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What kind of things fill your heart with joy? Saying "I love you" is one; a scoop of chocolatey ice cream is second. But there’s nothing quite like meeting a little furry critter, looking into their eyes, and realizing this is the point you’ll never part. Sharing the moments of happiness and sorrow, there’s a whole adventure of life waiting around the corner.

All pets deserve a second chance. And this is the most wholesome list of the month compiled by Bored Panda that celebrates precisely that. Heart-melting and soul-soothing pictures of adopted animals will tuck you in like a blanket.

Because there are few things more beautiful than sharing your heart with someone who has been patiently waiting for a chance to wake up in their loving forever home. Extra warmth is waiting in our previous rescue animal posts from September, August, July, June, and May.

#1

My Friend Found Her Alone In The Road And Saved Her Life. Here Is What 4 Months Of Love Did For Her Once We Adopted Our New Baby Arya

My Friend Found Her Alone In The Road And Saved Her Life. Here Is What 4 Months Of Love Did For Her Once We Adopted Our New Baby Arya

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Raine Soo
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor little Arya. She has come a long way since the first photo. Thank you for the transformative love.

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#2

Adopting A Kitten!

Adopting A Kitten!

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Raine Soo
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that the kitty adopted the doggo. Either way, this warms the heart.

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#3

I’m Sure Many Of You Have Seen The Video Of The Racist Woman That Threw A Dog At A Young Black Man. The Cries Of The Dog Were Heartbreaking. However, The Good News Is That The Young Man Has Decided To Adopt The Dog And She Is Doing Well. Here She Is Safe And Happy

I’m Sure Many Of You Have Seen The Video Of The Racist Woman That Threw A Dog At A Young Black Man. The Cries Of The Dog Were Heartbreaking. However, The Good News Is That The Young Man Has Decided To Adopt The Dog And She Is Doing Well. Here She Is Safe And Happy

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Raine Soo
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I viewed the video, and the woman was belligerent, confrontational, and weird. She threw her dog at this young man, and instead of running back to her, the puppy hid behind him, technically a total stranger. The puppy trusted him more. I am just glad that the doggo got a good home.

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During these challenging times of pandemic, more and more people are looking for a pet to join their family. Bored Panda reached out to Kelly DiCicco, the manager of adoptions promotions at the ASPCA Adoption Center, who said that many people are responding with adjusted adoption and foster programs amid the COVID-19 crisis.

“There’s no doubt that the public's response to support their local shelters by fostering vulnerable animals has been enormous and unprecedented.”

Kelly said that in the first few weeks of stay-at-home orders, the ASPCA saw a nearly 70 percent increase in animals going into foster homes through their NYC and Los Angeles foster programs, compared to the same period in 2019. “There’s no doubt that the response from people across the country willing to open their homes to animals in need during this challenging time has been enormous and unprecedented,” Kelly concluded.

#4

Just Adopted This Old Man To Give Him Some Comfort In His Golden Years

Just Adopted This Old Man To Give Him Some Comfort In His Golden Years

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#5

Meet Amy! She’s 12 And I Rescued Her Yesterday. I Love Her

Meet Amy! She’s 12 And I Rescued Her Yesterday. I Love Her

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#6

4 Years Ago We Adopted The Worst Kitten At The Humane Society. The Lady Told Us “You Don’t Want This Cat. She’ll Never Be Happy, And If She Sets Foot Outside You’ll Never See Her Again.” Challenge Accepted. I’m Proud Of How Far She’s Come With The Right Home

4 Years Ago We Adopted The Worst Kitten At The Humane Society. The Lady Told Us “You Don’t Want This Cat. She’ll Never Be Happy, And If She Sets Foot Outside You’ll Never See Her Again.” Challenge Accepted. I’m Proud Of How Far She’s Come With The Right Home

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Raine Soo
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pets know when they are with the right people. Good job!

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The global pandemic has been making shelters, rescues, foster carers, and animal welfare organizations, including the ASPCA, look for innovative solutions for running adoption procedures.

Kelly said that the ASPCA has been implementing “remote or socially distanced adoptions and online meet-and-greets using video conferencing to help these animals find adoptive homes.”

But the adoptions managers warned that even if the policies are adapted in response to Covid-19, the animal welfare organizations are still following their effective protocols “to ensure pets match their adopters' lifestyles.” This must take into account what the new owners' post-pandemic schedules will be.

#7

I Only Rescued Her One Week Ago And She Loooves Cuddling. I Haven’t Had To Take An Anxiety Pill Since Getting Her Because She’s Like The Ultimate Weighted Blanket

I Only Rescued Her One Week Ago And She Loooves Cuddling. I Haven’t Had To Take An Anxiety Pill Since Getting Her Because She’s Like The Ultimate Weighted Blanket

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#8

After Three Months Of Being Sober I Decided To Treat Myself With A Gift. I Went To The Shelter Today And Adopted This Cute Beagle. His Name Is Nikko :) Three Months Alcohol Free Baby!!

After Three Months Of Being Sober I Decided To Treat Myself With A Gift. I Went To The Shelter Today And Adopted This Cute Beagle. His Name Is Nikko :) Three Months Alcohol Free Baby!!

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Full Name
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Congrats! And now you have someone to be responsible for and that'll help you too. Best of luck to you both.

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#9

My Mom Didn’t Believe Me When I Tried To Explain How Odd Our Newest Rescue, Kittywhite, Is

My Mom Didn’t Believe Me When I Tried To Explain How Odd Our Newest Rescue, Kittywhite, Is

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Kelly also explained that every shelter has a unique population of animals. And if you’re about to choose an animal to adopt, “prospective adopters should ask questions and rely on shelter staff for guidance.”

“We always encourage adopters to keep an open mind and heart when meeting animals from a shelter or rescue as you may feel a connection with a pet you'd never considered before, like a senior animal or even those of a different breed, size, or species.”

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In these unprecedented and critical times, “it's especially beneficial for people to experience the many benefits—including companionship, joy, love, comfort, and stress relief—that come from having an animal in your family,” Kelly concluded.

#11

Adopted This 11 Year Old Pup Today. She Spent Most Of Her Life Outside And The Past 118 Days At The Shelter. This Was Her Reaction To Her ‘Gotcha Day’ Toy, And Her Sleeping With It A Few Hours Later

Adopted This 11 Year Old Pup Today. She Spent Most Of Her Life Outside And The Past 118 Days At The Shelter. This Was Her Reaction To Her ‘Gotcha Day’ Toy, And Her Sleeping With It A Few Hours Later

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#12

He Rescued Me Over Ten Years Ago. Can’t Imagine Life Without Him

He Rescued Me Over Ten Years Ago. Can’t Imagine Life Without Him

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#13

Wasn’t Sure How My Rescue Kitten Would Handle Her First Night. Woke Up Like This

Wasn’t Sure How My Rescue Kitten Would Handle Her First Night. Woke Up Like This

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#14

Lia On Day 1, Looking At My Husband. Already So Much Love!

Lia On Day 1, Looking At My Husband. Already So Much Love!

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#15

We Adopted A Doggo Today! He’s 12/13 (The Rescue Centre Wasn’t Sure) And A Very Good Boy

We Adopted A Doggo Today! He’s 12/13 (The Rescue Centre Wasn’t Sure) And A Very Good Boy

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#16

Turok The Galgo Before The Adoption In June And 3 Months Later Longboi Has His Own Bed

Turok The Galgo Before The Adoption In June And 3 Months Later Longboi Has His Own Bed

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#17

Found This Cat Crying Outside My House So I Decided To Adopt It

Found This Cat Crying Outside My House So I Decided To Adopt It

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#18

Our Rescue Was S M O L. This Is Him On His First Day In His New Home

Our Rescue Was S M O L. This Is Him On His First Day In His New Home

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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"This place is so big and I'm so little". *fast forward 2 months*. "That's not the tin of chicken that I wanted. I shall leave you a 'present' while you sleep"

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#19

I Adopted A Cat, This Was 1 Hour After We Got Home

I Adopted A Cat, This Was 1 Hour After We Got Home

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#20

Adoption Day For This Good Girl

Adoption Day For This Good Girl

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Idaaoyama
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Third picture: "It's not a prank or anything, right? It's for real?"

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#21

Against My Better Judgment, We Have Adopted A Pair Of One-Eyed Chaos Kittens

Against My Better Judgment, We Have Adopted A Pair Of One-Eyed Chaos Kittens

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This was not against your better judgement. This was the best decision.

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#22

This Is Toof, The Stray Cat That Has Apparently Adopted Us

This Is Toof, The Stray Cat That Has Apparently Adopted Us

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#23

Bill Bailey With His Rescue Dog, And His Rescue Cockatoo

Bill Bailey With His Rescue Dog, And His Rescue Cockatoo

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#25

Meet Rosa. A Rescue From Tijuana, Mexico

Meet Rosa. A Rescue From Tijuana, Mexico

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Midget
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

awwwwwww. Now we just have to wait until she eats your nose and looks cute doing it... I mean, what?

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#26

Day 1 vs. Day 30 After Adoption

Day 1 vs. Day 30 After Adoption

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Day One: Not sure about this. Checking out the house and the people to make sure they’re safe. Day Thirty: I love it here! (When a rescue animal finally sleeps this soundly and deeply, you know they feel safe and secure, and don’t have to worry about jumping up to defend themselves at the slightest sound. Good job, cat parents!)

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#27

This Is Bear, He Was Adopted And He Loves Strawberries

This Is Bear, He Was Adopted And He Loves Strawberries

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#28

21-Year-Old Cat Brothers Find A New Home After Desperate Plea: 'They Just Should Not Be In Rescue.' "Due To Their Age, We Are Keen To Get These Lovely Boys Settled Into A New Home Asap," The Rspca Northamptonshire Branch Previously Said

21-Year-Old Cat Brothers Find A New Home After Desperate Plea: 'They Just Should Not Be In Rescue.' "Due To Their Age, We Are Keen To Get These Lovely Boys Settled Into A New Home Asap," The Rspca Northamptonshire Branch Previously Said

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#30

On The Left Is Emmy At The Shelter, Way To Skinny And Unhealthy, And On The Right Is Emmy A Year After We Adopted Her. Once She Got All Healthy All Her Beautiful Floof Grew In! My Sweet Girl

On The Left Is Emmy At The Shelter, Way To Skinny And Unhealthy, And On The Right Is Emmy A Year After We Adopted Her. Once She Got All Healthy All Her Beautiful Floof Grew In! My Sweet Girl

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#31

Adopted This Smol Boi Today

Adopted This Smol Boi Today

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#32

Ten Minutes After Adopting This Lil Street Boii This Was His Reaction When They Know They Know

Ten Minutes After Adopting This Lil Street Boii This Was His Reaction When They Know They Know

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#33

4 Years Ago I Adopted My Very First Cat From The Shelter. She Was Malnourished, Terrified, And Had Her Claws Taken Away From Her. Her Owner Of 5 Years Surrendered Her And She Lost All Motivation To Live. Both Of Our Lives Changed For The Best That Day And I Haven’t Stopped Loving Her Since

4 Years Ago I Adopted My Very First Cat From The Shelter. She Was Malnourished, Terrified, And Had Her Claws Taken Away From Her. Her Owner Of 5 Years Surrendered Her And She Lost All Motivation To Live. Both Of Our Lives Changed For The Best That Day And I Haven’t Stopped Loving Her Since

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It makes me angry when people de-claw their cats. How would they like it if the tips of their fingers were taken away? In any case, thank you for giving this lovely lady her life back.

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#34

Adopted This Baby From The Shelter A Few Days Ago, We’re Already Inseparable

Adopted This Baby From The Shelter A Few Days Ago, We’re Already Inseparable

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#35

Rescued This Cutie Two Days Ago And He's Already Comfortable Moving Around The House....guys, Meet Gomez!

Rescued This Cutie Two Days Ago And He's Already Comfortable Moving Around The House....guys, Meet Gomez!

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#36

First Day Of Being Adopted...i Think She’s Happy About It!!!

First Day Of Being Adopted...i Think She’s Happy About It!!!

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#37

The Newest Addition To My Quarantine Bubble, Mango

The Newest Addition To My Quarantine Bubble, Mango

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Pamela24
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mango is a pro - so young and already knows how to do the "I'm the boss now!" look!

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#38

Chloe Is 9 Years Old, I Adopted Her Today . I Called And Asked Who Had Been There The Longest? Now She Queen Of The Castle , I’m So Happy I’ve Done This

Chloe Is 9 Years Old, I Adopted Her Today . I Called And Asked Who Had Been There The Longest? Now She Queen Of The Castle , I’m So Happy I’ve Done This

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#39

4 Days Ago I Rescued This Little Girl From The Woods- She’s Adjusting To Indoor Life Quite Well!

4 Days Ago I Rescued This Little Girl From The Woods- She’s Adjusting To Indoor Life Quite Well!

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#40

It’s The “Annibirdsary” Of Rescuing My Budgies. Please Enjoy This Little Guy’s Glow Up!

It’s The “Annibirdsary” Of Rescuing My Budgies. Please Enjoy This Little Guy’s Glow Up!

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Raine Soo
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your budgie is gorgeous! I love his colouring, especially that Tiffany blue.

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#41

Say Hello To Bowie, Our Little Rescue!

Say Hello To Bowie, Our Little Rescue!

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#42

I Adopted These Three Kittens After I Found Them Stranded In On A Highway I Live Next To And I Love Them

I Adopted These Three Kittens After I Found Them Stranded In On A Highway I Live Next To And I Love Them

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#43

Steak, Short For Beefsteak Tomato, A Feral Tom Rescued From The La Streets Has Finally Found A Forever Home. Yay Steak

Steak, Short For Beefsteak Tomato, A Feral Tom Rescued From The La Streets Has Finally Found A Forever Home. Yay Steak

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#44

My Hero. Smoki Tracked His Lost Sister Tonight Better Than A Search And Rescue Dog. Within Five Minutes He Found Her Hiding Terrified Under A Neighbor's Car, After I Had Searched With Treats And Wet Food For Two Hours

My Hero. Smoki Tracked His Lost Sister Tonight Better Than A Search And Rescue Dog. Within Five Minutes He Found Her Hiding Terrified Under A Neighbor's Car, After I Had Searched With Treats And Wet Food For Two Hours

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#45

This Is Ollie, Our Romanian Rescue Pup With The Biggest Paws!

This Is Ollie, Our Romanian Rescue Pup With The Biggest Paws!

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#46

This Is Mishmish, The Puppy I Rescued In Egypt

This Is Mishmish, The Puppy I Rescued In Egypt

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Flare
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What breed is that? Cause it looks similar to a stuffed animal, and is cute for that!!!

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#47

We Rescued This Tiny, Sick, Underweight Alien Baby From A Trash Can 3 Months Ago And She’s Grown Into A Screamy, Long-Legged Monster Who Steals Turkey From My Sandwiches. I Couldn’t Happier To Have This Little Crunchwrap

We Rescued This Tiny, Sick, Underweight Alien Baby From A Trash Can 3 Months Ago And She’s Grown Into A Screamy, Long-Legged Monster Who Steals Turkey From My Sandwiches. I Couldn’t Happier To Have This Little Crunchwrap

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#48

I Adopted This Little Girl Yesterday, Here She Is Demanding More Food After Only Being Fed, Meet Tilly (The Bottomless Pit Apparently!)

I Adopted This Little Girl Yesterday, Here She Is Demanding More Food After Only Being Fed, Meet Tilly (The Bottomless Pit Apparently!)

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#49

I Friend Of Mine Called, Because They Found A Baby Kitten. Guess We Have A New Family Member!

I Friend Of Mine Called, Because They Found A Baby Kitten. Guess We Have A New Family Member!

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#50

Rescued These Two Little Ones This Weekend. We Weren’t Ready For Them But They Were Sure Ready For Us

Rescued These Two Little Ones This Weekend. We Weren’t Ready For Them But They Were Sure Ready For Us

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Note: this post originally had 139 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.