This Rescue Kangaroo Loves To Chill On The Couch With His Dad So Much That He Made It A Part Of His Daily Routine
When you think of kangaroos, your mind doesn't immediately picture them lounging on a couch. Kangaroos are wild animals that love the outdoors.
That's what we believed until we came across this very unique kangaroo who loves being a couch potato just as much, if not more, than humans do. His name is Rufus, and it's his couch, thank you very much.
Rufus lives in Australia and was rescued when he was just an eight-month-old joey. Now, at 4 years old, the kangaroo's unique personality shines through.
The kind people who took in the abandoned joey are Kym and Neil Haywood. The couple runs the Pumpkin Patch Kangaroo Sanctuary located in Port Lincoln, South Australia.
They noticed in the early days of adopting Rufus that the young kangaroo is different from the other kangaroos they had fostered before. He loves the companionship and friendship of humans.
It didn't take long before Rufus discovered the joy of napping on a very comfortable couch. Kym shared that the moment Rufus learned he could jump onto the couch, he took every opportunity to chill on it.
He would lie down with his head dangling off to the side and snooze for as long as he wanted. The other kangaroos the couple has rescued fully live outside of the sanctuary, but Rufus is a special case.
The quirky kangaroo couldn't fully adapt to living in the wild, so Kym and Neil gave Rufus a dog bed outside for him to watch the other kangaroos being, well, kangaroos. Then, at 5:30 PM each day, Rufus waits outside the back door to be let in.
The moment the door opens, the kangaroo happily jumps on his favorite couch and sneaks in a few hours of much-needed sleep. From time to time, he invites Neil to rest with him.
Rufus is not like any other kangaroo you've seen before.
Napping with his dad is his favorite pastime.
He has to remain adorable while sleeping. He doesn't want to risk his couch privileges.
The Emotional Bond Between Humans and Animals
The relationship between pets and their owners can be profoundly therapeutic, as studies in animal-assisted therapy demonstrate. The unconditional love and companionship that pets provide can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels in humans.
Dr. Karen Allen from the University at Buffalo has shown that interactions with animals can lead to decreased heart rates and improved emotional well-being, making them invaluable companions in times of distress.
Waking up from a nap, the kangaroo is already looking forward to the next one.
You can watch Rufus here getting spoiled rotten with belly rubs before his sleep.
"Stop taking pictures when I'm about to sleep!"
"Okay, pictures are fine if you rub my belly."
Moreover, attachment theory explains how the bond formed with pets can mirror the emotional connections we develop with humans. Research indicates that our relationships with animals can fulfill similar psychological needs, providing comfort, security, and companionship.
This is particularly evident in scenarios where pets serve as emotional support, helping individuals navigate loneliness or depression.
After a hard day of being an outdoor kangaroo, Rufus takes advantage of his nightly couch routine.
So, so sleepy.
When Rufus is not deep in slumber on the couch, he doesn't mind if his parents watch a little TV. He stays on the couch from 5 PM until his parents have to go to bed around 10 PM.
"I'm out!"
Routine and Stability in Pet Ownership
Establishing a routine with pets can also contribute to emotional stability. Research in developmental psychology highlights how structured daily activities can enhance mental health, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Having a pet can provide a sense of purpose and responsibility, which can be especially beneficial for individuals struggling with mental health issues.
Here's Rufus being told that it's bedtime:
Rufus now has eternal dibs on the comfy cushions. Kym and Neil don't mind that their rescue kangaroo has fully claimed the sofa as his.
Rufus and his antics have earned him a sizable social media following. People love receiving updates from Rufus on his couch through his Instagram and YouTube accounts.
Kym and Neil assure the fans that his newfound fame hasn't inflated Rufus's ego. The kangaroo remains humble and will continue being down to earth as long as he has his couch reserved for him.
Encouraging positive interactions between pets and their owners can lead to more profound emotional connections. Engaging in activities such as playtime, training, and walks can strengthen the bond, providing mutual joy and satisfaction.
Research shows that shared experiences can enhance relationship quality, leading to increased feelings of attachment and trust.
Psychological Analysis
This heartwarming example demonstrates the profound impact pets can have on our emotional health. The routines and bonds formed with animals often reflect our deeper psychological needs for connection and companionship.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
The bond between pets and their owners is a testament to the healing power of companionship. As Dr. Dan Gilbert, a happiness researcher, states, "The love we share with our pets can significantly enhance our emotional well-being and provide a sense of stability in our lives." By nurturing these connections, we can create a more fulfilling and emotionally supportive environment.
Share this article:
