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There’s hardly any better feeling than rescuing a pet in need, bringing it to its forever home, and giving it all of your love so it can live its best life. Well, get ready to go ‘aww’ and have your heart melt because Bored Panda has collected this month’s most wholesome adopted pet photos.

The silent heroes helping people rescue adorable pets in need are animal welfare organizations and shelters. So we reached out to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to talk about pet adoption, as well as how animal shelters are rising to the challenge presented by the coronavirus pandemic. Adoptions Promotions Manager at the ASPCA, Kelly DiCicco, told Bored Panda all about the immense strain that American animal shelters are under right now.

Scroll down for the full interview, upvote your fave pics, and share photos of your own rescue pets in the comment section below. And if you’re having a particularly tough day at school or at work, then we’ve got some great news: you can overload yourself with cuteness with our earlier blessed rescue pet photos from June, May, April, March, February, and January.

Warning: Top-tier cuteness below!

#1

We Adopted This Cute Boy And For The Past Couple Weeks He Has Been Super Shy. Today For The First Time He Plopped In My Lap An Did This

We Adopted This Cute Boy And For The Past Couple Weeks He Has Been Super Shy. Today For The First Time He Plopped In My Lap An Did This

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

The courage it must have taken the blessed little soul to do it.

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#2

I Adopted This Cat When He Was 18, Thinking We Would Have A Few Months To Give Him A Good Retirement. He’s Going Strong At 20.

I Adopted This Cat When He Was 18, Thinking We Would Have A Few Months To Give Him A Good Retirement. He’s Going Strong At 20.

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#3

I Adopted The Saddest Looking Cat At The Shelter Three Years Ago.

I Adopted The Saddest Looking Cat At The Shelter Three Years Ago.

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Unfortunately, there are a lot of unwanted animals all over the world. In the United States alone, around 6.5 million companion animals enter the country’s shelters every single year. Roughly half of these are dogs while cats make up the other half. Though this is grim news, the situation has actually gotten better: the number has dropped from 7.2 million in 2011.

We spoke to DiCicco from the ASPCA about the biggest issues that people tend to have when considering pet adoption and what can be done to alleviate any worries.

“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,” DiCicco explained.

#4

When We Got Them The Shelter Said They *had* To Be Adopted Together. They Demonstrate Why On A Daily Basis

When We Got Them The Shelter Said They *had* To Be Adopted Together. They Demonstrate Why On A Daily Basis

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

I adopted my two cats from the local shelter as kittens, they are sisters and I could not even think about splitting them up. No regrets.

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#5

Adopted A One Eyed Cat Today. Everyone Say Hi To Nick Furry

Adopted A One Eyed Cat Today. Everyone Say Hi To Nick Furry

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#6

First Time Being Carried After Being Rescued

First Time Being Carried After Being Rescued

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“While each shelter is different, pets are generally assessed and then introduced to potential adopters based on the likelihood of compatibility. Every animal is an individual—even those within a specific species or breed—and shelter staff are experts at making matches that work. If you ultimately determine that now is not the best time to adopt, fostering can allow you to change an animal's life for the better and is a rewarding experience for those who choose to become caregivers.”

She continued: “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. Adopting an animal from a shelter or local rescue organization saves more than one life by freeing up space and resources for another animal in need.”

#7

I Adopted Her When I Was 15 And Living In California. We Loved Traveling Together, Even Living In A Campervan. Now I'm 25 And She's 11, And We're Still Adventuring. Now Living In Europe. People Say, "It's Awesome That You Brought Your Dog When You Moved!"...but Not Bringing Her Was Never An Option.

I Adopted Her When I Was 15 And Living In California. We Loved Traveling Together, Even Living In A Campervan. Now I'm 25 And She's 11, And We're Still Adventuring. Now Living In Europe. People Say, "It's Awesome That You Brought Your Dog When You Moved!"...but Not Bringing Her Was Never An Option.

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#8

My Dog The Night We Adopted Him.

My Dog The Night We Adopted Him.

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#9

My Cat Was In A Shelter With A 84% Kill Rate, & Was Denied Transport To A No-Kill Rescue Bc He Was "Too Ugly". He Was So Sad And Just Wanted Love. His Story Was Posted To Fb & He Was Saved! I Adopted Him A Month Later (In 2018). He Is So Loving And Such A Sweetheart. Every Life Is Worth Saving!!

My Cat Was In A Shelter With A 84% Kill Rate, & Was Denied Transport To A No-Kill Rescue Bc He Was "Too Ugly". He Was So Sad And Just Wanted Love. His Story Was Posted To Fb & He Was Saved! I Adopted Him A Month Later (In 2018). He Is So Loving And Such A Sweetheart. Every Life Is Worth Saving!!

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

What do you mean he was considered too ugly? He's beautiful!

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Meanwhile, the coronavirus pandemic has affected lots of American animal shelters. “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,” DiCicco explained to Bored Panda.

“Many shelters have reduced staffing due to social distancing requirements, which has meant reductions or limits to the number and types of services offered to the public. Additionally, shelters have felt the financial impacts of the pandemic, with reduced donations and an inability to host in-person fundraising events, which often play a key role in annual fundraising efforts,” she said.

#10

Had To Say Goodbye To Becker. Adopted Him At 18 Because He Needed A Final Home And He Surprised Us By Being The Most Loving Cat That Ever Lived. Never Missed An Opportunity To Get Pets And Would Always Greet You At The Door. I Don't Think He Ever Stopped Purring. #adoptdontshop

Had To Say Goodbye To Becker. Adopted Him At 18 Because He Needed A Final Home And He Surprised Us By Being The Most Loving Cat That Ever Lived. Never Missed An Opportunity To Get Pets And Would Always Greet You At The Door. I Don't Think He Ever Stopped Purring. #adoptdontshop

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

That's so beautiful and sad at once. Typing with tears. Thank-you for giving him his best life

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#11

She Was Somehow The Last Of Her Litter To Be Adopted

She Was Somehow The Last Of Her Litter To Be Adopted

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#12

My Rescue Cat Just Had Six Kittens On My Six Month Sober Anniversary. I Am Taking This As A Sign That I Will Be Able To Do This.

My Rescue Cat Just Had Six Kittens On My Six Month Sober Anniversary. I Am Taking This As A Sign That I Will Be Able To Do This.

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The coronavirus crisis has created lots of problems. However, shelters are rising to the challenge and are using modern technology to overcome them and to help animals find their new forever homes.

“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.”

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#13

After Rescuing A Puppy From Across The Country, We Found Out That One Of His Brothers Also Got Adopted Near Us. We Set Up A Play Date For The Two, Here's A Picture Of Them Together.

After Rescuing A Puppy From Across The Country, We Found Out That One Of His Brothers Also Got Adopted Near Us. We Set Up A Play Date For The Two, Here's A Picture Of Them Together.

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

Love the 'Dogs Only - No Children Allowed' sign. And the pups of course!

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#14

Meet The Newest Member Of The Family, Dutch!

Meet The Newest Member Of The Family, Dutch!

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Lady Phoenixx
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the videos of Arnold feeding his donkey in the kitchen from his own plate

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#15

Today I Adopted A Stray Kitten. Meet Astrid

Today I Adopted A Stray Kitten. Meet Astrid

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Bored Panda wanted to find out how the adoption rate in 2020 compares to 2019. According to ASPCA’s very own DiCicco, there are some positive trends despite all of the difficulties.

“Adoption and foster rates vary throughout the year, depending on [various] factors, including the population of animals in an organization’s care and whether or not it’s feline breeding season when shelters see an influx of kittens.”

She continued: “The ASPCA did see an initial spike in adoptions in early March, although overall, we saw a decrease in adoptions amid the COVID-19 crisis. This is partly due to the fact that out of an abundance of caution related to the effects of COVID-19 across New York City, we have temporarily closed the ASPCA Adoption Center to the public. More recently, the ASPCA has been leaning on technology to place animals in loving homes safely using video conferencing, and our adoption process has shifted to meet the needs of pets and potential adopters in alignment with the CDC’s guidelines around social distancing.”

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#16

The Local Shelter Only Lets You Adopt Kittens In Pairs. I'm Starting To See Why

The Local Shelter Only Lets You Adopt Kittens In Pairs. I'm Starting To See Why

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#17

Buddy The Sable Is A Smiley Pet That Was Rescued From A Fur Farm (Sable Is A Close Relative Of Pine Marten)

Buddy The Sable Is A Smiley Pet That Was Rescued From A Fur Farm (Sable Is A Close Relative Of Pine Marten)

MartenBuddy Report

#18

I Always Thought I Adopted A Stray Cat, But From Time To Time She Just Looks Like A Little Bunny

I Always Thought I Adopted A Stray Cat, But From Time To Time She Just Looks Like A Little Bunny

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DiCicco said that the first few weeks of the stay-at-home orders across the US brought out the best in Americans. “We saw a heartwarming and heroic response from people looking to temporarily foster animals, including a nearly 70 percent increase in animals going into foster care through our NYC and Los Angeles foster programs, compared to the same period in 2019,” she said.

“As the pandemic stretches on, we continue to see growing interest from the public to temporarily foster animals in need. Those looking to foster or adopt should contact their local animal shelters to see what their specific needs are and how they can best help.”

So if you want an adorable rescue pet of your own or simply want to lend a helping hand, give your local animal shelter a ring or send them an email, dear Pandas.

#19

We Adopted A Friend For Our Parrot Today And They Already Love Each Other

We Adopted A Friend For Our Parrot Today And They Already Love Each Other

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#20

Got A New Kitten And My Daughter Thinks Its Her Baby.

Got A New Kitten And My Daughter Thinks Its Her Baby.

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#21

I Just Adopted This 8 Years Old Beauty In Petco

I Just Adopted This 8 Years Old Beauty In Petco

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

It is a beauty. I thought that the bowl behind it was a crown. How befitting, I mused.

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#22

Always Wanted A Cat Growing Up But Wasn’t Allowed. Today At 30 I Adopted This 4 Year Old Kitty Named Draco!

Always Wanted A Cat Growing Up But Wasn’t Allowed. Today At 30 I Adopted This 4 Year Old Kitty Named Draco!

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#23

I Can Finally Adopt A Cat, It's One Of The Happiest Days Of My Life. Welcome Home Apolo

I Can Finally Adopt A Cat, It's One Of The Happiest Days Of My Life. Welcome Home Apolo

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#24

I Named Him Rorschach. My Kids Call Him Rori. He’s A Rescue.

I Named Him Rorschach. My Kids Call Him Rori. He’s A Rescue.

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#25

Adopted This Lil Guy A Few Weeks Ago, He Was The Last Of His Litter Adopted Because He Was So Shy. Now He Won’t Leave Me Alone!

Adopted This Lil Guy A Few Weeks Ago, He Was The Last Of His Litter Adopted Because He Was So Shy. Now He Won’t Leave Me Alone!

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#26

Last Week I Decided To Adopt A Kitten... There I Learned The Kitten I Was Adopting Had Been Found In The Woods Curled Up In A Log With Her Sister And They Had Been Inseparable Ever Since... Needless To Say I Ended Up Adopting 2 Kittens... Meet Ash And Ember...

Last Week I Decided To Adopt A Kitten... There I Learned The Kitten I Was Adopting Had Been Found In The Woods Curled Up In A Log With Her Sister And They Had Been Inseparable Ever Since... Needless To Say I Ended Up Adopting 2 Kittens... Meet Ash And Ember...

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#27

I Was Told You All May Be Interested In Meeting My Little Prince Oakie. He's A Super Senior! 20 And Going Strong :) (Adopted At Age 18 By Me)

I Was Told You All May Be Interested In Meeting My Little Prince Oakie. He's A Super Senior! 20 And Going Strong :) (Adopted At Age 18 By Me)

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#28

Juno, The Scottish Rescue Dog.

Juno, The Scottish Rescue Dog.

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

What a stunning pic. You should get that framed. And a top dog starring in it of course.

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#29

We're Adopting My Friend's Senior Dog Who's Not Allowed On Their Couch. I Think He's Going To Like Laying On Ours.

We're Adopting My Friend's Senior Dog Who's Not Allowed On Their Couch. I Think He's Going To Like Laying On Ours.

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#30

Meet My Absolutely Wonderful Dad With His Two Adopted Children Mephisto And Sophie.

Meet My Absolutely Wonderful Dad With His Two Adopted Children Mephisto And Sophie.

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#31

I Was Worried How My Cat Would React If I Adopted Another Kitten. I Think They'll Be Ok.

I Was Worried How My Cat Would React If I Adopted Another Kitten. I Think They'll Be Ok.

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#32

Just Adopted This Chonker. 100% Going On A Diet Today

Just Adopted This Chonker. 100% Going On A Diet Today

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

"Won't work, hooman. As you see, I can continue to feed from the endless bounty of my butt."

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Mishte Tine
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those paws look like smiley faces! Adorable! So glad you are going to take care of his/her health/lifespan/diet. Hooman’s are the cause nearly 100% and the cure as well. Thank you. Beautiful kitty cat, despite the chonk. Will be gorgeous in time under your care.

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

Chonker is beautiful and will live a better life non-chonk.

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

i have a chunky calico as well....we call her meatball! she has been on a diet for quite a while! she is now where she can run! i haven't seen that cat move that fast in 5 years! lol

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Studio5301
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have fixed 94 cats and feed a ton. The cats that only eat dry food are fat even tho outside where they get exercise. I just bought some Lil Soups (for cats). Might try that on the fat boys!

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

"This fat's not going to continue growing on its own, if you get my drift."

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Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He may be a chonker, but look at all that floofy belly there is to risk petting.

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#33

Dad Had Always Said No Pets, Until My Sister Adopted One Behind His Back. This Was Their First Encounter.

Dad Had Always Said No Pets, Until My Sister Adopted One Behind His Back. This Was Their First Encounter.

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

This is how it went with me when the kids snuck home a kitten once. That kitten changed my entire outlook on pets.

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#34

Rescued This Boy After He’d Been Dumped In A Petsmart Parking Lot. He’s Been Much Happier Since Coming To His New Home With Me!

Rescued This Boy After He’d Been Dumped In A Petsmart Parking Lot. He’s Been Much Happier Since Coming To His New Home With Me!

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

How humans can just dump living beings is beyond my comprehension. Thank YOU. XX

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#35

This Is Jethro! We Recently Rescued Him From Alabama, And He Is Very Good At Falling Asleep With His Tongue Hanging Out.

This Is Jethro! We Recently Rescued Him From Alabama, And He Is Very Good At Falling Asleep With His Tongue Hanging Out.

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#36

A Friend Of Mine Who Is A Veterinarian Contacted Me Today And Told Me If I Wanted To Adopt This Little Guy. I Said Yes And As Of Today He Is My New Puppy

A Friend Of Mine Who Is A Veterinarian Contacted Me Today And Told Me If I Wanted To Adopt This Little Guy. I Said Yes And As Of Today He Is My New Puppy

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#37

Adopted This Nugget A Day Before She Was Going To Be Put Down For Being "Too Anxious". She Was Just Gassy From Bad Food.

Adopted This Nugget A Day Before She Was Going To Be Put Down For Being "Too Anxious". She Was Just Gassy From Bad Food.

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#38

This Is Bear. We Adopted Him On Saturday. This Photo, Taken Yesterday By My 4 Year Old Nephew, Was The First Time He Was Willing To Look At The Camera.

This Is Bear. We Adopted Him On Saturday. This Photo, Taken Yesterday By My 4 Year Old Nephew, Was The First Time He Was Willing To Look At The Camera.

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#39

Just Adopted This 10 Year Old Floofy Boi Cooper

Just Adopted This 10 Year Old Floofy Boi Cooper

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#40

My Parents Adopted Hoagie When She Was 14, And They Got Her A Hat.

My Parents Adopted Hoagie When She Was 14, And They Got Her A Hat.

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#41

The Day After We Rescued Our Puppy, Zelda. She Thought Her Big Sister, Chloe, Was Her Momma For Several Weeks.

The Day After We Rescued Our Puppy, Zelda. She Thought Her Big Sister, Chloe, Was Her Momma For Several Weeks.

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#42

My 7 Week Barn Rescue, Ashby

My 7 Week Barn Rescue, Ashby

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#43

Drove Six Hours To Rescue This Pitsky Pup Today - Totally Worth It

Drove Six Hours To Rescue This Pitsky Pup Today - Totally Worth It

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

So worth it! I would drive ten hours to adopt this good little boiii

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#44

Our New Yet To Be Named Baby. Rescued From A Potato Farm

Our New Yet To Be Named Baby. Rescued From A Potato Farm

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#45

My Grandmother Adopted This 14 Year Old Angel That Howls At The Top Of Her Tiny Lungs And Wears Dresses Made From T-Shirt Sleeves

My Grandmother Adopted This 14 Year Old Angel That Howls At The Top Of Her Tiny Lungs And Wears Dresses Made From T-Shirt Sleeves

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#46

This Isn’t A Fancy Video Or Anything Really Cool, Just My Newly Adopted Ex-Racing Greyhound Rescue Max.

This Isn’t A Fancy Video Or Anything Really Cool, Just My Newly Adopted Ex-Racing Greyhound Rescue Max.

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

I recall seeing a photo, many years ago, of a pile of bodies of greyhounds that were killed after their useful racing life had run it's course. The ad was for the Greyhound Trust and was encouraging adopting retired hounds. That people who do such atrocities live amongst us horrifies me.

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#47

I Adopted My Sweet Girl From A Kill Shelter In Atlanta, Georgia. She’s Living Her Best Life In Halifax, Nova Scotia!

I Adopted My Sweet Girl From A Kill Shelter In Atlanta, Georgia. She’s Living Her Best Life In Halifax, Nova Scotia!

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#48

Just Adopted This Gorgeous Lady. She Rode Like This The Whole Way Home

Just Adopted This Gorgeous Lady. She Rode Like This The Whole Way Home

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#49

Adopted Her Last Week, She Seemed To Enjoy Her First Trip To The Dog Park

Adopted Her Last Week, She Seemed To Enjoy Her First Trip To The Dog Park

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

Pure joy! Right there, she's the happiest doggy in the world

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#50

This Is Digit. I Adopted Him This Morning, And He’s My New Best Friend

This Is Digit. I Adopted Him This Morning, And He’s My New Best Friend

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Note: this post originally had 122 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.