happiness

What is it about animals that bring us so much joy? Sometimes, they're the only thing in our day that can actually cheer us up and make us smile. They have this wholesome power that is rare and hard to find amongst humankind. It does exist but with animals, it's almost a 100% thing. 

Animals bring us joy. And even though this tough year is nearly at its end, we can always use another burst of happiness to help us feel OK. We don't know what the new year will have in store for us, but one thing we can guarantee is that animals will always be there for us to make us smile, laugh, and feel heartwarming joy. 

Days are getting shorter and darker and we need some light to guide us through, if you're in need of extra light, you've come to the right place. 

If you haven't smiled yet today, be prepared for that to change. The pictures you're about to look at are all full of mischief and smiles. There is no way you could withstand the challenge of not smiling back to a smiling fox, and why would you want to try anyway? 

Foxes have the most contagious laughs and the most contagious smiles, and since the weekend is here, and we know you're tired, we've decided to bring some foxy joy into your life. Uwu-worthy like nothing else, enjoy these happy smiling foxes. For more foxy goodness, you can also check out some fox memes. 

Oh boi, oh boi! These are some serious joyful expressions! You remember that feeling you used to get at the start of Autumn, and you come across a specially crunchy-looking leaf that you just need to step on? Maybe that's how dogs feel but with all leaves!

Ah, Autumn. Don't fight us on this but Autumn might be the best season of all. Hear me out on this, first:

1. It finally gets cooler but not too cold

2. Halloween

3. Cozy sweaters, warm drinks, overall sense of happiness

4. HALLOWEEN

Oh, and if you live in an area where the leaves change colors, that would be on the list too. But we don't, so it's not up there. 

We hope seeing these joyful dogs frolicking in the leaves gets you pumped up that Autumn is nearly here! Get excited people, these dogs sure are! 

"You are perfect just the way you are!"

That is the tagline in Monty Happiness's Instagram bio and it fully describes him. Perfect.

Monty Boy was adopted on August 30th, 2013, at the age of three by Mikala Klein. Monty's previous owner had too many cats and forced to place them for adoption, one of those cats was Monty. According to Mikala's blog, MontyMolly, "The first time we met Monty, there were no doubts in our minds that he was going to come live with us. His special appearance makes him look so incredibly cute, but his personality, which he showed from the very beginning, is rare as a diamond!"

Monty even had a unique personality, being in a room full of cats who few acted out on aggression, Monty would remain calm and collected. 

And while caring for a cat with innate chromosome abnormalities hasn't been the easiest, Monty's owners take such great care of him and don't mind the extra work. 

Regardless of his appearance, Monty is just like any regular cat. Mikala's wish is for Monty to be an "ambassador for special needs animals that may not look perfect in everyone's eyes!" She also added, "We also want to raise attention to the fact that looking different doesn't mean you can't be fantastic. And we believe that our sweet little Monty Boy is a perfect example to just that and in every way is FANTASTIC!"

Read up on last week's star on Instagram, traveling cats; Daikichi and Fuku-Chan!

Meet one of the happiest Shiba Inu's we've ever come across -- Lili! Lili lives in Japan with her owner and is living her absolute best life! 

Don't believe us? You should check out Lil's Instagram feed! So much color and fun to be had by Lili constantly. We can just see how happy this Shiba Inu really is and it makes us sport a big goofy grin ourselves. 

Let the happiness wash over you! 

Who can resist any sort of dog or puppy silliness? Not us, that's for sure! 

A little blend of doggo goodness for the soul is always a treat! And we've got pawistively the best line-up! So much cuteness and wholesomeness, we can't help but feel our hearts burst! 

Let's give these pups our love and undivided attention! 

Smiles. Smiles are the universal sign of happiness. 

Did you know that smiling is actually more contagious than the flu? And that studies have should that when you smile, a true smile, "it affects certain muscles that actually make you feel happy or joyful. You smile because you are happy and when certain muscles are hit, your brain sends even more happy signals or endorphins."

Smiling is the ultimate gift you can give yourself, and others will catch your smile, too. 

We hope the following smiling animals are contagious to you, too! Here's to a happy day! 

There's something quite special about the bond between animals, and we can argue that the bond between cats is especially special. 

Simply because a cats affection isn't usually won over quickly. It takes time to earn their trust and their love but once you do -- you still can't count on that! It's an ongoing process, but in the end... the love you take is equal to the love you make.

There's nothing quite like love. And love from animals just makes it even sweeter, it's a connection that goes beyond species.

It's hard to explain but you know it when you see it and you definitely know it when you feel it! We love our furry and non-furry friends and love the love the share amongst themselves and every so often.. with us. 

Love is so powerful. 

These poor animals had been abandoned, neglected, and the moment someone stepped in to give them a second chance -- they absolutely flourished. It's the best kind of glow-up there is. 

If you have the chance to give an animal a second chance at life and love -- please take it.