14 heart-warming photos of our love for animals

Even animals have ways to respond with gratitude when we treat them with kindness. They might respond to our care and affection with devotion, with help, or just with a loving gaze. At such moments, the soul feels lighter and glows with the feeling that you’ve made a positive change to the world.

Here are a few photos where people have captured the meaning of a big heart.

A lullaby for the ship’s cat

Those who’ve seen war know the value of life — all life

A new friend

Reading companions

Kindness develops most of all in childhood

Huge love for a huge animal

One loving action speaks more than a thousand words

A picture of generosity

Everyone can give a hug once in a while

Even the smallest can show compassion

© Sam Grandgeorge

When the life of another is more important to you