One of the most wonderful things about our modern world is that more and more people are realizing that a dog’s pedigree doesn’t matter all that much if you’re not looking to put it to work doing what it was bred for. Purebred dogs as pets can present problems, especially if the breeder is less than awesome and genetic issues come into play, and all of this together adds up to people deciding to rescue their dogs and cats instead of buying them.
Not only do you save one life (or more), you also free up a spot in a shelter for another animal who needs a place to stay and some food in their belly.
If you’ve been on the fence about adopting a new family member, well, these 18 pictures might make up your mind.
18. He found his forever home.
This is Ruger. We rescued him in August. He was found in a box on the side of the road. NO fault of his own. This poor boy would have died. I can’t even think of it without crying. He is now one of our children and will never go anywhere else.
byu/Blendedmom520 inrescuedogs
17. This cat, who realized a scared kitten just needed a hug.
The time I rescued a crying kitten outside my cat cuddled her ❤️
byu/zozozkittykat inaww
16. Oh my goodness, their little faces.
15. He’s saying “we’re family now.”
my rescue cat assuring my recently adopted pup that she will be all right and is now in a home full of love.
byu/logannicole_xo inaww
14. Hey, it was a big day!
On our way home from adopting her. Like father like daughter.
byu/Noxcaelum_ inaww
13. Bahaha they already look alike!
My friend just texted “Adopted a dog yesterday”…. with this pic
byu/slabcobot inaww
12. This is the sweetest thing.
We rescued a terrified Australian Shepherd as a friend for our dog. Now he doesn’t leave his side.
byu/tiffanysonreddit inaww
11. He missed his best friend.
We adopted an 11-year old cat from a Chicago shelter. He and my 13-yo daughter fell in love. This is them after she got back from a week at camp.
byu/tiffanymcclure inaww
10. Older animals deserve loving homes, too.
I adopted a senior cat. He’s 11 years old and 19 lbs. The shelter told me he is skittish and it would be a slow intro. His last family returned him after 6 months. He is my shadow- woke up at 4am to all 19 lbs sleeping on my chest, face an inch away from mine. Goose was always meant to be mine.
byu/besweeeeet inaww
9. I mean, what sort of person could say no?
Today, I adopted two 8 week old kittens who are brothers. I originally applied for one but when I got the call about being accepted to adopt, I was asked if I wanted to adopt the brothers together because the people adopting his brother backed out. Meet Kingston and Derby!
byu/lukas120 incats
8. I wanna rub his tummy.
Adopted this guy a week ago. Was scared of everything, but decided to trust me. Four days later, and he is a very good boy with his very first OWN squeaky toy ❤️
byu/wild_northerner inaww
7. He already trusted him.
Rescued him from the streets. Vet visit was great despite skin issues.
byu/Kep23 inaww
6. Give that dog some head scritches!
Adopted this sweet boy yesterday and couldn’t be happier! His name is Moose.
byu/MoosePissAndEthanol inaww
5. Love at first sight.
The way our new puppy looked at me the whole ride to her new home melted my heart
byu/just-a-redditor- inaww
4. Made himself right at home.
Just rescued this puppy from the streets. That is it first nap after a shower and food
byu/syndragon1 inaww
3. He knows he has found his place.
Adopted him last week from a shelter. I think he’s happy about it.
byu/itosssalads123 inaww
2. Still so tiny!
We rescued him at just a couple weeks old and now he thinks I’m his momma, he’s my paracat
byu/Indisputabull inaww
1. There’s always room for one more.
I’m bringing home a puppy in a few days and y’all, I could not be more thrilled.
Share you adorable pictures of you and your rescue pets (and your stories!) in the comments!
