Bored Panda
40 Most Wholesome Rescue Pet Photos Of This Month (February Edition)
AnimalsFEB 28, 2020

40 Most Wholesome Rescue Pet Photos Of This Month (February Edition)

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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 pet adoption. 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 adorable pets 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 animal rescue 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 visiting an animal shelter.

#1 We Rescued This Little Guy From The Streets. His Face Can Melt Hearts...

We Rescued This Little Guy From The Streets. His Face Can Melt Hearts...
731points

#2 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

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
730points

#3 This Is Aretha, A Rescue Cow. She Groomed My Legs With Her Tongue Then Fell Asleep. She’s A Good Girl

This Is Aretha, A Rescue Cow. She Groomed My Legs With Her Tongue Then Fell Asleep. She’s A Good Girl
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730points

Kelly DiCicco, the manager at the ASPCA Adoption Center, told Bored Panda 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 one of those adorable animals, 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 Got A New Puppy And He Doesn’t Like Sleeping Alone. Came Downstairs To This

Got A New Puppy And He Doesn’t Like Sleeping Alone. Came Downstairs To This
730points

#5 The Day I Adopted Her

The Day I Adopted Her
729points

#6 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.

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.
728points

There are countless benefits of adopting from a dog shelter, 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 cute pet without supporting this flawed practice.

#7 The Love Of A Rescue Dog

The Love Of A Rescue Dog
727points

#8 This Is Milo The Rescue Kitty. She Is Blind So I Remind Her About 20 Times A Day Of How Beautiful She Is

This Is Milo The Rescue Kitty. She Is Blind So I Remind Her About 20 Times A Day Of How Beautiful She Is
726points

#9 Couldn’t Decide A Name So I Just Kept Calling Her Little. So Meet Little!

Couldn’t Decide A Name So I Just Kept Calling Her Little. So Meet Little!
724points

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.

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.
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700points

#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

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
692points

#12 We Just Adopted This Little Guy Today! Say Hi To Nugget! (Or As I Like To Call Him: Dr. Robotnug)

We Just Adopted This Little Guy Today! Say Hi To Nugget! (Or As I Like To Call Him: Dr. Robotnug)
690points

#13 My Cat Had Anxiety Issues, So We Adopted A Little Sister For Him

My Cat Had Anxiety Issues, So We Adopted A Little Sister For Him
678points

#14 Girlfriend And I Adopted A Puppy, Meet Scarlet Batdog

Girlfriend And I Adopted A Puppy, Meet Scarlet Batdog
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676points

#15 Adopted Her Today! Finally Peeking Out Of The Couch

Adopted Her Today! Finally Peeking Out Of The Couch
661points

#16 Everyone Meet My Tripawd Buddy!! All Healed Up And Living His Best Life!!

Everyone Meet My Tripawd Buddy!! All Healed Up And Living His Best Life!!
652points

#17 My Ancient Rescue Pupper In His Trailer. He Is 13 And Goes Everywhere With Me, Even Out On The Bike.

My Ancient Rescue Pupper In His Trailer. He Is 13 And Goes Everywhere With Me, Even Out On The Bike.
646points

#18 My Grandma Just Adopted Him

My Grandma Just Adopted Him
636points

#19 Our Rescue Pandora Has A Split Face And Majestic Eyes

Our Rescue Pandora Has A Split Face And Majestic Eyes
629points

#20 Met My Best Friend Yesterday And Brought Him Home!

Met My Best Friend Yesterday And Brought Him Home!
629points
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