These beautiful photos capture the tender moments between two young boys who share a unique bond with animals. Elena Shumilova, from Andreapol, Russia, began taking pictures of her sons Yaroslav and Vanya in early 2012 when she received her first professional camera. The pair were immediately accepted by the animals from a young age and their incredible bond continues to strengthen as they get older. Elena, 32, was able to capture images her boys playing with such animals as rabbits, dogs, cats and ducks as they become totally immersed in their communication with their furry friends. (Photo by Elena Shumilova)

Throughout the course of the long war in Afghanistan, Coalition troops have relied on thousands of military working dogs to help keep them safe, and make their jobs easier. The dogs are trained to detect explosives, to find illegal drugs, to search for missing comrades, or target enemy combatants. Not only are they active on the front lines, but behind the lines they serve as therapy dogs, service dogs, and loyal companions. They also share the same risks as the ground troops, suffering injuries and sometimes death on the battlefields. Gathered here are images of these dogs and their handlers in Afghanistan and back home, from over the past several years, part of the ongoing series here on Afghanistan.

Gorillas sit next to a ruler during a photocall for the annual weigh-in at London Zoo in London, Britain August 24, 2017. During the weigh-in, animals across the zoo have their vital statistics recorded including their height and weight and the information is then shared with zoos across the world to help zookeepers compare important information on thousands of endangered species. (Photo by Neil Hall/Reuters)

Locks hang on a fence along the Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island July 14, 2015. They say the whole world loves a lover, but in Newport, Rhode Island, at least, not everyone is fond of the so-called “love locks” that sweethearts are leaving along the resort city's famed seaside Cliff Walk. Hundreds of the padlocks left behind by tourists as romantic tokens now cover sections of a chain-link fence along the route. Each is meant to represent the bond lovers shared during their visit. By custom, the key is thrown away. (Photo by Brian Snyder/Reuters)

This makeup artist is blowing minds with her stunning lip art. The incredible designs are 3D and include seashells, seashores, fruit, chocolate, pizza and even animals. The artist, Tutushka from Nikolaev, Ukraine, has been a professional makeup artist for 15 years and started her journey into makeup art by winning a lipstick-art contest. Tutushka has amassed thousands of likes on her pictures and has almost hit 50,000 followers by sharing her creative designs. (Photo by Tutushka Matviienko/Caters News Agency)

Even the powerhouse of Europe has its fair share of abandoned properties and empty shop fronts as seen in these pictures of decaying buildings in Germany. Photographer Daniel Barter, 30, from London traveled Berlin and the surrounding countryside to capture buildings in need of work on film. Far from being resplendent in vintage glory, the deserted music venues and crumbling hospitals are a shadow of their former selves. German eagle motifs flake off ceilings and concert halls designed for hundreds have not seen a show for years. Photo: Lung sanatorium. (Photo by Daniel Barter/Caters News)