Animals bring so much joy into our lives. They can be our best friends, our loyal companions, our friendly little bundles of fluff, waiting to greet us when we get home and brighten our days when we’re feeling down. Whether it’s a happy dog licking your face at the end of a long walk or a feline friend curling up at your feet, pets of all shapes and sizes can really feel like part of the family.
Unfortunately, it’s a sad fact that in spite of all the innocence and goodness in animals, many people treat them with a total lack of care. Every day, countless dogs, cats, and other furry friends are neglected and abandoned, often ending up in animal shelters, waiting and hoping to find a new family that will truly love and care for them.
Luckily, more and more people are heading to their local shelters to adopt animals, rather than buying direct from breeders or pet shops. It’s always wonderful to give a second chance to an animal in need, and since there are so many inspiring adoption stories out there, we just had to share some of our favorites, complete with adorable pictures of the happy pets in question!
1) ‘She Chose Us’
This gorgeous girl is named Wynne. Her owners say that they didn’t choose her, she chose them. And that’s something that a lot of pet owners feel when adopting a rescue pet.
2) Braving The Flames
This poor little cat was injured in a fire, but somehow managed to recover and found himself a whole new home with a loving family and lots of toys.
3) Fluffball
It’s not just cats and dogs in need of new homes and lots of love. This precious little bunny named Jonah was in need of a new home too and found some special owners to keep him company.
4) One Proud Pup
Before he was adopted, this poor pup was sad and alone, cowering in the corner of his little cell. But after finding a new home, he’s looking bold, proud, and confident.
5) Snuggle Time
A family was originally only planning to adopt one cat, but when the daughter begged her parents to get two instead, they decided to go for it. They made the right decision.
6) The Lucky One
This poor kitty cat was the only one found alive in a box of kittens that had been abandoned. Fortunately, she was nursed back to health and found a loving family. Even with reduced vision, she’s still having a wonderful life.
7) Meow!
Say hi to Jack, the newest member of this happy family. He’s got quite a big cat tree to climb around on in the background. We’re sure he’ll be super happy in this home.
8) Looking Good
This boy was nothing but skin and bone and was scheduled to be put down at the rescue shelter as it seemed like he was doomed to die, but one wonderful woman decided to rescue him.
9) Grandma’s New Best Friend
This elderly lady looks absolutely thrilled with her new canine companion. It can make such a difference to someone’s life to have a pet around the house.
10) A Survivor
If this cat looks a little odd to you, it’s because she had to have facial surgery after being electrocuted and harmed by some horrible people. Luckily, she made it through and is a lot happier now.
11) A Big Bed Just For You
This little kitten was living on the streets only days before this photo was taken. Now, he’s got his very own Queen-size bed.
12) Rags To Riches
Here’s another story that started off in a heartbreaking way but finished up with a very happy ending! This poor husky was neglected, with barely any meat on her bones when she was brought into a local shelter. Now, she’s doing way better.
13) The First Walk
This lovely little boy is out on his first ever walk with his new family. He seems to be enjoying it!
14) Learned A Lesson
This cat was once a stray, taking shelter around cars to try and keep warm. One day, he fell asleep inside a car engine and got terribly injured, losing a part of his ear in the process. Someone took pity on the poor guy and gave him a proper place to sleep.
15) Grumpy Cat
This grumpy girl doesn’t look too pleased to be having her photo taken, but she’s actually very happy in her new forever home. Her previous owners were no longer able to take care of her, but someone else was standing by to welcome her in.
16) From The Streets To The Yard
This dog was also found out on the streets, struggling to survive. Now, his coat is thick and fluffy, his nose is wet, and he never stops smiling.
17) Fur Brothers
This family adopted two kittens from different litters and started to stress out about whether or not they might fight with each other. Then they saw them all snuggled up together like this and knew they had nothing to worry about.
18) A Close Call
The vet worried that this cat wouldn’t make it when she was found in an awful state. But just look at her now, all warm and cozy in a red blanket.
19) Happy?
The previous owner of this cat wanted to get rid of him. Luckily, a nice couple decided to give him a new place to stay. And he’s already making himself right at home!
20) Inseparable
These two dogs lived in a cell together at the rescue shelter. They became friends, and their new owner didn’t want to split them up so decided to adopt both of them.
21) One Eye Is All He Needs
This rescue kitten is named Wednesday and only has one eye. She faces a few more challenges than the average cat, but she’s learned to live with reduced vision and is living happily with her new owner.
22) The King In His Castle
This cat was found in the streets as a kitten and might not have made it without the intervention of one kind family. Now, he’s making the family home his own.
23) Lovely Girl
Did you know that black cats are often overlooked and left behind at rescue shelters? Many people worry that a black cat brings bad luck, so they’re afraid to adopt him. Fortunately, many good people can see beyond that silly superstition and get lovely pets in the end.
24) Splish Splash
Look how happy this lovely dog looks, splishing and splashing in that little pool. She was actually found in Iran by a US soldier who decided to bring her back to America.
25) Best Buds
For anyone who thinks cats and dogs can’t be friends, just look at these two buddies! Maybe they bonded over the fact that they were both rescued from shelters.
26) So Fluffy
This lovely fluffy cat just looks so soft, we wish we could reach into the picture and give her a cuddle.
27) Looks So Cozy
Not gonna lie, we’re actually feeling pretty jealous of this cat’s blanket bed! She looks so warm and toasty in there.
28) A Big Difference
This poor dog was abused in a former life and it took some time for him to trust people again, but now he’s smiling each and every day.
29) Those Eyes
How could anyone ever look into eyes like that and want to abandon or harm such a lovely pup? Fortunately, this dog was rescued by owners who love him.
30) Happy Cat
This unfortunate fluffball was once found in a cardboard box, wounded and dying. Luckily, she was saved and is now living her best life!
31) Everything He Wanted
This guy went to his local shelter hoping to find a friendly dog who loved cuddles. He got the perfect one!
32) A True Fairy Tale
The rescue shelter worried that nobody would want to adopt this dog because he lost vision in one eye and was quite ‘ugly’ due to hair loss and other problems. Fortunately, a kindhearted animal lover decided to adopt him and help him make a great recovery.
33) Two New Friends
This family got more than they bargained for when they adopted a lovely little cat. Shortly after bringing her home, she was spotted with this random wild mouse climbing all over her head!
34) A Happy Ending
Sadly, here’s another cat that was found abandoned in a box, drenched by the rain and shivering in the cold. But then she met people who promised to love and care for her every single day.
35) Poor Lil Girl
This feral kitten was running around at someone’s place of work. The boss wanted to bring in an exterminator, but the worker managed to capture the kitten in a cage and take her home.
36) Handsome Boy
This handsome hound is known as Frank the Tank because of his strong body and broad build. But despite looking like quite a tough cookie, he’s a big softie in real life.
37) Siamese Twins
These two twin Siamese cats were adopted together. They remind us a lot of the Siamese cats from the Disney classic, The Aristocats.
38) Looking Good And Feeling Good
This lovely snowy cat is having a very happy life in her new forever home. Each day, people show her lots of compassion and care, and she gives them plenty of cuddles and happy meows in return.
39) Working On His Tan
This adorable little bundle of joy looks like he’s working on his tan, standing proud as the sun beats down and his owner pets his little tummy.
40) Flower Girl
There was a time when this furry flower girl was sitting in a cold and dreary cell at an animal shelter. Now, her life is filled with adventures and excitement.
41) What A Gorgeous Boy
This is one of the most handsome rescue kittens we’ve ever seen! Such a beautiful coat.
42) Little Snowball
This beautiful little bundle of white fur was found alone and afraid at just a few days old, but was nursed back to health and given a second chance at life.
43) A Secret Cat Person
Many people tend to think they’re either a cat person or a dog person. The owner of these gorgeous rescue cats had always preferred dogs in the past, but then started to fall in love with felines after seeing how sweet and loving these little guys were.
44) One Eye Is Better Than None
This poor pup was discovered with a bunch of his siblings in the jungle in Mexico. The puppies were in terrible health, but a local shelter helped to save them.
45) Shoulder Cat
This little kitten was rescued at just a couple of weeks old. He’s clearly a shoulder cat, climbing all over his new owner to get a bird’s eye view of the house.
46) So Much Fluff
This cat is one of the best-looking rescue pets out there! He’s got a gorgous white mane, just like a mighty lion, and bright, shiny eyes to match.
47) Sweet Dreams
This puppy was found on the streets, cold and alone. This was his first nap with his new owner after being washed and fed. He’s clearly very grateful!
48) A Total Turnaround
Someone left this dog in a park to die and she was dealing with a very bad skin condition when she was found. Fortunately, good people helped her to heal and someone loving came along to give her a happy home.
49) What A Good Boy
This beautiful white dog is named Moose and he’s a very good boy. That’s all you need to know.
50) A Fitting Name
This teeny tiny fluffball is named Tyrion after the dwarf from Game of Thrones. He may be small, but he’s got a lot of love to give.
51) Getting Better All The Time
This dog was scared of his own shadow at first, but within just a few days of being in his new forever home, he’s already starting to become much more confident.
52) Oh Happy Day
This photo was taken just a week after this pup, named Pablo, was adopted. Clearly, he’s adjusting well to his new lifestyle!
53) Chunky Boy
This cat had clearly been neglected as he weighed in at 19 lbs! He’s also quite a skittish and nervous little guy, so the shelter workers told his new owner he might be a lot of work. But since he got home, he’s been doing a lot better.
54) Itsy Bitsy Spyder
This cat was named Spyder because he was found in a drain. The person who found him there also decided to adopt him!
55) Welcome Home
This family already owned the big black dog but wanted to get him a friend. They found a nervous Australian Shepherd at the local shelter and brought him home. Now, they’re best buddies!
56) Time For A Trim
This poor dog was found with tons of matted fur all over her body, but the vet gave her a close shave and she couldn’t stop smiling after being free of all that fur.
57) Like Father, Like Daughter
This man just adopted this gorgeous little girl and is on the way home. It’s clear to see that the little dog trusts her new owner already as she’s fallen asleep peacefully in his arms.
58) Dinner Time
The way this cat is gazing up at his owner can only mean one thing: it must be time for dinner!
59) So Cute!
These two gorgeous black kittens were adopted together. They’re still a little nervous about their new home, but we’re sure they’ll make the place their own soon enough.
60) Grr
This beautiful girl is showing off her shiny white teeth while relaxing in the comfortable and caring surroundings of her very own forever home.
61) Settling In
This cat had only been in his new home for a week when this photo was taken, but he’s already looking very settled!
62) Ready For The Catwalk
This handsome boy is definitely ready to strut his stuff on the catwalk. He’s looking mighty fine with that beautiful facial fur pattern.
63) How Could Anyone Do That?
This pup’s story started on a sad note. He was discovered abandoned in a box on the side of the road, left to die by a cruel and careless person. Fortunately, someone much kinder found him and took him home.
64) A Long Wait
This dog, named Annie, spent four whole years out on the streets before finding a home. This photo was taken after just one week in her new house.
65) The Perfect Dog
Many people rejected this poor husky because of the fact that she was born looking a little different to the others. Even the breeder abandoned her, but for this family, she was the perfect pup.
66) Hit And Run
Poor Bea was victim of a hit and run. Someone drove over her and simply sped away, leaving her injured on the side of the road. Luckily, some good people did manage to find her and get her to the vet, where she was treated for her wounds and nursed back to health before finding a new home.
67) Puppy Dog Eyes
The way this puppy is looking up at his new owner just shows all the love and gratitude he feels after having been adopted. Finally, he gets to leave the shelter and go home to a place of love and care.
68) What A Big Smile
This girl has such a happy smile on her face after being adopted! It makes such a difference to an animal’s life when people can find it in their hearts to visit local shelters and give these dogs and cats a second chance.
69) Meant To Be
If you’ve ever adopted a dog from a shelter, you’ll know that there’s always a moment when you just know you found the right pup. They look into your eyes with that special gaze and it’s love at first sight, just like for this man and his new dog.
70) Looks Cozy!
This guy doesn’t need to worry about growing a beard to keep his chin warm or wearing a scarf in winter. He’s got two fluffy kitten brothers to keep him nice and toasty.
71) Big Hug
This family adopted an 11-year-old cat from a shelter. The cat developed a really special bond with the family’s 13-year-old daughter, as this adorable picture shows.
72) What’s Up, Pup?
People tend to think that cats and dogs can never get on, but just take a look at this lovely image for proof that they can! When a worried and nervous rescue pup arrived at the family home, the cat greeted him warmly with friendly sniffs and little kisses.
73) Two Hairy Dudes
This guy adopted the perfect dog for him. They’re both big, furry, and friendly!
74) It’ll Be Okay, Little One
Someone found a cold, lonely, crying kitten outside one day and decided to bring the little furball inside. Moments later, her pet cat had cuddled up to the kitten to try and calm her down! How sweet.
75) Such A Pretty Pattern
This gorgeous girl has some of the loveliest fur markings we’ve seen so far. Would you believe that some heartless person abandoned her in a dumpster? Luckily, her sad story had a very happy ending as she found the perfect owner to look after her.
It’s so touching to see all these lovely furry friends being given a new chance at life and happiness. After going through tough times, being neglected and abandoned, they deserve all the love and care in the world, and it’s inspiring to see so many good people visiting shelters and rescue centers to offer homes to these animals, rather than just buying new puppies and kittens instead. Share the list around with your family and friends to perhaps inspire them to adopt a furry friend too!