We spend huge lumps of money looking for happiness—some sense of fulfillment—hoping it can be bought, achieved, consumed, or traveled to. What if the answer has been staring right at you, wagging its tail, twitching its whiskers, and sniffing the air with that mysteriously moist nose?
There aren’t many decisions in life as rewarding and life-changing as adopting a pet. Just think about it—you save a life and get a best friend for life. Bored Panda has compiled a list of newly adopted animal testimonials of the month, because nothing makes us so happy as these cutie pies settling into their brand new families.
More boosts for your happiness hormones—aka endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, we miss you guys!—await you at our previous wholesome rescue pet compilations here, here, and here. Also, scroll down to read Bored Panda’s interview with Kelly DiCicco, the manager at the ASPCA Adoption Center, about how animal adoption works in the US and what you need to know before making this decision.
#1 This Is Amy We Rescued Her On Valentine’s Day. She’s Been Living At The Shelter For Over A Year And No One Wanted Her Because She Has Weight Issues. But I Do As Well So We’re On A Diet Together. I’ll Post Updates Of Her Weight Loss Journey
#2 This Is Aretha, A Rescue Cow. She Groomed My Legs With Her Tongue Then Fell Asleep. She’s A Good Girl
#3 Got A New Puppy And He Doesn’t Like Sleeping Alone. Came Downstairs To This
Kelly DiCicco, the manager at the ASPCA Adoption Center, explains that “approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter US animal shelters nationwide every year—3.3 million dogs and 3.2 million cats.” Fortunately, DiCicco has seen a tremendous improvement in the adoption rates around the country, but there are still millions of homeless animals at risk who need a safe and loving home.
If you’re about to adopt a four-legged friend, make sure that everyone in your family is on board. DiCicco said that “the first step when considering adoption is to make sure everyone in the household is ready for the responsibility.” Some of us worry that we might not connect with a shelter dog, but the manager at the ASPCA emphasizes that “these animals truly do have so much love to give.”
#4 My Wife And I Were Warned About Adopting A Second Cat. Within A Few Days, The Older One (Brown) Was Snuggling, Grooming, And Spending Every Minute With Her.
#5 We Rescued This Little Guy From The Streets. His Face Can Melt Hearts...
#6 This Is Milo The Rescue Kitty. She Is Blind So I Remind Her About 20 Times A Day Of How Beautiful She Is
There are countless benefits of adopting a shelter animal, says Kelly DiCicco, from “freeing up space and resources for another animal in need” to “putting an end to cruel breeding facilities.”
For those who don’t know, puppy mills are factory-type breeding facilities that profit from large quantities of animals. The Humane Society of the United States claims that “animals from puppy mills are housed in shockingly poor conditions with improper medical care, and are often very sick and behaviorally troubled as a result.”
They target unsuspecting consumers who shop for animals on the internet, at pet stores, or through ads. Turning to an animal shelter is the only safe way to get a canine or a feline friend without supporting this flawed practice.
#7 The Love Of A Rescue Dog
#8 The Day I Adopted Her
#9 Couldn’t Decide A Name So I Just Kept Calling Her Little. So Meet Little!
Most importantly, “Beyond just helping an animal in need, you’re giving your new pet an opportunity to find their voice; to be themselves and get a second chance to become a pet beyond the walls of a shelter.”
Remember that adopting a pet means a commitment for up to 15 years of your life. “Sometimes a match simply doesn’t work out, and that’s okay! Should it not work out, it’s recommended to try rehoming the animal with a friend or family member who may be a better match.” Kelly DiCicco explained that even if you can’t find someone within your network who is better equipped for your pet, you can always reach back out to the shelter and ask for their help. But you’ll never know if you never try!
#10 A Dog And His Best Friend. They Are Purrfect For Each Other. We Adopted The Dog, Then He Begged And Pleaded Till We Took In A Stray That Hangs Out Around Our Home. They Are Inseparable.
#11 Meet Lucy. Our 5 Year Old, Recently Adopted Spaz With A Zest For Life And A Need For Constant Belly Rubs. I Hope She Makes Someone Smile
#12 We Just Adopted This Little Guy Today! Say Hi To Nugget! (Or As I Like To Call Him: Dr. Robotnug)
#13 Girlfriend And I Adopted A Puppy, Meet Scarlet Batdog
#14 My Cat Had Anxiety Issues, So We Adopted A Little Sister For Him
#15 Adopted Her Today! Finally Peeking Out Of The Couch
#16 Everyone Meet My Tripawd Buddy!! All Healed Up And Living His Best Life!!
#17 My Ancient Rescue Pupper In His Trailer. He Is 13 And Goes Everywhere With Me, Even Out On The Bike.
#18 My Grandma Just Adopted Him
#19 Met My Best Friend Yesterday And Brought Him Home!
#20 Our Rescue Pandora Has A Split Face And Majestic Eyes
#21 Adopted This Majestic Floof Today
#22 We Adopted Him As A Pup Without Knowing Exactly What Mix He Was. Little Did We Know He Would Grow Up Into A Purebred Batdog.
#23 Adopted This Little Guy From A Shelter. He Ate A Ton Of Food And Made Himself Right At Home; I Think He Likes It Here
#24 This Is Link! I Adopted Him 3 Days Ago From The Local Shelter. I Was Told He's A Golden Retriever Mix And I Can't Wait To See If He Gets Big Or Stays Small!
#25 Been Wanting To Rescue A Dog For A While, And We Finally Found Our Good Boy!
#26 Our Two Rescue Pups, Monty And Tuck
#27 This Is Chet, A Foster Fail (We Adopted Him)
#28 I Think My Sister's Rescue Cat Is Broken...
#29 My Wife And Adopted A Sick Puppy A Few Weeks Back, And After A Lot Of Love (And Food) He’s Getting Exponentially Cuter
#30 When Your Foster Kittens Match Your Decor! Exhausted From Their First Day Exploring Their New Foster Home
#31 This Is My Rescue Baby, Lucy. She’s About 15 And The Absolute Love Of My Life
#32 I'm Adopting A Chonky Boi!
#33 Say Hello To Bubbles. Rescued As A Stray Kitten At One Month Old
#34 I Just Wanted To Show The World Of Reddit The Most Precious Thing In My World. My Rescue Kitty, Sunshine, Does This Whenever She Wants Belly Rubs. She's Chosen Me As Her Mommy. Hope She Adds Some Sunshine To Your Day.
#35 My Brother’s New Pup, Baker.
#36 I’ve Wanted A Dog For About Ten Years But My Work Or Living Situations Were Never Right. Everything’s Lined Up Now And I’ve Got My Puppy. Just Wanted To Share My Little Dude!
#37 We've Just Adopted These Girls From Our Local Shelter
#38 My Parent’s New Lab Puppy Likes To Stick Her Tongue Out At You
#39 Adopted Kipling A Day Before My Other Cat. You Might Say He's Very Social
#40 My Friend Keeps Sending Me Snaps Of Her New Adoption
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