When getting a matching tattoo with somebody, the most important thing to ensure is that your ink-twin means a lot to you. For many people, this means getting a tat with their spouse or significant other, but others might choose to share a design with a close relative, or sometimes even a friend. And what better friend is there than a dog? A recent Facebook post by a man who got a matching tattoo with his four-legged friend has gone viral for all the wrong reasons after it was shared on Reddit.  It said, 'For those of you who know Bear know that he has a tattoo given to him from some previous owners. It sickens me to know that people actually tattoo their pets. So tonight, I got his tattoo.' Accompanying the post was two pictures: one of the dog, who has a tattoo at the top of his inner thigh, and one of the unnamed man, who has the same design freshly emblazoned on his inner arm. So far, not too much to get upset about - in fact, I'd say it was actually a really nice sentiment. However, as well as being certain about who you want to get a matching tattoo with, you should also make yourself aware of what the tattoo actually means. Now, I can't be certain of this, but - judging by the way his post was worded - it seems as if this guy had no idea what the symbol on his dog actually represented. Luckily, his friends were quick to point it out in the comments. "That means he's neutered! My rescue female has one, too! Makes a cool story though!" wrote one friend. "Are you neutered too? Lmao," wrote another, less considerate, pal. His humiliation then continued over to Reddit, where the post is currently sitting on nearly 24,000 points and over a thousand comments in the 'cringepics' sub. "Lol, I should get that tat myself for the anniversary of my vasectomy!" wrote one user. "It's literally the symbol for 'male' with the balls crossed out lol," said another. It seemed as if this poor dog owner's ridiculing could go no further... but then Twitter joined the party: [[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/holly/status/912378092160786432]] However, since going viral, the dog owner has revealed himself to be Chris Mendiola, a 26-year-old from Texas. He adopted Bear way back in 2010, and says he has no regrets about his tattoo. In fact, he's also claiming that he knew exactly what he was doing all along. "We talked to our vet about the tattoo. I knew what it meant," said Mendiola. That doesn't really explain why he thought the dog was marked by "previous owners", but ok, whatever you say Chris. He isn't fazed judgement anyway, adding that, "[People] can believe and say what they want, but the tattoo is not for them, it’s for me." Well, whether you buy his story or not, you have to admit that it's still a sweet thing to do. Personally, I'd have gone with a portrait of the dog, but, you know, whatever floats your boat.

With so many people now stuck inside during lockdown and self-isolation, more and more pet owners are finding the time to do fun activities with their pets. Maybe you're finding some more excuses to take your dog out for a walk, or just want to spend hours stroking them and holding them close to you.

However, there are some pet owners out there who are taking things even further, and are now including their cute canine companions in their personal hobbies.

Take a look at this video of a dog moonlighting as a deliveryman: 

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For instance, social media users stuck inside during quarantine have shared some of the stunning artwork they've made using their dog's paw prints.

As you can see, the paw prints of a dog can actually perfectly-resemble the petals of a beautiful flower, and so smudging them in paint means that you can create a lifelike bowl of tulips or a beautiful woodland scene.

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Looking at some of these pics, you might ask yourself: "how can I and my own pet participate?" Well, luckily for your both, you don't need much stuff to create your own paw-print artworks.

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First of all, you need plenty of outdoor space, like a garden or backyard, since your pet's prints are liable to end up on more than just the canvas. Next, you'll need to find the right kind of paint. Dogtime.com recommends tempera or water-based paints, as they tend to be non-toxic and won't harm your dog.

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Then all you need to do is mix your paint to suit your personal preference, dip your dog's paw in it, and press it against the canvas to leave a paw-shaped paint mark.

As you can see from some of the examples we've included here, you can also let your dog walk over the canvas instead, if you want to allow them some personal expression.

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But if you've enjoyed this article, then check out this piece we penned all about the curator who designed an incredible miniature art gallery for his pet gerbils.

Man's best friend. Fur baby. Four-legged friend.

Whatever you call your pooch, there's just nothing that compares to the bond we share with our pet dogs. Unlike our human friends and family, dogs never let us down, are always over-the-moon to see us, and will do anything to make sure we're safe and happy.

That's what makes them such loyal companions. Heck, for many of us, that's what makes them our best friends.

Related - Check out this Cuss Collar that translates your dog's barks into curse words:

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And for years, dog owners have been doing what they can to express their love for their pups - from treating them with extravagant toys to even getting matching outfits.

However, a company called WeLink has created perhaps the perfect gift that shows just how much you and your dog are connected.

Introducing a matching necklace charm and dog tag that are the perfect accessories to showcase the love you share with your furry friends.

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Writing on their official website, WeLink says they are a "family business born from the crazy idea of us wearing dog tags cut in the shape of our beloved dogs." They add: "When we realized that a lot of people felt the same love and pride for their pets, and that we could sell the tags to help others, we decided to improve our tags and offer them to the world."

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Buyers can choose from a range of tag/necklace charm designs based on different breeds - from Labradors to Labradoodles, big dogs to small.

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Each tag is designed in stainless steel and can be engraved with any name, phone number or quote you'd like (up to a maximum of 30 characters).

In addition, WeLink describe themselves as "animal advocates" that are committed to making a positive difference for "all animals in need". As such, every tag purchased provides a much-needed donation "for dogs, cats, and other homeless pets who are suffering right now in our home Country Colombia."

Writing on their website, WeLink says: "All our sales donate to a spay and neuter program and help provide medical care for homeless dogs, as well as food and anything else they might need."

And don't worry cat-lovers, because WeLink also sells tag/necklace charm designs for our feline friends.

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WeLink also makes tags/necklace charms for horse and pig owners!

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Each tag/necklace is priced at around $24.99, and due to the fact each order is customized, "shipping times depend on the delivery region. US orders usually arrive within 2-5 days of shipment. International orders may take between 7 to 30 days to arrive."

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These truly are an adorable way to showcase the love for your pet - and with proceeds from each purchase going to help animals in need, what's stopping you?

It's often said that over time pets end up subtly resembling their owners in looks and in character. For example, a beardy man with a crop of shaggy hair might find that his dog becomes just as hairy and matted as he is. A rotund person might find that their pet puts on a few extra pounds, while someone skinny might end up with an equally-emaciated cat.

But now it seems that people with body art can give their pets tattoos too, to make them look even more similar.

Obviously, it would be a bit cruel to use a needle to give your furry (or hairless) friend a regular inking. But you can circumvent the issue by purchasing these incredible bespoke tattoo sleeves online, which look pretty much identical to the real thing.

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Artist and designer Airie McCready, who comes from California, has been creating stylish garments for house pets that make them look like they have tattoo sleeves.

The jumpers she makes for her hairless Persians have Chinese and Japanese inspired butterfly designs in the same skin colour as the cats to make them look as though they've been inked.

Commenting on her quirky products in a recent interview with the Metro, Aerie stated: "I have many sleeves for my own six cats, three Sphynxes and three Devon Rexes. The idea came to me when a friend showed me a silly fake tattoo sleeve and teased me how I did not have to get ink, I could have gotten one of these. I grabbed it from him and thought 'if only I knew how to sew.'"

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She added: "It took a long time, but I figured out how to do it, it’s really delicate fabric.’ Aerie explained that she found a seller that offers prints with non-toxic ink and uses a material that is safe for the kitties too. Everything in my shop is made by myself or a contracted seamstress and I oversee each item.

"Two years ago at the Westminster Kennel Club, they had a 'meet the cats' event and even had the cats do an agility course. Misha, a Sphynx, wearing one of my Tattcat shirts won!"

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So if you'd like to bag yourself one of these ingenious garments, then do yourself a favour and check out Airie's Etsy shop, or visit her official Instagram account for further updates.

Whenever someone I know gets a tattoo, I tell them I think it looks brilliant, regardless of my true feelings. Perhaps this is because I could not bear to be the one to tell them that they have made a very grave, and decidedly permanent, mistake. It is much easier to nod along as they explain the obscure meaning behind the roman numerals they have had etched onto their skin in perpetuity, rather than point out that 'V' means five, not four. However, tattoos can also be works of art in their own right. When done tastefully, tattoos can be not only aesthetically pleasing, but able to convey meaning and represent memories for those who have them. If the idea appeals to you, then coalescing 'BFF' tattoos might be the trend for you. Check out these brilliant examples.

1. Soul sister 

2. Cute 

3. Deep

4. The perfect combination 

5. What a wonderful phrase 

6. Meaningful 

7. Always ready to listen

8. Rules for life 

9. "Bro!" "Dude!" 

10. No stronger bond than Spongebob and Patrick 

11. Perfect 

12. Buzz Lightyear love 

13. Ying and Yang

Can you see the perfect tattoo pairing for you and your BFF? There's definitely some food for thought here.