Sharing big events with loved ones makes our important days that much more special.
And so when it came to time for student Parker to take his graduation portrait, she knew exactly who he would bring along for his University of Waterloo picture….
…his cat, Zeus.
“[My] connection to the cat is one of a kind,” Parker shared with The Dodo. “Zeus is the most chill and tolerant extroverted cat I’ve ever met. He really likes company and loves being held.”
Both Parker and his wife adopted Zeus along with another rescue kitty named Zulu four years ago.
“We knew that Zeus was the right one because he cuddled right into us,” Parker said. “When he was put down, he just wanted more affection.”
A fluffy tabby cat, Zeus has been close to Parker’s side through all the late-night study sessions, as well as the early morning runs to class.
Wherever Parker goes, Zeus follows — and so when it came time for graduation, it only seemed natural to include the furry friend.
“I chose to include him in the photos once I learned I could bring ‘friends to join in the fun for personal/fun photos,’” Parker said. “I emailed the photographer a day or two beforehand and got the all clear to do so!”
But bringing in Zeus for a close up was no easy task…
“On the day of the photo shoot I had a midterm right before, and once that was complete I rushed home to grab Zeus,” Parker said. “I was exhausted — shows in the eyes — but it was worth it.”
Zeus did not mind the extra attention at all.
“He was well-behaved during the session, and explored around while I was getting the other photos done,” Parker continued.
Parker’s bizarre choice of friend did not go unnoticed — including those of the photographer:
“He laughed,” Parker said. “[I] also got an awkward look from a previous professor.”
But it wasn’t until Parker posted the photos to Reddit that the real reactions surfaced — and most had to do with Parker’s eyes.
“Congrats on graduating, I hope Zeus doesn’t kill you while you get some much deserved sleep! You both look traumatized and I love it.”
“Your eyes look like you’re screaming internally. Is your cat holding you hostage and forcing you to pose for adorable photos?”
“He looks so happy in these. I will do this when I graduate now. Thanks for the solid idea! I’m going to try to replicate the dead inside look you’re giving as well.”
While others shared how Zeus reminded them of the cats in their life.
“Dude. This is one of the contrast-iest male calicos I’ve seen. You should be a proud cat dad!”
“My (she) Kat has very similar coloring, and I’ve done a fair amount of geeking out on the genetic variation that causes it. Zeus is one in 3000.”
“if you stare at his face long enough he turns into ryan reynolds lol”
While other commenters wondered if Zeus was okay with being held as close as he was.
Parker assured all commenters the cat didn’t know what personal space was.
“My cat is overly attached,” Parker wrote.
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