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Too many animals end up neglected or in abusive hands of people who were supposed to love them. Deprived of human affection and care, they often lose hope for what the future holds. And while for some, there’s not much in there, a few lucky ones are given a second chance in their new forever home.

If you've ever adopted an animal who has seen and experienced things no living being should ever endure, you’d know how hard it is for them to regain their trust in humans. But love and time are the two most powerful things that heal all wounds, and this post is a tribute to that.

Below are some of the most inspirational and emotional photos of cats before and after adoption as shared on the tear-jerking r/BeforeNAfterAdoption subreddit. More happy endings of animals who were happily adopted can be found in our previous posts here, here and here.

#1

Hazel Was A Stray Who Was Rescued After Being Caught In A Steel Trap For An Estimated 5 Days. She Lost Her Leg But Found Her Home With Me! This Is 8 Weeks After Coming Home

Hazel Was A Stray Who Was Rescued After Being Caught In A Steel Trap For An Estimated 5 Days. She Lost Her Leg But Found Her Home With Me! This Is 8 Weeks After Coming Home

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    #2

    10 Months Ago I Found This Little Guy Abandoned And Starving, Now He's A Pampered Little Prince

    10 Months Ago I Found This Little Guy Abandoned And Starving, Now He's A Pampered Little Prince

    NeverTheRani Report

    #3

    This Guy Showed Up On Our Porch One Day

    This Guy Showed Up On Our Porch One Day

    He was emaciated, dirty brown fur, covered with ants, cross eyed and barely alive. The humane society wouldn’t take him because he was in such bad shape. So we kept him and named him Knut. He turned into a fluffy white monster.

    knut22 Report

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

    How can a humane society refuse to take in a cat because it's in bad shape? That's appalling

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

    I adopted my two kitties from an awesome local rescue centre. They've had to turn a lot of cats away recently because they're absolutely swamped and no one is adopting (lockdown over?) so they simply don't have the room. They're all volunteer fosters. It's heartbreaking, particularly when they get the emotional blackmail - 'Well, if you don't take the kitten, then I'll just take it to the vet to be put down' - but sometimes we can't assume that someone else is able to help and just have to step up ourselves - as this person obviously did.

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

    I think that society needs to give up it's name as it clearly doesn't know the meaning of the word.

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

    Kindness and love. What more can anyone or cat, dog, animal, human, plant ask for?

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

    Humane Society would not take him??!! Do they not understand their purpose?!

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

    You did great ! Looks like a completely different cat Knut lis a lovely white monster!

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

    They have the nerve to call themselves Humane Society? Nothing humane about turning a sick animal desperately needing help away is there?

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

    I noticed the change in eye color as well but I'm assuming it must just be the picture. If you look closely at the cat's markings it is clearly the same cat.

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    To find out what we all need to know before adopting a cat, Bored Panda reached out to Hannah Baker, a head of communications at FOUR PAWS in the UK. This charity organization was founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, and now has spread worldwide, advocating for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding.

    In the wake of COVID-19 and the repeated lockdowns, it is likely that both dog and cat rehoming centers will see an influx of animals being handed over and looking for new forever homes,” Hannah said when asked if cats or dogs end up in shelters more often.

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    #4

    Parker, The Sickly Stray 5 Week Old Kitten I Found In A Parking Lot At Work Three Years Ago

    Parker, The Sickly Stray 5 Week Old Kitten I Found In A Parking Lot At Work Three Years Ago

    nottodaykitten Report

    #5

    My Rescue’s Transformation

    My Rescue’s Transformation

    hour-indication Report

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

    Waouw, that's in impressive transformation ! Thanks for this beauty !

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    #6

    This Poor 10 Y/O Little Man Took A Year To Go From Brutalized To Healthy And Active

    This Poor 10 Y/O Little Man Took A Year To Go From Brutalized To Healthy And Active

    Vealophile Report

    When it comes to the adoption procedure, taking a cat back to its new forever home is much like the process with adopting a dog, Hannah said. “FOUR PAWS advocates adoption when looking for a new four-legged friend and as such would recommend researching the local rehoming centers near to you. They will then review your lifestyle and advise on the cats that would be suitable for you.”

    #7

    Found Him Dehydrated In The High Summer Heat. Didn't Plan On Keeping Him Initially But A Few Years Later And I Can Never Leave Him!

    Found Him Dehydrated In The High Summer Heat. Didn't Plan On Keeping Him Initially But A Few Years Later And I Can Never Leave Him!

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

    This is how you get a cat! ... no... this is how you get a friend for life!

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    #8

    From Scrawny Stray, To Lovely House Kitty

    From Scrawny Stray, To Lovely House Kitty

    bmeridian Report

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

    Awww, what a look he has in the first pic: "Are you my new mommy?" :)

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    #9

    My Baby Boy, Tom. The Day I Found Him And Now, 18 Months Later. He's Grown Into A Very Handsome Boy!

    My Baby Boy, Tom. The Day I Found Him And Now, 18 Months Later. He's Grown Into A Very Handsome Boy!

    niamhish Report

    FOUR PAWS has a handy checklist that can help people decide if they’re ready for a feline friend. Turns out, if you’re thinking of adopting a cat, you should imagine when you’re already a cat owner. The somewhat humorous check point list includes things that you will be willing to do as a new feline owner.

    For example, Remove 'cat hair' from your clothes; Regularly clean out the 'cat food bowl'; Weekend? Get up early!; Train your cat to use a transport box; Read your rental agreement on pet keeping; Make your home cat-secure; Imagine claw marks on your couch; Groom your 'cat'; Take an allergy test; Imagine the dead birds and mice your cat might bring into the house, etc.

    #10

    The Day I Found Them Abandoned In A Cardboard Box, 1 Month, 2 Months And Likely Half Their Body Weight Of Worms Later

    The Day I Found Them Abandoned In A Cardboard Box, 1 Month, 2 Months And Likely Half Their Body Weight Of Worms Later

    Dodoritos Report

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

    I would have to beat some ass if I found someone dumping helpless kitten like that.

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    #11

    Cicero Came To Us Dehydrated, Anemic, And Encrusted With Snot. Now He's A Glorious Fluffy Boy!

    Cicero Came To Us Dehydrated, Anemic, And Encrusted With Snot. Now He's A Glorious Fluffy Boy!

    Gingerdressing Report

    #12

    I Found This Kitten Last Summer In A Sealed Box Near The Road We Rode

    I Found This Kitten Last Summer In A Sealed Box Near The Road We Rode

    I don't know why I decied to stop and check it. Now he is a big cat and lives in this new family with his new friend.

    catrescueeveryday Report

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

    F**k I hate people.. what is the damn thought process that makes you do something like this? A sealed f*****g box? Seriously?

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    “It’s also important to remember that like any pet, a cat is a lifelong commitment and it’s necessary to consider if you’ll be keeping your cat indoors or if they’ll be allowed to go outside, do you have a preference over gender, what home comforts do they need, etc.,” Hannah said and concluded that “Cats can bring so much to our lives but it’s vital to ensure that you have thought long and hard about adding one to your home.”

    #13

    To Think That Luna Used To Fit In The Palm Of My Hand

    To Think That Luna Used To Fit In The Palm Of My Hand

    EmiGawd Report

    #14

    This Tiny Girl Was Found Abandoned (We Think Dumped), Injured, And Couldn't See

    This Tiny Girl Was Found Abandoned (We Think Dumped), Injured, And Couldn't See

    We didn't think she would make it through the first night. After three weeks, she can see and has more energy than I can sometimes handle

    kitkatbloo Report

    #15

    I Trapped Sushi When He Was 17 Weeks Old With An Infected Neck Wound. 8 Months Later, Love And Patience Have Turned My Former Feral Into A Cuddle-Loving Cat

    I Trapped Sushi When He Was 17 Weeks Old With An Infected Neck Wound. 8 Months Later, Love And Patience Have Turned My Former Feral Into A Cuddle-Loving Cat

    kittyandmarley Report

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

    Feral rescues are so worth it, my little wild child Zookie took over 5 months and is now laying on my lap purring away while looking at these.

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    #18

    After My Cat Died I Decided To Pick Up This Small Guy Who Looked Healthy When We Got Him, But We Soon Learned He Had A Horrible Ringworm Infestation. I Spent The Next 4 Months Healing This Little Guy

    After My Cat Died I Decided To Pick Up This Small Guy Who Looked Healthy When We Got Him, But We Soon Learned He Had A Horrible Ringworm Infestation. I Spent The Next 4 Months Healing This Little Guy

    ilDosh Report

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

    Yep, went thru the ringworm phase with my lil calico feral Skritch. She's healthy and happy now living indoors.

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    #19

    Titan, Adopted Through Our Rescue Good Karma. He’s Spoilt!

    Titan, Adopted Through Our Rescue Good Karma. He’s Spoilt!

    gkpetrescue Report

    #20

    Stray That Started Coming By Our Library Staff Parking Lot Got Taken To The Shelter, Now He's Properly Adopted And Enjoys Belly Rubs, Anyway Here's My New Son, Taako

    Stray That Started Coming By Our Library Staff Parking Lot Got Taken To The Shelter, Now He's Properly Adopted And Enjoys Belly Rubs, Anyway Here's My New Son, Taako

    WhaleChief Report

    #21

    What Love And Tons Of Churu Can Do To A Street-Hardened Cat

    What Love And Tons Of Churu Can Do To A Street-Hardened Cat

    tryintobecalm Report

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

    Went from badass and wary to...yeah i'm just gonna stretch out here and soak up some sun lol

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    #22

    A Week After We Rescued This Little Girl. We Have Named Her Shamsie (Sounds Like Tummy)- Arabic For Sunshine

    A Week After We Rescued This Little Girl. We Have Named Her Shamsie (Sounds Like Tummy)- Arabic For Sunshine

    lauragarlic Report

    #23

    Bean Dip. Found By My Girlfriend Under A Pile Of Trash In A Construction Site

    Bean Dip. Found By My Girlfriend Under A Pile Of Trash In A Construction Site

    We nursed her back to health and she now lives with a family member. First three photos are from July of this year, last photo is from two weeks ago. Best thing to happen to me in 2020.

    st-ove Report

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    #25

    This Is Peanut! I Found Him Caught In A Rat Trap And Knew He Had To Have A Second Chance

    This Is Peanut! I Found Him Caught In A Rat Trap And Knew He Had To Have A Second Chance

    I was working in a restaurant when a few of my coworkers were talking about a kitten stuck in one of the rat traps outside. Everyone, including me, thought he had been dead for quite some time. Out of curiosity, I nudged his little feet and he kicked his paws!
     
    It took a few minutes to wiggle him free, and when he opened his mouth to meow at me, his tongue was absolutely covered in rat poison.
     
    I rushed him to our local vet, and thankfully there was an easy solution to his poisoning! My roommate and I paid out of pocket to cover his bill and took him home to rest and recover. Even though he had been through a lot, he wasn’t shy. He crawled into my lap wanting to be petted and held. He meowed and ate without hesitation. I took that as a good sign that he would be just fine. He seemed like he would make the perfect pet for anyone who adores cats.
     
    Sadly, we couldn’t keep him. We have three dogs and not enough room for another animal. But in only just a few days, we found Peanut a new home with a very loving couple and their cat!
     
    Now he has blossomed into a gorgeous kitty who loves attention and his parents! Every now and then, we get updates on the little guy and last I’ve heard, he’s now a dad! I’m so thankful they were able to take him in. I know they’re giving him the best life possible:)
     
    For everyone concerned about Peanut, his litter was unintentional but it was a happy accident to his parents. They kept one and the rest found sweet homes. All animals in the house are now fixed! Thank you for being concerned! And thank you all for getting your fur babies spayed/ neutered!

    sharkslyr Report

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    #26

    My Dumpster Rescue Ophelia At 4 Weeks Old And 4 Months Old With Her New Best Friend

    My Dumpster Rescue Ophelia At 4 Weeks Old And 4 Months Old With Her New Best Friend

    Kimberlybroooke0 Report

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

    The left picture makes me want to cry. Those sad eyes.... Good job giving her a home!

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    #27

    Our Maine Coon Kitten Hemingway’s Shelter Picture Compared To One Week After Bringing Him Home

    Our Maine Coon Kitten Hemingway’s Shelter Picture Compared To One Week After Bringing Him Home

    reddit.com Report

    #28

    Oreo Almost 2 Years Ago vs. Today (Adopted Nov 2019)

    Oreo Almost 2 Years Ago vs. Today (Adopted Nov 2019)

    He was living on the streets with a severe eye infection. The lady that was fostering him said she didn't think he would survive winter had he not been rescued. He's the sweetest baby and I can't imagine my life without him anymore

    howcomeineedusername Report

    #29

    This Dirty But Charismatic Boy Started Hanging Around Outside Our House In The Spring Of 2017

    This Dirty But Charismatic Boy Started Hanging Around Outside Our House In The Spring Of 2017

    We gave him food and shelter, and he found his place in our hearts and in our beds

    MentoIsAFurry Report

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

    This looks so much like my dear boy, who passed away at 20. I love him so much, still.

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    #30

    Just Two Weeks Ago, I Adopted This Tiny 5-Week Old Who Was Rescued From A Busy Wet Market In Manila. She's Now The Cuddliest In The Family

    Just Two Weeks Ago, I Adopted This Tiny 5-Week Old Who Was Rescued From A Busy Wet Market In Manila. She's Now The Cuddliest In The Family

    joothie Report

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

    That's a very big difference in only 2 weeks! Wow

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    #31

    4 Years Ago I Found Him Crying On A Rainy Night & He's My Best Buddy Ever Since. Meet Mavish!

    4 Years Ago I Found Him Crying On A Rainy Night & He's My Best Buddy Ever Since. Meet Mavish!

    gezginrocker Report

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    #32

    We Found Casey As A Stray (Marked With The Cut In His Ear) At A Busy Intersection. While Picking Him Up To Bring Him To Safety, I Noticed He Was Severely Underweight

    We Found Casey As A Stray (Marked With The Cut In His Ear) At A Busy Intersection. While Picking Him Up To Bring Him To Safety, I Noticed He Was Severely Underweight

    We decided to take care of him and give him a warm home!

    Yourice Report

    #33

    From A Tiny Rat Tale Baby Who Didn't Know How To Cat, To A Majestic Floof, Meet Yoda

    From A Tiny Rat Tale Baby Who Didn't Know How To Cat, To A Majestic Floof, Meet Yoda

    reddit.com Report

    #34

    I Fostered Socks And His 4 Siblings Over The Summer - Couldn’t Let Socks Go! He’s Changed So Much Over The Last Several Months!

    I Fostered Socks And His 4 Siblings Over The Summer - Couldn’t Let Socks Go! He’s Changed So Much Over The Last Several Months!

    hrtofdixie Report

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

    Honestly i wouldn't be able to foster! I would end up with 100 cats probably

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    #35

    Someone Left A Cat In The Street When It Was Negative 30 Celsius. I Took Him Home And Found A New Family For Him. And Soon After They Sent Me This Picture (On The Right)

    Someone Left A Cat In The Street When It Was Negative 30 Celsius. I Took Him Home And Found A New Family For Him. And Soon After They Sent Me This Picture (On The Right)

    catrescueeveryday Report

    #36

    When I Got Her She Had Eye Infections, Constant Stomach Issues, And Was Lethargic. 2 Months Later She’s Healthy And Energetic Enough To Terrorize Me Every Day

    When I Got Her She Had Eye Infections, Constant Stomach Issues, And Was Lethargic. 2 Months Later She’s Healthy And Energetic Enough To Terrorize Me Every Day

    flowerbich Report

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    #37

    When I Adopted Her 3 Years Ago Amma Was So Sick With Cat-Flu The Vet Offered To Put Her Down. But Now She's Grown Into A Lovely Lady

    When I Adopted Her 3 Years Ago Amma Was So Sick With Cat-Flu The Vet Offered To Put Her Down. But Now She's Grown Into A Lovely Lady

    NeverTheRani Report

    #38

    From A Little Baby With A Respiratory Infection And Full Of Worms To The Biggest Sweetheart. Tobin Only Has Good Things In His Future From Here On Out

    From A Little Baby With A Respiratory Infection And Full Of Worms To The Biggest Sweetheart. Tobin Only Has Good Things In His Future From Here On Out

    misssinformation Report

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

    I luv you, Tobin! (Seriously, that's the first thought I had when I looked at him.)

    #39

    When We Adopted Her She Had An Eye Infection And Had Just Recovered From Having Worms Literally Crawling Out Both Ends

    When We Adopted Her She Had An Eye Infection And Had Just Recovered From Having Worms Literally Crawling Out Both Ends

    She hid behind the washing machine for days. Now she’s my sweet cuddlebug

    HaltandCatchFire27 Report

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    #40

    Happy First Birthday You Feral Little Man. Please Stop Growing Now. It’s Getting Weird

    Happy First Birthday You Feral Little Man. Please Stop Growing Now. It’s Getting Weird

    lamemo Report

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

    Ha ha ha! Silly Hooman, I will grow if I want, muah ha ha ha! :-))

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    #41

    This Is Riley. She Was One Of A Litter Of Fosters And I Really Thought I Might Lose Her

    This Is Riley. She Was One Of A Litter Of Fosters And I Really Thought I Might Lose Her

    She wasn’t even the runt, but she was so weak. Here she is as a wee kitten, and today. 8 months later. No regrets (only the 2nd keep out of 33 fosters, so Not bad!)

    stoirmeacha Report

    #42

    My Cat, Ringo, Before And 1 Year Later After Adoption

    My Cat, Ringo, Before And 1 Year Later After Adoption

    amirul4240 Report

    #44

    From Tiny Terrified Rescue To Spoiled Red Spectre

    From Tiny Terrified Rescue To Spoiled Red Spectre

    melmoths Report

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

    My Luna has the same fish! Inherited from the big sister she never met, Ebony.

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    #45

    Sad Cat Showed Up At Our Barn Door Three Months Ago, Vision Impaired And With Kidney Disease- 20% Weight Gain So Far With Just A Little Tlc!

    Sad Cat Showed Up At Our Barn Door Three Months Ago, Vision Impaired And With Kidney Disease- 20% Weight Gain So Far With Just A Little Tlc!

    nefariousmango Report

    #46

    One Month Of Penny, My Foster Who Became My New Lifelong Friend

    One Month Of Penny, My Foster Who Became My New Lifelong Friend

    cryingtween Report

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    #47

    These 2 Just Turned 3 Years Old. They’ve Been Inseparable Since The Day I Found Them

    These 2 Just Turned 3 Years Old. They’ve Been Inseparable Since The Day I Found Them

    GoFundMeow Report

    #48

    Helen Was Found At 5 Weeks Old, Underweight, Flea-Ridden And Full Of Parasites. She's Now 4 Months Old, And Ready For Adoption!

    Helen Was Found At 5 Weeks Old, Underweight, Flea-Ridden And Full Of Parasites. She's Now 4 Months Old, And Ready For Adoption!

    RafiDennisAdrianDerk Report

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    #49

    Just A Couple Of Foster Fails. So Glad We Kept Them Together!

    Just A Couple Of Foster Fails. So Glad We Kept Them Together!

    embarrassedofyou Report

    #50

    5 Years Ago Today, We Adopted The Worst "Feral" Barn Cat. Scruffles Is, However, The Most Affectionate, Talkative, And Spoiled Housecat

    5 Years Ago Today, We Adopted The Worst "Feral" Barn Cat. Scruffles Is, However, The Most Affectionate, Talkative, And Spoiled Housecat

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    #51

    It's Bonya's Adoption Anniversary! From 6 Weeks To Over A Year Old

    It's Bonya's Adoption Anniversary! From 6 Weeks To Over A Year Old

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    #53

    This Is Mystee

    This Is Mystee

    KVEJ2002 Report

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