In scary times, animals can provide a comforting escape from reality. And happily, both amateur and seasoned professional photographers have been on hand over the years to capture some of their magic moments for us. These images are all from the CEWE Photo Awards which draws entries from around the world. From a camouflaged crocodile to a hilarious horse, we hope these heartwarming shots will lift your spirits as much as they have ours.
Scroll on to see a wide variety of animals being unbelievably adorable...
If the dog pictured here, apparently called Freddie, ever releases an album as a solo recording artist, this photo gets our vote for the cover. He looks deep in thought, staring off into the distance as the breeze buffets against his ear.
The two butterflies pictured here seem to be enjoying the nectar of a pretty pink flower together. The photo’s near symmetry makes it extra striking.
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In this image taken by Doris Dörfler-Asmus, a hungry Brown bear in Alaska tries to catch some fish over a waterfall.
We've all been guilty of doing it, haven't we? That wacky, tongue-out face when someone's taking our picture. This fun photo of a dog getting silly will warm even the coldest of hearts.
Postman, long-lost family relative, an owner returning from the shop; we don't know what's causing this dog to look out the window like this, but we know it's a heartwarmingly familiar scene to people who share their home with canines.
If every fibre of your being is telling you that the woman, pictured here, should be running away as fast as she can, fear not. She's got two guard dogs with her. Also, and this really does feel worth mentioning, that's actually just a big mural of a dog behind her.
A red squirrel reaches out after dropping its acorn from a tree branch in this classic ‘oops’ moment.
Looking like the poster for a live-action film about some pets who go on the adventure of a lifetime (think Homeward Bound), the framing of this photo, with the simultaneous sideways glances of the dogs featured, is guaranteed to make you smile.
Now check out these incredible photos of the world from above