It usually starts with a few complaints. The dog is too loud, the cat is scratching the couch, and somebody needs to explain why there's pet hair on his favorite shirt. Then, slowly, the complaints become less frequent. He starts asking whether the cat has eaten yet. He saves a little space beside him on the couch. Eventually, he's referring to himself as the animal's dad without a hint of irony.
The best part is that these dads rarely admit they've changed their minds. They'll insist they're only feeding the cat because nobody else remembered, or that they're letting it sleep on their lap because they don't want to disturb it. Meanwhile, everyone else in the family can see exactly what's happening.
One recently retired dad had no plans to join the pet-parent club. He'd never wanted an animal, especially a cat, but a scruffy little visitor apparently had other ideas.
The cat started showing up at his house and kept returning for several weeks. He looked underweight and worn, so the family wondered whether he might belong to someone nearby. They put the word out, hoping to find his owner, but nobody claimed him.
Eventually, Dad gave the cat a name: Bob. And apparently, Bob decided he'd found his person.
Now, the two spend their mornings together at the kitchen table. Dad drinks his coffee while Bob settles into his favorite corner, enjoying head scratches and cuddles as they watch the birds outside.
His family now receives daily pictures and videos of Bob, courtesy of the man who never wanted a cat in the first place.
We'd love to know how many photos it takes before someone officially loses the right to call themselves a pet hater. Surely, sending daily updates about your cat's activities qualifies.
Retirement probably looks a little different from what this dad originally imagined. Instead of enjoying a completely pet-free house, he's got a furry companion who apparently expects to join him for coffee every morning.
Judging by how inseparable they've become, we doubt Dad would have it any other way.