Overworked shelters take in millions of lost, stray, and abused animals every year. Luckily, people continue to open their doors and hearts to these misfits.
By adopting a pet rather than buying one, we not only give it a second chance at life but also free up valuable space and other resources that allow humane organizations to take in and help more critters.
Like every month, we at Bored Panda put together a list of heartwarming adoption photos to thank those who recently invited these neglected animals into their families, so continue scrolling and check out the images—it's impossible not to smile looking at them.
If you've fallen behind on the series, fire up our earlier collections and catch up: February, January, December.
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The First Picture After Adopting A Dog
Went To Adopt A Kitten. Came Home With An Elderly Chihuahua With Kidney Problems, Asthma, Arthritis, And Bad Gas (And A Kitten)
When you rescue an animal, they need to adjust to their new surroundings just as much as you need to adapt to them. So if you just welcomed a dog or cat into your home, you're in luck! The experts at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) gave Bored Panda a few valuable tips that can help tremendously during this transitionary period. Let's begin with dogs.
"Owners should think about what their neighborhood and household are like ... and find ways to get their pup familiar with that type of life, getting creative with socializing them to the world in and outside the home," the ASPCA team explained.
A Rescue From Ukraine. Her Name Is Bella
Finally Took A Photo Where Noodle Isn't Just A Black Smudge. Couldn't Be Happier
I Volunteer At The Humane Society And Fell In Love With This Girl
I cried when I found out she had been adopted…two weeks later and she was returned for being “too lazy”. Took her straight home to her new couch where she is the cutest potato. Don’t know her name yet but just look at that face
When socializing your puppy, you should always:
- Introduce your pup to new experiences, objects, places, and people in a fun, positive way that allows your pup to feel safe. This is the best combination for building confidence;
- Use treats and toys that your pup finds rewarding to help create positive associations;
- Let your puppy decide when they want to engage and disengage. Never force them to investigate something that they’re uncertain about;
- Be watchful of your puppy's body language to ensure they are enjoying themselves and recognize when they are not.
So My Mom Adopted Some Feral Cats
Check Out The Cutie I'm Adopting! I'm So In Love
AWWWWwwwwwwwwwwhawwwwwwhaw what a widdle wee cutie. i just want to cup it in my hands
After Wanting One For 15 Years, My Wife Got To Finally Adopt A Cat Yesterday. This Is How I Just Found Them Together When I Went Upstairs To Check On The Cat
Some ideas for socializing your puppy include:
- Lots of walks! Take your puppy for walks while maintaining a safe social distance. Mix up your routes, go out in all types of weather, and walk on different surfaces so your puppy continually experiences new things. At least six feet away, walk past other people and dogs, construction sites, trains, buses, cars, bikes, scooters, and strollers. Offer treats and playtime as you encounter new things and friends so your puppy learns to enjoy all of them;
- Puppy Soundtracks: In the home, help your pup hear all the noises of a normal world like traffic, crowds, and other animals by playing free soundbites online. Turn them on right before your puppy enjoys mealtime, treats, or a fun play session. Start with the volume at a low level, increasing it just a little every day. You can also dance, sing, cheer and clap in your home so they get used to these experiences too. And, make sure to also get your pup used to the sounds of electrical appliances, washers, vacuum cleaners, and hair dryers typically used in your home.
Adopted This Happy Guy From The Shelter On Saturday. Meet Echo!
When My Dad Went To Adopt A Dog, He Decided To Dress To Impress
This Is Grandma, A Toothless, Elderly Stray Who Was Brought To Our Clinic And My Coworker Adopted. She Comes To Work Every Day And Just Hangs Out Waiting For Snuggles
- Stair and Elevator Training: Teach your puppy about climbing and descending stairs. If one is accessible to you, take your pup in the elevator and play a game of tug as you ride up and down.
- Obstacle Courses: Create a fun obstacle course at home that gets your pup to walk on different surfaces, including uneven ground. Try to create surfaces of different temperatures and textures by using household materials such as aluminum foil, cardboard, paper/plastic bags, and more.
Dog Abandoned For Being "Gay" Gets Adopted By A Gay Couple
Adopting A Senior Disabled Dog Has Stolen My Heart
Adopted 13-Year Old Molly After 2 Years In The Shelter - She's A Sweetheart!
Staying active is key as boredom and excess energy are two common reasons for undesirable behavior in pets, the experts at ASPCA explained.
While many families are still busy working and learning from home, it's important for dogs and cats to do the same!
In addition to physical exercise, there are many fun and free ways to give your new pet a mental workout from the comfort of your house.
My Elderly Neighbour Lost Her Long Time Dog This Winter, But She Has Adopted A Pup From The Local Shelter!
Her name is Clover. She is the sweetest little floof nugget. I get to visit with her every day!!
Meet Snickers! Just A Beautiful Girl With A Crooked Smile!
Our Newly Adopted Pup, Kida
For dogs:
- Use a snuffle mat for offering treats/dry food or stuff a puzzle toy with yummy goodies like plain yogurt, peanut butter, or their meal for a fun, and delicious challenge that will keep your dog busy and mentally stimulated. Once your dog becomes a pro at using a puzzle toy, you can even try freezing the stuffed toy in advance so getting all the food out takes even more of your dog’s time. If you don't have a puzzle toy, use cardboard boxes (of all sizes), paper towel rolls, PVC pipes with holes drilled into the sides, or just plain old plastic jugs.
Meet Captain Waffles. I Pick Him Up From The Pound Tomorrow!
From Stray To Adopted And Then Returned, Penelope Has Finally Found Her Forever Home And We Love Her To Pieces
My opinion: I think we shouldn't judge people who return adopted dogs, without understanding the reason. Returning the dogs, instead of abusing or neglecting them, for whatever reason, is a good act. Note, not every animal that gets adopted goes to a good home.
Joy Is Having An Adopted Puppy Fall Asleep On Your Chest On A Saturday Morning
- Set up a scavenger hunt so your pup can put their powerful nose to work. Hide treats around a room in partial view, or even in cardboard boxes, empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls, cereal boxes, or egg cartons, to be discovered. If you have a yard, simply toss your dog’s kibble in the grass for him to search for his meal.
- Engage your dog in short, empowering, training exercises such as targeting your hand or a particular object or learning “sit”, “down” and “come. If your pup already knows the basics, look for trick training books or videos to learn more advanced skills like “spin” or “roll over.” If you want help with training, many professional dog trainers are offering virtual coaching.
Just Adopted This Little Cutie, Meet Sally The 8 Week Old Sausage Dog Pup
I Adopted This Kitty Yesterday! She’s A 10 Year Old Calico
My TNR Ragnar. "He's To Feral For Adoption"
My girl had "behavioral issues", snarling/hissing/growling and was red tagged (24 hour hold for euthanasia). The attendant let me adopt her and she never leaves my side. She still snarls/hisses/growls, but, only at the floor, wall or ceiling. She's a goof!
For cats:
- Offer their meals or treats out of food puzzle toys.
- Provide objects for them to explore, such as cardboard boxes, paper shopping bags (with the handles cut off), bottle caps, packing paper, and toys that encourage them to investigate various openings with their paws.
We Got Him From A Local Shelter
Business in the front and party in the back? Either way, a majestic looking cat. Please post a photo when his coat grows back. :)
We Adopted Bosch 2 Weeks Ago, Kept Stealing The Kids Teddies So We Got Him His Own
My rescue stole his sister's (my daughter's) pillow, blanket and stuffie the first day. We got him his own and for ten years he has had his own. If he gets tired of his then he steals sissy's and we know it is time to upgrade.
Diego
- Train your cat to learn useful behaviors and fun tricks, like “sit”, “come”, hand target, “shake” and fetch.
- Position bird and squirrel feeders outside windows where your cat can observe animals coming and going during the day or even try playing videos of birds and squirrels on your tv, computer, or phone!
Adopted This Sweetie Today
Meet Luna, I'm Finishing The Adoption Paperwork Tomorrow And Picking Her Up!
We Just Got This Little One. Her Name Is Minerva
It's important to consider what your pet can do while they're spending time alone. As regular work and school routines are returning, your pet may be left confused (and lonely!) once everyone is rushing out the door instead of spending time inside.
Even while you and your family are home, prepare your pet by allowing them to spend comfortable time alone throughout the day.
Adopted Leo 3 Days Ago. He Finally Came Out From Hiding Under The Couch
He probably confused the dust bunnies for fellow fluffy kitties. :)
Adopted This Sweet Bonded Pair On Saturday. Over The Past Five Months We Lost All 4 Of Our Senior Cats… These Two Are Sure Helping Heal Our Hearts
We Adopted This Darling Last Night, Her Litter Was Rescued From A New Mexico Reservation. Name Ideas?
Nemeres.....New Mexico reservation. Kind of like west Virginia did with cabway lingo
She has a thunderbird on her chest. How about Thunderbird, or Birdie for short.
Would love to adopt this puppy but sadly I cannot, I live in company housing a day they have a "no dogs, no pets" policy.
Whiskers .for looking at this handsome dog looks like he has white whiskers..
He’s smart and possibly an old soul - there’s wisdom in those puppy eyes
Why not call her DARLING? I had one called Sugar. She looks sweet and loving.
Create a cozy, inviting place for your dog or cat to nap away from all the activity. You can also put on some soothing music or radio.
You can also offer your dog tasty chews to keep them busy—you can purchase all sorts of interesting and easily digestible chews online, such as bully sticks, tendons, tracheas, scapulas, and cheek rolls.
There are many free game apps for cats to play with on their own but you can also find plenty of battery-operated toys to keep them busy.
Again, remember that both dogs and cats will be entertained for some time with an interactive food-puzzle toy!
For more how-tos, guidelines, case studies, and other information, visit the ASPCA resource library.
Just Adopted This Goofball
The Two Kittens We Just Adopted!
Just Adopted My First Cat, I Think He Likes It Here!
This Bb I Just Adopted Bears An Uncanny Resemblance To This Cat In A Portrait I Thrifted Years Ago!
Adopting Bonnie Was The Best Thing I’ve Done For Myself In A Long Time. Welcome Home Little One
Adopted Two Kittens, Now They’re Best Friends. Meet Felix And Niko!
Adopted A New Dog Today. She Is Fitting In Perfectly Already
This Is Téo, A New Friend At Our Cat Shelter
It has been a week and a half since my baby girl, Evie, passed away. Evie was a Boxer and we adopted her 9 years ago from a shelter when she was around a year or two old. She was found wandering the streets of a large city and the shelter took her in. She was the most loving dog I have ever owned. She had a great personality too. She would howl/talk with me and my son. She would argue with us too, we had a hard time telling her no. She loved to play and loved walks. She also loved to cuddle and thought she was a lap dog. If I was having a bad day, she would literally come up and lean her head on my shoulder and if I gave her hugs, she would hug right back. I miss her so very much! I have her ashes in a cedar box with her picture on it. I talk to her all the time still. I plan to adopt another dog from a shelter/pound down the road. While no one could replace Evie, I still have love to give to another dog or two. May she rest in peace <3 (This is her, she hated to get her pic taken) Sweet-Baby...68bc8f.jpg
Beautiful girl. I hope it starts to hurt less soon....i Lost my GSD girl 4 years ago and its still hard. I have a GSD that Will be 3 yo soon and i just can't see myself being without a 4pawed friend again.
Load More Replies...All very sweet and cuddly! Never understood people asking total strangers to name their furry kids, though. Animals, like humans, are unique and have developing personalities that take more than a few minutes to unfold. Give them time, a day or two at least, and they'll show you their name.
It's fun though. We just kept the names the rescue gave them. Obviously nicknames came later
Load More Replies...Today's my uncles birthday and he was just approved to adopt a puppy at the local SPCA. He and my aunt had to say goodbye to their old boy last summer after almost 14 years. Best birthday present!
God bless you. I know they'll bring you joy beyond your wildest dreams. So beautiful
I bought my dog, a St Bernard, from a reputable breeder. Nothing wrong with buying a dog unless it’s from a puppy mill or it’s a Pit bull. Stop acting like a hero if you got your dog without knowing it’s past. Refer to your dog as “my dog” not “my rescue” like you jumped on top of it while a bomb was falling.
But what the hell is wrong with a Pitbull? Read on the history of the breed and don't be ignorant. Saints aren't all perfect. I knew one, raised well from a pup, who went mean and had to be put down.
Load More Replies...It has been a week and a half since my baby girl, Evie, passed away. Evie was a Boxer and we adopted her 9 years ago from a shelter when she was around a year or two old. She was found wandering the streets of a large city and the shelter took her in. She was the most loving dog I have ever owned. She had a great personality too. She would howl/talk with me and my son. She would argue with us too, we had a hard time telling her no. She loved to play and loved walks. She also loved to cuddle and thought she was a lap dog. If I was having a bad day, she would literally come up and lean her head on my shoulder and if I gave her hugs, she would hug right back. I miss her so very much! I have her ashes in a cedar box with her picture on it. I talk to her all the time still. I plan to adopt another dog from a shelter/pound down the road. While no one could replace Evie, I still have love to give to another dog or two. May she rest in peace <3 (This is her, she hated to get her pic taken) Sweet-Baby...68bc8f.jpg
Beautiful girl. I hope it starts to hurt less soon....i Lost my GSD girl 4 years ago and its still hard. I have a GSD that Will be 3 yo soon and i just can't see myself being without a 4pawed friend again.
Load More Replies...All very sweet and cuddly! Never understood people asking total strangers to name their furry kids, though. Animals, like humans, are unique and have developing personalities that take more than a few minutes to unfold. Give them time, a day or two at least, and they'll show you their name.
It's fun though. We just kept the names the rescue gave them. Obviously nicknames came later
Load More Replies...Today's my uncles birthday and he was just approved to adopt a puppy at the local SPCA. He and my aunt had to say goodbye to their old boy last summer after almost 14 years. Best birthday present!
God bless you. I know they'll bring you joy beyond your wildest dreams. So beautiful
I bought my dog, a St Bernard, from a reputable breeder. Nothing wrong with buying a dog unless it’s from a puppy mill or it’s a Pit bull. Stop acting like a hero if you got your dog without knowing it’s past. Refer to your dog as “my dog” not “my rescue” like you jumped on top of it while a bomb was falling.
But what the hell is wrong with a Pitbull? Read on the history of the breed and don't be ignorant. Saints aren't all perfect. I knew one, raised well from a pup, who went mean and had to be put down.
Load More Replies...