The connection between humans and animals is very real. Research has shown that petting a furry friend reduces stress and provides much-needed emotional support, which we often struggle to find in others.
That’s why many people find solace in heartwarming dog videos or adorable cat Instagram accounts.
Bored Panda is also here to spread soul healing with a new collection of the cutest and most unusual critters from the Facebook page “Wholesome Animal Images.” From cats in Hawaiian shirts to lizards in toy cars, these lovable creatures are guaranteed to make your day a bit brighter.
With so many animal pictures online, it’s no surprise that 68% of US households have a pet. That equates to 84.6 million homeowners who are happy to come home to their loyal companions at the end of the day.
It’s already proven that our furry friends have a positive impact on our overall well-being, and scientists are taking a closer look at their different types to see how exactly they affect our health.
Dr. Layla Esposito at News in Health’s Human-Animal Interaction Research Program explains that there’s no one answer to how a pet can help somebody. If a person’s goal is to be more physically active, then they might benefit from having a dog. If one wants to reduce stress, sometimes all it takes is watching fish swim for a calming effect. “So there’s no one type fits all,” she adds.
Various studies show that owning a pet reduces stress and loneliness, lowers blood pressure, increases feelings of social support, and improves mood.
These benefits are usually associated with more traditional pets, like dogs and cats. However, a home aquarium could have just as positive an effect on health. After all, there’s a reason why doctor’s offices have fish tanks in them.
Many people struggle to fall asleep, and watching fish can calm the body and mind enough to make one doze off, saving restless hours spent tossing and turning. The aquarium can also provide white noise that is proven to help people fall into slumber faster.
Having an aquarium in a workspace can also improve focus and boost creativity, maximizing productivity as a result. The visual stimulation of active fish may have therapeutic effects, such as giving the mind something else to prioritize or letting your brain rest while working through a complex issue.
Additionally, alpacas, a close relative of llamas, are renowned for their gentle and tolerant nature and have proven to be exceptional partners in animal-assisted therapy. These qualities are especially beneficial for individuals who may feel overwhelmed or threatened by human interactions. The presence of these furry friends creates a safe and nurturing environment, helping to develop trust and emotional bonds, improving morale, and enhancing social interaction.
Rabbits also make great therapy animals and emotional support pets. Many people affected by emotional stress find them calming. A person suffering from depression, PTSD, or schizophrenia benefits from petting a relaxed bunny, which can be soothing and healing.
A survivor of traumatic brain injury, Clawson, told Ameri Disability that caring for bunnies helped her with physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs. She can work on her balance and coordination when getting down on the floor to play with them or groom them. Cleaning out their litter boxes and picking up their supplies help to strengthen her body too.
“I’m able to shut out any worry or anxiety and just focus on my rabbits being silly or napping peacefully,” Clawson adds.
Using horses to help people even has its own term – equine therapy. It doesn’t necessarily involve riding them and instead offers an experience in which the therapist walks the person through activities and interactions with the animal. The emphasis here is on making a connection with the creature.
An individual may groom or feed it and learn how to harness and lead a horse around a small area. By creating a personal bond with a non-judgmental companion, one can gain empathy and independence and increase the level of stress one can handle.
Choosing animal-assisted therapy can be a great choice for a lot of people. Healthcare specialists may recommend it for various reasons, just with different goals in mind for each person.
Nothing brightens up my day more than seeing my adorable cat curl up in my lap for a nap or run to the door to greet me when I get home from work. He might be a bit demanding when he’s hungry, and his teeth can be a little too sharp at times. But I wouldn’t trade that little guy for the world.
Adopting an animal into your family can simultaneously change your life and theirs. We all need love and companionship, even furry little creatures, and knowing that you saved a precious animal from a life in a cage is a great feeling. Below, you’ll find photos of some of the sweetest animals who have recently been adopted. These cuties have finally found their fur-ever homes, and they couldn’t be happier. Keep reading to find a conversation with Ivanka Patterson of Every Dog Matters EU, and be sure to upvote the pics that inspire you to adopt not shop!
To learn more about what it’s like to adopt a loving animal into your family, we reached out to Ivanka Patterson, director of Every Dog Matters EU. Ivanka was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and explain why it’s so important to adopt rather than shop our pets.
“A lot of dogs from breeders come from illegal puppy mills where the dogs and puppies are living in very poor conditions,” Ivanka shared. “Not knowing the origins of your bought pups hides the huge risk of getting an overbred pup which will have genetic health issues and a shorter life span.”
#2 My Husband And I Adopted This 10 Year Old Baby, Who Was Previously Returned To The Shelter For “Hiding Too Much”. Now I Can No Longer Use The Bathroom Unsupervised
“Shopping instead of adopting keeps this ugly business alive,” Ivanka continued. “The pros of adopting a dog are – you know the story and the health state of the dog you are adopting; you are giving a chance to an animal that, more often than not has not been treated well in life, to discover what real love and home mean; mixed breeds are much healthier.”
And when it comes to the benefits we can receive from adopting dogs, Ivanka says, “We believe there is a hidden superhero in each one of us. By adopting a rescue animal, this superhero comes to life, and the feeling of worthiness within oneself greatly improves one’s self-esteem.”
#4 Leonard The Cat With The Benign Tumors Nobody Wanted Was Adopted
#5 Please Don’t Overlook The Older Cats When Adopting
He found his home with me 2 hours ago. He’s an older cat who’s owners fell ill & could no longer care for him. When the volunteer told me he’s been there a long time & that they don’t get many calls about him, I knew I had to give him his forever home
“It has been scientifically proven that adopting a pet from a shelter makes people become more compassionate and responsible,” Ivanka added. “It has physical benefits as well, like spending time with one’s adopted animal normalizes blood pressure, reduces cortisol and helps overcome mental disorders like depression. And last but not least, all of the above makes us better people.”
#7 New Adopted Puppy Is A Bit Scared. Our Big Boy Has His Back, Turning Into A Helicopter Dad
Unfortunately, not everyone understands how lovable and amazing rescue animals can be. So Ivanka wanted to set some of the common misconceptions about rescue dogs straight. First, she addressed the idea that an animal from a shelter will be aggressive and untrainable. “So not true. A dog’s behavior depends greatly on the conditions we put the dog in and on the way we interact with it,” Ivanka shared.
“Dogs need between 3 to 6 months in order to adjust to their new home. During this time the adopter MUST give the animal its space, be patient with it, and respect the dog’s willingness for privacy,” the expert says. “Having realistic expectations and patience is the key for a happy dog-human relationship.”
#10 My Dad’s Dog Adopted An Orange Boy
Tigger, showed up a few days before Christmas on my folks’ porch. Folks thought he might be a nearby farm cat, but he didn’t leave after a day and a half. Cruz, the dog, refused to eat his dinner in the second day and kept whining at the door. He didn’t go to his bowl till Tigger was let in. He then waited for Tigger to eat his full of his food before he finally ate. They’re now absolute best bros
#12 Just Adopted My Girl. She Was Found Starving And Pregnant On The Side Of The Road By A Sweet Couple Who Delivered Her Babes And Nursed Her Back To Health
Some people also assume that if they don’t get their dog as a puppy, it won’t be able to bond with them or be obedient. “Adopting a puppy is a lot of fun, but also a huge blank canvas one needs to put a lot of work into it,” Ivanka says. “Adopting an adult or senior dog has a lot of benefits, like the dog won’t go through the whole chewing on everything phase. It will [also] know super quickly that pottying is done only outside unless stressed or ill; there is no adult dog that likes to do their business where they live.”
A neighbor said that his ex owner lives on our street and had kicked him out years ago, and he stayed wandering around on our street for years, sleeping under cars. I only began to notice him this last year. I thought he belonged to someone because he had a collar on.
He started coming up to us when we’d take our dog for a walk and he’d be the most loving and friendly cat. When I started petting him I felt the dirt on his fur and that’s when I realized he wasn’t being taken care of. He started coming to our door for food and started sleeping on our doorstep. Within a few days we took him to the vet, got him a check up and vaccines (vet says he’s 5-6yrs), bought him toys, bowls for food and water, litter box, a soft bed (even though he sleeps on our bed), and we ripped the dirty collar off him, gave him a shower.
He loves to cuddle. He used to be so skinny, now he never misses a meal and comes to the kitchen and waits.
“And most important of all – you will already know the character of the dog and what to expect from it,” Ivanka continued. “Choosing a dog whose temperament fits the adopter’s energy and lifestyle is the most important part of the adoption for it to be a happy one for all sides. Adult and senior dogs have no problems emotionally bonding with their owner, just the opposite. They understand very well that they are given a chance in life, and there is no animal more grateful than the adopted one.”
#18 I Got Adopted By This Stray Beauty! Approached Me Out Of The Pitch Darkness, Scared The c**p Out Of Me, And Now I Can’t Wait To Get Home To Her. Still No Name, Formosa Mountain Dog
Ivanka also says that families shouldn’t feel pressured into getting a dog just because their children asked for one. “Dogs are not toys and should never be treated as such,” she says. “Having your child grow up with an animal is simply amazing, as it teaches the kids compassion, responsibility, true friendship and so much more.”
“If an adult wants to adopt a dog so their kid grows up with it, they must know going into the whole process that no matter what, the dog will be the parents’ responsibility! Dogs are not gifts, and one should never gift a pet to someone, as usually these gifts end up in shelters or on the street,” Ivanka says. “Have in mind that a mature dog has the emotional and intellectual capacity of a 2.5 year old kid. Would you treat a child this age poorly?”
#19 Adopted These Two Brothers At 15 Years Old
They are brothers, lovers, and fighters all rolled in to one.
As far as what prospective adopters should know before bringing a dog home, Ivanka says, “Before everything, the dog is a responsibility,” she told Bored Panda. “An adopter should really consider if in their current lifestyle there is room for a pet. And if yes, what exactly having one will entail.”
“And once again, patience,” Ivanka added. “A lot of people think the dog will immediately love their new life the moment it steps into their new home. That the dog will immediately trust their adopter and will bond and start playing from the get go. Would you immediately trust a stranger?”
#22 My Friend Adopted A Street Dog From Cyprus And I Got To Meet Her For The First Time Yesterday. One Ridiculously Photogenic Dog
#24 Adopted Our Very First Cat Last Weekend. I Was Worried We’d Get A Non-Friendly Cat Who Was Very Standoffish But She’s An Angel. Is Interested With Anything, Wants To Be Cradled Like A Baby, Vibrates All The Time
“If you have decided to adopt a dog, really think it through, and choose a dog with a temperament and character that will best fit your lifestyle in order to have a true best friend,” Ivanka says. “Have realistic expectations from your adopted dog, be patient with it, and show it that it can trust you 100%. Then, and only then, will you really have a true, joyful, obedient and forever four-legged best friend. And trust me, every single effort is so worth it!”
If you’d like to learn more about Every Dog Matters EU, be sure to visit their website!
We hope you’re enjoying these photos of precious animals who have finally found loving homes, pandas! Adopting and rescuing animals is so much better than buying from a breeder, and your sweet little companion will always be thankful for your love. Keep upvoting the pics that you find particularly precious, and if you’re interested in checking out more wholesome adoption photos from Bored Panda, look no further than right here!
#31 Adopted This Guy Yesterday. Meet Charlie. He Is So, So Beautiful. He’s Been Such A Joy Already (So Far ). He Is 1/4 German Shepherd, 3/4 Husky Or A Shepsky
#32 Adopted Two “Undesirable Cats” At The Animal Shelter- A Very Scared Feral Kitten (Still Trying To Get A Good Face Pic) And The Fattest Cat In The Building
His name was Mercury but I call him Fred. He is only 5 months old and he’s huge I think. It’s only day one but I’ve never met a cat like Fred. He wants to be directly near me and I’ve never met a cat who didn’t eventually get sick of pets and want some space from you. I love Fred already. Also Fred is really vocal and I think that’s neat.
The agency we adopted him from thought he was part Catahoula Leopard dog but others have disagreed. He sounds like Chewbacca and also has the shrillest whine (scream) I’ve ever heard a dog make.
As someone who grew up with dogs, I can definitely attest to the fact that having cute and cuddly animals in your home just makes it feel more like, well, home! There’s always a wagging tail to greet you when you get home (or in the case of my cat, a demanding meow telling me off for leaving him alone), and there’s always someone to snuggle up with at bedtime.
And if you’re in need of an animal for your home, I strongly urge you to look in shelters and rescues rather than checking out breeders. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, about 6.3 million domesticated animals find their way into shelters in the United States every single year. These little creatures would love to be adopted into loving homes, and taking them in can literally save their lives.
To find out more about why it’s so important to adopt rather than shop when getting a new pet, for a previous Bored Panda article, we reached out to Chair of Almost Home Dog Rescue, Alex. Alex was kind enough to have a chat with us and shared that there’s been a crisis in animal rescues in the UK since the pandemic.
“Breeders are breeding faster than we can rehome. Thousands of healthy, non challenging dogs are euthanized weekly in the UK, simply because there is nowhere for them to go,” Alex noted.
#7 Was Never A Cat Person Aaaaand I Became A Cat Dad
One reason why some people might be hesitant to adopt is the fact that many of these animals have experienced trauma, and they might not seem incredibly friendly right off the bat. But Alex assures readers that she has witnessed animals undergo incredible transformations after being adopted into loving homes. “There have been many stories of where a timid, challenging or abused dog has completely transformed in the right supportive environment,” she previously told Bored Panda.
#10 Just Adopted A Puppy From The Shelter And It Said It’s Breed Is Unknown
#11 I’ve Never Had A Cat Before So It’s Been Really Nice Relishing All These Moments With Him. I Immensely Love Him So I Would Like To Share These Photos Of Him!
As far as what prospective owners should understand before deciding to adopt, Alex says, “[Almost Home] supports by giving any potential adopters a pre-adoption checklist – asking them to cover all the points as a family. Everyone in the home needs to be committed to the dog for the rest of its life!”
#13 Found This Little Furry Rascal Freezing On The Street Yesterday. Tomorow We Are Going To The Vet ! Welcome Home Dante/Lucifer 😻🐈⬛️
“[Almost Home] offers support to the family for the rest of [their dog’s] life too,” Alex says. “Finances are a big one, and what changes people expect in their lives over the next 10 years – all that should be considered.”
“We ensure all our dogs are neutered before they are adopted,” she added. “We strongly recommend this for behavioral reasons as well as medical.
And while some people may believe misconceptions about rescue or shelter dogs, Alex wants readers to understand that anything they’ve been through was not the animal’s fault. “A rescued dog has simply been let down by humans!” she shared.
#19 I Rescued The Tattooed Cartel Cat That Was Living In A Mexican Prison
Having a pet might seem like a huge burden before actually getting one, and I completely understand the hesitation. Before my partner and I decided to go through with adoption, the only things racing around my mind were the downsides. “It will be so expensive,” I thought. And, “That’s way too much responsibility!” And while those are important factors to consider, what I didn’t realize was how deeply in love I would immediately fall with our pets.
#22 Adopted Our Very First Cat Last Weekend. I Was Worried We’d Get A Non-Friendly Cat Who Was Very Standoffish But She’s An Angel. Is Interested With Anything, Pickups No Problem, Wants To Be Cradled Like A Baby, Vibrates All The Time, And… Stops Me From Working Or Playing On My PC
The bond between a pet and their owner is so special, and if you’re in a place where you can financially and practically take care of a little creature, I would highly recommend it. Plus, look at how precious the photos on this list are! There will never be a shortage of pets in shelters, so if you’re at a point in your life where you’re ready to expand your family, please remember to adopt not shop!
#25 I Adopted A Kitten And She Came With A Gift.. The Kitten Was Pregnant
Has this list made you realize that you might need to adopt a new cuddly member into your family, pandas? Whether you’re a cat, dog or reptile person, having a little creature roaming around is always worth it. Enjoy scrolling through the rest of these cute pics, and if you’re interested in checking out another adoption photo of the month list, you can find Bored Panda’s last one right here!
#28 Adopting These Two Dummies Is The Best Thing That’s Ever Happened To Us
If you decided to click on this post, there’s a good chance you’re an animal lover. We certainly are – discovering new wildlife content is one of our favorite things, and sharing it with you, dear pandas, is even better.
This time, thanks to the Instagram page ‘121clicks,’ we’re thrilled to showcase some of the wholesome – and sometimes downright hilarious – animal moments they’ve shared. Without keeping you waiting any longer, scroll down and enjoy our selection of delightful images.
