These Pictures Of Cheetahs With Their Dog BFFs Will Warm Your Heart

    Cheetahs: They're just like us!

    Terri Pous
    by Terri Pous

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Cheetahs are fearless masters of the animal kingdom, right?

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    WRONG!

    TVPeru / Via giphy.com

    It turns out, some cheetahs are just anxious balls of nerves, just like you and me. And just like you and me, cheetahs turn to the calming presence of dogs to help them chill out.

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    Many zoos follow this practice, and the San Diego Zoo explains on its website that "dogs are naturally comfortable with people, even those they don’t know. Cheetahs are quite a bit more cautious and wary of new situations; having a dog buddy to show them that everything is okay — and even fun — helps the cat feel comfortable and relaxed."

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    "The dog’s body language communicates that there’s nothing to fear, which relaxes and calms the cheetah’s flight tendencies. We introduce a puppy buddy when the cheetah is still a cub and naturally playful. By spending time together, they get to know each other and become buddies."

    Golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers are the most popular dog companions, thanks to labs' sunny dispositions.

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    Clearly, the pairings work. These guys are the three best friends that anyone could have!!!

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    Name a more iconic duo. I'll wait.

    Columbus Zoo

    OH MY GOD IT'S TOO MUCH I CAN'T HANDLE THE CUTE.

    Columbus Zoo

    Have you ever seen a friendship this pure?!

    View this video on YouTube
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    The end. RIP me.

    Metro Richmond Zoo / Via youtube.com