There’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing something sweet and innocent, being protected by an unlikely friend. Like a full-grown dog who protects shelter kittens, unheard of right? Wrong. We all know the stereotype of the relationship between cats and dogs, they’re supposed to hate each other. There’s even a saying “fighting like cats and dogs” based on that very notion.
But there’s always an exception to every rule, someone or something, who breaks the mold and proves that anything is possible. Like this loving pooch, Raylan, who goes out of his way to protect every single kitten at the cat shelter he lives at. Here are 50 photos that will melt your heart, and prove that some dogs are just all-around loving.
Here are 50 photos of the “big brother” dog, who takes all these shelter kittens under his wing and shows them all the love
This dog loves these kittens so much!
Who ever said dogs hated cats never met Raylan, he loves all kittens and proves it every time he has a cuddle-session like this. This may be the cutest thing we’ve ever seen. Look at how comfy these two are, they obviously love each other.
2) Lets put our head together
Look at Raylan and this shelter kitty just relaxing with their heads touching. We’re guessing they’re onto some big ideas, like how they can sneak some more treats. Either way, it’s just downright adorable.
3) Scratch our bellies please
Raylan and this shelter kitten are just hanging out, laying back and waiting for a nice belly scratch. Who wouldn’t want to give these two some loving? They’re just so precious, it makes you want to cry tears of joy.
4) That’s one way to stay warm
This little black shelter kitten found a real protector in Raylan, she also found a cuddle buddy that will keep her warm. That’s a great way to take a nap, the tiny kitty is so cozy, she’s the perfect size to be sleeping in her big brother’s loving embrace.
The way this kitten is positioned, I’d say he’s trying to get his bodyguard Raylan to play with him. He also looks like he might just fall asleep like that. No matter what the reason is, it’s the cutest nose-to-nose we’ve ever seen.
6) Worlds cutest starring contest
This is like the world’s cutest starring contest, my money is on the lovable little kitten. Look at the size of the tiny baby. She’s barely as big as the black on Raylan’s nose.
These three are obviously having the time of their lives. Raylan takes such good care of these kittens, he deserves some kind of dog award for loving these cats the way he does. “One for all, and all for one.”
8) They’re all his babies
Look how comfortable these kittens are with Raylan. It’s like he’s become their father. I’m sure he’d do anything to protect them. These pictures will fill even the blackest hearts with so much joy!
9) Hand in hand, or, in this case ‘paw in paw’
What an awesome photo, look how much bigger Raylan’s paw is. Seeing them side to side is amazing. It’s so rare for a dog to treat cats like this, but it’s the most precious thing we’ve ever seen.
10) Who needs a pillow when you’ve got Raylan
All these kittens in this shelter treat Raylan the dog as a big pillow, but he doesn’t mind it one bit. The loving pooch is just glad to have a friend to cuddle with. Better not mess with his little buddies,’ I have a feeling he’s real protective.
11) Nothing to look at here, just a bunch of friends hanging out
Everything about this picture is just adorable, you can tell they all look up to their big brother Raylan. I wouldn’t be surprised is some of these cats grew up thinking they’re dogs. How awesome is this!?
These little kittens look up to their protective dog brother so much. Look how they follow him around ever. This is literally the most endearing game of follow the leader ever. In this case, Raylan’s definitely the leader.
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That looks like the best nap ever! I love how they just lay all over Raylan, they look so darn comfortable and ridiculously cute. The best part, the loving dog doesn’t mind one bit
The way Raylan is sleeping is hilarious. according to his Instagram, he loves sleeping like that. The kitten laying on his belly just makes the picture that much better.
15) Don’t bug us, we’re sleeping
Another adorable nap time for Raylan and his kittens, it may be the cutest slumbering pair we’ve seen in a long time. We have a feeling this isn’t the first, or last time these two will take a nap together.
This precious little kitty just got woken up from a long nap, you can still see the sleep in his eyes. Raylan, on the other hand, isn’t so easy to wake. I’m sure he gets tired playing with so many kittens all day.
17) Carrying them is his favorite
The kittens are the perfect size to safely fit in Raylan’s mouth, so he carries them all over the place. Dogs like golden retrievers have soft enough jaws to carry an egg without breaking it, we’re guessing he’s got some golden in him.
18) Sleeping with a smile
Don’t mind us, we’re just stretching our legs out. If I know naps, that’s one extremely comfy sleep-session. They must be having the best dreams because they both have smiles on their faces.
19) That’s the happiest dog ever
Look at the smile on that dog’s face, he clearly wouldn’t rather be anywhere in the world. Judging by the way the kittens crowd around him, neither would they.
It looks like Raylan just got done giving this kitten some loving licks. By the way she’s looking up at him, I’d say she wants some more. Give him a little break, he needs a breather. It’s hard to resist when you’re so darn cute.
21) Three’s never a crowd when you’re with loving Raylan
Some more loving cuddles with Raylan and his pals. Look at the way they all just lounge on the big dog. Most dogs would be chasing them off, but this dog loves them so much.
These kittens love Raylan’s lick so much, look at how they all line up waiting to be next. Don’t worry, there’s plenty to go around. I can’t get enough of the bond between these kittens and their big brother dog.
Raylan’s paw is almost as big as this kitten’s whole body. The little guy is literally using his paw as a pillow. Either way, he looks as comfy as can be.
Every one of these pictures just melts your heart. Even when they’re not sleeping, they still love to snuggle. The little cat is starring at the camera, like “what are you looking at.”
25) Move along, there’s nothing to see
These two cuddling cuties just woke up from a nice nap. They’re looking right at the camera as if to say, “hello, we were sleeping over here.”
These two are sleeping side by side and it’s too cute for words. Look at the size difference in their heads. It doesn’t matter to them, they still love each other.
Just one more example of friendship, and an unlikely love between dog and cat. The way this kitten is resting on Raylan’s neck, it goes to show how strong their bond is.
Seeing Raylan cuddle with these shelter kittens never gets old. Every picture just screams comfort. Once again, the pooch plays the part of the pillow.
29) How do you sleep like that?
Once again, Raylan is sleeping in the funniest position possible. The little kitten isn’t even sleeping, but he’s still cuddling up next to his buddy. It goes to show how much he loves his big dog bodyguard.
All these shelter kittens are under Raylan’s care, just look how sits with his leg around this one. This might be the cutest dog cat relationship of all time, they deserve their own reality show or something.
Watching Raylan lick these kittens it both hilarious and heartwarming, His tongue is as big as their whole bodies.’ Just watch how the cat’s whole body lifts up every time he licks them, priceless.
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The kitten in this picture is ready to play, I don’t think he even realizes how much bigger the dog is. It’s truly amazing that Raylan is so gentle with all these babies, he treats them like his own. They can do no wrong in his eyes, it’s a beautiful thing.
33) Awkard sleeping positions
This kitten fell asleep with its butt right in Raylan’s face, but it still makes for one adorable picture. All three of them are in a deep sleep, probably dreaming about chasing birds or something. I swear every photo just melts your heart over and over again.
The way Raylan and this kitten fell asleep is too cute, it’s like they were rubbing their faces together and then just passed out. I have no idea how they even fell asleep like that, but either way, it’s precious.
35) He even loves them when they grow up
Not only does Raylan love them as kittens, but he also loves them just the same when they grow up and get bigger. It goes to show how committed he is to these cats. Usually, this would be against dogs’ instincts but not Raylan.
36) The things he’ll do for these kittens
This kitten stands right on Raylan’s head, yet he doesn’t mind one bit! He actually looks like he’s enjoying it. Maybe the kitty is giving him some kind of neck massage.
37) Some more adorable naps
It doesn’t get any better than a huge dog sleeping with a tiny kitten. This is like the epitome of cuteness. They just keep on stealing hearts, one nap at a time.
Raylan even stands guard while the kittens eat dinner. Or maybe he’s trying to get a little it of cat food for himself. I’m starting to question whether or not he thinks he’s actually a cat, it would explain a lot.
In this picture, it looks like Raylan is scratching an itch on this kitten’s neck. The utter joy on that cat’s face is undeniable. “Oh yeah, that’s the spot.”
40) You give the best cuddles
The way this kitten is basically hugging Raylan in his sleep is so sweet. I just can’t get enough of these cuddle pictures. Not to mention, that’s the prettiest white cat ever!
Raylan is there for the kittens through thick and thin, standing by their sides even for the rougher parts of life. He’s like a parent watching their newborn get a shot from the doctor. There are real love and concern in his eyes.
42) Plenty of love to go around
How could you not be overcome with happiness seeing a picture like this? The sweetness in this photo jumps through the screen at you. Look how they’re all snuggled up against Raylan’s body, adorbs!
It’s like these kittens were just playing right on top of Raylan then suddenly fell asleep. I don’t even think the pooch is sleeping, but he doesn’t want to move and wake them. This is the best dog in the history of dogs.
The bond between Raylan and these shelter kittens is the most heartwarming thing I’ve ever seen. I could look at pictures of them snuggling in their sleep all day. Don’t forget to check them all out on
Raylan’s Instagram.
Raylan is like this kitten’s personal hammock, the way she is just laid back on him is so cool. It’s like their just kicking back, watching some TV or something. I’m sure they’re either about to take a nap or just woke up from one.
These two are just lounging out together, I wonder if Raylan ever gets mad at the cats. Who am I kidding, he’s the sweetest dog ever. They do look pretty serious in this picture though, maybe they just don’t want to be bothered.
Just when you thought these cuddle pictures couldn’t get any cuter, they throw in that adorable sweater Raylan’s sporting. It almost matches the kittens.’ He definitely gets some extra style points for this one.
The way they’re snoozing together may take the cake for adorable cuddle pictures, Something about the lighting on this picture, paired with the kitten using Raylan’s neck as a pillow make it incredibly precious.
49) Whose nose is bigger?
It looks like it might be comparing the size of their noses. Something tells me the kitten actually thinks he is bigger. Either way, Raylan could probably suck the cat right up his nostrils if he inhales to hard
Raylan just loves licking his little kittens.’ He licks them so much they probably don’t even have to lick themselves. I wonder if he gets fur balls like cats do from all the licking he does.
These 50 pictures will bring tears of joy to your eyes, I’m going to going back to Raylan’s Instagram anytime I’m having a bad day. It’s not everyday you see a dog treating kittens like this, it’s really something special!
Source: Bored Panda, Instagram