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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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
it looks like my scatty who my mum said had to be put down 😢he was a grey and not obese but old. poor cat. nice to recue them though and pat them to health.
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I have a tortoise shell as well. Good luck to you both on the weight loss journey!
Years ago a stray cat adopted me. She was fat - but in a special way. One night there was a sudden jump in the local cat population.
This made me so happy and made me think of my big Ravin. Miss her- she stayed in bed with my Mom all through her battle with cancer to the very end.
angel! Not only have you given a beautiful cat (stunning! ) a home, but you are truly saving her life...i hope that you have many happy years together...and good luck!
U r a very special person! U r both blessed!! Wish u 2 many many years ahead! Best of luck dieting together! How special!!
She is so sweet looking. You’re both very lucky to have one another.
Bless you! I also have a cat who is 10 yrs old & quite over weight. I’m working on a diet for him. I have two fur babies so it’s difficult to do separate diets yet we manage. Good luck to you two. Sending you both our love & best wishes. Becca
We adopted a size XL kitty 2 years ago, she is now size M-L and so healthy and happy!
Good luck to both of you, it really is a challenge. "There is no sincere love than the love of food." - George Bernard Shaw
I would have taken her in an instant. Purely "snuggable" and so pretty!
Awww you beautiful person. You say you have weight issues too...yep...a big massive beautiful heart. 💕
I love big fat cats, but they can get diabetes. I diet is a good idea.
Bless your heart. So happy that your kitty is YOURS. It sounds like you two were meant to be together and support each other.
what a wonderful mama u r! u will be blessed so much for adopting this precious babydoll!!! TY!
weight issues...we have to be PC even with cats? Will her feelings be hurt if she is described as fat? Should the word be taken out of Merriam Webster's Dictionary? Cats can lose weight, healthily. Let us know how it works out.
Thank you for the big smile, Amy...you big, beautiful chonky sweetheart.
Good luck on the journey the 2 of u are taking together! She is adorable nonetheless!😊
Good for you both! I wish you only the best in your journey together! 💙
Good luck to you and your beautiful furry friend 👍🌞 i am sure your heart is bigger than your weight 👍❤
My sister adopted a cat like that. She has him on a strict food program. He lost the weight and so far has kept it off.
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)
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
Note: this post originally had 82 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.
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.. :)
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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 🙄
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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...