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Accurate data from US shelters and rescue groups is difficult to obtain because they do not have a central reporting system. Plus, most states don't require sharing the numbers at all. But according to some estimates, there can be as many as 6.5 million dogs and cats entering shelters every year. That's a lot. However, keep in mind that this figure is down from 20+ million in 1973.

With the public's support, animal welfare organizations have done a great deal for critters all around the country. So as a thank you to everyone involved, we at Bored Panda continue our series, sharing wholesome pictures of adopted pets who got another chance at life.

Continue scrolling to check out this month's selection, and if you need to catch up, here are the ones we released in July, June, and May.

Below, you will also find the conversation I had with Sarah Bhimani of Animal Humane Society (AHS), which provides direct care and services to help nearly 100,000 animals in need across Minnesota.

#1

We Adopted A Horse That Was Going To Be Slaughtered. This Is My 2 Year Old Braiding Her Hair And Singing To Her While She Eats

We Adopted A Horse That Was Going To Be Slaughtered. This Is My 2 Year Old Braiding Her Hair And Singing To Her While She Eats

RepairmanJacked Report

#2

Before And After Being Adopted. Meet Our New Boy Louie

Before And After Being Adopted. Meet Our New Boy Louie

Pomegranate_Tree Report

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Nor
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Louie has a smile of gratitude...thank you for all you've done for him

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When an animal enters a shelter, it has to get used to this (hopefully) temporary stop. The transition can be difficult. Sarah Bhimani, the Internal Communications and Content Producer at AHS, told Bored Panda that an animal's response to the shelter environment is very individual and varies.

"One challenge we see is that for some animals, the shelter can be an overwhelming place – lots of new smells and sounds, other animals, new people, etc," she explained. "We have different strategies to help these animals be comfortable, including housing them in offices (which tend to be quieter and away from other animals), extra enrichment (toys, treats, time with staff and volunteers), and occasionally prescribing anti-anxiety medication."

#3

Adopted Roy A Week Ago. I’m His Third Owner And He Had Been In The Shelter Since Last October. They Warned Me It Might Take Some Time For Him To Warm Up To Me

Adopted Roy A Week Ago. I’m His Third Owner And He Had Been In The Shelter Since Last October. They Warned Me It Might Take Some Time For Him To Warm Up To Me

hamscratch Report

#4

Hi Meet Salem! Adopted Friday The 13th! He Likes To Stick His Tongue Out At You

Hi Meet Salem! Adopted Friday The 13th! He Likes To Stick His Tongue Out At You

Agile_Fuel5729 Report

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

Friday the 13th is the perfect day to adopt a black cat! Actually every day is perfect to adopt a black cat!

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#5

This Is Pudding, I Adopted Him - He Has No Teeth So Keeping His Tongue In Is Hard…

This Is Pudding, I Adopted Him - He Has No Teeth So Keeping His Tongue In Is Hard…

Cheesyulcer Report

Bhimani said that having so many animals come through AHS facilities also means that "some dogs or cats may catch a respiratory infection (similar to the common cold in humans) while in the shelter (commonly referred to as kennel cough in dogs and upper respiratory infection, or URI, in cats)."

The good thing is that the Animal Humane Society has effective protocols in place to treat animals who develop a respiratory infection and to prevent other animals from catching it.

#6

This Is Felix. He’s Fiv+ And I Knew He Had Low Adoption Chances. Bringing Him Home Was The Best Decision Ever

This Is Felix. He’s Fiv+ And I Knew He Had Low Adoption Chances. Bringing Him Home Was The Best Decision Ever

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

Veterinarian here-- FIV+ cats can live a very long time- I see many in their teens! Thank you for giving him a wonderful forever home!

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#7

Just Adopted These Love Bugs And Now I’m Never Leaving The House

Just Adopted These Love Bugs And Now I’m Never Leaving The House

TRON-ALIVE Report

#8

My Partner Didn’t Want To Get A Cat, Then A Stray Adopted Us. He Fell In Love Pretty Quick

My Partner Didn’t Want To Get A Cat, Then A Stray Adopted Us. He Fell In Love Pretty Quick

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When you adopt a pet, the amount of time and energy it will take for the animal to settle in can also vary. But Bhimani provided some general tips that can help both of you:

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  • Before you bring your pet home (or before you leave the shelter), be sure to have all the necessary supplies you’ll need, including litter and litterbox, food and food/water bowls, collar and leash, toys, etc. Many of these supplies may be available for purchase from the shelter.
#9

My Newly Adopted Kitten. Meet Misa!

My Newly Adopted Kitten. Meet Misa!

tonari_no_midori Report

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

Misa cause one, two-y little bitty axadentes, huh? Mooey mooey, I love you!

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

Misa looks like a mousey! The lil tail!! My heart can't take this cuteness!!

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

So glad she will get the food and comfort that she deserves.

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

She is adorable and looks like a calico/Siamese cross. What amazing colours. Misa is a unique name

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

Such a sweet, innocent itty bitty kitty! Lookatthat little tail!

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

Poor little waif. Must have had a rough time so far, looks quite under weight. Love will help her heal.

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

Misa is so adorable, everyone would know Misa because every where I go Misa would go 😀

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

Precious. She will become the most beautiful adult cat (since she is already such a beautiful kitten!)

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

Misa is adorable! would you mind me asking what breed she is?

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

She'd be with me 24/7 !!!!!! Small purses would be a thing of the past !! lol

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

AWW, I hope that you have many long and happy years with your dear sweet Misa 😻💖

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#10

This Tiny Beast Just Came Home With Me Today

This Tiny Beast Just Came Home With Me Today

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#11

Two Weeks After Adopting Him, Van Gogh Finally Feels Comfortable Enough To Show Us His Preferred Way To Sit

Two Weeks After Adopting Him, Van Gogh Finally Feels Comfortable Enough To Show Us His Preferred Way To Sit

Bowling5Soup Report

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

That's a 'skeptical intellectual ready for his own question show on BBC 2 pose'

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  • Designate a room in your home as a “sanctuary space” for your new pet. While it’s tempting to want to give your pet the run of the house right away, it can be overwhelming for your pet. This is especially important if you have already other pets in the home or young children. This room should be set up with your pet’s food, water, bed, toys, litterbox, etc. Let your pet stay in this room for about a week to acclimate to their new surroundings and get used to you and the family. Always supervise interactions between pets and children and teach children how to properly interact with your new pet.
  • If after a week your pet seems comfortable, you can let them explore other areas of your home. For dogs, it’s helpful to keep a leash on them while introducing them to the rest of the house so you can easily redirect them if they try jumping on or playing with something they shouldn’t.
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#12

I Just Adopted This Senior Lady! She's The First Cat I've Ever Had And She's Also The Sweetest One I've Ever Known Senior Cat Appreciation!

I Just Adopted This Senior Lady! She's The First Cat I've Ever Had And She's Also The Sweetest One I've Ever Known Senior Cat Appreciation!

Soup_God_ Report

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

I love seniors! Everyone should get a senior cat as their first pet - they're so chill.

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#13

I Adopted A Kitten For My Cat. It’s Going Well

I Adopted A Kitten For My Cat. It’s Going Well

LizagnaG Report

#14

We Named Her Vixie, After The Fox And The Hound. We Have No Idea What Breed She Is Because We Adopted From The Shelter

We Named Her Vixie, After The Fox And The Hound. We Have No Idea What Breed She Is Because We Adopted From The Shelter

hereforthe_swizzle Report

As you can see from the pictures, dogs and cats aren't the only ones that need help.

"It depends on the shelter, but here at Animal Humane Society, for example, we also care for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, gerbils, mice, rats, small birds, chinchillas, degus, and hedgehogs," Bhimani added.

To read about adoption and other ways you can contribute to the well-being of animals, visit animalhumanesociety.org.

#15

This Feral Kitten We Just Adopted

This Feral Kitten We Just Adopted

jfdirfn Report

#16

Found A Pregnant Momma Outside In The 100°f+ Texas Heat On Saturday

Found A Pregnant Momma Outside In The 100°f+ Texas Heat On Saturday

Needless to say this sweet momma found a new home for the next few months while she gives birth and I raise the little ones up for adoption. Neighbors thankfully have been helping too and have connections for the lil ones.

BreakingThoseCankles Report

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#17

I Adopted A 12 Yo Cat Named George And I Love Him So Much!!! My Real Life Toothless

I Adopted A 12 Yo Cat Named George And I Love Him So Much!!! My Real Life Toothless

ThePicard_2893 Report

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

He's got one tooth at least I can see. Many happy and healthy years together filled with love.

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#18

My Newly Adopted Cosmo! He Has Black Galaxy Eyes

My Newly Adopted Cosmo! He Has Black Galaxy Eyes

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#20

Adopted This Baby Yesterday, Her Name Is Shiva And She Loves To Nap

Adopted This Baby Yesterday, Her Name Is Shiva And She Loves To Nap

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

I see toe beans I upvote 🐾 Yeah, this a dog but still... look at her cute paws!

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#21

We Adopted A Dog A Few Weeks Ago And The Cat Is Finally Ready To Hate Him Up Close

We Adopted A Dog A Few Weeks Ago And The Cat Is Finally Ready To Hate Him Up Close

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#24

I’ve Never Had A Kitty Before! Meet Bug!

I’ve Never Had A Kitty Before! Meet Bug!

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#25

Adopted 14 Week Old Brothers. Everyone Meet Pancakes And Waffles! They Love To Snuggle You Or Eachother

Adopted 14 Week Old Brothers. Everyone Meet Pancakes And Waffles! They Love To Snuggle You Or Eachother

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#26

Last Weekend My Girlfriend Witnessed A Drink Driver Roll Their Car. The Puppy Was Ejected From The Vehicle, She Saved Him. Yesterday, I Adopted Him

Last Weekend My Girlfriend Witnessed A Drink Driver Roll Their Car. The Puppy Was Ejected From The Vehicle, She Saved Him. Yesterday, I Adopted Him

The dog was not chipped, or collared. When animal services received the puppy from law enforcement they gave the owner a week to claim and prove ownership. The owner called highway patrol was given all the info they would need. But they never followed through with connecting with animal services at all. Thus surrendering the puppy to the system. I visited him almost daily until I could adopt him.

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#27

My Foster Dog (Soon To Be Adopted By Me) Got Neutered On Tuesday. He Was Miserable In The Hard Plastic Cone, So My Friend Got Him This Soft Flower Cone, He’s So Happy Now

My Foster Dog (Soon To Be Adopted By Me) Got Neutered On Tuesday. He Was Miserable In The Hard Plastic Cone, So My Friend Got Him This Soft Flower Cone, He’s So Happy Now

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#28

In A Span Of Two Days We Adopted This Baby And Got Engaged

In A Span Of Two Days We Adopted This Baby And Got Engaged

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#30

I Adopted Otto, An 8 Year Old Boston Terrier From The Shelter Last Week. This Was His Face When He Saw His New Home For The First Time

I Adopted Otto, An 8 Year Old Boston Terrier From The Shelter Last Week. This Was His Face When He Saw His New Home For The First Time

StupidSexxxyFlanders Report

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

Bostons are awesome! A few good walks and he’ll be in tip top shape!

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#31

After 28 Years Of Not Having A Dog, I Finally Adopted My First Puppy. Say Hi To Rhett!

After 28 Years Of Not Having A Dog, I Finally Adopted My First Puppy. Say Hi To Rhett!

pandatitties Report

#33

Just Adopted This Precious Little Man. Desperate For Name Ideas!!

Just Adopted This Precious Little Man. Desperate For Name Ideas!!

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#34

Just Adopted This Doge From The Pound- I Think She’s Good Luck

Just Adopted This Doge From The Pound- I Think She’s Good Luck

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#35

Adopted This Void 3 Days Ago. Meet Bagheera

Adopted This Void 3 Days Ago. Meet Bagheera

shnozdog Report

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

Love that name... we have a big black lab who slinks around like a panther... thought about it for him too...

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#36

Best Decision Ever To Adopt Both Brothers

Best Decision Ever To Adopt Both Brothers

Gammachan Report

#37

My Son Has Wanted A Cat For A Long Time, And Asked Me If He Could Get One If He Paid For The Adoption And Monthly Expenses

My Son Has Wanted A Cat For A Long Time, And Asked Me If He Could Get One If He Paid For The Adoption And Monthly Expenses

He's had his job for almost a year, so we went to the shelter and found a kitten! Welcome to the family, Jester.

Pandorologist Report

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

Hi Jester, lovely boy. Good for your son, offering to pay for him.

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#39

I Adopted This Little Guy Yesterday Morning. He Slept Glued To My Side And Follows Me Everywhere. Even To The Bathroom

I Adopted This Little Guy Yesterday Morning. He Slept Glued To My Side And Follows Me Everywhere. Even To The Bathroom

FrrriskyWhiskey Report

#40

Adopted This Cutie A Week Ago And So Far She’s Been A Devil Child But My Family Loves Her

Adopted This Cutie A Week Ago And So Far She’s Been A Devil Child But My Family Loves Her

ConsoleLogin Report

#41

We Recently Adopted A Marble Loaf In Our Bakery. Her Sister Is A Burnt Pumpernickel

We Recently Adopted A Marble Loaf In Our Bakery. Her Sister Is A Burnt Pumpernickel

LeChatNoir04 Report

#42

My Adopted Feral, Who Refuses To Let Me Pat Her But Loves Being Tucked Into The Laundry Basket

My Adopted Feral, Who Refuses To Let Me Pat Her But Loves Being Tucked Into The Laundry Basket

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#43

I Adopted This Little 4lb Boy Yesterday! Meet Binx!

I Adopted This Little 4lb Boy Yesterday! Meet Binx!

faithunknown Report

#44

I Told Dante He Was Adopted Once And This Was His Reaction

I Told Dante He Was Adopted Once And This Was His Reaction

jvela1 Report

#45

I’ve Been Thinking Of Getting A Kitty For A While This’ll Be My First Time Adopting

I’ve Been Thinking Of Getting A Kitty For A While This’ll Be My First Time Adopting

Went to the shelter with the thought that I was just there to look around and get a feel and was greeted by the sweetest boy ever who just wanted pets and love. I’m going tmrw to adopt him.

blushieeeee Report

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

He is gorgeous, very majestic, plus he’s got a good job as the receptionist at an animal shelter, so you know he won’t mooch.

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#46

Today, We Adopted A Kitty Rescued Off The Streets 3 Days Ago

Today, We Adopted A Kitty Rescued Off The Streets 3 Days Ago

Work_n_Depression Report

#47

Adopted From The Nearest Shelter

Adopted From The Nearest Shelter

wbobbyw Report

#48

Name My Bun! We Just Adopted Him Out Of A Bad Situation And Need A Name

Name My Bun! We Just Adopted Him Out Of A Bad Situation And Need A Name

Annchen_popannchen Report

#49

Just Adopted This Little Nugget. She Needs A Name

Just Adopted This Little Nugget. She Needs A Name

Big-Nibble Report

#50

My Family Just Adopted This Beautiful Little Girl, And We Cant Think Of Any Names... Any Suggestions?

My Family Just Adopted This Beautiful Little Girl, And We Cant Think Of Any Names... Any Suggestions?

yaboiyotam Report

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#51

I Told Edward He Was Adopted... He Didn't Take It Well

I Told Edward He Was Adopted... He Didn't Take It Well

foolishpheasant Report

#52

Just Officially Adopted This Boy Because His Owner Didn’t Want Him Anymore And Kept Him Outside!

Just Officially Adopted This Boy Because His Owner Didn’t Want Him Anymore And Kept Him Outside!

CanTheBread Report

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#53

He Had A Very Exciting Day Of Getting Adopted

He Had A Very Exciting Day Of Getting Adopted

IncognitoHandJive Report

#54

We Adopted This Guy From Our Local Shelter Yesterday

We Adopted This Guy From Our Local Shelter Yesterday

We’ve named him Saint. The shelter told us he is a pitbull so I thought I’d join the sub and show off my boy!

MrsDSL Report

#55

Meet Rocket And Ranger. Adopted Sister And Brother

Meet Rocket And Ranger. Adopted Sister And Brother

Tamz8688 Report

#56

I Finally Convinced My Husband To Adopt A Puppy! I’m Head Over Heels Already. Meet Mina!

I Finally Convinced My Husband To Adopt A Puppy! I’m Head Over Heels Already. Meet Mina!

anothersadadult Report

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#61

I Adopted This Little Void Today

I Adopted This Little Void Today

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#62

Adopted These Two Angels Today. Brother And Sister Are Inseparable

Adopted These Two Angels Today. Brother And Sister Are Inseparable

taterscot Report

#63

Recently Adopted These Two Cuties. One Female One Male. Any Name Suggestions?

Recently Adopted These Two Cuties. One Female One Male. Any Name Suggestions?

Jayjay360sp Report

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

Look like mine from years back, Pica and Cicero... I am the last typesetter.

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#65

Just Adopted This 16 Month Old Charmer! Would Love Your Tips

Just Adopted This 16 Month Old Charmer! Would Love Your Tips

Especially for training to behave on walks! He has terrible pulling and distracted tendencies so far.

MaeveGamer Report

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

Veterinian here- you can try a gentle leader- they work great. Also go to veterinarypartner.com, it is written and maintained by veterinarians, and has loads of information on health conditions and behavior in dogs, including training. It's free :)

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#67

Found This Boy While On Holiday In Cyprus

Found This Boy While On Holiday In Cyprus

We connected immediately and after I asked the locals if he had an owner they said no so I adopted him. Gonna fly him home after his check ups. Still didn't name him so any suggestions would be nice.

DaughterOfDeathwing Report

#68

These Two Were Separately Adopted, It Was A Rough Start But It Warms My Heart To See How Close They’ve Become

These Two Were Separately Adopted, It Was A Rough Start But It Warms My Heart To See How Close They’ve Become

Pale_deadflower Report

#69

My Fiancé And I Adopted A Baby Husky And We Need Some Advice

My Fiancé And I Adopted A Baby Husky And We Need Some Advice

She seems to be extremely timid and scared of us when she’s on the floor, or outside going potty. But she snuggles with us while on the bed. How do we earn her trust while she’s not in bed with us. We are very confused.

AntwonDonson Report

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

Join her on the floor for varying periods - sitting, laying down, etc. Just give her reassurance that you'll still be there whenever she's "done".

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#71

Adopted Kiki 3 Weeks Ago And Recently Found This Community So I’ll Share Her Cuteness With Everyone

Adopted Kiki 3 Weeks Ago And Recently Found This Community So I’ll Share Her Cuteness With Everyone

MrFexilAgain Report

#72

Update! The Guinea Pigs That I'm Fostering Are Now Mine! And Now I Need A Name For The Tri-Colored Girl Any Suggestions?

Update! The Guinea Pigs That I'm Fostering Are Now Mine! And Now I Need A Name For The Tri-Colored Girl Any Suggestions?

Retta_Noona Report

#73

Just Adopted This Little Gentleman Today! Any Name Suggestions?

Just Adopted This Little Gentleman Today! Any Name Suggestions?

greygromit Report

#74

Can You Help With Names For These Cute Kittens I Just Adopted? Boy On The Left, Girl On The Right

Can You Help With Names For These Cute Kittens I Just Adopted? Boy On The Left, Girl On The Right

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#77

Name Ideas For Our Black Kitty Adopted On Friday The 13th

Name Ideas For Our Black Kitty Adopted On Friday The 13th

Anna_ballerina Report

#78

I Adopted This Little Guy Yesterday Morning. He Slept Glued To My Side And Follows Me Everywhere. Even To The Bathroom

I Adopted This Little Guy Yesterday Morning. He Slept Glued To My Side And Follows Me Everywhere. Even To The Bathroom

FrrriskyWhiskey Report