With the crippling disappointment of Valentine's Day behind us, chances are there's been some aww-ing over the puppies and the kittens, but what now? Sure the baby animals held you over for a while, but you're starting to break again. You start to see the same adorable corgis and maine coons over and over and eventually, it's back to feeling the crushing weight of loneliness of existence. Fear not! Here are some lesser known alternatives that will reassure you no one will ever be as cute or cuddly as an animal buddy.
1. Bat!
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Look at these little bats in blankies. One is yawning. Yawning . They're like tiny puppies that can fly. Plus, who better to keep you company at night when your stress is keeping you up anyway.
Bonus: Maybe they can teach you echolocation so you never have to stub your toe again on the midnight ice cream runs.
2. Aye-Aye!
Alright, go with me on this one. You know how pugs are so ugly they circle back around to being cute? Look at this little guy's face. He just wants to be loved like anyone else.
Bonus: extra long finger for pin-point back scratches.
3. Tapir!
Imagine a pony. Now make the pony the size of a puppy. Now give the pony a funny, floppy pig nose. You've pretty much got a tapir. Adult tapirs are quite large. I've always wondered if it would be possible to ride one. The babies, however, are adorable and cuddly.
Bonus: if you ever spill white paint on them, no one will know.
4. Pangolin!
And you thought the pokemon Sandslash was made up. Pangolins are very real. Real cute. They look so timid and ready to hug.
Bonus: Pangolins love to bowl. They don't even need a ball.
5. Slow Loris!
The slow loris has some big old eyes. They make them look like they're in constant wonder, and it's adorable. Also, their name is the best. If someone added slow before my name I couldn't even be mad, that's just accurate.
Bonus: Being slow means they'll never escape from your hugs.
6. Kangaroo Rat!
The kangaroo rat gets made fun of for his big feet, but you can love him for who he is, right? He just wants to nibble and jump around. It's all the quirkiness of a kangaroo in pocket size.
Bonus: Kangaroo rats make fantastic rat-basketball players.
7. Dumbo Octopus!
For some reason, I always picture the dumbo octopus saying, "Oops!" They seem a little clumsy but very polite.
Bonus: Octopi are notoriously good problem solvers, so maybe a dumbo octopus can help you sort out your life. Maybe not.
8. Dugong!
It's the cow of the sea-he-he! If you got that reference, I'm sorry for getting it stuck in your head. Anyway, dugongs look like they would be seriously good huggers, and no one can tell you're crying underwater.
Bonus: They're great at cleaning dusty floors. Look at this guy down here.
9. Emperor Tamarin!
You know what's sad, guys? The emperor tamarin has better facial hair than at least 80% of us. You know what's even more sad? A baby emperor tamarin (shown above) has better facial hair than most of us.
Bonus: Forget the hipster in the coffee shop. If you want to know how to take care of a mustache, these guys are your best bet.
10. Snakes!
Yeah, yeah, snake is a broad category. My point is, snakes are not all terrifying; they have plenty of cute moments. Look at the guy above poking his head out, curious about all the adventures he's about to have. Or the guy down here, all tuckered out.
Bonus: Maybe you find out you've been a parseltongue this whole time and the wizarding world does exist.
11. Parrot!
Parrots and parakeets love to snuggle. They also bond really strongly with one person. You know who that sounds perfect for? My lonely friend. Definitely not me. I have no experience with that. Nope.
Bonus: Birds tend to live a while, so no getting attached only to have them pass before you're ready.
