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Is there anything more heartwarming than a story about a neglected pet that’s been given a forever home? We don’t think so, and as you probably have already guessed, it’s time for Bored Panda’s monthly post of some of the most adorable rescue animal pictures.

Reddit users are sharing images of their newly adopted furry friends and they are so cute, we just can’t seem to stop smiling. From tiny newborn kitties to long-sitting shelter dogs, these little critters were saved from the hardship of living on the streets and are leading a full and happy life.

If you wish to end this year on a more wholesome note, continue scrolling! And if you’re in the mood for some more cute animal pics, check out our earlier posts celebrating rescued pets and their rescuers here: November, October, September.

#1

I Just Adopted My First Cat! Everyone, Please Say Hello To "Nick Fury", Or "Fury" For Short! He's Had A Rough Little Life On The Street, But Now He Has A Nice Warm Home!

I Just Adopted My First Cat! Everyone, Please Say Hello To "Nick Fury", Or "Fury" For Short! He's Had A Rough Little Life On The Street, But Now He Has A Nice Warm Home!

mc_donkey Report

Since it’s that time of the year, we can’t help but think about the little puppies and kittens crawling out of the gift boxes. However, there’s a never-ending dialogue about pet adoption during the holidays. Various animal welfare organizations have policies against it since many think that cats and dogs that weren’t chosen by their new owners will not be seen as valuable.

Before you decide to adopt, there are plenty of factors to take in, both positive and negative. Needless to say, getting a pet as a gift is a dream come true for many. One of the benefits of taking in a pet during Christmas is that most of the family members have a few days off from school and work, so there’s extra time to get familiar and ease the transition of adoption. Also, there’s the fact that saving a pet will make more room for another neglected four-legged creature at the shelter.

#2

Me And Sleepy Boi. He Wouldn't Come Near Me When I Adopted Him! Now Every Night He Sneaks Into My Blankie And Sleeps With Me

Me And Sleepy Boi. He Wouldn't Come Near Me When I Adopted Him! Now Every Night He Sneaks Into My Blankie And Sleeps With Me

kittykatkaju Report

#3

Adopted A Toothless 14 Year Old. She Spent 4 Years In The Shelter Waiting For Me To Find Her. I’ve Named Her “Belle” For Her Nose

Adopted A Toothless 14 Year Old. She Spent 4 Years In The Shelter Waiting For Me To Find Her. I’ve Named Her “Belle” For Her Nose

theOGpoorsquirrel Report

What’s more, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) highly encourages people to adopt a four-legged friend during the holidays. According to their survey of more than 200 individuals, there is no increased risk of abandonment of dogs and cats that were received as a gift.

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When asked if obtaining a pet on holidays increased, decreased, or had no impact on the attachment to the pet, almost all participants said it either increased or had no impact. Plus, 86 percent of cats and dogs adopted during the holidays were still in the home.

The researchers wrote that “denying adopters who intend to give the animals as gifts may unnecessarily impede the overarching goal of increasing adoptions of pets from our nation’s shelter system.”

#4

I Have No Idea How She Was At The Shelter For The Whole 7 Months She’s Been Alive. I Adopted Her Immediately

I Have No Idea How She Was At The Shelter For The Whole 7 Months She’s Been Alive. I Adopted Her Immediately

mirrx Report

#5

Just Adopted A 13 Year Old Cat. Who Gets Rid Of An Old Cat? She’s Great At Purring

Just Adopted A 13 Year Old Cat. Who Gets Rid Of An Old Cat? She’s Great At Purring

SpecialFeet Report

Unfortunately, when reality sets in, some animals unavoidably get returned to the shelter. Holiday celebrations can be quite chaotic and our emotions often get heightened, so there are a few things to consider before making this step. First, make sure that the receiver of this gift really wants a pet and that they will be able to look after their basic needs and medical care. 

Some people might be planning to travel during the holidays and if this is the case, it would be better to adopt after the festivities, during a less hectic time when everybody could turn their attention to the new family member.

#6

Newly Adopted Big Boy Doesn’t Know What Personal Space Is

Newly Adopted Big Boy Doesn’t Know What Personal Space Is

hopelessromanticL Report

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#7

Shirt Warmer. He's Just Sooo Happy To Be Adopted Still!

Shirt Warmer. He's Just Sooo Happy To Be Adopted Still!

snowbizzel Report

Previously, we spoke to Kelly DiCicco, Adoptions Promotions Manager at the ASPCA, who told us that adopting a pet should not be a spur-of-the-moment decision: “It should be expected that you’ll experience lifestyle changes over the course of the pet’s life, such as moving, having children or getting a new job, so it’s important to consider how you will care for your pet during those changes before you add that pet to your family; many shelters offer various forms of support to answer questions you might have before you adopt, or afterward.”

#8

This Little Baby (Cider) Was Finally Adopted From The Humane Society Of Marshall County!

This Little Baby (Cider) Was Finally Adopted From The Humane Society Of Marshall County!

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#9

Recently Adopted Two Kittens-This Guy Has The Longest Ear Furnishings I've Ever Seen

Recently Adopted Two Kittens-This Guy Has The Longest Ear Furnishings I've Ever Seen

Parm_it_all Report

She added: “We always encourage adopters to keep an open mind and heart when visiting a shelter or rescue; as you may walk out with a pet you’d never considered before, like a senior animal or an animal who looks nothing like what you originally had in mind.” And if you have any kind of doubts, you could try fostering. Taking in a homeless dog or cat into your home until they are adopted will still let them know that there is someone who will give them the care and love that they deserve.

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#10

Took Me 2 Years To Convince My Wife To Adopt A Cat. I'm Officially Displaced

Took Me 2 Years To Convince My Wife To Adopt A Cat. I'm Officially Displaced

aktivate74 Report

#11

(Cat Pics Included, Story In Comments!) I’m A “Dog Person” Who Just Got Adopted By A Cat Because She Felt So Familiar, So Comfortable, Like We’re Soulmates Who Were Separated. Love Nala For Coming Into My Life At The Absolute Perfect Time, When I Needed Her Most.

(Cat Pics Included, Story In Comments!) I’m A “Dog Person” Who Just Got Adopted By A Cat Because She Felt So Familiar, So Comfortable, Like We’re Soulmates Who Were Separated. Love Nala For Coming Into My Life At The Absolute Perfect Time, When I Needed Her Most.

terribleandtrue Report

#12

Little Floofy Boy I Rescued From A Bad Home Situation. Meet Jack!

Little Floofy Boy I Rescued From A Bad Home Situation. Meet Jack!

Just_Kellie Report

However, if you’re a hundred percent sure about adopting, remember that a pet is not just for the holidays, but for the rest of its life. According to the ASPCA, as you go through lifestyle changes, your animal will remain a permanent part of your life. Make sure that you will be able to care for your pet no matter the circumstances. 

#13

Her Face When She Found Out She Was Getting Adopted (By Me!!)

Her Face When She Found Out She Was Getting Adopted (By Me!!)

the-dogtor-is-in Report

#14

Adopted This Old Man Off The Streets And He’s Now Taken Over The Entire House.

Adopted This Old Man Off The Streets And He’s Now Taken Over The Entire House.

SnooSquirrels6206 Report

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Elli Rahim
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Old fella just loves his naps on the sofa, for sure! What a "retirement"!

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#15

Just Adopted This Two Fellas, Gino And Chester (Main Coons)

Just Adopted This Two Fellas, Gino And Chester (Main Coons)

h0rus27 Report

Your personality and lifestyle also play an important role in determining which pet is best suitable for you: “Research different breeds and ask shelter staffers for guidance—they’re experts at making perfect matches!” And lastly, when you've found your new furry friend, check your home and make it safe and ready for them to arrive. “That includes keeping toxic foods, pet-unfriendly plants and dangerous household items out of paw’s reach,” ASPCA recommended.

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#16

I Found A Stray Cat, She Followed Me Home. I Guess I Own A Cat Now

I Found A Stray Cat, She Followed Me Home. I Guess I Own A Cat Now

horniest_man_alive Report

#17

Charlie Was Adopted Yesterday And Today We Went For A Long Walk In The Woods (He’s Lived In The City) And This Is The Result

Charlie Was Adopted Yesterday And Today We Went For A Long Walk In The Woods (He’s Lived In The City) And This Is The Result

lovelyb1ch66 Report

#18

Found A Tiny Kitten In Our Garage…the Dog Adopted Him As Her Puppy

Found A Tiny Kitten In Our Garage…the Dog Adopted Him As Her Puppy

Snackscidental Report

One thing most of us can definitely agree on—there’s nothing more wholesome and heartwarming than hearing stories about rescued pets and the kind-hearted people who took them in. Sadly, we can’t adopt them all, but we can at least look at the ones who already found their forever homes and get to live the life they truly deserve.

#19

Just Adopted Her Yesterday

Just Adopted Her Yesterday

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

Oh boy, can't wait to go into my backyard, sniff all of my flowers and dig a hole in my lawn.

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#20

List Of Things I Didn't Expect To Do Today. 1. Adopt A Kitten

List Of Things I Didn't Expect To Do Today. 1. Adopt A Kitten

B_Bibbles Report

#22

Remembering That Time We Went To The Shelter To Adopt A Kitten, And They Had A Bogo (Okay Not Really, One Adoption Fee Waived) On Kitties, So We Adopted Brothers.

Remembering That Time We Went To The Shelter To Adopt A Kitten, And They Had A Bogo (Okay Not Really, One Adoption Fee Waived) On Kitties, So We Adopted Brothers.

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#23

I Adopted My Grandmother’s Cat When She Passed Away And We Are Both Adjusting To Life Without Her Together. I’d Like To Know What Breed He Is; He Is Bigger Than Any Cat I Have Had Before!

I Adopted My Grandmother’s Cat When She Passed Away And We Are Both Adjusting To Life Without Her Together. I’d Like To Know What Breed He Is; He Is Bigger Than Any Cat I Have Had Before!

sunJ82 Report

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Oki
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You're obviously a dog person. That's okay, you just have to learn a different language. As a bonafide cat person I can say with absolute certainty that your cat's breed is Orange. You're welcome.

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#25

My Wife And I Adopted These Two Beautiful Fiv+ 6 Month Old Cats. Nobody Else Wanted To Rescue Them

My Wife And I Adopted These Two Beautiful Fiv+ 6 Month Old Cats. Nobody Else Wanted To Rescue Them

coffeefuelledtechie Report

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M K Shaw
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for adopting these cute kitties! FIV + cats are hard to adopt out- but the good news is I see many FIV + OLD cats, so they can live a long time! (Vet here.)

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#26

My Brother’s New Adopted Kitten. She Has Ocean Eyes And So Much Floof!

My Brother’s New Adopted Kitten. She Has Ocean Eyes And So Much Floof!

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#27

My Rescue Crew Waiting For Me To Throw The Ball

My Rescue Crew Waiting For Me To Throw The Ball

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Elli Rahim
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is going to be an absolutely chaotic ball game. Look at all that barely contained eagerness!

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#28

It Actually Feels Like We Won The Lottery When The Rescue Chose Us To Be Her Family. Welcome Home Sadie

It Actually Feels Like We Won The Lottery When The Rescue Chose Us To Be Her Family. Welcome Home Sadie

anon-dreamer13 Report

#29

My Shelter Buddy Is Being Adopted. Wish Him Good Luck!

My Shelter Buddy Is Being Adopted. Wish Him Good Luck!

Ducati750 Report

#30

Don’t Have Many People To Tell, But I Just Got Approved To Adopt This Pretty Lady!!!

Don’t Have Many People To Tell, But I Just Got Approved To Adopt This Pretty Lady!!!

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#31

My Parents Just Adopted This Pretty Lady And I’m Very Excited To Spend Christmas With Her!

My Parents Just Adopted This Pretty Lady And I’m Very Excited To Spend Christmas With Her!

littlebirdaesthetics Report

#33

So It Seems We Are Adopting Another Cat. What Should We Name Her?

So It Seems We Are Adopting Another Cat. What Should We Name Her?

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#34

Just Adopted This Sweet Boy. What Do We Name Him?

Just Adopted This Sweet Boy. What Do We Name Him?

IHadDibs Report

#35

Just Adopted Yesterday, This Is 4am, Clover Was Crying Because She Was Lonely. It Will Be A Tired Day But Thats Ok. Worth A Couple Of Yawns

Just Adopted Yesterday, This Is 4am, Clover Was Crying Because She Was Lonely. It Will Be A Tired Day But Thats Ok. Worth A Couple Of Yawns

SmalltimeDog Report

#36

Adopted Leo Today. We Instantly Do Connected And Now He's Fast Asleep In My Arms.

Adopted Leo Today. We Instantly Do Connected And Now He's Fast Asleep In My Arms.

Sonof_spam Report

#38

Meet Tbo (Tee-Bow) And Muffin, 2 Feral Kitties That Adopted Me

Meet Tbo (Tee-Bow) And Muffin, 2 Feral Kitties That Adopted Me

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Elli Rahim
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bless the both of them! You did a wonderful thing adopting them together!

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#39

Just Adopted This Little Man. He Only Has One Eye. Anybody Got Some Name Ideas?

Just Adopted This Little Man. He Only Has One Eye. Anybody Got Some Name Ideas?

TheScrafty Report

#40

This Is Pippy, She's A 5.5 Year Old Good Girl That We Adopted From The Shelter Recently. Here She Is In Her Favorite Turtleneck Sweater Admiring Some Shiny Christmas Lights

This Is Pippy, She's A 5.5 Year Old Good Girl That We Adopted From The Shelter Recently. Here She Is In Her Favorite Turtleneck Sweater Admiring Some Shiny Christmas Lights

8bitremixguy Report

#41

My Sister's New Rescue Kitten: Bernie Danders

My Sister's New Rescue Kitten: Bernie Danders

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#42

Adopted This Giant Fluff From A Friend Of A Friend

Adopted This Giant Fluff From A Friend Of A Friend

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#45

My Parents Decided To Adopt A Family Member Today!

My Parents Decided To Adopt A Family Member Today!

OutcastKatarn02 Report

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Dorothy Parker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A family member who will be loving and loyal forever. Those eyes say it all.

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#46

A Week Ago My Husband Said He Didn’t Want A Cat. On Friday I Convinced Him That We Should Take The Kids To A Local Cat Show For Fun. 15 Minutes After Buying Our Tickets On Saturday We Adopted This Guy Great Success. Meet Reindeer (Named By Our 5 Year Old)

A Week Ago My Husband Said He Didn’t Want A Cat. On Friday I Convinced Him That We Should Take The Kids To A Local Cat Show For Fun. 15 Minutes After Buying Our Tickets On Saturday We Adopted This Guy Great Success. Meet Reindeer (Named By Our 5 Year Old)

123bumblebee Report

#48

Another Shot Of Luna & Mars, Pound Kitties Adopted This Weekend

Another Shot Of Luna & Mars, Pound Kitties Adopted This Weekend

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Elli Rahim
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gorgeous pair who look so bonded! Thanks for taking them home together!

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#50

My Girlfriend And I Adopted Two Kittens! Lucy And Leonard.

My Girlfriend And I Adopted Two Kittens! Lucy And Leonard.

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Elli Rahim
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love these 2-in-1 adoptions, cats do so well with company instead of solo. Congratulations!

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Note: this post originally had 101 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.