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...
You are done. You will give him all the treats, the best sit in the house, the house keys, your credit card, your collection of dishware that comes from your great-grandmother... Yeah, you are done.
This pic is in the dictionary, as the definition of " puppy dog eyes". ( If this pupper was mine, it would be spoiled rotten, I tell you!)
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.
Load More Replies...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!
This Is Aretha, A Rescue Cow. She Groomed My Legs With Her Tongue Then Fell Asleep. She’s A Good Girl
For more bovine joy, google cows using automatic brushing stations. Some of them dance with joy after it.
Just googled it! Watched about 15 different vids, thinking to myself, "That must feel amazing!" As a result, I'm totally relaxed right now. Thanks for the suggestion! 😀👍🏼💜
Load More Replies...All what Aretha wants is to be happy and live in peace, just like any sentient being does.
Load More Replies...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
when I got my first rescue years ago, he was so scared on his first night he cried for hours and was chucking himself at the door to get out. He had come from a puppy farm(puppy mill) and used as a stud never being able to leave his cage. That night I slept on the sofa with him until we both drifted off. That dog named Jimmy went on to become a therapy dog and the best friend you could dream of.
You know when your sleeping on the floor with couch pillows and a blanket, that's true love!
The Day I Adopted Her
Second only to kitty purrs (but still pretty dang good and awesome)! ;D
Load More Replies...Dogs are so special that I wouldn't be surprised!
Load More Replies...It's amazing how a smile this genuine can make you smile yourself! 😀
Would you look at both of their smiles, as big as the whole outdoors!!!
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.
I've had many cats in my life - including a rescue org - and have never witnessed any of my cats fighting - ever.
Load More Replies...We got lucky with our current pair as well. Within two weeks they were grooming each other and sleeping together. New Cat didn't give Old Cat any choice in the matter. P1020205-5...f93774.jpg
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.
There is no doupt in my mind that rescues know that they are loved and they are 100% grateful!
Load More Replies...Oh wow. This is such a special pup! His eyes say it all. Makes me happy that this hooman is amazing enough to rescue!
it burns me up so much the horrible people that put profit ahead of welfare and sell dogs in puppy farms (puppy mills)in discusting conditions but the people that buy dogs are just as bad, dont buy from Guntree, craigs list or any other place rescue. There are so many dogs of all breeds and all ages that need a home and by buying you are continuing the industry of torture. When you rescure you get to give a dog a new life a new start and he`ll love you for it!
"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain, American writer (1835 - 1910)
Load More Replies...This Is Milo The Rescue Kitty. She Is Blind So I Remind Her About 20 Times A Day Of How Beautiful She Is
She is beautiful. Blind pets can be very rewarding and cope so much better than you would ever expect.
I would love to get your 4 hearts, because I would put them on here too!!!
Load More Replies...My dog still patrolled the yard, chased and caught bugs and had a full and wonderful life after losing her eyesight. You will have such fun together!!
Every cat needs a home. Thank you for having it in your heart to do this for her.
Sue, that is so beautiful!! I LOVE IT!!!! That is so true!!💖 💗
Load More Replies...Couldn’t Decide A Name So I Just Kept Calling Her Little. So Meet Little!
I had to check the feet to figure it out, as well. What wonderful coloring! I bet the sun shines when she grins!!
Ohhh wow...no way was she at a shelter, Seriously..she's soooo beautiful. Isn't it crazy well done. One day ALL shelters will be empty, now wouldn't that be lovely
Oh no! I just got an untreatable addiction to Australian cattle dogs!
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
We had 5 rescue cats with no intention of getting any more. Then one turned up at our back door and wouldn't leave, every time we opened up the door she tried to come in, I think our cats were cheering her on from the window and holding up signs letting her know that the house was full of suckers. (We lasted 1 day before feeding her, 2 days before setting up a bed in the garage and 3 days until she moved in. She was sequestered in our bathroom for 3 more days until she got a clean bill of health. Now Gypsy is our newest addition.) gypsy-5e5d...fbed3c.jpg
Kinda like my first cat that I adopted when I was fostering kittens from the local shelter. She "chose" her best friend.... and I couldn't bear to separate them. So now I have a very loud, white-furred, hyperactive cat. Completely the opposite to what I'd wanted (black fur, mellow, quiet)... and could not be happier. <3 When they choose their buddy, you have to support it. :D
...and then the cat adopted a mouse and a sparrow, and they had a full house.
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
just a question does Spaz mean something different in America (im assuming this is an American post) in UK thats a Realy offensive slang term for disable people
Spaz in NA means running around, crazy, nuts. Ya know? A spaz! LOL!
Load More Replies...We Just Adopted This Little Guy Today! Say Hi To Nugget! (Or As I Like To Call Him: Dr. Robotnug)
I think Nick Fury would have been a great name for it plus a tiny eyepatch.
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
Awww She'll grow into those amazing ears. But that mask! Go Batdog!
Load More Replies...Batwing ears and a bat mask too! Wonder if he’ll keep those ears, or grow into them...
Adopted Her Today! Finally Peeking Out Of The Couch
I recently mocved, and my cat - who is a rescue - spent at least the first week under my bed.
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!
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.
I love this! Thank you for caring for him like you would any other aging family member!
My Grandma Just Adopted Him
Sharing everything with you loved one = happiness for. Two
Load More Replies...i have a rescue dog with an under bite. i just love doggies with character <3
Our Rescue Pandora Has A Split Face And Majestic Eyes
I was just gonna say that ! I would have named her "Galaxy". Pandora is nice too. Those eyes!
Load More Replies...Love the name Pandora but I think i would of gone with Orion (The cat on Men in Black that had the Universe on her neck) like Pandora does in her eyes! Amazingly beautiful cat!
Yes, it was the glorious whiskers that caught my attention!
Load More Replies...Met My Best Friend Yesterday And Brought Him Home!
there is nothing better that watching your rescue go from terrified mess to happy family member!
“Yes,yes,I love you also, my new owner...just don’t ask about the messed up wall plate” 🧐😂🥰
Or maybe he's looking a little guilty .... see the outlet slightly askew ?
Poor little sacred pup. We do take them away from their moms way too early. If I could change one thing about getting my dog, it would be to give her two more weeks with her mom and insert myself into her life more gradually. She was so tiny and scared at eight weeks.
Exactly! And longer if possible. Terrible to take them so young.
Load More Replies...Looks like my dog when he was little. 9 yrs now. That dog is gonna be someone, beaut pupper 😊🌞🥰🐶🐶🐶
looks like it's still nevous, hope it can live happy with no complication in the future
He's just a little scared now. You can help him find love and happiness!!
Adopted This Majestic Floof Today
OMG - that's a heartstoppingly beautiful doggo! I love GSDs - they're the bestest!
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!
Those paws are tiny, I think he will stay a cute and small fluffball.
You can't tell by the paws anymore, my pup had tiny feet and he is a 85 pound monster now. Don't know what he is. He came from a reservation so he's more than a hienz 57
Load More Replies...Been Wanting To Rescue A Dog For A While, And We Finally Found Our Good Boy!
Awww and he's definitely happy with his forever home as we can clearly see!😂
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
That's what I was thinking! And gold stars to them for rescuing puppies! Double trouble!
Load More Replies...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
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!
Those eyes are so cute and watery (like in young puppies) but HE is SO cute!
I've never seen a Chimaera puppy, only kitties. Is soo cute
Load More Replies...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
It's absolute perfection, isn't it? I love this type of scruffy, loppy-eared doggo!
Load More Replies...Exactly. I heard that if one of the dog's ear is lopped, he/she is very young (not an adult yet).
Load More Replies...I'm Adopting A Chonky Boi!
If you put him on a diet please be sure to take it slow. Cats that lose weight too quickly can get feline hepatic lipidosis. It's treatable, but not cheap or easy. Get a vet's advise.
That’s interesting. I didn’t know about that! Thanks for sharing your knowledge
Load More Replies...actually i think that most overweight pets are because of the owner aren't active in playing with their pet (since playing is the best exercise for the pet) instead of over feeding
Load More Replies...Reminds me of an orange tootsie roll (that they don't probably make anymore!)
The best place to find them is 99 Cent Only stores or sometimes you can find them at Dollar Tree. And don't worry; they're new product.
Load More Replies...Say Hello To Bubbles. Rescued As A Stray Kitten At One Month Old
i want to give her belly rubs for the rest of my life *_* look at that floofy belly!!
She wants you to give belly hugs for the rest of her life.
Load More Replies...Lol 😆 so beautiful and adorable! So cute , I wasn’t ready to see the little cutie just lying there showing her belly
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. 😽☀️
Sunshine is the colour of the golden rays of the sun. Congratulations on adopting a lovely kitty.
Solid orange female cats are less common than males so she's certainly special in that aspect too!
I agree. Most gingers are Toms, not female. She truly is rare.
Load More Replies...My Brother’s New Pup, Baker.
I love Rottweilers. My grandkids have one that is 11. She has osteosarcoma and had to have a front leg amputated. So sad. I hope she lives many more years. She's a big sweetheart. ❤️
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!
Awwww I've never seen anyone else name a pet Turbo. I had a giant black cat named Turbo, he was awesome!
We had a turbo. Lost him last July at age 16. He was a beautiful Red Bull terrier
Load More Replies...We've Just Adopted These Girls From Our Local Shelter
Camera angle. That's a regular phone and large kitten. Very cute :)
Load More Replies...Warning: Love your phone? Don't keep it so close to edge of table, kitty will knock it off. Speaking of anything you treasure or need do not keep on table for they will get knocked off of table, nightstand, counter, book shelves, heck, you get the idea.
Lucky you, them too I guess, but really your family are blessed with these two.
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
...and, limber. Probably also has an excellent sense of balance. That cat is just loving his new people.
XD My cat enjoys settling on shoulders. She's earned the nickname Catoma, the Furry Growth.
My Friend Keeps Sending Me Snaps Of Her New Adoption
It's totally normal for new parents to show off thier babies! Furry or hooman...no difference!
Main c**n cat! They are the greatest cats ever......extremely smart. They are even called the dogs of the cat world...My mom has one, and it really does act like a dog, in certain ways( it's all good ways)
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
Oh yes - looking after my sister's kitty and he wrecked my blinds. Totally my fault for not leaving them open for him but I was unaware that this was a requirement. I know better now.
Load More Replies...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
He just needs recharging and he'll be tearing around the house again, lol! Sweet.
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
We adopted a muted tortie that showed up at our back door and wouldn't leave. She tried to come in every time we opened the door and yelled at us until we let her in. She is now living the high life with her 5 rescue kitty siblings.
Load More Replies...looks like 2 of my grandmas' cats, a tortie named Pumpkin and her current tortie named Minnie.
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!
Same - they are adorable and make the best noises.
Load More Replies...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
i am curious (never had a dog myself): how do you train a deaf doggo? with a light as a clicker and handsights?
I have a dog, your expression and snacks are the treats and mine has hand movements that mean certain things. (she is not deaf, I just trained her with hand movements to impress people how amazingly good she is.. works very well! :D )
Load More Replies...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?
He does look a bit like Otis doesn't he . . . . ( milo and otis a pug and a cat)
Load More Replies...Bailey like the coffee creamer. Because he looks like creamy coffee swirls!
I had a Bailey. He was registered and his "official" name was George Bailey's Wonderful Life.
Load More Replies...i like cheeto if he's a nutball and flame if he's more well-behaved
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.
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.
