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When the autumn blues are starting to make us all feel miserable, Bored Panda has got a powerful antidote that instantly warms us up. It’s that precious time of the month again, which means everyone is getting their much-needed shot of happiness with the most adorable rescue pets who have found their loving forever families.

If you know someone who's feeling down, having a rough day, or going through some rocky patch, don’t be greedy—share the fluffy post with them. Because if there’s something that can make any soul feel better, it must be the adorable furballs who have finally got the love they deserve. Big ups to shelters, animal welfare organizations, and loving parents!

And in case you need more wholesomeness in the form of wagging tails, twitching whiskers, and moist noses, be sure to check out our previous rescue animal posts from August,  JulyJuneMayAprilMarch, and February.

#1

I Rescued A Stray Cat In My Neighborhood. At Night His Brother Would Come Visit Him. I Really Had No Other Options

I Rescued A Stray Cat In My Neighborhood. At Night His Brother Would Come Visit Him. I Really Had No Other Options

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#2

I Adopted A Gorgeous (And Very Skinny) Manx And Several Days Later She Had A Single Kitten. Meet Stella And Bug!

I Adopted A Gorgeous (And Very Skinny) Manx And Several Days Later She Had A Single Kitten. Meet Stella And Bug!

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

Congratulations on the new arrivals! Stella is beautiful, and Bug is adorable.

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#3

1 Hour After I Adopted Him

1 Hour After I Adopted Him

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Approximately 6.5 million companion animals end up in US shelters every year. Roughly half of these are dogs, while cats make up the other half. Fortunately, though, the situation has gotten better: the number has dropped from 7.2 million in 2011. But that doesn’t mean there still isn’t room for improvement.

And in times of the worldwide pandemic, when good news has become a rarity, there’s been a long-awaited surge in pet adoption. All over the country, from New York to Wisconsin and North Carolina to Colorado and New Mexico, animal shelters are reporting massive growth in the numbers of animals they’ve adopted out or placed in foster homes.

Kitty Block, the president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, told Wired that the demand in fostering has increased by 90 percent in some cities. “Folks who don’t have animals for one reason or another, because of their work schedule or their travel schedule, that’s all changed right now,” she said.

#4

His Name Is Mr. Hobo Highwaters, When He Was On The Streets And Now

His Name Is Mr. Hobo Highwaters, When He Was On The Streets And Now

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#5

Came For A Dog And Left With Him

Came For A Dog And Left With Him

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#6

Our 3 Week Old Rescue Likes To Nuzzle Extra Close And I Couldn't Be Happier

Our 3 Week Old Rescue Likes To Nuzzle Extra Close And I Couldn't Be Happier

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Meanwhile, New York City is facing a new shortage. After running out of bikes recently, it is now coming up short on dogs to foster. “For the moment, we definitely don’t have any dogs left to match” with foster volunteers, Anna Lai, the marketing director at Muddy Paws, told Bloomberg. “Which is a great problem to have,” she added.

If you also feel tempted to adopt a pet and let a companion animal into your life, it should never be an impulse decision. Bored Panda reached out to Rob Young, the head of center operations at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, who shared some insights on what you should know before and after adopting a cat or a dog.

Even during the times of the pandemic when we all feel more lonely and in need of a companion than usual, “getting a pet should never be an impulsive decision,” said Rob. As a result, Battersea animal rescue in London, England continues to follow their normal rehoming procedure, such as “assessing the motivations and suitability of new owners.”

#7

I Went To The Shelter To Adopt A Dog, And I Found Those Two In This Posture, I Couldn't Separate Them So I End Up Adopting Both Of Them

I Went To The Shelter To Adopt A Dog, And I Found Those Two In This Posture, I Couldn't Separate Them So I End Up Adopting Both Of Them

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#8

My First Rescue. Shes A Scared, Timid, Beautiful One Eye Baby

My First Rescue. Shes A Scared, Timid, Beautiful One Eye Baby

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#9

With The End Of The Pandemic No Where In Sight... Decided I Needed A Companion. Meet Bunsen, Adopted From The Humane Society At 4 Months Old!

With The End Of The Pandemic No Where In Sight... Decided I Needed A Companion. Meet Bunsen, Adopted From The Humane Society At 4 Months Old!

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

Bunsen! Adopting is a well made decision. Every animal deserves a good home.

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Moreover, Rob said that their rehoming staff “will additionally consider the impact of Government restrictions on new owners.” That means that they will be checking that potential “owners are able to provide a setup that will still be suitable for a new pet once lockdown is over and they return to their usual lifestyle.”

Whether we like it or not, there will always be pet owners who are struggling for whatever reason to take care of their dogs and cats. Rob said that “Contacting a rescue center is the most responsible decision if you can no longer care for a dog or cat,” and even if it’s a very difficult decision, he asked to “put that fear aside for the sake of your pet’s welfare and bring them to a rescue.”

“You’ll never be judged or shamed for making the responsible decision,” promised Rob and reminded that the wellbeing of an animal should be of the highest priority.

#10

We Adopted A New Cat Not Knowing They’d Become Inseparable

We Adopted A New Cat Not Knowing They’d Become Inseparable

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

These two bonded kitties will be best friends forever. I wish mine got along half as well.

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#11

After Months Of Loneliness I Adopted This Little Guy. Meet Frodo

After Months Of Loneliness I Adopted This Little Guy. Meet Frodo

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#12

Been In The Shelter For Two Years, Glad To Finally Give Him A Home :)

Been In The Shelter For Two Years, Glad To Finally Give Him A Home :)

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#13

Everyone Meet Lily. She’s A Stray That Adopted My Husband And I Today. He’s Not A Cat Person But She Won Him Over With That Adorable Look Of Love.

Everyone Meet Lily. She’s A Stray That Adopted My Husband And I Today. He’s Not A Cat Person But She Won Him Over With That Adorable Look Of Love.

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

Unless your blood runs like ice water, that look would win anyone over.

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#14

Shelter Dog Cannot Contain Her Excitement About Getting Adopted

Shelter Dog Cannot Contain Her Excitement About Getting Adopted

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#15

My Husband Sunday: “We Are Not Keeping The Stray.” My Husband Today: “Don’t Wake Up Oliver, He’s Tuckered Our.” Excuse His Bed Head

My Husband Sunday: “We Are Not Keeping The Stray.” My Husband Today: “Don’t Wake Up Oliver, He’s Tuckered Our.” Excuse His Bed Head

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#16

Went In To Drop My Foster Kitties Off, This Little Gentleman Wouldn’t Let Go. He Ended Up Adopting Me!

Went In To Drop My Foster Kitties Off, This Little Gentleman Wouldn’t Let Go. He Ended Up Adopting Me!

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

Cats do chose their humans. You're lucky that he chose you.

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#17

One Month Of Progress From Our Rescue Girl. All It Took Was A Proper Diet And Some Tlc.

One Month Of Progress From Our Rescue Girl. All It Took Was A Proper Diet And Some Tlc.

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#19

Rescue Cow

Rescue Cow

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#20

I Live By Myself And Its Been Kind Of Tough With The Lockdown So I Adopted A Kitten 6 Weeks Ago. Bandito Has Made Life Much Better.

I Live By Myself And Its Been Kind Of Tough With The Lockdown So I Adopted A Kitten 6 Weeks Ago. Bandito Has Made Life Much Better.

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

Wee tiny baby. Hope it was older than three months when you adopted it. (Unless it as abandoned, but please do not adapt ANY animal before 13 weeks of age.)

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

If an animal is up for adoption then an animal is up for adoption. Walking away because it’s “too young” only means it will go to someone else. Sooo...

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

I had a 2 kittens from a friend who takes in strays, he always gets them spayed but on one accession the stray was already pregnant. I offered to take in two and got them at 8 weeks, one of them was the same size as this cutie. I took them to a vet to get them checked over and was told that cats can get pregnant whilst pregnant ?! Hence why you get so many ‘variety’s’ in a strays litter, although my two were brother and sister one of them was at least two weeks younger but when the cat goes into labour they are all born. Thankfully my little Luna survived being born early.! She is now all grown up and the most beautiful happy girl. Please stop criticising this guy, he’s given the kitten a loving home that’s all that matters. 🐾🐾🐾✨❤️

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

One comment concerned breeders. I have no idea about them but almost every cat I have ever had started out its life with me at 6 to 8 weeks. Those are the "free to good home" ones that I got from friends,local businesses etc. The ones that were dumped at the foot of my driveway were probably around 4 weeks old. Fergal and Fiona just turned 14. Mickey was 4 weeks found in an inner city park. He lived to 16. My point is the love matters more than anything else!

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Wendy Bayer
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i've got all my kittens and puppies at 7-8 weeks. They all survived fine.

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

Bandito is adorable and is looking at you with adoring eyes!

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

Sich a tiny little baby,arent they supposed to need nursing up to a certain age?

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

Please make sure he is always cared for well is YOUR loved cat and you his human, and given your attention when life returns to a normal state as he grows into an adult cat. Kittens are so appealing, but do grow up.

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

Musta been a wee bean when you adopted him. Wet a finger and stroke him like a mama cat licks her babies. It will help him not to become overstimulated as an adult.

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

Well obviously Bandito was abandoned and don’t boss people when they’re wanting to rescue these babies. There are plenty of resources now to keep their nutrition and health up.

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

“I dunno hat ya been eating hooman but your paws are hooooge”

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

6 to 8 weeks is common in the UK, at least from amature breeders. As soon as they can eat solid food, people will sell them or give them away. Shelters and proper breeders may keep them longer. I've noticed that younger adopted kittens are more likely to have socialisation problems, and difficulty with housetraining. A lot of shelters won't rehome a single kitten younger than 6 months old, and sibling or bonded pairs are the ones offered for adoption at 14 weeks old.

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#21

My Name Is Mac And Today, My New Daddy Drove Over 300 Miles To Rescue Me And Give Me A Forever-Sofa!

My Name Is Mac And Today, My New Daddy Drove Over 300 Miles To Rescue Me And Give Me A Forever-Sofa!

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#22

Adopted These Brothers And Couldn’t Be Happier!

Adopted These Brothers And Couldn’t Be Happier!

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#23

Still Need A Name, But I Adopted A Three Legged Husky Today, He Wanted To Say Hello To Reddit!

Still Need A Name, But I Adopted A Three Legged Husky Today, He Wanted To Say Hello To Reddit!

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#24

Older Cat Was Not Pleased When We Brought Home A Rescue Kitten. Now They Are Inseparable.

Older Cat Was Not Pleased When We Brought Home A Rescue Kitten. Now They Are Inseparable.

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#25

Rescued Bunny And Her 7 Babies Found Mid Winter After Some Sub-Human Dumped Them. Now Safe & Sound

Rescued Bunny And Her 7 Babies Found Mid Winter After Some Sub-Human Dumped Them. Now Safe & Sound

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

Thank you for rescuing Mama Rabbit and her babies. And, the description for the sub-human is spot on.

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#26

Reddit Meet Luna My First Pet As An Adult, Aka A Stray That Walked Into My Garden And Made It Her Own Forever.

Reddit Meet Luna My First Pet As An Adult, Aka A Stray That Walked Into My Garden And Made It Her Own Forever.

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#27

Meet Charlie! I Just Adopted My First Dog! He Has Bad Hearing But Is An Absolute Love Bug!

Meet Charlie! I Just Adopted My First Dog! He Has Bad Hearing But Is An Absolute Love Bug!

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#28

Recently Adopted A New Pup, Say Hello To Tamago!

Recently Adopted A New Pup, Say Hello To Tamago!

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#29

We Rescued A 7 Year Old Coonhound At The Start Of Quarantine And We Are In Love With Him And His Big Ears!

We Rescued A 7 Year Old Coonhound At The Start Of Quarantine And We Are In Love With Him And His Big Ears!

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#30

A Dog Rescue Called Marley's Mutts Would Like To Say Thanks To All The Dads Who Are Roped Into Fostering By Their Wives And Kids

A Dog Rescue Called Marley's Mutts Would Like To Say Thanks To All The Dads Who Are Roped Into Fostering By Their Wives And Kids

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

Even as adults, animals just love to listen to the heartbeat of someone they love.

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#31

A Friend Found This Guy On Her Farm Last Night, So My Husband I Adopted Him Today.

A Friend Found This Guy On Her Farm Last Night, So My Husband I Adopted Him Today.

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#32

Vicente, A Rescue Dog, Was All Washed And In His Little Tux Waiting To Get Picked Up By His New Owners. They Didn’t Show Up. My Heart Can’t Take These Pictures! Luckily He Found New Owners Quickly

Vicente, A Rescue Dog, Was All Washed And In His Little Tux Waiting To Get Picked Up By His New Owners. They Didn’t Show Up. My Heart Can’t Take These Pictures! Luckily He Found New Owners Quickly

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#33

This Is Daisy. I Adopted Her 6 Hours Ago, But I Think She’s Already Settling In.

This Is Daisy. I Adopted Her 6 Hours Ago, But I Think She’s Already Settling In.

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

Calicos are lots of fun. I think that she likes her new home.

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#34

Five Years Ago I Adopted A Traumatized Cat. She Was 9 Years Old At That Time. Today She Decided She Wanted Some Pets! I’m The Happiest Person Alive!

Five Years Ago I Adopted A Traumatized Cat. She Was 9 Years Old At That Time. Today She Decided She Wanted Some Pets! I’m The Happiest Person Alive!

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

I hate to think about what the poor kitty has been through. I'm glad that she is coming around.

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#35

Adopted My First Cat Ever Today!

Adopted My First Cat Ever Today!

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#36

We Recently Adopted This Little Fella! He’s A 9 Month Old German Shepard Named Zev. (Hebrew For Wolf)

We Recently Adopted This Little Fella! He’s A 9 Month Old German Shepard Named Zev. (Hebrew For Wolf)

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#37

Just Brought This Good Girl Home Yesterday From A Rescue.

Just Brought This Good Girl Home Yesterday From A Rescue.

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#38

Got A New Kitten Who Has No Fear, This Is How I Have To Eat Every Meal Now

Got A New Kitten Who Has No Fear, This Is How I Have To Eat Every Meal Now

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

I know this is a joke, but Jackson Galaxy has some tips on YouTube for cat owners on how to encourage cats not to hassle their humans for food - AND without resorting to squirt guns.

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#40

Just Adopted This Pretty Girl! Her Name Is Lux And She’s 6 Years Old!

Just Adopted This Pretty Girl! Her Name Is Lux And She’s 6 Years Old!

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

Happy new life Lux - may it be full of belly rubs, walks and the right amount of treats!

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Note: this post originally had 73 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.