dog. Here’s Their Sunday Afternoon Together"

"Dad Who Did Not Want A Cat Tearing Up In Joy Because The Cats On His Lap"

"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”

"We Begged For A Dog For 13 Years. This Was After Another Attempt A Year Ago. “Nice Try, Why Would We Get A Dog?” Then He Met Her And Look At His Face! He Already Loved Her"

"My Dad (79) Went From “I Don’t Want That Dang Cat” To Carrying Her To “Her Room” For Bed Each Night"

“It’s Too Hot To Have This Dog Sitting On Me Like This...” I Offered To Call Him Over To Me But No It’s Ok... Big Joe With Pablo"

"Me: I Don't Want A New Bird, They Only Bond To You And Want Nothing To Do With Me! New Bird:"

"Dad Two Years Ago: “Why Would You Want To Get A Dog? They’re All Work And Responsibility And Very Little Play”

"My Dad Didn't Even Want The "Damn Dog"

"We Have Enough Cats In This House, I'm Not Getting Another" - Dad, 2 Weeks Before Getting A Li'l Kitten"

"My Dad: Can We Return It??? If We Keep It, It Can’t Go On The Furniture And I Want Nothing To Do With It. My Dad, Out Loud, More Days Later: “Let’s Move This Pillow To Give You More Room. Are You Comfy? Do You Want Some Pets? Let’s Read Together”

"My Dad Says He “Doesn’t Like Animals” Including Hammie"

"My Dad Didn’t Want A Dog. I Watched Him Cry At The Shelter When This Guy Sat On His Lap. I Knew It Was All Over. Welcome Home Beni"

"My Dad "Animals Are For Eating, Not For Pets"

"My Dad, Who Hates Cats"

But in reality, as men age, “their bond with their animal companions can take on a more complex and central role,” Chris described.

He explained that it happens because men’s social contacts get reduced over time. “As males age, they shrink to the size of a postage stamp—a romantic partner and if they are lucky, an animal companion.” So, it is all matter of emotional support.

"I Don't Want More Dogs" Now They're Taking Selfies After Doing Yoga"

“She Can Sleep In The Garage, But There’s No Way She’s Allowed Inside The House”

"Do Grandpas Count? He Went From "Don't You Dare Bring This Disease Ridden Stray Inside" To "She Likes It Best When I Scratch Her Behind The Ears"

"Classic Case Of “We Aren’t Keeping The Cat” - Dad"

"My Dad Who Did Not Want Pets Comforting A Scared Pup On His First Vet Trip"

"Dad & The Neighbor's Cat He Doesn't Like Having Inside"

"My Dad “Didn’t Want A Dog” Yet This Is His Snapchat Story Today"

“He Is Not Allowed In The House, On The New Carpet, Upstairs And Definitely Not On The Sofa!”

"Now Dad Gets Mad Whenever Anyone Calls Him Bad Dog Bc He's A Sensitive Breed"

"I Couldn't Believe My Eyes When My Sister Sent Me This. I Have 16 Years Age Gap With My Sister And I Couldn't Have Any Pets When I Was A Kid"

"Dad - "I Dont Want A Dog!" Also Dad - "Gaston Need Is Own Bed And Night Table"

"Didn’t Want A Dog. Not Really A Dog Person. Daughter Wanted A Dog. And Here We Are"

"My Husband "Doesn't Like Cats" And Refused To Let Me Get A Kitty For The Longest Time. He Now Gives The Kitten A Dab Of Cream Cheese Every Morning And Naps With Him On The Couch... But Maintains That He Doesn't Like The Little Dude"

"Merry Christmas And Happy Holidays From All The Dads Who Didn't Want To Get A Dog"

Dad Went From "You're Taking Him With You When You Leave." To "Are You Really Gonna Take Him With You??"

"My Dad, Who Was "Allergic To Cats" And "Didn't Want Another Animal In The House" (We Already Have 2 Dogs)"

"My Dad Said He Didn't Want Another Dog... Okay Dad"

"My Dad Who “Didn’t Want A Cat” Showing Lucas Every Item Of The Weekly Shop Because “He Wants To See What We’ve Got”

"He Didn't Want Either Of Them And Is Now Begging Me For A Third, Our Daughter Aproves Haha"

"My Dad Didn't Want A Dog. Now She's His Favorite Little Girl"

"From “The Dogs Are Not Coming Up On The Bed” To “We Need To Get A King Size Bed So They Can Sleep Next To Us”

"I Hate Cats. If You Get A Cat, I'm Not Going To Visit." Now He Comes With Us On Walks And Lures Her Over With Treats"

Will Kick Any Damn Dog You Get Out Of My House!” 2 Months Later And Louie (Dog) Only Sleeps In My Dad’s Bed"

"My Dad And The Cat "He Hates". He Calls Her The Ice Queen"

"My Husband, The Life Long Cat Hater. He Found Crookshanks Abandoned On A Job And Offered Some Token Resistance When I Wanted To Bring Him Home. Six Months In And While They've Been Tight Since Day 1, He Often Remarks That Crook Is The Weirdest Dog He's Ever Had"

"In 7 Months We've Progressed From "We're Not Getting A Dog. Period." To This"

"Dad Never Wanted A Dog"

"He Didn't Want "The Little Bastard" To Get His Feet Cold"

"We Don't Need Another Damn Cat"

"Dad: "No Animal Allowed In This House!". Also Dad:"

"My Dad 18 Years Ago: “I Don’t Want A Cat, He Has To Live In The Garage.” My Dad Today:"

"I Don’t Want A Kitten. He’ll Destroy The Sofa"

"Dad Didn’t Want A Dog. Dad And The Dog:"

“A Dog Will Never Be Allowed In My Car Or On My Bed” - My Dad"

"I Present To You, My Dad Who Didn’t Want Another Dog"

Damjan