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Adopting a pet fills a home with joy, laughter, and love, and this October was no exception—it brought together animals and people who were simply meant to be. So, we have collected a bunch of heartwarming photos to celebrate!

Whether depicting kittens curled up in warm blankets, pups discovering cozy sofas, or other gentle souls finally feeling safe in their new families, each image captures a unique and wholesome story.

So as you scroll through, we hope they will remind you that there's still plenty of good in this world.

#1

I’ve Felt A Void In My Life Ever Since My Cat Passed So I Adopted The Saddest Cat At The Shelter

I’ve Felt A Void In My Life Ever Since My Cat Passed So I Adopted The Saddest Cat At The Shelter

Ajamesmccarthy (OP):

After I shared Gregory’s sad eyes many of you asked me for an update - he’s happy now!

ajamesmccarthy , ajamesmccarthy Report

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Surly Scot
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Today I make a new vow - when I need to adopt another cat, I'm going to go to the shelter and say "give me the saddest, longest resident you have here. The one no one's even looked at and is scheduled to be put down soon. Give me the babies no one will love!". Like everyone else, I always wanted the pet I had chosen based on its age or looks, now I know I have to be a better human being and offer love to those not being given love. It's been selfish of me. That changes today.

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#2

Just Adopted This Mostly Blind Beauty From A Local Rescue And Had To Show Her Off. This Is Silverstone, My New Best Friend

Just Adopted This Mostly Blind Beauty From A Local Rescue And Had To Show Her Off. This Is Silverstone, My New Best Friend

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To learn more on the topic, we contacted PAWS, or the Progressive Animal Welfare Society, a non-profit organization based in Lynnwood, Washington, dedicated to promoting animal welfare through various rescue, rehabilitation, and advocacy programs. Established in 1967, PAWS focuses on rescuing and caring for domestic animals as well as injured, orphaned, and sick wildlife.

According to them, one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding pet adoption is that it'll be easy to integrate a new animal into your home. "It takes work and patience for everyone to adjust and get to know each other," PAWS told Bored Panda. "It usually takes at least a couple weeks for an animal to really settle into their new environment."

Another myth is that by getting an older pet you won't be able to form the same kind of bond as you would by young one. "It's simply not true and you can form amazing relationships!"

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#3

Adopted This One Eared Kitten That Was Found Covered In Blood Along Side The Road After Having His Ear And Drum Ripped Out. Welcome Home Vincent (Van Gogh). We Call Him Vinnie Too

Adopted This One Eared Kitten That Was Found Covered In Blood Along Side The Road After Having His Ear And Drum Ripped Out. Welcome Home Vincent (Van Gogh). We Call Him Vinnie Too

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#4

My Mother Adopted An Adult Cat

My Mother Adopted An Adult Cat

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Littlemiss
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yay! They're usually some of the hardest to adopt out sadly. Along with black coloured animals.

Miss Tinker
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hit the trifecta with my boy, he’s an old, black FIV+ cat. I hadn’t planned to adopt him, he doesn’t get on with my other 2 cats & has cost me a lot of money but I love him to bits & know I was meant to find him 🐈‍⬛❤️😉

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tee-lena
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Their personalities are much more evident when you adopt adult pets.my Lena was 1 when I got her. She's a genuine support cat.drs papers and everything. She can handle my emotional states. Most pets couldn't. In fact my other cat couldn't that's why we looked for her. Pain causes noises most cats can't handle. She's amazing!

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Lorraine Woollands
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My little girl was four years old when I adopted her after I lost my little dog. I have had her two years now, she is the gentlest baby that loves to sleep on my legs when I am with the blanket over my legs

Daniele Ribolla
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it's beautiful!! ❤️❤️❤️ and same are you and your family ❤️❤️❤️

Lesbitarian Lady
Community Member
Premium
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always adopt the adults, most people get kittens, the adults need to be adopted too

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

Age has nothing to do with finding a BFF. Happy Trails to you both!

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#5

I Recently Adopted This Guy Off The Streets And He Is My Everything

I Recently Adopted This Guy Off The Streets And He Is My Everything

A friend found this pup wandering the streets and nobody had claimed him from them so I took a leap and took him in. I’m not sure what breed he is other than some terrier mix with maybe some schnauzer. He turned out to be such a loving and fun dog with the best personality. He’s really just happy to have a home and be along for the ride.

LeonardMcWhoopass Report

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Multa Nocte
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thank every single person who ever took in and cared for an animal like this.

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Around 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters every year. Of those, approximately 3.1 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats.

Some estimate that the number has declined from approximately 7.2 million in 2011, with the biggest decrease being in dogs—from 3.9 million to 3.1 million.

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#6

Adopting This Boy From The Shelter

Adopting This Boy From The Shelter

I just want to share how this boy looks at me when he is next to me. His name is Titus, and I found him when I was volunteering to run dogs at a local shelter.
I decided on adopting him almost instantly.

dunsets Report

#7

Adopted A 17 Year Old Cat Today Meet Moppie

Adopted A 17 Year Old Cat Today Meet Moppie

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#8

I Adopted My First Dog The Other Day. Meet Chip

I Adopted My First Dog The Other Day. Meet Chip

They said he is 12, but I think he’s more than likely 8-9. His owner went into hospice, and she said he was 17. He is a total love bug, and I will cherish whatever time he gets to spend with us. He is a Cockalier, according to the rescue.

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About 810,000 animals (710,000 dogs and 100,000 cats) who enter shelters as strays are returned to their owners each year.

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Additionally, roughly 4.1 million are adopted.

"Adopting an animal means the agency you adopted from can then bring in and help another homeless animal, so by adopting one animal you are helping 2!" the staff at PAWS said. "It also just continues to support that agency so they can keep doing good work."

#9

Adopted An Abused Cat With Both Back Paws Missing

Adopted An Abused Cat With Both Back Paws Missing

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#10

The Cat I Adopted Has A Cleft Lip, So His Teefies Are Always On Show

The Cat I Adopted Has A Cleft Lip, So His Teefies Are Always On Show

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#12

I Have Adopted A Kitten From An Animal Rescue. I Looking Forward To Get To Know This Little Kitten

I Have Adopted A Kitten From An Animal Rescue. I Looking Forward To Get To Know This Little Kitten

Ryan_The_Punk_Rocker Report

Getting a new pet is incredibly exciting, however, it's crucial to remember that it comes with responsibilities. Pets need time, attention, and financial support for their care, so it's essential to be prepared for the commitment and duties.

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In a survey of 856 people who considered acquiring or did acquire a pet in the last 12 months; 70% of them got, or wanted to get, dogs and 30% picked cats.

#13

My New Adopted Bun, Muffin

My New Adopted Bun, Muffin

I’m a wildlife rehabber and got a call from an animal control officer about this sweet baby being abandoned in an apartment. They didn’t want him anymore, and when they were evicted left him behind. His cage was tiny and dirty. His fur seemed like it never got pet or brushed, and was shedding so much. I couldn’t not save him. Now he’s spoiled, with half of my apartment to roam while I work on bunny-proofing the rest. He loves his toys and food, and loves getting attention. He boops our legs and puts his little head down to get pet. He’s the most lovey bunny I’ve ever met with the sweetest little face. And he’s huge!! I put the photo of how the officer found him in there too.

faezaria Report

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Indy
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bun buns are so funny and awesome. I miss having them. I'm really allergic to hay and their fur but I didn't care. It was worth it.

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#14

So, I Was Adopted By This Feral Cat

So, I Was Adopted By This Feral Cat

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#15

Meet Opal, All 1.14 Lbs Of Her

Meet Opal, All 1.14 Lbs Of Her

We brought her home last night. I work at an animal shelter and will bring her back for alteration once she reaches 2 lbs. First kitten I’ve adopted in my 10 years of working there!

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#16

Just Adopted My First Ever Orange Cat! She’s A Very Special Orange Girl - Haven’t Fully Settled On A Name Yet But I’m Leaning Towards Schnitzel

Just Adopted My First Ever Orange Cat! She’s A Very Special Orange Girl - Haven’t Fully Settled On A Name Yet But I’m Leaning Towards Schnitzel

wangzapper Report

The survey also showed that people still see animal welfare organizations as good places to find their next furry family member. That’s especially the case for dogs, with 39% of respondents noting they went to a shelter or rescue to adopt. Breeders made up 30%.

In the vast majority of those cases, people got their cat from a friend or family member (67%) or via a connection through a friend or family member (22%). Cats were far less frequently acquired from a breeder (7%).

#17

Just Adopted This Tiny Senior Lady!

Just Adopted This Tiny Senior Lady!

Meet Palmerina, aka Pom-Pom! She’s a sweet, shy, and surprisingly spry 13-ish-year-old gal, and my very first cow cat!

I’m notoriously powerless in the face of senior cats in need, so I adopted her a couple of weeks ago with very little notice.

Her purrs vibrate my whole couch, and her scratchy little meow greetings sounds like a retiree who’s smoked 3 packs of Virginia Slims per day for forty years, and, darn it, isn’t about to quit now. So, basically, she’s strange, very petite, and perfect.

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#18

Newest Foster Dog Needs A Name

Newest Foster Dog Needs A Name

Her rescue name was Corina, she was adopted 7 months ago (they named her Remi) and returned today. I was her previous foster and I took her back. I will likely adopt her as well. I want a funny name for her. She was brought to Miami Dade animal services, she has no eyes due to previous emergency surgeries.

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#19

Triple Foster Fail

Triple Foster Fail

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Otto Nilo
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Congrats Congrats Congrats. i give you triple congratulations

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However, if you too want to adopt an animal, be prepared to invest some time. While 71% of respondents who got a new cat said it took them less than a month, only 51% of people acquiring dogs did so in fewer than 30 days.

#21

Welcome To The Pack, Odin!

Welcome To The Pack, Odin!

On Sunday, we welcomed home Odin - he’s the multicolored one in these photos. The white one is our 8 year old boy, Ragnar.

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#22

After Nearly A Year Of Fostering, Nova Officially Became A Member Of The Family

After Nearly A Year Of Fostering, Nova Officially Became A Member Of The Family

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Multa Nocte
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I could never give an animal up after a year. I only fostered once and it broke my heart.

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#23

The Cat We Adopted Today

The Cat We Adopted Today

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#24

I Adopted This Sweet Old Lady Whisper (Estimated 10-11), She’s Such A Sweetheart Despite What She’s Been Through!

I Adopted This Sweet Old Lady Whisper (Estimated 10-11), She’s Such A Sweetheart Despite What She’s Been Through!

She was a stray majority of her life, and was up for adoption for several years before I took her in. She’s had her pelvis broken in a standup against a stray dog, stood up for herself against other stray cats, on top of having stomatitis. Her foster mom was looking after here for some time and held onto the hope that someone would take Whisper in, since she really loved being indoors and snuggling. I hope I can give her a happy life for however long she has. She’s a strong little girl with such a gentle spirit.

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Those who are not sure which animal they want shouldn't rush their decision. "Do a lot of research, talk to people who own those types of pets, look into becoming a foster parent, or a pet sitter to get some experience with that type of animal and see how it goes," the team at PAWS said.

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Patience is key for the best match!

#25

Rescued This Little Guy From The Animal Control Center Yesterday

Rescued This Little Guy From The Animal Control Center Yesterday

Got him from a sheriff-run animal control center after seeing a post about how 12 dogs will be euthanized this weekend. They waived all adoption fees (usually $70 there!) to get animals out yesterday. He is so small and skinny, probably max 3 lbs right now. He was listed as a stray since he was found outside, bone thin, with no microchip or neutering (they neutered before I adopted). But he is already house-trained and very loving! Welcome home Churro.

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#26

No One Ever Told Me Before Adopting My First Dog How Hard It Would Be To Say No

No One Ever Told Me Before Adopting My First Dog How Hard It Would Be To Say No

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#27

Adopted These 11 Year Old Twins From A Shelter

Adopted These 11 Year Old Twins From A Shelter

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#29

Tortie Adopted At Austin Animal Center

Tortie Adopted At Austin Animal Center

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#31

Adopted My Cr*ckhead Neighbors Abandoned Dog. Idk If I’ll Get In Trouble If They Ask For Her

Adopted My Cr*ckhead Neighbors Abandoned Dog. Idk If I’ll Get In Trouble If They Ask For Her

They never took good care of her especially when she had puppies. She’s an outside dog always has been and recently her grown up son who is still a puppy but is very large for his age was taken by animal control and she almost was taken as well but managed to flee two times so I leashed her on my house because the neighbor allowed them to be taken.

She’s been the best, I’ve known her as a street dog for two years and when we go on walks she listens when I say no, I always have her leashed at all times I’ve always had anger on pit bulls but she’s the only exception for me I’m still trying to train her slowly because Ik she is an adult already. If you have any tips I’m here to hear you out I’m also in process of chipping her and giving the right vaccines.

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#32

This Cat Literally Adopted Me, Not The Other Way Around

This Cat Literally Adopted Me, Not The Other Way Around

Meet Minka! This little adorable rat literally hopped on my lap as I got in my vehicle to go to the gym. She wouldn't stop purring and loving on me. I just had to take her home...

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#34

Update To My Adoption Question! It Happened!!!! And Everything Is Oh So Good

Update To My Adoption Question! It Happened!!!! And Everything Is Oh So Good

Here’s some quick pictures of Ranja with my husband.
Ranja is the sweetest boy. He has some quirks to work through thanks to his life experiences so far, but they are nothing we can’t help him get through. He’s amazing with kids, super polite but excited to meet and play with other dogs. When it comes to my old man Lou, he is kind, he is patient, he is gentle and he is loving.
Our watchful eyes won’t leave them for a long time, but, my goodness, everything is peaceful and happy so far.

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#35

Adopted A Cat As My Very First Pet! She's Settling In Quite Nicely

Adopted A Cat As My Very First Pet! She's Settling In Quite Nicely

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#36

Just Adopted Yesterday! He’s Already So Loved

Just Adopted Yesterday! He’s Already So Loved

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#37

Adopted My Mil’s Dog

Adopted My Mil’s Dog

We recently adopted my soon to be MIL’s dog. His mom is in pretty bad active addiction and the dog was living a a neighbors house (also an addict) because they “have air conditioning” I think she really just didn’t want her anymore because she has another dog that’s younger that lives with her) I’ve known this dog and had a bond with her for 8 years. She’s a senior now and she was a rescue when my MIL first got her. We have no idea where she came from, or how old she is exactly. I would have to guess she’s about 11/12.

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#38

She’s The Barn Cat Who Has Adopted Me. Took This Just Now

She’s The Barn Cat Who Has Adopted Me. Took This Just Now

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#39

I Just Adopted These Two Sweet Dogs From The Shelter Today. We Decided To Name The One On The Left Henry. Any Suggestions For What To Call The Other One?

I Just Adopted These Two Sweet Dogs From The Shelter Today. We Decided To Name The One On The Left Henry. Any Suggestions For What To Call The Other One?

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#40

Bought A House And Finally Adopted A Cat

Bought A House And Finally Adopted A Cat

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#41

My Childhood Dog Passed Away In March. Last Week, My Mom Brought In This Injured Stray. I've Adopted Him. Meet Harvey Dent

My Childhood Dog Passed Away In March. Last Week, My Mom Brought In This Injured Stray. I've Adopted Him. Meet Harvey Dent

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#44

I Adopted This Lil Standard Issue Cat

I Adopted This Lil Standard Issue Cat

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#46

As A Newly Cat Parent, I Wanted To Share My Baby, Butters

As A Newly Cat Parent, I Wanted To Share My Baby, Butters

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#48

My New Dog I Adopted

My New Dog I Adopted

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#49

What Kind Of Dog Is This. Adopted From A K*ll Shelter

What Kind Of Dog Is This. Adopted From A K*ll Shelter

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#50

It's Only Three Weeks Old And So Cute! My Friend's Cat Gave Birth To 4, Which I Just Adopted

It's Only Three Weeks Old And So Cute! My Friend's Cat Gave Birth To 4, Which I Just Adopted

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Ellisdogs
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please tell me you didn't take a kitten from it's mother at just three weeks old...

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Note: this post originally had 91 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.