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We’ve got so many cute cats, adorable dogs, and other rescue animals to share with you today that they’ll cuddle any and all sadness out of you, dear Pandas. It’s that magical time of the month when our team here at Bored Panda gathers up the most heartwarming photos of rescued pets to share with you all. It’s the most soul-healing article you’ll read all month. Guaranteed.

Scroll down to see the photos of the pets that have been welcomed into their new owners’ homes and hearts, upvote the ones that made you smile the most, and don’t forget to tell us how cute all of them are in the comments. Have you recently adopted any animals from a rescue shelter? We’d love to hear all the wonderful stories and your amazing pets, Pandas!

As you’re enjoying these great pics, you can also read Bored Panda’s interview with the PDSA, the UK’s leading vet charity, about bringing new pets—puppies and kittens—into our lives. And if you’d like to see more cute animal pics to share with all of your friends, check out our earlier articles about rescue wonders here: October, September, August.

#1

This Guy Will Never Be Neglected Or In A Cage Again! Rescue Called Him Lucky, But He Looks Like A Lu To Me! So Happy To Bring Him Home! Hard Knock Life Is Over For This Guy!

This Guy Will Never Be Neglected Or In A Cage Again! Rescue Called Him Lucky, But He Looks Like A Lu To Me! So Happy To Bring Him Home! Hard Knock Life Is Over For This Guy!

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#2

This Is Toffee, I Just Adopted Him From The Shelter! I Was Sobbing While Petting Him Through A Small Hole In His Pen, Was The Only Dog Not Barking, He’s Underweight And Shy, He’s Made Life So Worth It

This Is Toffee, I Just Adopted Him From The Shelter! I Was Sobbing While Petting Him Through A Small Hole In His Pen, Was The Only Dog Not Barking, He’s Underweight And Shy, He’s Made Life So Worth It

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#3

Only Wanted To Adopt 1 Kitten But After Seeing This We Couldn't Possibly Split Them Up!

Only Wanted To Adopt 1 Kitten But After Seeing This We Couldn't Possibly Split Them Up!

Flintron Report

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So glad you took them both. Their transition will go so much more smoothly as a bonded pair than it would if they were separated.

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Providing your new pet a forever home means more than filling a couple of food and water bowls. The animal’s physical, mental, and even emotional health is in your hands. The responsibility is huge, however, the happiness these dogs and cats radiate is more than worth it.

Something that you should definitely put at the forefront of your mind is your pet’s health. If you’re bringing a baby cat or dog home with you from a shelter, you should definitely book an appointment with a trusted local veterinarian.

#4

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

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

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Zaza
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have similar pictures of my 3 day old Floof who I held close to my body for weeks, to make sure he wouldn't die after he was abandoned. None of his siblings made it but he did. Can't post it anywhere without getting "boobs" or "tits" or "I want to sleep there" comments unfortunately, but Floof made it, he's healthy, headstrong, sweet, lovable, stubborn, cuddly, obnixious and entitled, lived through a house fire before 6 months of age, pneumonia when he wasn't even a month old,, polyps in his ear when he was barely a year ols and is now 5 years of age, very healthy and still obnoxious. A legion of angels must be watching over him Good to see other kittens getting the same treatment! Floof and I are sending some of the angels over to watch over this kitten too

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#5

I Adopted A Kitten Today And She’s Everything I Was Missing

I Adopted A Kitten Today And She’s Everything I Was Missing

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#6

Our 1st Pet, Adopted Today. Meet Fred Lobster

Our 1st Pet, Adopted Today. Meet Fred Lobster

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

aww this dog has been through some things now it will live a happy life

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PDSA Vet Anna Ewers Clark had this to say to Bored Panda: “You should book your puppy or kitten in for a health check with your vet soon after bringing them home. This will allow you to check they’re healthy, they’re growing at the correct rate, and when they need their next parasite treatments or vaccinations.”

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The vet explained that this also gives you the chance to speak to your vet about any other procedures. “You’ll also be able to discuss when is the best time to have them neutered.”

#7

Just Adopted This Mini Loaf!

Just Adopted This Mini Loaf!

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#8

I Was Told My New Rescue Pup Has The Rarest Of Ears

I Was Told My New Rescue Pup Has The Rarest Of Ears

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#9

Adopted This Siamese Girl, Making Me Her 4th Owner. She Was Returned Twice Due To Her Aggression… Turns Out It Was Just Play Aggression That Was Misdirected. All She Wants To Do Is Chase Feather Toys And Be Pet

Adopted This Siamese Girl, Making Me Her 4th Owner. She Was Returned Twice Due To Her Aggression… Turns Out It Was Just Play Aggression That Was Misdirected. All She Wants To Do Is Chase Feather Toys And Be Pet

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

Congratulations! You're going to be the greatest pet parent! She is a stunner!!

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According to Anna from the PDSA, there are some financial things to consider for pet owners, too. Some owners might forget about the importance of insurance. “Make sure you insure them from the day they’re brought home so their vet bills will be covered if they ever become unwell or are injured,” she pointed out. In other words, you should hope for the best while planning for a realistic scenario.

The age of your new pet is more important than you think. The PDSA Vet stressed this fact to Bored Panda. “Your puppy or kitten will need a slightly different routine from an adult cat or dog,” Anna said.

#10

We Adopted Little Salem A Week Ago. She Was Incredibly Timid And Would Hide Whenever She Saw Us. She Now Comes To Check Us Out When We Are Reading. I Think We Are Making Progress!!!

We Adopted Little Salem A Week Ago. She Was Incredibly Timid And Would Hide Whenever She Saw Us. She Now Comes To Check Us Out When We Are Reading. I Think We Are Making Progress!!!

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#11

Breaking News: Newly Adopted Kitty, Whiskey, Has Been Welcomed Into Home By Happy Old Doggo, Gus

Breaking News: Newly Adopted Kitty, Whiskey, Has Been Welcomed Into Home By Happy Old Doggo, Gus

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

When you buy your cat three different beds, and it chooses to sleep on the dog.

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#12

The Morphed Axolotl I Adopted Last Week Is Finally Starting To Trust Me Enough To Approach Me For Food!

The Morphed Axolotl I Adopted Last Week Is Finally Starting To Trust Me Enough To Approach Me For Food!

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What this means is structuring your day differently than you would with an adult animal. The owner has to be prepared to be more disciplined and put in more effort until their new best buddies grow up a bit.

“It’s important that they have regular mealtimes when they’re young. Usually around 3 meals a day. They’ll also need plenty of rest. Often young pets are very active in short bursts and then will become sleepy,” the animal health specialist explained to Bored Panda

#13

Her Name Is Pandora, I Adopted From A Family That Didn't Like Her

Her Name Is Pandora, I Adopted From A Family That Didn't Like Her

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#14

I Was Told I Was Adopting A Kitten, But Received A Very Smol Parrot? Anyone Know What Steps I Can Take To Get The Correct Animal?

I Was Told I Was Adopting A Kitten, But Received A Very Smol Parrot? Anyone Know What Steps I Can Take To Get The Correct Animal?

t-sizzle24 Report

#15

When I Adopted Him, The Humane Society Said "He's A Total Lap Cat! He Just Wants To Sleep And Won't Get Into Trouble"

When I Adopted Him, The Humane Society Said "He's A Total Lap Cat! He Just Wants To Sleep And Won't Get Into Trouble"

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She mentioned to us that we should be willing to play with our new pets as much as possible to keep them active and help them develop. However, at the same time, we have to be aware of the fact they’re tiny cuddly creatures: they get tired easily.

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“It’s important to play with your puppy or kitten as this is an important part of their development and encourages them to be active, but if they start to get tired it’s best to let them sleep for a while,” Anna advised us.

#16

Daisy's First Snow! Look At Her Nice Sit And Wait. Adopted Her Friday Night! We Love Her So Much

Daisy's First Snow! Look At Her Nice Sit And Wait. Adopted Her Friday Night! We Love Her So Much

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#17

Just Adopted This Stray Kitty And He Needs A Name

Just Adopted This Stray Kitty And He Needs A Name

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#18

Didn’t Know I’d Be Playing Matchmaker When I Adopted A Second Cat

Didn’t Know I’d Be Playing Matchmaker When I Adopted A Second Cat

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Meanwhile, the more varied the experiences we can introduce into our new pets’ lives, the better they’ll be off in the long run. Think of it as training them to be better prepared for the future.

“Puppies and kittens have a socialization period when they are young, which is a time when their brains are hard-wired to learn about the world around them,” the expert said.

#19

Adopted This Little Fellow In Shanghai Yesterday. Was Found Abandoned In Front Of A Supermarket. Vet Says He's Surprisingly Healthy For A 2 Week Old Kitten. Say Hello To Olaf!

Adopted This Little Fellow In Shanghai Yesterday. Was Found Abandoned In Front Of A Supermarket. Vet Says He's Surprisingly Healthy For A 2 Week Old Kitten. Say Hello To Olaf!

FuYang1990 Report

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

Not two weeks old. Probably more like five or six weeks old. He’s way bigger than a two week old kitten, and his eyes are open.

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#20

This Is My 20$ Rescue Cat. No One Wanted Him At The Shelter. He’s A Little Funky. He Has Cerebellar Hypoplasia, No Righting Instincts And Is Always Squinting

This Is My 20$ Rescue Cat. No One Wanted Him At The Shelter. He’s A Little Funky. He Has Cerebellar Hypoplasia, No Righting Instincts And Is Always Squinting

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#21

Adopted This 6 Year Old Cat From The Shelter. She Loves Her Forever Home

Adopted This 6 Year Old Cat From The Shelter. She Loves Her Forever Home

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

What a cutie! And I love the little vampire teeth.

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“For puppies, this [the period of socialization] is from 4-12 weeks, and for kittens from 3-8 weeks old. During this socialization period, it’s important to allow your pet to have lots of positive experiences with different sounds, smells, and situations as well as helping them meet a variety of different people.”

And there you have it, some spot-on advice if you choose to bring home a tiny doggo or catto instead of a big woof or majestic floof. Which of the photos made the biggest impact on you, dear Pandas? Which of these pets would you love to bring home with you? (Personally, I’d invite them all into my home if only they’d fit!)

#22

This Is Jeff. We Adopted Him A Couple Days Ago. He’s A Good Lad, And Obviously Very Handsome

This Is Jeff. We Adopted Him A Couple Days Ago. He’s A Good Lad, And Obviously Very Handsome

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#23

Cain Has Been Adopted. Now We’re Down To The Last 45 Cats. For Those Who Don’t Know We Rescued 130 From A Hoarder

Cain Has Been Adopted. Now We’re Down To The Last 45 Cats. For Those Who Don’t Know We Rescued 130 From A Hoarder

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#24

Our Smallest Girl Luna, Just Adopted This Weekend

Our Smallest Girl Luna, Just Adopted This Weekend

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Lastly, why do you think so many pets end up being abandoned? A whopping 6.5 animals enter shelters each year in the US, according to the ASPCA. There is a bit of good news: this number has fallen from roughly 7.2 million way back in 2011. There is some progress there, though the numbers of unwanted pets are still pretty high.

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The ASPCA notes that around 4.1 million shelter animals end up getting adopted each year. Moreover, 810k are strays that end up being reunited with their worried owners.

Obviously, we wish that more pets would get adopted, however, we have to give it to those who do end up rescuing pets: you’re doing great work and we’re proud of you. If only there were more people like you, the world would be a far, far better place.

#25

What Should We Name This Sweet Boy? He's Sweet As Can Be, Goofy, Wiggles His Bottom Really Fast When Excited, And Gets Along With All People And Animals. He Also Has No Teeth, He Was Rescued With Us And Is Getting His Second Chance!

What Should We Name This Sweet Boy? He's Sweet As Can Be, Goofy, Wiggles His Bottom Really Fast When Excited, And Gets Along With All People And Animals. He Also Has No Teeth, He Was Rescued With Us And Is Getting His Second Chance!

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#26

Adopted This Lovely Gal Today

Adopted This Lovely Gal Today

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#27

I Adopted A Vampire

I Adopted A Vampire

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#28

This Is Brad. The Shelter Told Me That Brad Wouldn’t Be Cuddly. He Hasn’t Left The Sides Of Me Or My Son Since We Brought Him Home Last Weekend

This Is Brad. The Shelter Told Me That Brad Wouldn’t Be Cuddly. He Hasn’t Left The Sides Of Me Or My Son Since We Brought Him Home Last Weekend

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

Brad just didn’t have the right people in his life. Consider yourselves very very special.

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#29

Rescued A Puppy Yesterday. Safe To Say He Likes Me

Rescued A Puppy Yesterday. Safe To Say He Likes Me

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#30

My Foster Fail Eva. I Cried All Day When We Gave Her Back To Be Adopted By The Public. Husband Went Back And Got Her For Me. She Is Perfect

My Foster Fail Eva. I Cried All Day When We Gave Her Back To Be Adopted By The Public. Husband Went Back And Got Her For Me. She Is Perfect

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

Looks like a juvenile version of my late cat. Rest in peace Charly, we'll meet again on the other side of the rainbow bridge.

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#31

My Rescues Are Completely Obsessed With Each Other!

My Rescues Are Completely Obsessed With Each Other!

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#32

Meet Princess Carol, A Stray Kitty Who Decided To Adopt Us

Meet Princess Carol, A Stray Kitty Who Decided To Adopt Us

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

She certainly shows a "this is my home now" pose. Beautiful cat <3

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#33

My Partner And I Adopted A Little Baby

My Partner And I Adopted A Little Baby

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

So beautiful! How could you ask for a human baby when you've got this!

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#34

Officially Adopted My Foster Fail Nova Today. My Mom Got Her Sister Lily

Officially Adopted My Foster Fail Nova Today. My Mom Got Her Sister Lily

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

If I ever fostered animals they'd all be foster fails...no way could I give them up.

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#35

My New Buddies! I Just Adopted Two Hairless Male Rats Today, They Can Keep Me Company In My Wfh Office. I Have Named Them Pinky And The Brain

My New Buddies! I Just Adopted Two Hairless Male Rats Today, They Can Keep Me Company In My Wfh Office. I Have Named Them Pinky And The Brain

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

that cage looks miserable - hope you put toys and beds in there

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

Rats are amazing pets! I've had 2 - Snuggles & Cinnamon. Their deaths hit me really hard.

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

A coworker of mine and her boyfriend had a rat. When they broke up there was a custody battle that they eventually resolved with shared custody. That's how precious their baby was to both of them!

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

One is a genius, the other insane... I had pet rats when I was a little girl, so smart.

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

Careful with those grates stairs and platforms! Their feet could get stuck and they're easily susceptible to broken bones :( They're so cute tho!! Good name choice lol

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

they look like they are already planning to "take over the world"🤣

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

They are lucky to have you and they are sweet!!! I thought about getting some! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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#36

Just Adopted A Husky / Weimaraner Pup And He Is The Happiest Boy Ever!

Just Adopted A Husky / Weimaraner Pup And He Is The Happiest Boy Ever!

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

He looks like a sweet goofball. Settle in for years of laughing at his antics. He will always make you smile, even when you’re down in the dumps.

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#37

This Is My Boy Blue. The Neighbor Kids Brought Him To Me To Rescue. I Love Him So Much

This Is My Boy Blue. The Neighbor Kids Brought Him To Me To Rescue. I Love Him So Much

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

Neighbor kids know who the right person is to take an animal in distress to. Kind of a nice reputation, if you ask me.

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#38

Here’s Our New Adoption!

Here’s Our New Adoption!

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#39

Just Adopted This Beauty Today. She’s Currently Hiding Under The Bed And We’re Giving Her Time To Adjust. We’re Excited For When She Feels Comfortable And Comes Out Of Her Shell

Just Adopted This Beauty Today. She’s Currently Hiding Under The Bed And We’re Giving Her Time To Adjust. We’re Excited For When She Feels Comfortable And Comes Out Of Her Shell

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#40

We Adopted The Most Photogenic Cat

We Adopted The Most Photogenic Cat

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TaylorsVersion111
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like a grandparent who lost their glasses and took an accidental selfie(but with the cutest ever nose!!)

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#41

Just Adopted This Sweet L’il 7 Yo Pirate And We Love Her So Much Already!

Just Adopted This Sweet L’il 7 Yo Pirate And We Love Her So Much Already!

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

Ah, the dreaded Cone of Shame. At least she’ll be settled at home by the time it comes off, and not on the street or in the shelter where recovery will take longer (amazing how a lowered stress level can cut a recovery time down).

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#42

I Adopted A Disney Prince In Dog Form

I Adopted A Disney Prince In Dog Form

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#43

My Fiance Picked Up This Sweet Boy From The Shelter Today And Surprised Our Daughter. Meet Chester!

My Fiance Picked Up This Sweet Boy From The Shelter Today And Surprised Our Daughter. Meet Chester!

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#44

My Husky I Adopted About 24hrs Ago. He Is So Great!

My Husky I Adopted About 24hrs Ago. He Is So Great!

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#46

Illegally Smol Adopted Stray

Illegally Smol Adopted Stray

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

Baby will fill out, believe me. You’ll blink and suddenly have a very large full grown cat. We adopted the runt of a litter, who was half the size of his sisters, and always two steps behind them, developmentally. Jack is now almost seven years old, and weighs a little over 14 lbs. From runt to big boy in the blink of an eye.

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#47

I Was Adopted Today!

I Was Adopted Today!

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

he will come to love his new home with all of his heart <3

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#48

Let Me Show You My Two Goobers! Both Adopted From Shelters And Are Now The Best Of Buds! Yoda And Groot!

Let Me Show You My Two Goobers! Both Adopted From Shelters And Are Now The Best Of Buds! Yoda And Groot!

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#50

Everyone, Meet Prudence. She’s A Holland Lop That I Adopted From A Friend’s Farm. She Likes To Sit On My Shoulder Like A Parrot

Everyone, Meet Prudence. She’s A Holland Lop That I Adopted From A Friend’s Farm. She Likes To Sit On My Shoulder Like A Parrot

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Note: this post originally had 90 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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