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.
This post may include affiliate links.
We Rescued This Little Guy From The Streets. His Face Can Melt Hearts...
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
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.”
Got A New Puppy And He Doesn’t Like Sleeping Alone. Came Downstairs To This
The Day I Adopted Her
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.
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.
The Love Of A Rescue Dog
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.
This Is Milo The Rescue Kitty. She Is Blind So I Remind Her About 20 Times A Day Of How Beautiful She Is
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!
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.
Awwwww! I love to see one animal helping another. Things turned out great for all of you! Congratulations
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
We Just Adopted This Little Guy Today! Say Hi To Nugget! (Or As I Like To Call Him: Dr. Robotnug)
My Cat Had Anxiety Issues, So We Adopted A Little Sister For Him
Girlfriend And I Adopted A Puppy, Meet Scarlet Batdog
Absolutely adorable......but I bet he can hear the sun come up in the morning
Adopted Her Today! Finally Peeking Out Of The Couch
Everyone Meet My Tripawd Buddy!! All Healed Up And Living His Best Life!!
My Ancient Rescue Pupper In His Trailer. He Is 13 And Goes Everywhere With Me, Even Out On The Bike.
My Grandma Just Adopted Him
Our Rescue Pandora Has A Split Face And Majestic Eyes
Met My Best Friend Yesterday And Brought Him Home!
Adopted This Majestic Floof Today
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.
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
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!
Been Wanting To Rescue A Dog For A While, And We Finally Found Our Good Boy!
Our Two Rescue Pups, Monty And Tuck
I absolutely cannot take this level of cuteness......must force self to look away.....so hard......awww.......can't stop too cute
I Think My Sister's Rescue Cat Is Broken...
This Is Chet, A Foster Fail (We Adopted Him)
You got a lovely Main C**n. They are awesome! They are outgoing and fearless. We have 5 rescue kitties. When the door bell rings, 4 going running for under the bed, our Main C**n Xena runs TO the door to see who it is and what are they doing in HER house. We have another one years ago, he died in 2001 at age of 19. In his prime he was 36" long, 22 pounds. He would sit on our front lawn with me and scare the neighborhood dogs walking by. Literally. Dogs would take one look at him and whimper and try to scurry away. He loved people but not dogs. He was awesome.
Wow this is one majestic looking fur king! He knows he is pretty!! <3
You better be careful this one I can tell is cleaver and cheeky
he may have been a fail, but he is now your success...beautiful...reminds me of my cat Fatty; who was 26 when he passed...hope you have many years together...(whoever failed him was out of their minds!)
Wow, adorable Maine Coone. You definitely are blessed. They are amazing cats.
How can they call this a fail? The whole idea is to find a loving home. I’d call it success!!
This is the BEST kind of "fail" any being can ask for! Chet for the WIN!
Reminds me so much of a cat we had when I was a child, he's name was Stormy
How could this possibly be a fail? I would have thought people would be fighting over this beauty! Lucky you!
My beloved Professor Smuggins, a rescue and now free of earthly encumbrances used to sit and cross his paws exactly the same way... 7c94f1-5e5...081892.jpg
Wow... I didn't know animals could be polydactlyies! Probably spelled it wrog. wahtevre.
My Wife And Adopted A Sick Puppy A Few Weeks Back, And After A Lot Of Love (And Food) He’s Getting Exponentially Cuter
His coat looks like velvet......you have the next supermodel on your hands!
When Your Foster Kittens Match Your Decor! Exhausted From Their First Day Exploring Their New Foster Home
This Is My Rescue Baby, Lucy. She’s About 15 And The Absolute Love Of My Life
I'm Adopting A Chonky Boi!
Say Hello To Bubbles. Rescued As A Stray Kitten At One Month Old
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. 😽☀️
My Brother’s New Pup, Baker.
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!
We've Just Adopted These Girls From Our Local Shelter
My Parent’s New Lab Puppy Likes To Stick Her Tongue Out At You
Adopted Kipling A Day Before My Other Cat. You Might Say He's Very Social
My Friend Keeps Sending Me Snaps Of Her New Adoption
Good Girl Being Momma For Adopted Kittens
Impulse Rescued A Kitten Yesterday From My Local Shelter And I Think She’s Very Appreciative. 11 Week Old Mei
He Jumped On My Dad's Shoulder In Some Random Parking And Was Like "You're My Owner Now" And The Rest Is History.
We Rescued Both. The Cat Was Missing A Leg And The Dog’s Back Foot Had Been Crushed In Trap. They Completed Each Other.
Panda's First Day Home And He Loves To Play
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.
Rescued Blue Heeler Pup At Coffee Shop
This Is Miller, My Rescued Polydactyl Kitty Who Likes To Tear Blinds Apart If They Aren’t Open. He Is Quite Photogenic
Adopted This Fella. Turns Out He Loves Belly Rubs
Just Adopted
Adopted This Little Fella Yesterday. Needless To Say, He’s Very Comfy His First Day In His New Home
This Is Our New 8 Week Old Puppy, And I Guess This Is How She Likes To Sleep
We Adopted This Little One From The Shelter Recently. I Think She's Feeling Right At Home
My New Best Friend In The Whole Wide World I Adopted From The Local Shelter.
Adopted A Dog, Got A Cat. Meet Frankie
We Caught Apple’s First Blep! She’s Adopted, So Maybe She’s Blepped Before, But This Is The First Time We See It
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
Look At This Little Girl I Rescued At Work Today. She Already Loves My Husband.
Just Adopted This Little Guy. Meet Yoshi
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.
This Excellent Boy Comes Home Saturday. Cannot Wait To Welcome Him Into Our Home!
Just Adopted Her And Already Curling Her Feetsies On My Arm
I Think I May Have Just Adopted The Beefiest Version Of Scooby Doo Ever
Showing Off His New Collar After Being Adopted!
Recently Adopted And Feeling Comfortable At Home
A Pretty Average Evening Hanging Out With My Recently Adopted Kitty. Everybody Meet, Meatloaf
[oc] We Adopted This Derp A Week Ago. He Realllllly Likes Snow
We Adopted This Little One Today! Shes So Small And Already So Tame. I'm In Love!
Just Adopted This Shrimp Yesterday!
We Just Adopted Ginny. Welcome To The Family
Adopt A Personal Stalker... I Mean Greyhound
I Just Adopted This Old Man Hershey... He Has A Weird Lookin Face
Rescue Life Is The Best Life. Little Abbott Enjoying His 1st Snow
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.
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
Our Rescue Cat Dori Cuddling On My Girlfriends Lap
I Adopted A Kitten This Weekend And He’s Already So Cuddly 💜 Meet Mac!
Just Adopted This Little Boy! Any Name Sugestions?
Just Adopted This Good Boy!
Recently Adopted Moose Mirin His New Mommy
My Newly Adopted Puppy. His Name Is Dr. Pepper, Doc For Short
My Dad And The New Rescue Beagle
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!
Same here! (and good morning from the Netherlands) - I better go get some work done now.. :)
Load More Replies...So much love is out there, ready to be given. These are really precious images.
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
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.
I am so happy to see all these kind people who adopt instead of shop. Bless your hearts!
Loved this and it's heartwarming but you screwed up on the title. It should be "pets adopted/rescued humans."
We have an abused Corgi mix we adopted and a stray cat that adopted us. Wouldn't trade them for the world.
My rescues are helping keep me sane during this virus outbreak. I'm grateful the local trails are still open. Artie-and-...ee788a.jpg
Thank you all so very much for rescuing these beautiful creatures!! Much appreciated
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.
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
Wow - placing this on an international website. What great marketing 🙄
Load More Replies...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!
Same here! (and good morning from the Netherlands) - I better go get some work done now.. :)
Load More Replies...So much love is out there, ready to be given. These are really precious images.
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
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.
I am so happy to see all these kind people who adopt instead of shop. Bless your hearts!
Loved this and it's heartwarming but you screwed up on the title. It should be "pets adopted/rescued humans."
We have an abused Corgi mix we adopted and a stray cat that adopted us. Wouldn't trade them for the world.
My rescues are helping keep me sane during this virus outbreak. I'm grateful the local trails are still open. Artie-and-...ee788a.jpg
Thank you all so very much for rescuing these beautiful creatures!! Much appreciated
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.
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
Wow - placing this on an international website. What great marketing 🙄
Load More Replies...