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Adopting a pet is a great way to find a loving companion in need of help. There are shelters all over the world willing and able to help people find the right pet for them. Gone are the days of mutts and street cats, shelters now have to deal with people abandoning rare and expensive breeds. 


If you are looking to brighten up your day, look no further. Here is a collection of furry friends who were adopted this May. We also reached out to Nina Thompson from the San Diego Humane Society to learn more about what people can do to help and some tips for adopters. So scroll through, upvote your favorite stories, and comment your thoughts below. 

#1

Our Mail Lady Heard Something Crying From A Storm Sewer Drain. I Was Able To Find A Nearby Manhole And Get Down There

Our Mail Lady Heard Something Crying From A Storm Sewer Drain. I Was Able To Find A Nearby Manhole And Get Down There

Found this little girl Saturday afternoon in the sewer. Completely covered in muck. Cleaned her up and gave her some KMR the first night. She was very timid and afraid. Lightened up Sunday and ate some soft kitten food. Slowly let our cats get acclimated . By Sunday night our big boy Siamese had adopted her. It is the cutest thing ever

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#2

On Sunday, Hospice Told Me That Mom’s Lungs Were Starting To Fill With Fluid, Indicating The Start Of Organ Failure. My Mom Is Likely In Her Final Weeks Of Life

On Sunday, Hospice Told Me That Mom’s Lungs Were Starting To Fill With Fluid, Indicating The Start Of Organ Failure. My Mom Is Likely In Her Final Weeks Of Life

On the way home, my fiancé and I saw a tiny kitten miraculously dodge 4 lanes of speeding cars. We pulled over and got the kitten as fast as we could. Today, she met mom.

NotedHeathen Report

#3

I Adopted This Senior Corgi From A Couple In Assisted Living Who Could No Longer Care For Him. Say Hello To Binki!

I Adopted This Senior Corgi From A Couple In Assisted Living Who Could No Longer Care For Him. Say Hello To Binki!

Marcia-Marsha-Marcia Report

Bored Panda asked Nina Thompson from the San Diego Humane Society some questions to help guide potential adopters. We wanted to know what is the best way for animal adopters to set themselves up for success. “Before you adopt a pet, consider your own lifestyle and how you want your new family member to fit in. Here are some good criteria to consider before getting a pet: Activity level: Are you active and want a running buddy? Or are you looking for someone to keep you company on the couch? It’s important to balance the pet’s needs with your own.”

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“Organization: how much fur can you tolerate on the upholstery, or carpets, or anywhere else? Time management: How much time are you at home? Dogs were bred to be our companions, and often we are their only company. Their happiness is in our hands. We don’t recommend leaving any dog at home alone for more than a half-day. The same goes for cats, but their tolerance is probably a full day. If you can’t bring your pet to work with you, consider using a dog walker or doggie daycare.”

#4

The Beautiful Kitty I Found In A Trash Can, Whoever Abandoned Her Lost Out On The Most Sweet And Smart Cat I’ve Ever Met. She Knows How To Do Tricks And Helps Me Through Ptsd Flashbacks

The Beautiful Kitty I Found In A Trash Can, Whoever Abandoned Her Lost Out On The Most Sweet And Smart Cat I’ve Ever Met. She Knows How To Do Tricks And Helps Me Through Ptsd Flashbacks

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#5

These Boys Were Found Inside A Storm Drain Last Week. They Ended Up With Me After No One Else Would Take Them, Not Even The Shelter. I’m So Lucky Cause They Are A Perfect Set!

These Boys Were Found Inside A Storm Drain Last Week. They Ended Up With Me After No One Else Would Take Them, Not Even The Shelter. I’m So Lucky Cause They Are A Perfect Set!

Fickle_Meet Report

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Lakota Wolf
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh GOODNESS. Buff tabbies are the best. <3 They're orange tabbies, but with a dilute gene :)

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#6

Finally, After 5 Years Of Taking Care Of This Very Friendly, But Also Kinda Shy, Stray Cat, We Were Able To Catch Him, Take Him To The Vet And Finally Officially Adopt Him

Finally, After 5 Years Of Taking Care Of This Very Friendly, But Also Kinda Shy, Stray Cat, We Were Able To Catch Him, Take Him To The Vet And Finally Officially Adopt Him

Welcome to the family, Max! (even though you where part of it the entire time :) )

Soul0408 Report

Nina gave some other important criteria to consider, for example, “Space: If you’re considering a dog, will the dog have access to a safe, enclosed outdoor space? Some pets need more space than others. Family dynamics: Do you have children? Are they ready to safely co-exist with a pet? Do you have other pets? Have you considered how they will react to a new pet in the house? Some pets don’t enjoy the company of other animals, but many do. Climate: Do you live in a dry, hot desert or a colder climate where you get snow? Consider the needs of the animal you wish to bring home.”

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#7

I Just Adopted This Old Man (15yrs) With A Lot Of Health Issues. His Owner Passed Away And They Were Going To Put Him To Sleep. Welcome Home Buddy!!

I Just Adopted This Old Man (15yrs) With A Lot Of Health Issues. His Owner Passed Away And They Were Going To Put Him To Sleep. Welcome Home Buddy!!

Oneeyedpopeye Report

#8

Was Told This Little Lady Was Unfriendly To Visitors… Apparently I Am The Chosen One!

Was Told This Little Lady Was Unfriendly To Visitors… Apparently I Am The Chosen One!

malak_oz Report

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Pamela24
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is there anything better than being chosen by a cat? You know most don't like everybody. They'll come to you only if they want to. Makes you feel like a superstar.

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#9

Found This Little Guy On The Road In A Closed Box. Welcome To The Family, Nugget

Found This Little Guy On The Road In A Closed Box. Welcome To The Family, Nugget

Weirdoch Report

“Finances: Have you considered your budget? For example, keeping a horse and keeping a hamster are very different financial commitments. Commitment: A pet is a lifelong commitment. Are you in it for the long haul? Consider the lifespan of the pet before you adopt. Guinea pigs lives on average five years; Dogs and cats can live 10 to 15 years or more. Make sure you’re ready before starting your pet search.”

#11

Lost My Brand New Kitten For Over An Hour. After Literally Tearing My Room Apart, Found Her Inside My Lamp Passed Out The Whole Time

Lost My Brand New Kitten For Over An Hour. After Literally Tearing My Room Apart, Found Her Inside My Lamp Passed Out The Whole Time

BoatyMcBoatFace89 Report

#12

I Rescued This Blue Eyed Beauty After Her Littermate Had Been Hit. They Were Dumped

I Rescued This Blue Eyed Beauty After Her Littermate Had Been Hit. They Were Dumped

BeautifulPainz Report

We also wanted to hear some good resources that first-time adopters could use to help integrate a pet into their homes. “Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society has authored nine books all intended to be the best pet owner you can be. You can find them here.” She also wanted to give some additional advice to remember. “One in three pets will become lost during their lifetime. As a pet owner, there are important steps you can take to prevent your pet from being lost.”

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#14

My New Kittens Eclipse And Gelato. They Are 2-3 Months Old. Came Into The Shelter As Strays And Are Almost Fully Recovered From A Bad Case Of Fvr. Just Adopted Them Yesterday After Many Years Of Not Having Cats. They Are Adorable, Affectionate Little Bundles Of Energy

My New Kittens Eclipse And Gelato. They Are 2-3 Months Old. Came Into The Shelter As Strays And Are Almost Fully Recovered From A Bad Case Of Fvr. Just Adopted Them Yesterday After Many Years Of Not Having Cats. They Are Adorable, Affectionate Little Bundles Of Energy

marie-0000 Report

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Madam Puddyfoot
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Another great thing about all of these rescue posts is you can see all of the brand new toys and houses folks have gotten their rescues. They are so loved!

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#15

This Street Pupper Has Been Living On The Construction Site Of Our House, So We've Adopted Her

This Street Pupper Has Been Living On The Construction Site Of Our House, So We've Adopted Her

intisun Report

“It all starts with the basics: a well-fitting collar with an ID tag. This is essential, even for pets who remain primarily indoors or in fenced yards. Make sure your contact information is always up-to-date, and even if you don’t have tags, writing your phone number in permanent marker directly on a collar can be the difference between a pet going straight back home or entering a shelter!” This is an important tip that many first-time owners won’t even consider until it’s too late.

#16

My Nephew With His New Puppy

My Nephew With His New Puppy

Foxie133 Report

#17

I Was Just Told About This Subreddit And Wanted To Share. This Is Winnie, We Just Adopted Her Today - She Is An 11 Year Old Pitbull/Potato Mix!

I Was Just Told About This Subreddit And Wanted To Share. This Is Winnie, We Just Adopted Her Today - She Is An 11 Year Old Pitbull/Potato Mix!

carpecarp1 Report

#18

Just Brought This Sweet Angel Home, Meet Charlie

Just Brought This Sweet Angel Home, Meet Charlie

samspastic Report

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“Microchipping is another important step to make pets easily identifiable if they’re found by someone else. A tiny chip (the size of a grain of rice) containing a unique identification number is placed under the skin of your pet in a quick and painless procedure. Animal shelters and veterinarians can quickly and easily scan for the microchip. Your contact information will show up, making it easy to identify the lost pet and reunite them with you.”

#20

I Present To You The Best Thing I’ve Ever Pulled Out Of A Dumpster: Zap

I Present To You The Best Thing I’ve Ever Pulled Out Of A Dumpster: Zap

Paratrooper101x Report

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Jessica SpeLangm
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The people that leave animals in dumpsters need to go to a special place in h**l.

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#21

We Found This Beauty At The Market. She Was Very Hungry And Covered In Ticks. We Decided To Take Her To Our Family, Had Her Spayed, Treated For Parasites And Now She Is A Very Sweet, Affectionate And Grateful Kitty

We Found This Beauty At The Market. She Was Very Hungry And Covered In Ticks. We Decided To Take Her To Our Family, Had Her Spayed, Treated For Parasites And Now She Is A Very Sweet, Affectionate And Grateful Kitty

Mia_Moor_Love Report

“A third piece of protection for a dog is their license, which is not only required by law but gives you additional protection. Microchips and licenses serve as supplemental methods of identification to collars and tags, which — while still critical — can fall off or become lost. They can also help protect your dog from theft, giving you recourse to reclaim them if they are found in someone else’s possession. The San Diego Humane Society provides dog licensing services for pet owners in their jurisdiction, as well as affordable microchipping clinics for dogs, cats, and other pets. These investments can save pet owners both time and money spent on searching for a lost pet or paying reclamation fees — and provide valuable peace of mind.”

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#22

We Just Adopted This Little Boy An Hour Ago. We Plan On Calling Him Icarus

We Just Adopted This Little Boy An Hour Ago. We Plan On Calling Him Icarus

DontPanicTitanic Report

#23

Adopted This Little Polydactyl Gremlin. Meet Pastina

Adopted This Little Polydactyl Gremlin. Meet Pastina

incognicko24 Report

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Lakota Wolf
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That tortie is full of tortitude... don't let the sweet eyes fool you XD

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#24

New Kitten Definitely Has Preferences As To The Most Comfortable Place To Sleep

New Kitten Definitely Has Preferences As To The Most Comfortable Place To Sleep

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Lakota Wolf
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Another lovely kitten that likely isn't a rescue or was "adopted", as kitty is a Bengal that was probably purchased for thousands of dollars from a breeder XD oh well.

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#25

Look At This Happy Dog!!! She Was The Smallest Of Her Siblings And No One Wanted To Take Her. And I Took! She Seems To Really Love Me❤️

Look At This Happy Dog!!! She Was The Smallest Of Her Siblings And No One Wanted To Take Her. And I Took! She Seems To Really Love Me❤️

MissJulesWarm Report

#27

From Shelter Cat To Couch Potato. Meet Kirsten Who Turned Me Into A Cat Person

From Shelter Cat To Couch Potato. Meet Kirsten Who Turned Me Into A Cat Person

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Nay Wilson
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone’s a cat person, they just don’t always know it yet. Sometimes it takes the cat that will make you a cat person a while to turn up

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#28

New Puppy / Little Polar Bear Cub!

New Puppy / Little Polar Bear Cub!

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#29

I Think These Brothers Look Comfortable In Their New Home

I Think These Brothers Look Comfortable In Their New Home

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Spencer's slave
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This particular one brought me to tears because these two remind me so very much of Puss and Boots. So long gone but never forgotten.

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#30

Update On Eddie, The Feral Cat No That One Wanted, Who Needed Lots Of Space….currently Chilling On My Lap

Update On Eddie, The Feral Cat No That One Wanted, Who Needed Lots Of Space….currently Chilling On My Lap

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#31

We Have A New Adoptee Joining Our Family. Reddit, Meet Olive!

We Have A New Adoptee Joining Our Family. Reddit, Meet Olive!

She's still a little shy, but she's warming up to her new home. Soon she'll get to meet her brother who's been trying to talk to her through the door.

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Iron Penguin
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am I the only one who thought the first picture showed her having somehow wedged herself into a corner near the ceiling? Because like Janine B. said, oh yeah, cat.

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#32

About To Adopt This Little (Big) Boy From The Shelter I Work At. He Went A Year With No Applications, And Now, I'm Finally Financially Ready For A Cat!

About To Adopt This Little (Big) Boy From The Shelter I Work At. He Went A Year With No Applications, And Now, I'm Finally Financially Ready For A Cat!

FCK-I-HATE-MY-LIFE Report

#33

My New Littles Ones, They Need To Be Bottle Fed, Mom Got Hit By A Car, I Feel Horrible

My New Littles Ones, They Need To Be Bottle Fed, Mom Got Hit By A Car, I Feel Horrible

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#35

Saw A Sign That Said Free Kittens So Now I Have A Free Kitten

Saw A Sign That Said Free Kittens So Now I Have A Free Kitten

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Spencer's slave
Community Member
10 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really don't care how many times I get downvoted on this particular thread but far too many of these "adopted from a shelter/saw an advert for a free kitten" posts are of kittens too young to be adopted. They aren't fully weaned until 8 weeks. Please do your research before taking on a kitten that's small and cute, not all of them are weaned, de-wormed and de-flead. Worm and flea infestations kill kittens with malnutrition and aneamia.

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#36

Kubo Became A Part Of Our Little Family Today. Such A Perfect Gentleman

Kubo Became A Part Of Our Little Family Today. Such A Perfect Gentleman

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#37

Adopted This Fluff Nugget A Week Ago. Safe To Say Cleocatra Seems Pretty Ok With Me

Adopted This Fluff Nugget A Week Ago. Safe To Say Cleocatra Seems Pretty Ok With Me

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#38

Adopted This Boy Yesterday, His Crest Makes For Perfect Snack Storage

Adopted This Boy Yesterday, His Crest Makes For Perfect Snack Storage

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#39

I Hit The Jackpot Today

I Hit The Jackpot Today

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Lakota Wolf
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Belgian Malinois are NOT for everyone. They are an incredibly active breed that needs a "job". I sure hope OP knows what they're getting into with their "jackpot" XD

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#40

We Just Adopted This Sweet Girl, She's Six Weeks Old

We Just Adopted This Sweet Girl, She's Six Weeks Old

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Betsy Ray
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful puppy. Too young to leave mom unless there are extenuating cumstances.

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Note: this post originally had 111 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.