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We spend huge lumps of money looking for happiness—some sense of fulfillment—hoping it can be bought, achieved, consumed, or traveled to. What if the answer has been staring right at you, wagging its tail, twitching its whiskers, and sniffing the air with that mysteriously moist nose?
There aren’t many decisions in life as rewarding and life-changing as pet adoption. Just think about it—you save a life and get a best friend for life. Bored Panda has compiled a list of newly adopted animal testimonials of the month because nothing makes us so happy as these adorable pets settling into their brand new families.
More boosts for your happiness hormones—aka endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, we miss you guys!—await you at our previous wholesome animal rescue compilations here, here, and here. Also, scroll down to read Bored Panda’s interview with Kelly DiCicco, the manager at the ASPCA Adoption Center, about how animal adoption works in the US and what you need to know before visiting an animal shelter.
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#1
We Rescued This Little Guy From The Streets. His Face Can Melt Hearts...
RELATED:
#2
This Is Amy We Rescued Her On Valentine’s Day. She’s Been Living At The Shelter For Over A Year And No One Wanted Her Because She Has Weight Issues. But I Do As Well So We’re On A Diet Together. I’ll Post Updates Of Her Weight Loss Journey
#3
This Is Aretha, A Rescue Cow. She Groomed My Legs With Her Tongue Then Fell Asleep. She’s A Good Girl
Kelly DiCicco, the manager at the ASPCA Adoption Center, told Bored Panda that “approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter US animal shelters nationwide every year—3.3 million dogs and 3.2 million cats.” Fortunately, DiCicco has seen a tremendous improvement in the adoption rates around the country, but there are still millions of homeless animals at risk who need a safe and loving home.
If you’re about to adopt one of those adorable animals, make sure that everyone in your family is on board. DiCicco said that “the first step when considering adoption is to make sure everyone in the household is ready for the responsibility.” Some of us worry that we might not connect with a shelter dog, but the manager at the ASPCA emphasizes that “these animals truly do have so much love to give.”
#4
Got A New Puppy And He Doesn’t Like Sleeping Alone. Came Downstairs To This
#5
The Day I Adopted Her
#6
My Wife And I Were Warned About Adopting A Second Cat. Within A Few Days, The Older One (Brown) Was Snuggling, Grooming, And Spending Every Minute With Her.
Spikey Bunny 5 years ago
You're so lucky they get along so well! Congratulations! Clearly they needed each other and you.
There are countless benefits of adopting from a dog shelter, says Kelly DiCicco, from “freeing up space and resources for another animal in need” to “putting an end to cruel breeding facilities.”
For those who don’t know, puppy mills are factory-type breeding facilities that profit from large quantities of animals. The Humane Society of the United States claims that “animals from puppy mills are housed in shockingly poor conditions with improper medical care, and are often very sick and behaviorally troubled as a result.”
They target unsuspecting consumers who shop for animals on the internet, at pet stores, or through ads. Turning to an animal shelter is the only safe way to get a cute pet without supporting this flawed practice.
#7
The Love Of A Rescue Dog
Spikey Bunny 5 years ago
Awwwww!!!! Look how much this dog is trying to say Thank You and Please keep me! I hope they have many many happy and safe years together.
#8
This Is Milo The Rescue Kitty. She Is Blind So I Remind Her About 20 Times A Day Of How Beautiful She Is
#9
Couldn’t Decide A Name So I Just Kept Calling Her Little. So Meet Little!
Most importantly, “Beyond just helping an animal in need, you’re giving your new pet an opportunity to find their voice; to be themselves and get a second chance to become a pet beyond the walls of a shelter.”
Remember that adopting a pet means a commitment for up to 15 years of your life. “Sometimes a match simply doesn’t work out, and that’s okay! Should it not work out, it’s recommended to try rehoming the animal with a friend or family member who may be a better match.” Kelly DiCicco explained that even if you can’t find someone within your network who is better equipped for your pet, you can always reach back out to the shelter and ask for their help. But you’ll never know if you never try!
#10
A Dog And His Best Friend. They Are Purrfect For Each Other. We Adopted The Dog, Then He Begged And Pleaded Till We Took In A Stray That Hangs Out Around Our Home. They Are Inseparable.
Spikey Bunny 5 years ago
Awwwww! I love to see one animal helping another. Things turned out great for all of you! Congratulations
#11
Meet Lucy. Our 5 Year Old, Recently Adopted Spaz With A Zest For Life And A Need For Constant Belly Rubs. I Hope She Makes Someone Smile
#12
We Just Adopted This Little Guy Today! Say Hi To Nugget! (Or As I Like To Call Him: Dr. Robotnug)
#13
My Cat Had Anxiety Issues, So We Adopted A Little Sister For Him
#14
Girlfriend And I Adopted A Puppy, Meet Scarlet Batdog
Justa Girrl 5 years ago
Absolutely adorable......but I bet he can hear the sun come up in the morning
#15
Adopted Her Today! Finally Peeking Out Of The Couch
Freya the Wanderer 5 years ago
I recently mocved, and my cat - who is a rescue - spent at least the first week under my bed.
Tessa Thompson 5 years ago
When I adopted my cat, she spent most of her time under my bed for about a week, and slowly spent more and more time out and about over the next three weeks. During that time, I jokingly called her 'the monster under the bed'. That was November '18. Now, she's a full-time attention sponge who gives the most excellent greetings whenever someone comes home, complete with roll-and-writhe shows in the living/dining area; plays like a fiend at Playtime (at times she's decided upon, of course); and occasionally rides around on shoulders, which has earned her the nickname of Catoma, the Furry Growth. She bugs us most vocally for food when she's hungry, which is most times when the sun is up. ;) She'll take attention pretty much anytime she's awake and purrs very easily. So glad I adopted this sweet senior girl!
Duska Radmanovic 5 years ago (edited)
Poor baby, who knows what's the story from the past behind that fear.
Stacy Beare 5 years ago
The marks in the carpet look like she's been dragged out and gone back in under the couch.
Barbara Nyswonger 5 years ago
Sweet baby! She will realize this is my forever home! U both will make precious memories!!
Rebecca Henderson 5 years ago
She’ll b fine. It takes them one or two days or more to get comfy. Cats are finicky about a lot of things.
Tara Kozocari 5 years ago
it took mine 9 months to come out from under the bed during the day. best cat ever now
Katinka Min 5 years ago
Awww....<3 It'S nice to have some realistic pics, too, so that not everybody expects a wave of gratitude from confused animals who suddenly find themselves in totally new surroundings.
QueenOlive 5 years ago
My two rescue cats are really skittish- they've gotten better around people they know- I had three at one point who was also a rescue and she was super personable but always ate everything lol
Anders Magrioteli 5 years ago
...and next week she'll be controlling the house and set the standard for when to sleep, study, work on the computer, read a book/newspaper (alone). You are never alone with a cat. Well, the cat decides that. I love them cats.
#16
Everyone Meet My Tripawd Buddy!! All Healed Up And Living His Best Life!!
#17
My Ancient Rescue Pupper In His Trailer. He Is 13 And Goes Everywhere With Me, Even Out On The Bike.
#18
My Grandma Just Adopted Him
#19
Our Rescue Pandora Has A Split Face And Majestic Eyes
#20
Met My Best Friend Yesterday And Brought Him Home!
#21
Adopted This Majestic Floof Today
#22
We Adopted Him As A Pup Without Knowing Exactly What Mix He Was. Little Did We Know He Would Grow Up Into A Purebred Batdog.
#23
Adopted This Little Guy From A Shelter. He Ate A Ton Of Food And Made Himself Right At Home; I Think He Likes It Here
#24
This Is Link! I Adopted Him 3 Days Ago From The Local Shelter. I Was Told He's A Golden Retriever Mix And I Can't Wait To See If He Gets Big Or Stays Small!
#25
Been Wanting To Rescue A Dog For A While, And We Finally Found Our Good Boy!
#26
Our Two Rescue Pups, Monty And Tuck
Justa Girrl 5 years ago
I absolutely cannot take this level of cuteness......must force self to look away.....so hard......awww.......can't stop too cute
#27
I Think My Sister's Rescue Cat Is Broken...
#28
This Is Chet, A Foster Fail (We Adopted Him)
#29
My Wife And Adopted A Sick Puppy A Few Weeks Back, And After A Lot Of Love (And Food) He’s Getting Exponentially Cuter
Justa Girrl 5 years ago
His coat looks like velvet......you have the next supermodel on your hands!
#30
When Your Foster Kittens Match Your Decor! Exhausted From Their First Day Exploring Their New Foster Home
#31
This Is My Rescue Baby, Lucy. She’s About 15 And The Absolute Love Of My Life
#32
I'm Adopting A Chonky Boi!
#33
Say Hello To Bubbles. Rescued As A Stray Kitten At One Month Old
#34
I Just Wanted To Show The World Of Reddit The Most Precious Thing In My World. My Rescue Kitty, Sunshine, Does This Whenever She Wants Belly Rubs. She's Chosen Me As Her Mommy. Hope She Adds Some Sunshine To Your Day. 😽☀️
#35
My Brother’s New Pup, Baker.
#36
I’ve Wanted A Dog For About Ten Years But My Work Or Living Situations Were Never Right. Everything’s Lined Up Now And I’ve Got My Puppy. Just Wanted To Share My Little Dude!
#37
We've Just Adopted These Girls From Our Local Shelter
#38
My Parent’s New Lab Puppy Likes To Stick Her Tongue Out At You
#39
Adopted Kipling A Day Before My Other Cat. You Might Say He's Very Social
#40
My Friend Keeps Sending Me Snaps Of Her New Adoption
#41
Good Girl Being Momma For Adopted Kittens
#42
Impulse Rescued A Kitten Yesterday From My Local Shelter And I Think She’s Very Appreciative. 11 Week Old Mei
#43
He Jumped On My Dad's Shoulder In Some Random Parking And Was Like "You're My Owner Now" And The Rest Is History.
#44
We Rescued Both. The Cat Was Missing A Leg And The Dog’s Back Foot Had Been Crushed In Trap. They Completed Each Other.
#45
Panda's First Day Home And He Loves To Play
#46
After 14 Years. I Have Accomplished My Goal. He Was Being Neglected, But Now He Will Never Be Neglected Again. Meet Link, The Pit Shepherd Mix. Approx. 4 Months Old.
#47
Rescued Blue Heeler Pup At Coffee Shop
#48
This Is Miller, My Rescued Polydactyl Kitty Who Likes To Tear Blinds Apart If They Aren’t Open. He Is Quite Photogenic
#49
Adopted This Fella. Turns Out He Loves Belly Rubs
#50
Just Adopted
#51
Adopted This Little Fella Yesterday. Needless To Say, He’s Very Comfy His First Day In His New Home
#52
This Is Our New 8 Week Old Puppy, And I Guess This Is How She Likes To Sleep
#53
We Adopted This Little One From The Shelter Recently. I Think She's Feeling Right At Home
#54
My New Best Friend In The Whole Wide World I Adopted From The Local Shelter.
#55
Adopted A Dog, Got A Cat. Meet Frankie
#56
We Caught Apple’s First Blep! She’s Adopted, So Maybe She’s Blepped Before, But This Is The First Time We See It
#57
Her Name Is Astrid. My Wife And I Adopted Her On Sunday, And Shes Already Proving To Be A Rambunctious Little Tyke. 10/10 Would Recommend Playing With This Kitten. This Is Her First Time Looking At The Cat TV
#58
Look At This Little Girl I Rescued At Work Today. She Already Loves My Husband.
#59
Just Adopted This Little Guy. Meet Yoshi
#60
Adopted Them From A Shelter Yesterday. One Of The Best Decisions I’ve Ever Made. Here Are My 2 Boys (Eddie, 8 Months Old, And Fitz, ~2 Years Old) On Their First Night Home.
#61
This Excellent Boy Comes Home Saturday. Cannot Wait To Welcome Him Into Our Home!
#62
Just Adopted Her And Already Curling Her Feetsies On My Arm
#63
I Think I May Have Just Adopted The Beefiest Version Of Scooby Doo Ever
#64
Showing Off His New Collar After Being Adopted!
#65
Recently Adopted And Feeling Comfortable At Home
#66
A Pretty Average Evening Hanging Out With My Recently Adopted Kitty. Everybody Meet, Meatloaf
#67
[oc] We Adopted This Derp A Week Ago. He Realllllly Likes Snow
![[oc] We Adopted This Derp A Week Ago. He Realllllly Likes Snow](https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/5e38342f56f80_vSI9UJp38FKDhVr5GURerli0eqhArP__5X3JSdVLuE8-png__700.jpg "[oc] We Adopted This Derp A Week Ago. He Realllllly Likes Snow")
#68
We Adopted This Little One Today! Shes So Small And Already So Tame. I'm In Love!
#69
Just Adopted This Shrimp Yesterday!
#70
We Just Adopted Ginny. Welcome To The Family
#71
Adopt A Personal Stalker... I Mean Greyhound
#72
I Just Adopted This Old Man Hershey... He Has A Weird Lookin Face
#73
Rescue Life Is The Best Life. Little Abbott Enjoying His 1st Snow
#74
I Rescued Prince Here Today! He Was Walking Down The Street In Chicago And Looked Scared. I Pulled Over Across The Street And Put On My Hazards And Stopped Traffic To Talk To My New Friend. Prince Was A Good Boy And As He Was Warming Up In My Car I Called The Phone Number On His Dog Tag. He Is Home.
#75
Louie My Rescue Frenchie. Turns Out This Little Man Was Born Deaf And Has Anxiety. I Must Say That He Does Give The Bestest Cuddles A Good Boy Could Give Though
#76
Our Rescue Cat Dori Cuddling On My Girlfriends Lap
#77
I Adopted A Kitten This Weekend And He’s Already So Cuddly 💜 Meet Mac!
#78
Just Adopted This Little Boy! Any Name Sugestions?
#79
Just Adopted This Good Boy!
#80
Recently Adopted Moose Mirin His New Mommy
#81
My Newly Adopted Puppy. His Name Is Dr. Pepper, Doc For Short
#82
My Dad And The New Rescue Beagle
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What do you think ?
Francis 5 years ago
it is just after 9am here in switzerland and i can't handle so much cuteness in the morning! i "aaawwwed" at all the pics! my day already got better :) thank you for sharing the pics!
Anne 5 years ago
Same here! (and good morning from the Netherlands) - I better go get some work done now.. :)
Load More Replies...
Dorothy Parker 5 years ago
So much love is out there, ready to be given. These are really precious images.
Lauren Rench 5 years ago
Adopted this boy in February 2016. He's as sweet as he looks. The man in picture quickly lost his opposition to having a dog in his house. 2016-02-27...7c3aa6.jpg 
Carole Reid 5 years ago
The best people in the world to me are the ones who rescue. I am not saying that I'm a best people but all my fur babies have been rescues.
Zande Dechandy 5 years ago
I am so happy to see all these kind people who adopt instead of shop. Bless your hearts!
Kenny Kulbiski 5 years ago
Loved this and it's heartwarming but you screwed up on the title. It should be "pets adopted/rescued humans."
Lindsey Lawson 5 years ago
We have an abused Corgi mix we adopted and a stray cat that adopted us. Wouldn't trade them for the world.
Daniel Scott 5 years ago
My rescues are helping keep me sane during this virus outbreak. I'm grateful the local trails are still open. Artie-and-...ee788a.jpg 
Kimberly Puchniarz 5 years ago
Thank you all so very much for rescuing these beautiful creatures!! Much appreciated
Caroline Driver 5 years ago
I find it hard to believe that people have abandoned all these cuties. I suppose a few might have genuine reasons, but most people just 'change their minds' and throw away a living creature.Thank you to all those people who gave them homes.
Annette Allen 5 years ago
The pets are gorgeous. Love, joy and comfort with 4 legs. Had our rescue dog, Bailey, for almost 8 years now. Wouldn't be without her....... <3
Alex Bailey 5 years ago
Wow - placing this on an international website. What great marketing 🙄
Load More Replies...
Francis 5 years ago
it is just after 9am here in switzerland and i can't handle so much cuteness in the morning! i "aaawwwed" at all the pics! my day already got better :) thank you for sharing the pics!
Anne 5 years ago
Same here! (and good morning from the Netherlands) - I better go get some work done now.. :)
Load More Replies... Dorothy Parker 5 years ago
So much love is out there, ready to be given. These are really precious images.
Lauren Rench 5 years ago
Adopted this boy in February 2016. He's as sweet as he looks. The man in picture quickly lost his opposition to having a dog in his house. 2016-02-27...7c3aa6.jpg
Carole Reid 5 years ago
The best people in the world to me are the ones who rescue. I am not saying that I'm a best people but all my fur babies have been rescues.
Zande Dechandy 5 years ago
I am so happy to see all these kind people who adopt instead of shop. Bless your hearts!
Kenny Kulbiski 5 years ago
Loved this and it's heartwarming but you screwed up on the title. It should be "pets adopted/rescued humans."
Lindsey Lawson 5 years ago
We have an abused Corgi mix we adopted and a stray cat that adopted us. Wouldn't trade them for the world.
Daniel Scott 5 years ago
My rescues are helping keep me sane during this virus outbreak. I'm grateful the local trails are still open. Artie-and-...ee788a.jpg
Kimberly Puchniarz 5 years ago
Thank you all so very much for rescuing these beautiful creatures!! Much appreciated
Caroline Driver 5 years ago
I find it hard to believe that people have abandoned all these cuties. I suppose a few might have genuine reasons, but most people just 'change their minds' and throw away a living creature.Thank you to all those people who gave them homes.
Annette Allen 5 years ago
The pets are gorgeous. Love, joy and comfort with 4 legs. Had our rescue dog, Bailey, for almost 8 years now. Wouldn't be without her....... <3
Alex Bailey 5 years ago
Wow - placing this on an international website. What great marketing 🙄
Load More Replies... You May Like 50 Times Animals Were Too Pure For This World (New Pics) 40 Cats Who Treated Convenience Stores Like Their Natural Habitat These Funny Animals Found Themselves In The Most Unexpected Situations While At The Shelter
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