45 Wholesome Pics Of Rescue Pets Who Just Became Someone’s Family Members (April Edition)
Interview With ExpertEvery animal deserves to have a home. And every person deserves to have a loyal furry companion. In the U.S. alone, 66% of households own a pet. Having a pet can have a positive effect on one's health as well. Pet owners have more opportunities to exercise, spend time outside, and socialize.
And what's a better endorsement of adopting a rescue pet than seeing how their fellow ex-rescues are currently doing in their forever homes? Because it's once again that time of the month when we're presenting you with the most adorable and heartwarming pictures of pets who recently found a new home.
Bored Panda reached out to Tricia Montgomery, a pet industry expert and one part of the Pets Are Family podcast duo. We spoke to her about why it might be better to adopt than to get a pet from a breeder, what future owners should know before adopting, and how to ensure that your new best friend feels at home in their new forever home.
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Adopted A Cat Today (Always Been Scared Of Cats) And I'm Absolutely In Love
Good on you for overcoming your fear. You’re in for a wonderful ride 😉❤️
My husband was allergic as a kid, never could have one, he found it weird as an adult not having allergies going to a friends house ( he didn’t know they had one) until he befriended a stray that followed him everyday meowing at him, he was so in love with her, ( pictured) he just couldn’t believe all that he missed not having one due to the allergies
That soft can-opener looks like it may be barely adequate.
Having Adopted Them Was The Best Decision 🥰
We wish you soft can-openers would get it right. THEY adopted YOU.
How in the world could you ever doubt that decision? Best one you ever made! Follow up in a year to show us them again, and tell us about their antics! "
Saw A Post About How Hard It Is For Blacks Cats To Get Adopted. We Are One Week In And I Couldn't Be Happier. Hope Judge Feels The Same
Perfect name, cats are always judging their humans, sometimes silently, sometimes not so much.
mine is lovely too, very chatty and needy but in the cutest way, always needs his hoomans
Yours is trying to train you properly.
Load More Replies...I have to admit I may have never "picked out" a black cat from the shelter, as I am partial to tuxedoes (my first cat was a tux.) But eight years ago, a tiny black cat adopted ME by walking in through the door of our family business's office! She had a collar on, but no tag, and no microchip. I put up flyers around the office and in the nearby vets and shelters that I'd found a stray kitten, but no one came forward. There was no question about taking her to the shelter - she was my girl forever :) I can't believe I ever thought that black cats were hard to photograph! kohl_kohl_...2a5fd7.jpg
We’re in luck because pet expert Tricia Montgomery recently adopted her new four-legged best friend: a one-year-old Labrador and Catahoula hound mix from Raskal Rescues in Hardeeville, South Carolina. Tricia is a proponent of the 'Adopt, Not Shop' philosophy, and she likens pet adoption to a 'hero's journey.' "[It's] challenging but oh-so-rewarding, without the constant glow of rainbows and unicorns," she says.
Why does she personally opt to adopt and not shop? "It's like a rescue mission!" Tricia says. "Adopting a pet is like being part of your own adventure story where you get to be the hero. Sure, buying a pet might seem like the easy route, but adopting? That's where you make a big impact."
I Think Our Cat Was Meant To Be With Us
At least the soft can-opener is soft. It's so uncomfortable, napping on the boney ones.
Our New Adopted Six-Year Old Freeloader. This Is Princess, And She Loves Everyone
Once she's comfortable, she's going to be smiling a mile wide with her tongue hanging out for every car ride.
She's so pretty. Almost looks like a black lab and rottweiler mix. Really adorable.
I Adopted A Great Dog That Was On Death Row
Pitts are the most loyal dogs. That's why they can be dangerous in the wrong hands, because they won't question their human. Lovely animals with an undeserved bad rep
They are so sweet! I love them. Just watch out for their heads if they try to jump up to give you kisses. Got an accidental nosebleed from one once haha
Load More Replies...Hands down worst job in the world would be having to put theses babies down.
Thanks to some evil jerkwads who abused these animals. When they can't be acclimated in a normal household setting, they get put down.
Load More Replies...Such a good baby! whenever I get my own place I'm definitely going to adopt the more older/ less likely to be adopted :)
Tricia points out that it's also not about the owner and the adopted pet directly. "Every pet adopted from a shelter frees up space for another animal in need, directly saving lives and fighting against the crisis animal welfare is facing and overcrowded shelters." And let's not forget the self-esteem boost adopting can give the owner. "It's your chance to show off your superhero cape!" Tricia gushes.
While Tricia encourages more people to adopt, she says that folks should do so with caution. After all, it's a living breathing being you're taking into your home. Let's continue thinking about adopting as an adventure. "Imagine you're preparing for a quest," Tricia begins. "First, you'd check your gear, right? Well, preparing to adopt a pet is similar."
What Did I Actually Adopt?
Angela B - Upvote for new term, "Ninja Void"! What does it mean? Its such a cool name but what does it stand for? Thanx for a reply. 💗
Load More Replies...Adopted A 14 Year Old Cutie!
He's probably counting in cat years.
Load More Replies...Please Meet Ashford, The Silliest Guy In Town
"Do a lifestyle check. Do you have enough space? Enough time? Can you handle the extra expenses for your companion's food, health, and toys? It's not just about having a heart full of love; it's about making sure you're ready to provide a forever home. Prep your home like you would a fortress—safe and welcoming," Tricia explains.
With owning a new pet comes new challenges. In some cases, the newcomer might be a new addition to the already-established pet family. In my family, two of our shelter dogs had to get used to living with two cats, who considered themselves the kings of the house. In other cases, a rescue might be the first pet for the household, and that comes with its own challenges as well.
June Lost Her Owner Of 10 Years, And Now She's My Baby
Adopted This Little Lady A Couple Days Ago
Audi wants to know if she's dating anyone. You turn one, and boom! You're all into dating. Anyone want to tell him that he's fixed?
When you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss will reply, "Need skritches. And treats. LOTS of treats!
Gustav And Theodore
"Maybe it's potty training, or perhaps it's adjusting your new pal to their new abode. Your new furry friend might have some trust issues or hidden fears," Tricia points out. "The trick? Patience, young grasshopper. Patience and maybe some training and treats."
"Consistency is your best tool; regular training, health check-ups, and lots of love will help you both level up. If you hit a snag, don't go [at] it alone—seek out a trainer or a vet like a wise old guide," Tricia recommends.
I Got Lucky. A Female Orange Tabby. Meet Legend!
Rescued A Pregnant Cat!!
She hasn't even grown into her ears yet and already having kittens, poor little mama. Thank goodness she now has a home and safety for herself and her impending brood.
Thank you for taking her in and giving her and her offspring a chance at life and love. Sadly, for female cats, reproducing can start as early as 14 - 16 weeks. They can "fall" again before a litter is weaned. Desexing as early as 8 weeks is perfectly safe and will help slow the number of unwanted, unloved and dumped pregnant cats and kittens.
Load More Replies...Audi wants to know if she's still seeing the father, and if she likes to pounce.
Yes she looks like a big (and not all that big) kitten
Load More Replies...yes sadly very young cats get pregnant. Hoping this little beauty and her brood will all get fixed.
Having kittens is so much fun. My family always had cats growing up and it seemed like we had kittens about once a year. It's so much fun watching their little eyes open and see them totter around on their unbalanced legs! I don't think we knew as much about the overpopulation of house cats back in the 80s and 90s....neuter and spay your pets, my friends!
Saw Her On Petfinder
But don't let the warnings put you off adopting a new furry friend. Tricia has a reminder for those who are looking to become new pet parents. "Remember, while the path of adoption might not always be lined with rainbows and unicorns, the rewards—unconditional love, countless snuggles, and the pride of making a huge difference—are epic!"
We Thought We Were Adopting A Dog; Instead, He Looks Like A Goat Monkey
Hopefully, OP won't feed it after midnight.
Load More Replies...He can scare away burglars... with one growl!call him... HOWLER, or Howie for short!
We Adopted A 10 Month Old Berner!
This handsome breed KNOWS they are awesome in every way. You WILL encounter extreme happiness with this big bundle of joy! 😁👍
Good luck with your new velcro dog. My aunt and uncle always get a Berner; the current one is practically glued to my aunt's side.
This Is Bebel, My Newly Adopted Void (Also My First Cat)
My black cat is a clown, an attention grabber, always up to new tricks and acrobacies.
Load More Replies...I am so allergic to cats. But I swear, before I leave this earth, I'm going to have one of these golden eyed black beauties.
My boyfriend is severely allergic to cats and dogs. But when we met, I had a cat and a GSD. I kept things very clean (vacuuming, brushing, and each room had an air purifier) and after some time, he built up a tolerance to my cat and dog. Right now, 23 years later, we live together and we have two cats AND two dogs! He still gets allergic symptoms if we don't keep on top of the cleaning, and seems to have a stronger reaction to our shorthair cat than to our longhair cat, but it's possible to build up a "tolerance" to an individual cat's dander!
Load More Replies...the EYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have 2 black cats, Shado and Ninja. Shado is my buddy. Ninja can be a little offish.
The animal shelter overcrowding issue Tricia talks about is very real. The Animal Shelter Count reports that the total number of animals who entered shelters in the U.S. in 2023 was around 6.5 million, and around 4.8 million found a new home. But the number of stray dogs people ask shelters to take in has increased since 2022 by 6%. Compared to 2021, that's up by 22%.
My Newest Kitty, I Adopted Her Off The Street And She's The Most Lovey Cat I've Had!
Could you let my cat know that? He acts as if I kidnapped him from a palace where he would be the next in line of succession
Load More Replies...She's going to need a lot more mousie toys than that!
All of you that take care of these beautiful animals have a huge golden chair in heaven
She looks great, and smart and very happy to have you, and her own home!
Meet Dobby!
Not to be critical, but "Dobby" from Harry Potter movies--it's the ears.
Load More Replies...OMG THEY BOTH LOVE SOCKS (idk about the dog, but it would be funny)
Load More Replies...So Proud Of My Rescue Gal
Belgian Malinois XD I have one myself and he can look like an utter alien (and/or anteater) in photographs, depending on the angle XD
Load More Replies...Some people blame the pandemic for such an increase. The surge in adoptions at the beginning of the lockdown also resulted in an increase in pet population. Usually, it increases by about 1% per year, but in the years 2020 and 2021, it was 6% and 4%, respectively. People also started bringing "pandemic puppies" to shelters simply because they weren't ready for the commitment after the pandemic was over.
Adopted This Guy Today, The Sweetest Cat I've Ever Met
His 15 yr old twin is curled up in my lap right now. Hope you have a great life together !
Aww.. I have an 8 year old void. She turns nine in december.
Load More Replies...Today Is Hazel’s Second Gotcha Day!!
I Guess The Kitten Can Stay💜💜
Yet animal advocates point out that it's also rising pet care costs and housing insecurity that drive this crisis. Kim Alboum of the Bissell Pet Foundation told PBS that economic factors also come into play. "With the housing crisis, people are losing their homes and are having to downsize or move in with others. And this is a recipe for disaster for people [who] have larger dogs."
This Sweet Boy Is Settling Into His Forever Home
You need to use the bath faucet to was your hands.
Load More Replies...Meet Franny!
They don't bark, much...if you're lucky, they "talk"...otherwise they howl like no other! Love my huskies, most of the time :) Just kidding, all of the time, just wish they came with a volume control LOL!!!
Load More Replies...Pretty fluffy husky baby! Be ready for tons of attitude. Mine is quite a grump lol.
the patches over her eyes make her look like that grumpy but willing to die for u grandparent!
heads up, if you don't constantly give them attention, they go for your shoes, then anything you own, if that doesn't work, all in dout whine to get attention, other then that good dog breed, love em
Dogs Always Look So Happy After Adoption
Our eleven month old rescue Jack Russell was scared of everything. She did not make a sound for two months and tried to hide. Now she has a bark twice her size and loves to do zoomies and sleep between us.
Experts also say that the overcrowding at shelters is more of a dog problem than a cat problem. Executive Director of Shelters Animals Count Stephanie Filer told TIME that many shelters started turning dogs away simply because they don't have more space.
"Shelters are quite literally at crisis and some of them are making the decision to close their doors or reduce hours of operation or reduce the kind of animals that they bring in."
I Adopted My First-Ever Pet Three Weeks Ago. He Sleeps Like A Baby Kangaroo
There's two reasons he could be doing this. 1. heath retention. 2. protecting his belly. Give him some time, and he'll sleep in different positions.
Meet Thor, My New 7.5 Yr Old Best Friend
I don’t know, it could be a weird coincidence, but my old neighbors had an around 6-7 year German Shepherd named Thor. They had to give him up for adoption because they couldn’t take care of him anymore. Did you get him from Northwest Texas?
The Reddit post say, "Thor was found abandoned in new Egypt, NJ"
Load More Replies...Adopted Husky!
So, the words of our expert Tricia Montgomery ring true here: consider your circumstances before committing to adoption. However tempting the cute noses and little paws are, keep in mind that every animal deserves the best care and a truly forever home!
Help Me Name My Tabby Boy! Just Recently Adopted Him From The Animal Shelter And I’m Having A Hard Time Finding A Suiting Name For Him
I'm sorry about Yoshi, and you did not deserve the downvote.
Load More Replies...sometimes you have to wait a while and learn what their name is. Altho Crackers might work.
My Rescue Dog Hershey
My Sweet Boy
that toy next to his legs my dog has had one for years you do not want to step on it ten times worse than a lego
Adoption Is Official! I Think Edna Might Like It Here!
It could also be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. They are quite similar in appearance.
Load More Replies...Meet Barbie! 💖
Stunning pup! Points for adoption love. Zero points for 'barbie'... she deserves a more unique, befitting name.
Reesecup Has Chosen Her New Bed
Adopted My First Cat :) Meet Rosie 💓
Adopted Cat
Adopted An Acd Mix, Turns Out Her Sister From The Same Litter Goes To The Same Dog Park. They Have, Uh, An Interesting Style Of Playing Together
I have a teeny tiny cat and a German shepherd husky mix who play like that all the time. The dog puts my cats' whole head in her mouth then my cat bats at her and so on.
Yes! My heart-dog Ember was a GSD and she grew up with my cat Wintressia. They would play together all the time - 90 lb dog and 8 lb cat XD Ember would sometimes carry Win around the backyard in her mouth and Win would just hang there (literally). I miss them both tremendously :(
Load More Replies...So We Just Adopted These Two Brothers! We’ve Named One Prawn Cocktail (The One With The Heart Marking) And We’re Stuck On A Name For The Other One Please Help!we Like Silly Names, Our Other Cats Have Been Captain Sir Pantaloon, Chicken Caesar Salad, Paint Thinner, Dishwasher And Microwave
Hmph! Like they're going to answer to names anyway.
Or at least their REAL names. Mine will occasionally look over or flick an ear after repeated callings of their ludicrous nicknames ;)
Load More Replies...Hello! I Just Adopted These Siblings And I Cannot Settle On A Name. They’re Boy And Girl 😊 I Prefer Disney Names As My Dogs Name Is Meeko!
My sons, many years ago, had a matched pair of tabbies - Puss n Boots.
New Besties!
I Adopted Him Yesterday! He Loves My Bed!
Well at least you know it ain't the boogeyman grabbing you by the ankles
Meet Trigger (Seeking Advice From Experienced Gsd Owners)
I've had GSDs and grew up around them. I love the breed. Loyal to a fault, they tend to have "A" person who they will literally lay down their life for. They are fierce protectors of children who they consider their "pups". They have a natural instinct for "smelling/scenting" a threat to their, for want of a better word, litter, and they will absolutely protect to the best of their abilities. They need a lot of exercise and activities to stimulate their brain, they are incredibly intelligent creatures. Enjoy your beautiful canine companion.
One must always remember to mention that the breed name is ACTUALLY the "German Shedder Dog" ;) My heart-dog was a GSD. I still miss her terribly. I love the breed as well. One of my current dogs is half GSD and I have to vacuum him regularly XD Luckily he loves it!
Load More Replies...He is gorgeous! You will never know love than the love from a GSD. Socialize them well and enjoy having a best friend for life!
You will never know love like the love from a GSD. They are amazing dogs! Socialize them often and love them, you will have a partner for life.
What a beautiful dog. My family inherited two senior GSD when my aunt suddenly died, Gunther and Nina. Nina was never right after her human died and passed away very soon after we got them. You could see Gunther grieving his person and his sister. Incredibly sweet dogs.
My grandpa had Thunder. He was the best dog ever (until Tucker). He put up with preschoolers riding him like a pony, braiding his tail, being slept on. He never once growled or bit.
Intelligent to a fault but also goofy. They are lovely creatures that need lots of exercise and especially love.
Name For Our New Baby?
Thank you to all humans who adopt pets off the streets and from the shelters. You are all wonderful. And thank you BP for continuing to post this article each month.
Definitely! Mine are all rejects and strays. No defects or disabilities (except for age) so far. Two female dogs in a pen out back. One is half breeder-beagle and half sneaky-son-in-law's-GSD. The other is pure Chihuahua where the "chihuahua-ness" didn't take (about 20 lbs). Inside, we have a chihuahua-shih tzu mix that's almost as smart as a floor tile and a female orange cat who, as far as I can tell, has not had her turn with the brain cell.
Load More Replies...This is 4.5yo Misty relaxing on my wife the first night we brought her home from her foster carers. She's now been with us for 7 months & she's since bonded with me Misty-rela...757fd2.jpg
My favourite bored panda list, so great to see animals settling in to their forever homes!
Starting my morning off with some cuties and crying:) so great seeing all these animals. Over the weekend 38 cats were found in a slum lord motel and taken to the local shelter. They asking for donations for these sweet kitties since they're overwhelmed. I donated but figured I would share the information here for other animal lovers. Sorry if this counts as advertising. https://www.hsppr.org/donate/
I am always looking forward to see these happy guys. There are many older adopted pets this month. Great for them!
🐕🐩🐶🐈🐱More, please, Kornelija Viečaitė and Evelina Šiukšterytė. Ačiū 🙂
Thank you to all humans who adopt pets off the streets and from the shelters. You are all wonderful. And thank you BP for continuing to post this article each month.
Definitely! Mine are all rejects and strays. No defects or disabilities (except for age) so far. Two female dogs in a pen out back. One is half breeder-beagle and half sneaky-son-in-law's-GSD. The other is pure Chihuahua where the "chihuahua-ness" didn't take (about 20 lbs). Inside, we have a chihuahua-shih tzu mix that's almost as smart as a floor tile and a female orange cat who, as far as I can tell, has not had her turn with the brain cell.
Load More Replies...This is 4.5yo Misty relaxing on my wife the first night we brought her home from her foster carers. She's now been with us for 7 months & she's since bonded with me Misty-rela...757fd2.jpg
My favourite bored panda list, so great to see animals settling in to their forever homes!
Starting my morning off with some cuties and crying:) so great seeing all these animals. Over the weekend 38 cats were found in a slum lord motel and taken to the local shelter. They asking for donations for these sweet kitties since they're overwhelmed. I donated but figured I would share the information here for other animal lovers. Sorry if this counts as advertising. https://www.hsppr.org/donate/
I am always looking forward to see these happy guys. There are many older adopted pets this month. Great for them!
🐕🐩🐶🐈🐱More, please, Kornelija Viečaitė and Evelina Šiukšterytė. Ačiū 🙂
