People are sharing what they believe happens after we die. The responses are enlightening.

Here are 16 of the best responses.

Oct 26, 2024

Photo credit: via Pixabay – A man is walking into heaven (or is he?).

One of the funniest and most bizarre things about being a human being is that we really know very little about what’s going on. Sure, many religious people are confident they know why we exist, where we came from and what happens after we die, but there isn’t a whole lot of evidence to suggest they’re correct.

However, even though we are at the center of an incredible mystery, most people are happy to go about their days without worrying about the basic nature of our existence. This has always been very strange to me. Why isn’t the nature of existence the No. 1 question on everyone’s mind the moment they wake up?

There is one thing we do know for sure: that we are all going to die one day. Some people believe that once we flatline we may get invited to heaven where we get to spend all eternity playing the harp, reuniting with old friends and relatives, and enjoying a pain-free, joyous existence.

But as the TV show “The Good Place” suggests, living a perfect life, free of suffering or challenges, eventually becomes pretty forking boring and pointless.

Mark Twain said it best in “Letters from the Earth”:

His heaven is like himself: strange, interesting, astonishing, grotesque. I give you my word, it has not a single feature in it that he actually values. It consists—utterly and entirely—of diversions which he cares next to nothing about, here in the earth, yet is quite sure he will like them in heaven. Isn’t it curious? Isn’t it interesting?

Many also believe that if there’s a heaven, there’s also hell where the folks who had a good time on Earth wind up. But wouldn’t that get boring, too? Just as one can get accustomed to living in constant beauty, one probably gets acclimated to the heat and suffering down below.

There are also some who believe in reincarnation, so every time we die we are born again as a different species. Cool if you’re a dolphin, bad news if you’re a dung beetle.

Then there are those who believe that nothing supernatural happens. Your consciousness shuts off and things are a lot like before you were born—absolute nothingness. That’s the least interesting option, but according to science, the most likely.

Reddit user throwawayacctlmaooo wanted to find out what posters on the forum thought about life after death, so they asked, “What do you legitimately believe happens after we die?” They received a ton of responses that were outside of the usual “go to heaven/go to hell” variety. What’s cool is that the posts show that a lot of people have widely divergent ideas about what happens after we die.

Here are some of the best responses to the biggest question in life.

1. You’re a wave

“No idea, but there is this quote from the TV show ‘The Good Place’ that I really like and have found comfort in.

“‘Picture a wave. In the ocean. You can see it, measure it, its height, the way the sunlight refracts when it passes through. And it’s there. And you can see it, you know what it is. It’s a wave.

“And then it crashes in the shore and it’s gone. But the water is still there. The wave was just a different way for the water to be, for a little while. You know it’s one conception of death for Buddhists: the wave returns to the ocean, where it came from and where it’s supposed to be.’” — AlexEventstar

2. Our energy moves on

“Our energy — just like that of every living thing before us — will go on and become new things. Soil. Plants. Lions. Toilet paper. Space ship wheel arches. Dragonfly toes. We’re all just part of the same system. Neither manufactured nor destroyed. We’re just transferring that bestowed upon us from all those before. Death is life.” — four__beasts

3. You’ve been there before

“Just like before you were born. Not good, not bad, just non-existence.” — SniffCheck

4. No need to fear

”In the great words of Mark Twain: ‘I do not fear death. I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it.” — Eva__Unit__02

5. One more time

“When I think about it, I come to this very same conclusion. And that terrifies me. The only thing that is a little comforting for me is that, according to some research and according to some people who have experienced Near Death, just before full-on ‘nothingness,” you relive your life one last time, with an emphasis on the best moments in your life, all being overwhelmed with a feeling of love.” — MrXANA91

6. Isn’t this reincarnation?

“I think we just keep on hitting a randomize button and we manifest into something else, again and again endlessly.” — FarOutSonOfLung

7. The great nothing

“In my opinion, nothing. Like being under anesthesia but never waking up and ceasing to exist.” — throwayaacctlmaooo

8. Choose your own adventure

“I’d like to think we reset like a game and we could choose whether we get reborn or go to some sort of heaven or something.” — No_But_Yes

9. We’re energy

“I’d honestly like to believe that we all become energy. We move around the universe, maybe even become one with it until we are reincarnated again as something else on earth or a different planet.” — cheese-emperor

10. Salamanders

“I think we are all reincarnated as salamanders.” — Kyky716

11. New universe?

“I believe we go to another universe but that’s just wishful thinking.” — Zarek_Pumpkineater

12. Incomparable infinity

“I’m under the impression that death is a separate experience we can’t comprehend. Like someone with vision will never truly know the concept of blindness or someone with hearing will never know the concept of deafness.

“You only experience it while you’re doing it and I am currently experiencing being alive as a human. You don’t know what it was like before you were born because you’re obviously alive. Just like you don’t know deafness because your ears work.
Beyond that, I believe the universe is in endless million-trillion year long cycles of growth and collapse and the fact that I exist at all means, throughout infinity, I am a guaranteed mathematic outcome and must repeat again.” — bermudalily

13. Nothing

“Nothing. It’s the only answer that makes sense. We ARE our thoughts. Our thoughts are in our brain. When we die, our brain shuts down. So our thoughts no longer exist. Anybody who believes in any form of an afterlife really needs to explain how we can have thoughts without our brain. And if they believe that’s somehow magically possible, why do we have brains while still alive?” — joeri1505

14. You become fertilizer

“The same as when trees, plants, or other animals die, we decompose & feed the earth for something else to grow.” — skev303

15. May the source be with you

“What I like to believe is that all life comes from a specific energy source and is returned there once we die. Sort of like a big pool of life, where all souls merge after death and cycle back into the world to be reborn. As for what we experience in that form I have no idea. But the entire world lives and functions on cycles, from the food chain to the weather cycle, eveywhere you look there is a cycle to maintain it. So it only makes sense life would work the same way.” — doopster77

16. Star stuff

“Your surviving family gets all teary, then buries or burns your lifeless body. As the years pass, what atoms once made you, you, become all mixed up in other things, until much later on when the sun dies and engulfs the earth and all its atoms in a final dance of atomic death. Because we are all made of stars, and to them we will all return.” — dbryar

This article originally appeared on 3.4.22

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In Partnership With Habitat For Humanity →

Homeowners celebrate the completion of their new home in Cambodia's Siem Reap Province alongside Habitat for Humanity volunteers and staff.

Culture, Family

A safe, stable home can change lives for the better. Here’s how Habitat for Humanity wants to make that possible for everyone.

Better health, better jobs, and a brighter future all start with access to a safe, affordable home.

Sarah Watts

3/25/2026
A single door can open up a world of endless possibilities. For homeowners, the front door of their house is a gateway to financial stability, job security, and better health. Yet for many, that door remains closed. Due to the rising costs of housing, 1 in 3 people around the world wake up without the security of safe, affordable housing.

Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity has made it their mission to unlock and open the door to opportunity for families everywhere, and their efforts have paid off in a big way. Through their work over the past 50 years, more than 65 million people have gained access to new or improved housing, and the movement continues to gain momentum. Since 2011 alone, Habitat for Humanity has expanded access to affordable housing by a hundredfold.

A world where everyone has access to a decent home is becoming a reality, but there’s still much to do. As they celebrate 50 years of building, Habitat for Humanity is inviting people of all backgrounds and talents to be part of what comes next through Let’s Open the Door, a global campaign that builds on this momentum and encourages people everywhere to help expand access to safe, affordable housing for those who need it most. Here’s how the foundation to a better world starts with housing, and how everyone can pitch in to make it happen.

Volunteers raise a wall for the framework of a new home during the first day of building at Habitat for Humanity’s 2025 Carter Work Project.

Globally, almost 3 billion people, including 1 in 6 U.S. families, struggle with high costs and other challenges related to housing. A crisis in itself, this also creates larger problems that affect families and communities in unexpected ways. People who lack affordable, stable housing are also more likely to experience financial hardship in other areas of their lives, since a larger share of their income often goes toward rent, utilities, and frequent moves. They are also more likely to experience health problems due to chronic stress or environmental factors, such as mold. Housing insecurity also goes hand-in-hand with unstable employment, since people may need to move further from their jobs or switch jobs altogether to offset the cost of housing.

Affordable homeownership creates a stable foundation for families to thrive, reducing stress and increasing the likelihood for good health and stable employment. Habitat for Humanity builds and repairs homes with individual families, but it also strengthens entire communities as well. The MicroBuild® Initiative, for example, strengthens communities by increasing access to loans for low-income families seeking to build or repair their homes. Habitat ReStore locations provide affordable appliances and building materials to local communities, in addition to creating job and volunteer opportunities that support neighborhood growth.

Marsha and her son pose for a photo while building their future home with Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity in Georgia.

Everyone can play a part in the fight for housing equity and the pursuit of a better world. Over the past 50 years, Habitat for Humanity has become a leader in global housing thanks to an engaged network of volunteers—but you don’t need to be skilled with a hammer to make a meaningful impact. Building an equitable future means calling on a wide range of people and talents.

Here’s how you can get involved in the global housing movement:
- Speaking up on social media about the growing housing crisis
- Volunteering on a Habitat for Humanity build in your local community
- Travel and build with Habitat in the U.S. or in one of 60+ countries where we work around the globe
- Join the Let’s Open the Door movement and, when you donate, you can create your own personalized door
- Shop or donate at your local Habitat ReStore
Every action, big and small, drives a global movement toward a better future. A safe home unlocks opportunity for families and communities alike, but it’s volunteers and other supporters, working together with a shared vision, who can open the door for everyone.

Visit habitat.org/open-door to learn more and get involved today.
Keep Reading →
Photo credit: via Krari The Crow/YouTube – How to befriend a crow.

Animals, Nature

Crows are incredibly smart. Here’s how to make friends with one in four easy steps.

“They are loyal friends and have brought much joy into my life.”

Tod Perry

Upworthy Staff

5/7/2026

When it comes to keeping birds as pets, people usually think about parrots or canaries. Nobody ever considers having a crow. But research has shown that crows are incredibly clever, curious, and self-aware. They recognize the faces of people they like or don’t like, have the ability to use tools, and can even mimic human speech. Looking to experience the magic of crows yourself? A YouTube user named Alexandra from Germany made a video on how you can befriend the crows in your neighborhood in four easy steps. All it takes is “some food and some patience.”

Over a decade ago, Alexandra made friends with a crow named Krari. Krari and her friends visit her regularly and are considered part of the family. They also bring their “little ones” to Alexandra’s house to chill as well. “They come here to get food, to play, or just hang out with me and relax,” Alexandra says in an introductory video on her YouTube page.

How to make friends with a crow in four steps

1. Find a pair of crows

Crows tend to live in areas populated by humans, so chances are there are crows in your neighborhood. The best place to start is to find a pair with a fixed territory that you see on a regular basis. That way, you’re cultivating a relationship with the same animal day after day, and you can “slowly get to know each other.”

2. Offer food

Crows will eat just about anything, from insects to invertebrates to meat. They also enjoy nuts, worms, and vegetables. If you offer the food in the same place at the same time of day, you’ll establish a routine. Then, the crow may come by regularly to see if you have anything tasty to eat.

3. Be mindful

When interacting with the crow, make sure they aren’t anxious or displaying signs that they are prepared to fly away at any moment. Approach the birds with an open, indirect gaze so as not to cause alarm. Sit quietly while you wait for the bird to approach and avoid quick movements.

4. Let the birds come to you

This requires patience. The crow will be shy at first, but they know you better than you think. They will remember your face and your kindness. Give them a chance to observe you and earn your trust.

One important reminder before you start

At the end of the video, Alexandra reminds everyone that while we should make friends with crows, they are supposed to live free in the skies and not be stuck in a cage. “I hope this helps you build a relationship with these fascinating birds,” Alexandra concludes her video. “They are loyal friends and have brought much joy into my life. Please let birds have their freedom. They do not belong in homes or other forms of captivity. Thank you.”

If you succeeded in befriending a feathered genius, tell your new crow friend we say hi!

This article originally appeared five years ago. It has been updated.

Keep Reading →
Chase might just be the clingiest cat ever.

Nature, Pets

This couple has the clingiest cat on Earth and people can’t get enough of his cute demands

There are clingy cats—and then there’s Chase.

Annie Reneau

Upworthy Staff

5/7/2026

Cats are quirky. We all know this.

Those of us who have had multiple cats throughout our lives know that some cats are quirkier than others. Maybe they like to sleep with their face in a shoe (true story). Maybe they won’t stop tearing into bags of Styrofoam packing peanuts and eating them, necessitating a shipping business to switch to cornstarch-based packaging (also true story). Maybe they can catch a crumpled-up piece of paper you toss into the air with their paws and bring it to you in their mouth like a dog playing fetch (awww, I miss that cat).

Or maybe their unique quirk is that they have to be Velcroed to someone’s body every minute of every day. That’s Chase the cat in a nutshell: super sweet, but super clingy.

Meet Chase, the world’s clingiest cat

Chase belongs to Kareem and Fifi of the TikTok channel @dontstopmeowing. The couple have become Internet famous for their three very chill cats. Their “spaw day” videos showing how their cats, Chase, Skye, and Millie, get pampered went viral in 2021, and they’ve gained a huge following sharing life with their cats.

All three are adorable, but Chase…oh, Chase is a special one. I’ve seen some clingy cats before, but nothing like this.

Watch:

@dontstopmeowing
Same Cat, Diff Day #fyp #foryou #foryoupage
♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show

Literally clingy, as in “won’t stop clinging to the human.” How many cats like to be carried around like a baby? Not many, I’d guess.

@dontstopmeowing
Not exactly your average kitty #fyp #foryou #foryoupage
♬ Married Life – Michael Giacchino

When Chase wants Mommy, Chase wants Mommy.

@dontstopmeowing
Where did he learn to be so clingy? 😭 fyp foryou foryoupage
♬ original sound – Kareem & Fifi

Of course, Chase doesn’t always want Mommy. Sometimes it’s Daddy’s turn for all the lovin’.

@dontstopmeowing
😔💔 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage
♬ Blue Blood – Heinz Kiessling

Yes, they tried to train the clinginess away

Fifi shares videos of her attempting to train the clinginess out of Chase, which are hilarious. This one has been viewed over 57 millions times.

@dontstopmeowing
This is why he rips my clothes 😭 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage
♬ original sound – Kareem & Fifi

She even dubbed the viral audio of a toddler video “I just a baby!” That fits perfectly with Chase’s hug-happy antics.

@dontstopmeowing
He really thinks he’s a baby #fyp #foryou #foryoupage
♬ original sound – Jordan

Oh, Chase. You’re just too much.

@dontstopmeowing
I can’t stop laughing 😭 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage
♬ original sound – Kareem & Fifi

And just because it’s so dang cute, check out this video of Chase meeting a baby for the first time. (Warning: Wicked adorable baby giggles incoming. Hold onto your ovaries if you have ’em.)

@dontstopmeowing
Who’s reaction was your favorite? #fyp #foryou #foryoupage
♬ Funny Song – Sounds Reel & Funny Song Studio & Thomas Hewitt Jones

Then a baby joined the family

It’s a good thing Chase got on with the baby so well, because the couple welcomed their first (human) baby, Taj, in January 2024 and Chase certainly had a hard time adjusting.

@dontstopmeowing
That guilty face at the end..#fyp #forypu #foryoupage
♬ Dramatic Sad Violin – Platon Davydov

But today, it looks like Kareem, Fifi, Taj, Chase, Skye, and Millie are all one big happy family.

@dontstopmeowing
Not him parking his car 😭 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage
♬ original sound – Kareem & Fifi

Keep up with the family on their TikTok and YouTube.

This article originally appeared four years ago. It has been updated.

Keep Reading →
Photo credit: Canva – An airplane takes off as a passenger walks through the airport terminal.

Nature, Travel

No one was manning the Delta desk at the airport. So a playful passenger grabbed the intercom.

“So those mics DO work, they just choose to mumble”

Evan Porter

5/7/2026

Flying is frustrating, especially lately. Flight delays are surging, costs are going through the roof, and airlines are squeezing customers to maximize their profits. It can be pretty infuriating.

When you’re flying and run into obstacles, you have three choices: become irate and make a scene (not recommended), grin and bear it, or, if you’re really bold, have a little fun with the situation.

Annoyed passenger makes sarcastic announcement

One traveler passing through Los Angeles International Airport recently took matters into his own hands when he needed assistance from a Delta Air Lines employee but couldn’t find one. The Delta desk at his gate was completely empty and unmanned, and he needed help with an issue related to his flight.

And that’s when he noticed the intercom.

Video footage from a fellow airport traveler captures the man approaching the desk, picking up the intercom, and saying, “Hi Delta associates that aren’t paying attention, please come to 30B. You have a customer waiting. Thank you.”

When no one comes, he grows more annoyed and even more sarcastic, activating his best pilot/flight attendant voice: “Delta, Delta, Delta. Please come to 30B. You have a customer waiting.”

@marilyndelgado
@delta help this man. #LAX #DELTA #AIRPORT #30B
♬ Jackass theme – Saltyapple3

Suddenly, in the middle of his next announcement, he’s interrupted by an automated message regarding baggage information. He responds in kind: “OK, that’s fine if you want to do the baggage thing, but what about customer service? Customer service is needed at 30B. Please come and help the customer at 30B. Uh, anybody on shift? Delta, Delta, please help! 30B, thank you!”

Intercom man is hailed as a hero

A few of the weary passengers visible in the video get a good chuckle out of the performance, but it took social media to really give the man the props he deserves.

“Who is he? Upgrade him,” a commenter suggested.

“Rumor has it he’s still at 30B waiting to be helped,” joked another.

Others were just amazed that airline workers never seem to make announcements as clearly and loudly as this random passenger did:

“This is the clearest I’ve ever heard that mic.” (Over 81,000 people agreed with this comment, which says a lot.)

“So those mics DO work, they just choose to mumble”

Many viewers were quick to identify with the broader frustration:

“TSA not getting paid, Spirit died, now delta is self serve? what is happening?”

One commenter summed it up beautifully: “We are all this exhausted with 2026”

In part two of the video, a pilot approaches the man. The two have a brief discussion—slightly tense, but amicable—and then the pilot leaves. “So the pilot just walked away from me,” the intercom man announces.

@marilyndelgado
@delta help this man PT2 #LAX #DELTA #AIRPORT #30B #fyp
♬ original sound – Marilyn Delgado

Playful moment represents serious frustration

The flying experience, in general, has had a rough couple of years.

For starters, passengers are worried about the safety of the planes they’re flying on. Issues with Boeing planes have been publicly documented and have definitely put flyers on edge.

Flight delays have become almost unavoidable. Equipment issues, boarding problems, and air traffic congestion have made sitting on the tarmac for hours an all-too-common nightmare.

And for the passengers’ part, their etiquette has been far from pristine. Reports of unruly passengers and in-flight confrontations involving flyers and crew have been all over the news in recent years.

An empty desk with no assistance for a flyer who needs customer service perfectly encapsulates what it’s like to fly in 2026. But the beauty of this story is the man’s playful, sarcastic, and yes, pointed outlet for his anger. He probably broke some airport policy, but no one got hurt or arrested, and the virality of the moment made his point perfectly.

Keep Reading →
A scared dog clings to Dr. Kris Vine for comfort.

Nature, Pets

A compassionate vet paused his exam to give a tiny, terrified dog some much-needed cuddles

“To see a male vet doctor being nurturing and patient with this little fella warms my heart.”

Annie Reneau

Upworthy Staff

5/6/2026

It’s safe to say that most veterinarians go into animal medicine because they love animals and want to help them. But in the day-to-day business of doing exams, treating various medical conditions, and helping pet owners through agonizing decisions about their companions’ end-of-life care, the pure joy of simply loving on an animal can get lost.

But as one vet demonstrates, veterinary care sometimes means providing some personal cuddle comfort. Dr. Kris Vine, DVM, a veterinarian in Las Vegas, was captured giving a new patient, a scared Chihuahua-Dachshund mix, some affection and reassurance in the middle of his exam.

Watch the moment that won the internet

“My new patient was scared to get his vaccines so I had to give him some lov’n between each one,” Dr. Vine wrote. “He did good.”

@dr.vinethevet
my hope is to make your pet’s visit as comfortable as possible. #fypage #dog #veterinarian #doctor #pets #fypシ゚viral
♬ Eternal Sunshine – Woody🤠

The doggo puts his paws up on Vine’s chest and nuzzles his little face into him, and we can see by the tail between his legs that the poor thing is terrified. But he finds comfort in Vine’s soothing strokes. “I’m not only their doctor, but their safe space as well,” Vine tells Upworthy.

Vine’s hope is to make the animals in his care as comfortable as possible, and people are loving seeing his genuine, patient compassion for the frightened pup.

“Perfect example of real compassion a person has inside of them both for himself and his job,” wrote one person. “So touching.”

“Omg why can’t all vets AND groomers be like this?!!! ,” wrote another. “I dropped my last groomer cause I didn’t like the tone she used with my baby.”

“It is good to receive love ❤️ to help get through our fears ❤️ ,” shared another.

We all do better with a little comfort. Photo credit: Canva

Why vet visits are so scary for animals

It’s so true. Lots of animals are afraid to go to the vet, especially if they associate it with something painful or negative. Having a caring, compassionate vet who goes out of their way to provide comfort to a frightened furry friend can make a big difference in how an animal feels about vet visits.

To be fair, vet visits can be scary. Plenty of humans have anxiety about going to the doctor even when we fully understand why we need to go. For an animal, it’s just an unfamiliar place with strange smells and harsh lighting where someone pokes and prods them without their consent. Many pets have to be put into a carrier and ride in the car to go to the vet, which may cause them stress. Vets can do a lot to ease an animal’s fears, but owners can do even more at home beforehand to prepare their pet for a vet visit.

5 ways to make vet visits less stressful

PetLife Animal Hospital recommends these steps to help animals feel more at ease about going to the vet:

1. Make Car Rides Positive

If your pet only goes in the car to visit the vet, they may associate car rides with fear. Take them on short, enjoyable rides and reward them with praise or treats afterward to help break the negative association.

2. Turn the Carrier into a Comfort Zone

Keep the pet carrier out at home—not just when it’s time to leave. Line it with soft blankets, place treats inside, and let your pet explore it at their own pace. This turns the carrier into a familiar, safe space.

3. Schedule “Happy Visits”

Stop by your local vet office or animal hospital just to say hello! Let your pet meet the team, get a treat, and leave. No needles. No exams. Just good vibes and friendly faces.

4. Stay Calm and Confident

Your pet looks to you for cues. If you’re calm and positive, it helps them feel safe. Use a cheerful voice, avoid rushing, and reassure them with gentle touches.

5. Talk to Your Vet About Extra Help

Some pets need a little more support. Ask about calming sprays, anxiety-reducing supplements, or even prescription options if needed.

Vet visits can be stressful, but there are steps to make them easier for everyone. Photo credit: Canva

Making sure our pets get the medical and emotional care they need is an important part of pet ownership. Finding a caring vet is a big part of fulfilling those responsibilities, so thanks to Dr. Vine for setting such a beautiful example.

You can follow Dr. Vine on TikTok.

This article originally appeared one year ago. It has been updated.

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Photo credit: Southwest Airlines & Facebook – A Southwest Airlines plane and Captain Jon Jackson.

Nature, Travel

After Spirit Airlines’ captain’s retirement flight was canceled, Southwest celebrated him with class

Pilot Jon Jackson’s scheduled final flight from Fort Lauderdale to Baltimore was canceled when the airline ceased operations.

Tod Perry

5/4/2026

After 34 years of being America’s favorite budget airline (or most notorious, depending on who you ask), Spirit Airlines ceased operations at 3 a.m. on Saturday, May 2. The airline had been experiencing financial difficulties since the late 2010s, and after negotiations with the Trump Administration to secure a $500 million bailout stalled, it ceased operations.

“It is with great disappointment that Spirit Airlines has started winding down its global operations, effective immediately,” the airline said in a statement on May 2. “All flights have been canceled, and customer service is no longer available. While we are not able to help rebook your flight on another airline, we will automatically process refunds for any flights purchased through Spirit with a credit or debit card to the original form of payment.”

View this post on Instagram

Captain Jon Jackson took the final flight of his career as a passenger

Spirit’s closure will result in 17,000 people who were directly or indirectly involved with the airline losing their jobs. Among them is Captain Jon Jackson, a pilot who was planning to retire after his scheduled final flight with the airline on May 2. However, the flight from Fort Lauderdale to Baltimore was canceled, so he instead flew to Baltimore on Spirit’s one-time competitor, Southwest Airlines. It must have been hard for Jackson, whose entire career led up to that final flight, where he would receive the ceremonial water cannon salute, to come up one leg short on his journey.

Spirit Airlines is no more.

The budget carrier announced early Saturday morning that it was ceasing operations after failing to secure a $500 million federal bailout.

CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, which used to be… pic.twitter.com/XjKJHhyktg
— CBS News (@CBSNews) May 3, 2026

Jackson’s son, Chris, is a Southwest pilot, and he notified his coworkers that his father would be flying on the final leg of his career as a passenger on the airline.

“Chris casually mentioned to the flight’s Pilots that this would have been his dad’s retirement flight,” Southwest wrote on Facebook. “They seized the opportunity to change the course of the day for Capt. Jackson.”

So Southwest arranged an impromptu celebration at the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. The airport’s Fire & Rescue team greeted the airplane upon arrival with a traditional water cannon salute. Upon exiting the flight and arriving at his gate, he was handed a bottle of champagne by the Southwest staff. “Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Jon Jackson!” a woman said over the loudspeaker at the gate, to a round of applause from employees and travelers alike.

Southwest’s gesture for the retiring captain was pure class

“This is overwhelming, I can’t thank you all enough, it’s, you know, as Spirit goes down, this is a sad day, and you guys made it incredible, so thank you so much,” Jackson said at the agate.

View this post on Instagram

After decades of competition among airlines, Southwest’s show of respect for a fellow member of the aviation community demonstrates that the airline business is about much more than turning a profit.

“It was a powerful reminder of the aviation community’s ability to show respect, compassion, and solidarity when it matters most,” Southwest wrote on Facebook. “Above all, this moment was about honoring a fellow aviator. Congratulations, and thank you for your service in the skies, Capt. Jackson.”

Keep Reading →
Photo credit: Photo by Richard Burlton on Unsplash – A Golden Retriever puppy side-eyes the camera.

Nature, Pets

Experts rank the most ‘loyal dog breeds’ and it’s stirring a debate among canine lovers

Who’s the best dog in the world?

Cecily Knobler

Upworthy Staff

5/4/2026
Another year, another list ranking dog breeds. Earlier in 2025, Care.com put out their latest, specifically ranking which dog breeds are considered the “most loyal.” In their post, pet expert Lindsay Pevny notes that, “Veterinarians and dog behavioral experts recognize several distinct brands of loyalty in dogs. While some are devoted to their favorite person, others are loyal to their entire human family. Each breed’s penchant for friendship sets them up for a lifetime of a unique relationship with their favorite humans.”

Their list:
1. Retriever (both Golden and Lab)
2. German Shepherd
3. Border Collie
4. Great Pyrenees
5. Chihuahua
6. Vizsla
7. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Not everyone agrees with the experts

They also share the importance of intentional breeding. Pevny quotes Camp Bow Wow’s animal health and behavior expert Erin Askeland, who says, “Breeding history and the intention of the breed can shape their loyalty characteristics. Breeds bred for companionship or working closely with humans tend to exhibit higher levels of loyalty, for example, dogs who are bred to be trained as service dogs.”

But far from everyone agrees with the list, and some don’t think such a subjective list can be ranked in the first place. On Reddit, someone asks, “What is objectively the most loyal dog breed?” One person simply responds, “Dogs.” And another claims, “My mongrel,” of course referring to their mixed breed pup. A few others mention their breed of choice, but there is no real consensus.

When the question is opened up in broader terms on the subreddit r/puppy101 to ask, “What are the three best dog breeds in your opinion and why?” many more commenters jump in. Some argue, obviously, that it’s subjective based on what the pet guardian is looking for. Someone jokingly writes, “The ‘my dog’ breed unequivocally takes top spot. Universally adored.” Another states, “Dachshund, dachshund and dachshund. Why? I am a masochist, apparently.” But again, there is no consensus.

In fact, other lists claiming to have consulted experts and animal behaviorists listed entirely different “most loyal” breeds for 2025. In their own list, The Spruce Pets throws Dobermans and Cocker Spaniels in the top ten, though Labrador Retrievers also hold the top spot.

What about the clingiest breeds of all?

If one changes the term from loyal to “Velcro dog,” it’s true that some breeds are a bit clingier than others. Though again, it’s based on the individual canine. A dog expert from Pets Radar explains that “Velcro” dogs were most likely bred to work alongside humans. Many pooches such as the Golden Retriever, the Lab, the Vizsla, the German Shepherd and the Chihuahua also make their list, though they add the Maltese, the French Bulldog and the Italian Greyhound.

On their YouTube page, The Pet Collective lists their top 13 “most loyal dog breeds” and at number one? Lo-and-behold, it’s the Beagle! They claim, “Those who want a loyal and curious sidekick should get a Beagle.” They then show a Beagle begging for treats and adorably honking a car while throwing their head back like Snoopy.

It’s pretty safe to say there is no objective “best” breed of dog. We love what we love and there are no wrong answers. As for loyalty, seems like that Redditor got it right. The true answer is simply “dogs.”

This article originally appeared two years ago. It has been updated.
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Photo credit: Canva Photos – (left) woman in a dark forest, (right) a carpenter bee

Animals, Nature

Goth woman rescues a flightless carpenter bee and gives it the most heartwarmingly wonderful life

“When she naps, she will put her little antennas down.”

Cecily Knobler

4/30/2026

Nadia Dubceac is known to many in social media circles as a fitness guru with an edgy twist. Her dark hair, Gothic eye makeup, black fingernails, and often dark attire (even while working out) exemplify a traditional “goth chick,” with extra impressive muscles.

But don’t let her tough-looking exterior fool you. On a recent social media post, she shared a clip of herself with a tiny bee resting gently on her finger. “If you’ve been following my stories, you know I have a pet bee. Her name is Beebee. I call her Bee Bug.”

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She explains how they met. “I found her almost exactly two months ago, lying on her back outside, probably dying. And I’ve seen a lot of videos of people reviving bees by giving them sugar and water. And I was like, ‘ya know what? Maybe she just needs a little sugar.’” She then adds, perhaps referring to a slight buzzing from the bee, “She’s getting zoomies.”

Dubceac then shares the story of how the two become fast friends. “So, long story short, I bring her inside. I had a bouquet of flowers that I put her in. I kind of just gave her sugar and water, thinking I’ll help replenish her, and she can go about her day and live a long, happy life.”

This whole time, the bee has been walking around her hand. We then see Beebee crawling into the circle made between her fingers and her thumb. “She’s doing her favorite activity right now,” Dubceac explains. “I make a little cave for her to burrow in and she loves it in here. She can be in here all day.”

Dubceac’s love of creatures made it feel impossible to leave Beebee to fend for herself. “Obviously, as an empath, there was no way I could put her back outside, knowing she’s unable to fly. So here we are. It’s been two months and she has been spoiled rotten.” We then get a shot of Beebee prancing through white flowers with bright yellow pollen at their centers. “She gets everything she wants. It has been really fun getting to know her little personality. I know it’s crazy, but I swear she has one!”

As for the logistics, they have a firm routine. “I feed her around 12 and then again once I come home from the gym. And then again while I’m having dinner. So she does have an internal clock. She knows.”

We then see her buzzing around a small habitat, not unlike a playpen. “She is a carpenter bee, so she obviously loves wood. I bought her a little wood house. She has a bonsai tree. She has this little mushroom that her godmother has given to her. And yes, she has a godmother.”

In a scary moment, Beebee jumps off Dubceac’s hand, but she finds her safely on the ground. “Please,” she says directly to her. “You’re so little and fragile. Stop doing that!” The video cuts to Dubceac’s cat, so she adds, “I obviously do buy her flowers, as long as they’re cat safe. And yes, I do have a cat. He knows not to mess with her and obviously they’re separated.”

She then addresses a thought many viewers might have, saying, “Now you may be wondering, what do I feed her?” She pulls out a square of pollen. “She eats a big, fat block of pollen. All of this just for her. I just wet a little piece so it can be nice and soft for her. And bees also need water, so that’s my way of keeping her hydrated.”

Having spent the last couple of months with Beebee, she notes, “I think bees are a lot more intelligent than we give them credit for. They recognize faces. She will reach for me when she wants to be held. Oftentimes, I’ll find her running around in panic until I pick her up. And she finds a nice, little cozy spot on my hand to take a little nap. And it’s the cutest thing ever. I think she’s actually pretty cozy right now.

My favorite thing she does? When she naps, she will put her little antennas go down. And it’s the cutest f—ing thing ever. She also loves a good nap on this window sill, especially when I lay the blanket down for her. Watching her groom is so fascinating. I have studied her entire routine. So yeah, that’s my little Beebee. She’s sending you the best energy ever.”

There were tens of thousands of supporters in the comment section on Instagram. One person writes, “Dear universe, when I die, please let me come back as an alt girl’s pet bee.”

Another shares their personal experience, writing, “During Covid lockdown, there was a carpenter bee that visited me every day for months. He would hang outside with me for hours! And when I went inside, he would hover in the windows, following me around the house. One day, he came by with a girlfriend and I hope they lived happily ever after!”

A few had understandable questions. One asked, “They have a four-week lifespan. How is it 2 months?” Dubceac answered, “Female carpenter bees live up to 3 years.” To this, another commenter answers, in part: “Thank you for taking such care of her!”

In a ThoughtCo “profile” piece on carpenter bees, entomology expert Debbie Hadley writes that they are “quite harmless and excellent pollinators.” She also adds this tidbit: “Carpenter bees practice buzz pollination, an active method of collecting pollen grains. When it lands on a flower, the bee uses its thoracic muscles to produce sound waves that shake the pollen loose.”

As to whether sugar, water, or sugar water is safe to give to bees, some experts claim it depends on the situation. Beevive.com suggests first checking to see if the bee can fly, as Dubceac did. Then, if possible, offer a flower solution first. “If the flower method fails, sugar water is needed. The RSPB (a conservation charity) suggests getting a small container or spoon and offering two tablespoons of granulated white sugar to one tablespoon of water.”

She wouldn’t be the first to keep a bee as a pet. According to Apis Cera, a company that makes beeswax candles, a woman from the United Kingdom once had a special bee friendship. On their website, they shared, “Fiona Presly, a library assistant from Inverness, rescued a buff-tailed, or large earth, bumblebee queen that had been born without wings and was struggling to survive.

Over the next few months, the two appeared to develop a special bond. Bee, as Presly named the insect, would even ‘cuddle’ and seemed to be ‘house-trained.’ Indeed, caring for the bumblebee has had a profound impact on how Presly thinks of insects.”

Bees are a vital part of our ecosystem. It probably goes without saying that we shouldn’t just capture them or remove them from their natural habitat. But should a bee get hurt, as Beebee did, providing them a safe place to live out their time can be a wonderfully kind and rewarding thing to do for the bee and their human.

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Photo credit: Photo via Pixabay – Poor, sad Labrador Retriever.

Nature, Pets

Pass down the crown, Labradors. America has a new favorite dog breed.

After 31 years of Lab dominance, the American Kennel Club named a new top dog.

Tod Perry

Upworthy Staff

4/30/2026

The dog world shifted in 2022 as the sweet-faced, loveable Labrador Retriever was toppled as America’s favorite dog breed. The breed best known for having a heart of gold was replaced by the smaller, more urban-friendly French Bulldog.

According to the American Kennel Club, for 31 years, the Labrador Retriever was America’s favorite dog until it was eclipsed in 2022 by the Frenchie. The rankings were based on nearly 716,500 dogs newly registered in 2022, of which about 1 in 7 were Frenchies. Around 108,000 French Bulldogs were recorded in the U.S. in 2022, surpassing Labrador Retrievers by over 21,000.

How the Frenchie took over America

The French Bulldog’s popularity has grown exponentially over the past decade. They were the #14 most popular breed in 2012, and since then, registrations have gone up 1,000%, bringing them to the top of the breed popularity rankings.

🚨 BREAKING NEWS!🚨

There's a new top dog in town! 🐶

Are you ready to see who cracked the top 10? 🐾 https://t.co/Ag7s8nyyZH
— American Kennel Club (@akcdoglovers) March 15, 2023

The AKC says that the American Hairless Terrier, Gordon Setter, Italian Greyhound and Anatolian Shepherd Dog also grew in popularity between 2021 and 2022. As of 2025, Frenchies are still America’s top dog three years running.

The French Bulldog was famous among America’s upper class around the turn of the 20th century but then fell out of favor. Their resurgence is partly based on several celebrities who have gone public with their Frenchie love. Leonardo DiCaprio, Megan Thee Stallion, Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, Reese Witherspoon and Lady Gaga all own French Bulldogs.

The breed earned a lot of attention as show dogs in 2022 when a Frenchie named Winston took second place at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and first in the National Dog Show.

Stars love them too

The breed made national news in early 2021 when Gaga’s dog walker was shot in the chest while walking two of her Frenchies in a dog heist. He recovered from his injuries, and the dogs were later returned.

They’ve also become popular because of their unique look and personalities.

“They’re comical, friendly, loving little dogs,” French BullDog Club of America spokesperson Patty Sosa told the AP. She said they are city-friendly with modest grooming needs and “they offer a lot in a small package.”

They are also popular with people who live in apartments. According to the AKC, Frenchies don’t bark much and do not require a lot of outdoor exercise.

The French Bulldog stands out among other breeds because it looks like a miniature bulldog but has large, expressive bat-like ears that are its trademark feature. However, their popularity isn’t without controversy. “French bulldogs can be a polarizing topic,” veterinarian Dr. Carrie Stefaniak told the AP.

The downside of having a Frenchie

French Bulldogs have been bred to have abnormally large heads, which means that large litters usually need to be delivered by C-section, an expensive procedure that can be dangerous for the mother. They are also prone to multiple health problems, including skin, ear, and eye infections. Their flat face means they often suffer from respiratory problems and heat intolerance, and Frenchies are also more prone to spine deformations and nerve pain as they age.

While they’re friendly, they can also be stubborn and may require more training than the average dog. Overall, however, the AKC says that French Bulldogs are good for families with children due to their laid back, social nature and lack of aggression.

Here are the AKC’s top ten most popular dog breeds for 2022.

1 French Bulldogs

2 Labrador Retrievers

3 Golden Retrievers

4 German Shepherd Dogs

5 Poodles

6 Bulldogs

7 Rottweilers

8 Beagles

9 Dachshunds

10 German Shorthaired Pointers

Part of the reason the 2022 list was so noteworthy was the change at the top, as these lists don’t tend to change much year to year. In fact, the 2025 Most Popular Dog Breed list looks very similar to 2022, with only minor movement. The biggest change was the Dachshund moving up to #5, nudging the Poodle out of the top five for the first time in years. Beagles came in at #6, Rottweilers at #7, German Shepherd Dogs at #8, German Shorthaired Pointers at #9, and Bulldogs at #10.

So congratulations, Frenchies for keeping your top dog spot for the fourth year in a row.

This article originally appeared three years ago. It has been updated.

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