ADVERTISEMENT

There are a gazillion reasons to why adopting a pet is the best idea you can think of. Saving a life and giving a pet its second chance is one. Other benefits include fighting puppy mills, saving money, making yourself a better person, boosting your emotional (and physical) wellbeing, and earning the bragging rights we all secretly crave.

But nobody knows it better than people who rescued an animal and adopted one. And this means, it’s that wholesome time of the month where Bored Panda has compiled the monthly post of the most soul-soothing pics of adopted furry friends. Let’s leave the stage to the goodest boys, bestest girls, tiny critters, and measureless love that connects us all.

After you’re done, don’t forget to share your pet adoption stories in the comment section below and check out our previous posts from October, September, August, July, and June. Trust me, they will tuck you in like a much-needed warm blanket for these cold days.

#1

I Rarely Adopt (I Always Rescue Then Adopt Lol) But This Little Cutie That Was Born With A Facial Birth Defect Stole My Heart The Second I Saw Her Adoption Post. Please Say Hi To My New Adopted Kitten, Nala!

I Rarely Adopt (I Always Rescue Then Adopt Lol) But This Little Cutie That Was Born With A Facial Birth Defect Stole My Heart The Second I Saw Her Adoption Post. Please Say Hi To My New Adopted Kitten, Nala!

reddit.com Report

In a previous interview with Bored Panda, Kelly DiCicco, who’s the adoptions promotions manager at the ASPCA, told us that despite the recent surge in pet adoptions due to the Covid pandemic and quarantine, animal shelters are under immense strain right now.“

Since it began, COVID-19 has put an immense amount of strain on animal shelters across the country. Because this is an ever-changing situation, each shelter is facing unique challenges specific to its community.”

Due to social distancing requirements, many shelters had to reduce staff members, which “has meant reductions or limits to the number and types of services offered to the public.”

Moreover, most shelters have been hit financially due to reduced donations and the inability to host in-person fundraising events. It turns out that these events in particular play a key role in annual fundraising efforts.

#4

We Adopted This 11 Year Old Senior, Shayshay, Today From A Woman Who Couldn’t Keep Her Anymore. Her First Photo Matches Her Personality. We Are So Happy To Have You, Beautiful Girl

We Adopted This 11 Year Old Senior, Shayshay, Today From A Woman Who Couldn’t Keep Her Anymore. Her First Photo Matches Her Personality. We Are So Happy To Have You, Beautiful Girl

reddit.com Report

#5

Our Son’s Dream Of Becoming A K-9 Officer Got One Step Closer Today. We Adopted Him At 2.5 After His Parents Passed Away. His New Best Friend, A Little Girl Named Jovi, Was Born On His Biological Mother’s Birthday. Meant To Be!

Our Son’s Dream Of Becoming A K-9 Officer Got One Step Closer Today. We Adopted Him At 2.5 After His Parents Passed Away. His New Best Friend, A Little Girl Named Jovi, Was Born On His Biological Mother’s Birthday. Meant To Be!

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#6

Rescued This Very Good Boy, Arnold!! He Looks So Handsome In His Sweater!!

Rescued This Very Good Boy, Arnold!! He Looks So Handsome In His Sweater!!

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
anne-karina avatar
Anne
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahw bless.. all the scars.. he had a rough life. .thanks for saving him!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

But while the pandemic has created a lot of new challenges for shelters, many are now implementing innovative solutions to adopting procedures.

“With hundreds of thousands of animals across the country currently in shelters, with rescue groups, and in foster care, animal welfare organizations are implementing innovative solutions, including virtual or socially-distanced adoptions, online meet-and-greets using video chat, and minimal-contact drop-offs or pickups to help these animals find adoptive homes.”

Right now, many shelters are working hard to make sure that each pet in need of a loving forever family will not lose a chance to gain one due to the pandemic.

#7

We Adopted A Second Cat From A Hoarding Situation. It Turns Out He Was My Cat’s Soulmate. The Two Of Them Have Been Inseparable Since He Arrived

We Adopted A Second Cat From A Hoarding Situation. It Turns Out He Was My Cat’s Soulmate. The Two Of Them Have Been Inseparable Since He Arrived

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
lsoo avatar
Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm glad that these two get along so well. Mine don't like one another. :(

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

We Adopted Nova 12 Weeks Ago Today And I Wanted To Share With You All How Much He Has Changed Since He Arrived

We Adopted Nova 12 Weeks Ago Today And I Wanted To Share With You All How Much He Has Changed Since He Arrived

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

I Accidentally Adopted A Sleeping Machine

I Accidentally Adopted A Sleeping Machine

reddit.com Report

#10

Just Rescued This Sweet Lil Old Lady, Chloe. She’s 12 And She’s Gonna Have Her Finest Years Yet

Just Rescued This Sweet Lil Old Lady, Chloe. She’s 12 And She’s Gonna Have Her Finest Years Yet

reddit.com Report

#11

Baby Squirrel Found Alone In Apartment Loft Gets Adopted And Lives In A Cosy Hat, His Name Is Conker

Baby Squirrel Found Alone In Apartment Loft Gets Adopted And Lives In A Cosy Hat, His Name Is Conker

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#12

This Is Dalton, The 13 Year Old Diabetic Dog My Family Adopted Today

This Is Dalton, The 13 Year Old Diabetic Dog My Family Adopted Today

reddit.com Report

#13

Been Telling Myself The Only Way To Keep Them Together Is To Just Adopt Them Myself. It’s Not My Fault. I Have No Choice

Been Telling Myself The Only Way To Keep Them Together Is To Just Adopt Them Myself. It’s Not My Fault. I Have No Choice

embarrassedofyou Report

#14

This Is Axel. He Was So Scared In The Animal Shelter That He Didn't Get Adopted For 4 Months, And Then Got Returned For "Being Too Shy" When Someone Finally Took Him Home. He Loves His Life Now! Pure Bliss

This Is Axel. He Was So Scared In The Animal Shelter That He Didn't Get Adopted For 4 Months, And Then Got Returned For "Being Too Shy" When Someone Finally Took Him Home. He Loves His Life Now! Pure Bliss

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
lsoo avatar
Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Animals need the right family and the right environment to blossom. Axel has found both with you.

meyowmix avatar
Colin L
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Our Agatha is ths same way. She didn't interact with anyone visiting the shelter for months... until my wife. She came out, talked and was lovely. We're pretty sure she was abused in her first situation, but she is a happy loving kitty now.

Load More Replies...
anna-r-mchugh avatar
Anna McHugh
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How the hell could you a) return an animal and b) for being shy? Like, WTF???

bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not to justify it, but a lot of people think of themselves as cat whisperers. When a cat doesn't jump on their lap within 4 hours, it's "too shy" and hence gets returned. Our cat Mimi took 4 years to accept us as servants after we got her from a shelter. They told us she was abused and would always be shy.

Load More Replies...
epm200914 avatar
Petrified Pigeon
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dog Evie was returned back to the shelter by some idiots that didn't like her crying in the nights because she was lonely. Evie is one of the sweetest dogs I've ever met. Some people are just cruel.

briannevillano avatar
bv7hearts
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was fostering a brother+sister pair of former ferals. The rescue told me that the boy was "probably destined to be a barn cat" because he was so fearful of humans. I'm typing this as he's snuggled into my side, snoring, while I rub his belly. They'll never be separated b/c they're staying with me forever. <3

morganes56 avatar
Lena Aluos
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A "too shy" cat is only one making sure you're worth it of its kindness and sympathy. Please don't return your cat, he needs to feel secure and safe with you: even though it takes years.

megalej34 avatar
Megan Romero-Herman
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Our cat took months too come out of hiding after we adopted him from a stressful house. Now he's the biggest cuddle bug lover! They just need time and patience

jsigmo avatar
Jsigmo
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Axel looks quite thoroughly relaxed! That snoozing and drooling pose! One of the sweetest, most snuggly, lap-loving cats we ever had started out not even letting us get near him for several years, living in our yard. We fed him and built a "cat house" for him, so he'd be warm in the winter wind and snow. Eventually, he allowed my son to actually touch him after he sat for an hour or so, coaxing the cat closer and closer. It was as if a switch had been thrown. The cat then loved to be petted and scratched, but still would not enter our house for another year or so. Later, he would carefully come inside, but only if we left the door open so he had a clear route of escape. Over time, he became more comfortable with us and being indoors, and finally, he was the most relaxed lap-toad you ever saw. He would lay on my wife and literally hug her as he slept. He was with us for over 24 years, and he must have been a few years old when he wandered into our yard. He was big, and appeared to have a lot of Maine C**n in him.

lindastorm2000 avatar
Linda HS
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You have been chosen. Bless you and you new furbaby!🥰

michelle_muirhead avatar
Michelle Muirhead
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why do a’ holes so called adopt and are incapable of looking after the poor things?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

Got This Little Boy From The Animal Shelter, Meet Percy !

Got This Little Boy From The Animal Shelter, Meet Percy !

reddit.com Report

#16

Stray Momma Kitty Brings Her Babies To The Nice Lady Who Had Been Feeding Her. All Kitties Were Taken In And Adopted

Stray Momma Kitty Brings Her Babies To The Nice Lady Who Had Been Feeding Her. All Kitties Were Taken In And Adopted

reddit.com Report

#17

The Stray I Adopted Came With One Little Surprise !

The Stray I Adopted Came With One Little Surprise !

reddit.com Report

#18

Just Adopted Both Of These Little Monsters

Just Adopted Both Of These Little Monsters

reddit.com Report

#20

This Angry Cat Is Named Giggles. He Was Just Adopted From A Local Shelter

This Angry Cat Is Named Giggles. He Was Just Adopted From A Local Shelter

reddit.com Report

#21

My Friend Adopted A Stray Cat Two Months Ago vs. Now

My Friend Adopted A Stray Cat Two Months Ago vs. Now

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#22

My Boyfriend’s Dog, Rex, 3 Weeks Post-Adoption!

My Boyfriend’s Dog, Rex, 3 Weeks Post-Adoption!

reddit.com Report

#23

Broke Down And Got My First Cat Because Of You Guys! Meet Meeghan

Broke Down And Got My First Cat Because Of You Guys! Meet Meeghan

reddit.com Report

#24

I Just Adopted This Gorgeous Boy Who Was Saved From A Hoarding/Breeding Situation And He Is The Most Affectionate Cat I've Ever Met! Completely Obsessed With Tofu

I Just Adopted This Gorgeous Boy Who Was Saved From A Hoarding/Breeding Situation And He Is The Most Affectionate Cat I've Ever Met! Completely Obsessed With Tofu

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
skwatandost avatar
Aski Markup
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Silly me, I thought the cat was obsessed with tofu, not named it!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#25

Picked Up My New Best Friend From The Shelter Today! Meet Bosewick!

Picked Up My New Best Friend From The Shelter Today! Meet Bosewick!

reddit.com Report

#26

Our Newly Adopted Dog Has Already Found Her Favourite Spot In The Morning Sun!

Our Newly Adopted Dog Has Already Found Her Favourite Spot In The Morning Sun!

reddit.com Report

#28

We Adopted Our Second Kitten Last Week. He Sleeps Weird...

We Adopted Our Second Kitten Last Week. He Sleeps Weird...

reddit.com Report

#29

Rescued Junkyard Dog Became Huge Fan Of Warm And Dry Towels And Blankets

Rescued Junkyard Dog Became Huge Fan Of Warm And Dry Towels And Blankets

reddit.com Report

#30

Mountain Climbing Stray At Work...adopted!

Mountain Climbing Stray At Work...adopted!

reddit.com Report

#31

[rip] This Sweet Boy Went Over The Rainbow Bridge A Few Days Ago And I Miss Him So Much. 17 Years Of Pure Puppy Love

[rip] This Sweet Boy Went Over The Rainbow Bridge A Few Days Ago And I Miss Him So Much. 17 Years Of Pure Puppy Love

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#32

The Long Adoption Paperwork From Animal Control Was Worth It To Bring Winston Home

The Long Adoption Paperwork From Animal Control Was Worth It To Bring Winston Home

reddit.com Report

#33

I Volunteer For The National Foundation For Animal Rescue. This Shoulder Kitten In Training Was Recently Adopted And Now Has Many Shoulders To Ride On!

I Volunteer For The National Foundation For Animal Rescue. This Shoulder Kitten In Training Was Recently Adopted And Now Has Many Shoulders To Ride On!

reddit.com Report

#34

Adopted Bambi Tonight And I’m In Love

Adopted Bambi Tonight And I’m In Love

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
lsoo avatar
Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks more like a 'Thumper', but I digress. Rabbits make wonderful pets. I have had two over the years.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

She Seems Pretty Happy With How Her Life Turned Out After Adoption

She Seems Pretty Happy With How Her Life Turned Out After Adoption

reddit.com Report

#37

I’m Back Again With A Stray That Adopted Me. Her Name Is Stoner Because She Stole My Taco Bell At 3am. Musta Had The Minchies

I’m Back Again With A Stray That Adopted Me. Her Name Is Stoner Because She Stole My Taco Bell At 3am. Musta Had The Minchies

reddit.com Report

#38

After 25+ Years, I Was Finally Able To Adopt My First Cat. Everyone Meet, Alaska

After 25+ Years, I Was Finally Able To Adopt My First Cat. Everyone Meet, Alaska

reddit.com Report

#39

My Adopted Baby Finally Healing! Lots Of Treatment , Human Herpes Medication Being The Final Cure! I Love Him So Much

My Adopted Baby Finally Healing! Lots Of Treatment , Human Herpes Medication Being The Final Cure! I Love Him So Much

reddit.com Report

#40

Big Bertha, One Of The 3 Ladies I Adopted Yesterday

Big Bertha, One Of The 3 Ladies I Adopted Yesterday

reddit.com Report

Note: this post originally had 76 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda