Why does Mufasa have to die??

Hakuna matata, little buddy. As seen on SayOMG.

We’d like you to meet new grads Bridget E. and service dog Hero. She says on Reddit: “Hero knows over forty commands to assist me! He loves to retrieve objects like envelopes, pens, etc. He also turns off lights, opens doors, and he pulls me in my wheelchair up ramps! I couldn’t have gone to college without him!”

CO wrote to Bridget this afternoon and she responded: “I would like to add that I truly appreciate everyone’s good luck wishes! It is amazing to me that so many people have enjoyed the photo! If they would like to help future service dogs like Hero, please check out the Illini Service Dogs site & also on FB and YouTube. I’m the founder of the Illini Service Dogs, providing service dogs for free to people with physical disabilities.”

HuffPo says, “According to posts on Reddit, the photo was taken at the Saturday (5/11) convocation ceremony of the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.”

The story was originally submitted from Cuteporter Richard C., who added: “I think I may have found a photo that has made my heart grow three sizes today.”

Graduation ceremony photo from HuffPo. All other photos provided by Bridget E. Thumbnail hover borrowed from Fleurdamour.

Doesn’t seem like such a bad deal.  You get head scritches with a little metal thing.

You get to go swimming.

You get all googly-eyed and people will crack up. They’ll prolly toss U a treat.

Toys are free.

You get to enjoy the great outdoors.

When you cock your head, people go BAROO? You don’t get what that means.

SQUIRREL!

Sleeping accommodations are always comfortable.

Nice big comfy couches to crash on. Or stand on.

They bring the food and water RIGHT TO YOU!

So close…yet so far.

Nobody gets on your case for excessive drool action.

“I like to snuggle, cuddle, bite skin, chase monstrous objects n’ make people explosively happy.”

And..hey! Green dude! How’d YOU get in here? 

~The Creditos~

1. DP&F’s FB.
2. “Trevor the Spoodle. He had been having a lovely time swimming in the dam, and this was his response to being told it was time to go home.” -Jas and Trev.
3/4. Ned McHardysons.
5. Jay’s FB.
6. “This is Hank, we like to call him Hanky Panky because he’s so full of beans!” -Photos by Annisa M., from Kristy and Josh C.
7. A border collie performs a jump at a dog show. Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images.
8. “Synchronized Napping: Nico and Hope” from Jeanine P.
9. “My friend Lesa’s mini-doxie Sparky contemplating yet another snow storm in SE Ohio.” -Liz B.
10. “Oliver is a mix of Japanese Chin, Poodle and some sort of Terrier. He travels with us in our Airstream trailer.” -Monica B.
11. Toby wants him some ENCHILADA. (Por Favor.) From Sarah L.
12. “Archer is our 2 year old bull mastiff who weighs 150 pounds and will sit on your lap like he weighs five.” -Submitted by “Mandy & Andy,” who are getting married soon and no doubt have spectacular wedding invitations. Photo by Angela at Lovelight Photographie.
13. “This is Oslo from Buenos Aires. He’s two months old.” -Rebecca W.
14. Bebeh Praying Mantis taken by A. Tweedie @ the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve, South Africa.

The American Heart Association’s got some news. Wanna hear?

Quoting their release: “Owning a pet, particularly a dog, could reduce your risk of heart disease.” #WIN.

“Dog ownership in particular may help reduce cardiovascular risk. People with dogs may engage in more physical activity because they walk them.” #DOUBLEWIN.

“Pets can have a positive effect on the body’s reactions to stress.” #TRIPLEWIN.

~The Creditos~
Video #1 from the Pet Collective.
Photo 1: “This is my moms Shorkie (Shih tzu/yorkie) puppy Georgie. She named him Georgie after George Strait after she tried to get tickets to his concert and they sold out immediately, so she used her ticket money to buy Georgie. I think she got the better bargain!” -Amy S.
Photo 2: From Reddit.
Photo 3: “This is Millie, my sweet foster doggie, telling me that SHE rescued me…isn’t that the truth?” -Jenn K.

Some dogs are content to snooze in the sunshine.

Harley would rather get down, if you don’t mind.

Spotted on Mashable.

This first photo might well have been a candidate for best photobomb ever–look at that earnest face popped right up front and center. However, the photobomber is missing the bombee. Better luck next time, Kili!

“These are pictures of my sweet girl Kili, now eight years old. She is a mixed long and short haired mini dachshund. She is best known for her crazy ear hair and tufted toes! Her favorite spot is on my lap and the laptop is Enemy Number One! I hope you find her as Cute Overload worthy as I do!” [We do! -Ed] -Abbie E.

I didn’t see any instructions or anything.

From TDC.

After this, if you’re good, you’ll get a sucker.

From Ned Hardy.

This fellow is excited ’cause he’s getting his own kitteh. Who wouldn’t be!

Klaatu42 did this.

No doubt you’ve read about Google’s 20% time flop game-changer quirky gizmo you can’t afford, “Google Glass.” Mashable did a great article on Glass’s unexpected Puppeh Appeal. But what does Rover use them for? Let’s find out.

Photo creditos: 2) Flickr, Moosicorn 3) iStockphoto, chris-mueller 4) iStockphoto, dageldog 5) iStockphoto, Suzanne-Carlsson 6) iStockphoto, cynoclub 7) iStockphoto, dageldog 8) iStockphoto, yellowsarah 9) iStockphoto, jonathandowney 10) iStockphoto, lisas212 11) iStockphoto, Haje. Video posted by Christine Erickson.