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

When the life of another is more important to you

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