40 Touching Animal Adoption Stories That Might Just Make You Cry A Little (And Smile A Lot)
Some days, life feels like a group project where you’re the only one doing the work. Other days, you see a photo of a rescue dog hugging its new owner and suddenly believe the world isn’t such a terrible place after all.
This post is all about those second kinds of days. We’ve rounded up 40 touching animal adoption stories—from scrappy street cats now living their best life in velvet beds, to dogs who went from scared shelter pups to professional cuddle monsters. These moments are pure emotional gold, bursting with wagging tails, teary-eyed humans, and the kind of kindness that reminds us what matters most.
Whether you’ve adopted, been adopted (emotionally by a cat, probably), or just need a reminder that love comes in furry packages, you’re in for a joyride.
#1. Meet Oatis, my new roommate
I adopted Oatis a week ago because I wanted to share my new home with someone. He’s the sweetest: doesn’t bark and loves being held. – I don’t know much of anything about where he came from. The rescue said he was a stray, but when I examine his mannerisms too hard it’s easy to think he didn’t come from the best home.
I’ve never had a senior dog before so there is a few adjustments I need to make. He doesn’t bark, so it’s hard for me to know when he needs to go out. He doesn’t walk well, so I have to come up with new activities for him to do. And he just had a dental that took all of his (rotten) teeth, so getting used to new food and treats has been hard on him.
I am lucky to have him, and my goal is to just spoil him as long as I can. Any advice and tips are appreciated!
Source: Other__Joey
#2. We’re 48 hours in and ready to foster fail 😂 Can you blame us with that face?!
Source: Kelsoob
#3. Just adopted this fluffy boy and I couldn’t be happier to have a dog again!
Source: TheTrueReligon
#4. My foster crossed the rainbow bridge.
Today, December 18th, my 15 year old foster cat was humanely euthanized due to a sudden onset of lymphatic cancer. I noticed the lumps last night, and took him to the vet this morning. The cancer had spread through his organs.
I miss my little man so badly. I’ve been crying all day and clutching his favorite blanket. I feel like it’s my fault. I want him back so badly. He has been the center of my world for the past month. I hope he is in heaven, cured of his ailments. Maybe he can see and hear again.
Source: willienelsonfan
#5. Bronson the Brave is OFFICIALLY ADOPTED!
To make sure I had sole control of all decisions regarding Bronson’s end-of-life care, my husband & I made the decision to make him our first official foster fail dog at Fen Chicken Fosters 🧡 My poor husband 😂😂 Trying to eat in this house is utter chaos, but the resident babies are loving their new official brother and everybody gets along with Bella the Beautiful & Baby Pluto (excpet Bette Davis – DIVA) 😂😂
Thank you to everyone who donated enough to cover all the expenses related to settling Bronson the Brave in & getting his adoption fees paid!!! He is enjoying bone broth and the best puppy & senior foods possible to get his nutrients plus extra calories. I could not have done it without this particular subreddit!!!!!!!
Source: HisMomm
#6. Hazy has been adopted!
And I’m a wreck 🥲 The family came back today and adopted! But, we are keeping him for 2 weeks when they come back from vacation. They have 2 cats and 2 young children who were great with him. But god, spending 2 more weeks with him is kind of torture for me. Kittens/puppies can be easy fosters to give back, but he has been so special and I cry every time I’m with him knowing he cannot stay.
He is really getting attached to us/our routine/our home but I know it’s for the best since we have 2 cats, one dog, and like to travel. But he knows my voice/smell so well that he just snuggles in and purrs nonstop with me.
*My partner did make me feel better by saying if he came back whatsoever throughout his life, we would be his forever home at that point. I love her for just saying that out loud.
Source: Kelsoob
#7. Tiny momma & sole survivor.
I took in a tiny (4lb) momma with four babies weeks ago and three kittens passed away in the first few days despite care and supplemental feedings. They were all 10 days or so old and weighed 0.02-0.03 lbs, which is normally newborn Day 1-3 size. Momma Sammy and baby Cricket are doing fine, both gaining weight. Momma has her own special look, almost like a cartoon face. She loves attention and baby is fat as a tick.
Source: TeaAndToeBeans
#8. It’s been almost a year since I’ve adopted these two seniors! Lu Lu the chihuahua is 15 or older, don’t know her exact age and saki is 11 🙂 they both have made me very happy and I’m glad I’m able to give them a good home! ❤️
Source: Horror_fan98
#9. Adopted my first Pittie!
My boyfriend and I went to a shelter on Saturday and adopted our first pit! We initially were going to look for a new kitten. When we got there they were having a St Pitties Day adoption event. We quickly changed our plans and looked at two different pitbulls. The first pittie we looked at was a sweet girl but had way too much energy for our 7 year old whippet mix at home.
Then we met our sweet sweet 2 and a half year old pit with a heart of gold. – I never thought I could bond with a dog so fast. I was a little nervous because of hearing how people stereotype pitbulls. I was so nervous about introducing her to my older dog and 2 cats. She could not be a better fit though. it’s like she was meant to be in our life. She gets along so well with my boyfriend and I and the other animals in our home. She’s so sweet, goofy, silly, dramatic, and just outright perfect.
I know it’s still so early but I am so pleased with her and i’m so happy we decided to adopt a pit. Just wanted to share my sweet little success story because i’m so smitten. Again, I know her personality will change over time but she’s just the sweetest. That’s it! Just wanted to share my story cause I love her so much
Source: Outrageous_Desk_188
#10. Adopted after 200+ days at the shelter.
This rockstar was FINALLY adopted from Indianapolis Animal Care Services in Indianapolis, Indiana. She has found a lovely forever home but wants to let anyone in the area know she has over 200 friends at the shelter waiting on their forever homes too. Almost all pit bull mixes and their futures are uncertain (and in recent shelter controversy- anyone could go at any moment.) Fostering, adopting, and sharing saves lives! ❤️
Source: Diligent-Work1676
#11. I adopted a new dog after my recent loss – mixed emotions
Hey everyone, not long after my recent loss, I visited a local shelter, and one dog really caught my attention. Something about him just felt right, so I ended up adopting him. I really like him. He actually resembles the dog I lost, not just in appearance but also in some of his little behaviors. The way he tilts his head when I talk to him, the way he follows me around, it all reminds me so much of my old friend.
But that’s also why I have such mixed emotions. I can’t tell if I adopted him because I truly wanted to start fresh with a new companion or because I was looking for a part of what I lost. I feel happy to have him, but at the same time, there’s this strange feeling.
I’m unsure if adopting him now was the right move. Should I have waited a little longer? What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Also, I really appreciate everyone who offered support on my last post. Your kindness meant a lot to me during this tough time.
Source: Ok_Emu1460
#12. Meet Fisher! My parents adopted a Toller pup this weekend!
He’s 10 weeks old and is so smart. He already knows how to sit. His previous people had a change is job status and couldn’t keep him due to having to have him locked up all day. My retiree parents make the animals their life so he’ll be running around all the time. We had a Toller growing up so we are very familiar with them. 😁
Source: No_Poetry2759
#13. It’s not goodbye .. it’s see ya later.
I lost my 17 year old best senior boy Boston terrier Toby Thursday unexpectedly after a choking incident that I don’t think I’ll ever recover from witnessing or not blame myself for. He’d had other health issues like seizures, dementia, leg weakness, and likely lung cancer that we were informed about very recently.
We adopted him when he was already 12. He was my first dog. I had to wait 33 years to finally get a dog and I absolutely hit the jackpot with him. I remember walking past his kennel at the shelter listening to people complaining about not seeing any puppies and he poked his head out from under a blanket at the exact moment I walked by. He knew we were gonna be his people.
When we brought him home he took a few steps and then kind of had a reaction like he realized this was all his and he was home and started running around happy. He was my Velcro dog. Loved my husband, but he literally had to know where I was at all times and spent all his time with me. I work from home so I spent all of my time with him. We would take naps on the couch together. Even now as I lay on the couch like muscle memory my legs are shifted to the side a bit to make room for him so snooze against my legs.
I’m struggling so much with seeing everything around the house reminding me of him. I had to put the playpen away where he’d hang out most of the time towards the end because he would wander with weak back legs and in there he would atleast get comfy and nap. It was too hard to see it empty. He was my best friend. I miss him so much it hurts. 5 years wasn’t enough. I don’t know how to be without him in this quiet house without his old man snoring and snorting softly in the background of everything.
He truly was the best little old man in the world and I miss him terribly. See you later, my Toby, Toby-obi-obi, Toby Toberson Attorney at Law, Bud, Baby Boy, Cool Toby, Lil Teef
Source: Ladybrains_
#14. First time cat owner and I’m in love
A couple of months ago, I adopted my cat, Nova, after moving to a new town and going through a rough breakup. I was struggling with loneliness and depression, but she’s truly been a lifesaver.
Whenever I’m feeling down, it’s like she just knows—she’ll curl up next to me, purring away, and suddenly, everything feels a little lighter. I’ve always considered myself a dog person, but there’s something so special about a cat’s love.
Now, instead of coming home to an empty house, I have my little furry best friend waiting for me. They really are amazing.
Source: vilify97
#15. Got myself a new friend.
Adopted a Stray dog yesterday, vet said it’s around 45-50 days, got her 911 injection, 1st dose. Guess the breed guyss, (ik dumb hehe), it’s Labra X GR i guess, Any dog owners, gimme some advice/tips anything.
Source: Whole-Onion-1507
#16. He is taking his bed rest orders very seriously!
Ol mate has a broken toe and has been ordered to remain on strict bed rest for 4 weeks. Two weeks in and he is very much taking his job seriously. What a good boi!
Source: ClungeWhisperer
#17. Meet Armin, 8 Week Old.
After loosing both our Great Danes a couple years apart, our Male last March and after SO MANY discussions around if we are ready? What breed should we get? Are we sure we are actually ready? Can we handle a puppy? Or should we adopt an older dog?
We finally made the decision to adapt a Bernese. We named him Armin after our favorite anime characters. He spunky, energetic (with a little crackhead mixed in), and yet has the soul of a grandpa. Honestly, a perfect mix of our female (Luna) and our grandpa male (Tank). The hardest aspect this first week, water intake. This boy would drink the whole ocean if you put it in front of him.
Source: MrsNoodles0812
#18. This is my boy Carl, loving life at 15.
I adopted him from a shelter back in 2012 and they guessed he was 2-3 years old. He loves walking about a mile 3 times a week and still eats like a champ, unlike his sisters. Between giving some Costco dog vitamins, blue buffalo food, and getting 2 new sisters when his beagle sisters both passed before him, he’s a thriving old man!
Source: ALE_SAUCE_BEATS
#19. Very first foster kitten d**d 12 hours in. I’m heartbroken.
Source: Upbeat-Potato1959
#20. Just got my first dog!!! 2 year old adopted Shihtzu named Sushi
Is it normal for them to be easily frightened and pee on the side of the couch when they move into new environment? He’s been at our place for half a day and he’s very easily startled and how long does it usually take shih tzus to become more calm in their new environment
Source: NoahJayhawk
#21. My heart is shattered
I have been fostering a pregnant cat since last Sunday after she was finally trapped. On Friday night she gave birth to 5 little boys. The last boy (white and grey) came into this world without an intact amniotic sack and I had to revive this little man at 11pm that night. He had a cleft palate and unfortunately we lost him on Sunday/last night.
I have just lost his brother, the sweetest fluffiest little tabby, to FKS and he took his last breath in my hands at 1.43am. He was the strongest, and loudest of the litter and so, so beautiful. I am absolutely exhausted, shattered and heartbroken. These two are my first losses and I knew it would happen eventually, but man I was not prepared for it to happen with my first pregnant foster and her litter.
Hug your kitties extra tight for me tonight.
Source: blackismyfavcolor13
#22. Meet Romeo, my rescue Flowered Sharpei.
I received him from the city animal shelter where he was reportedly roaming in a field before being picked up. He had a collar with a number, but the person never answered and after 10 days, the shelter gained legal ownership of him. He was already potty trained and leash broke, so I was immediately drawn to him. He was underweight when adopted, but he has gained muscle and has a clear bill of health.
Has no dog or human aggression, but does “patrol” the fence and is always watching for people, especially when I’m around. He sticks to himself but loves to cuddle when invited and gives tons, and i mean tons, of kisses. Hope y’all can enjoy his handsomeness as much as I do 🙂
Source: Desperate-West9127
#23. fostering these babies I saved from the euthanasia list 🐾🖤 you are safe now Sally, Samuel, and Samira 🖤
Source: ClaudiaN99
#24. Waddles & Emilio
I drove over 100 miles to meet Waddles in 2020 with no real plans to adopt a dog, and came home a couple hours later with a 5-9(??) year old pittie who was found on the streets of Mexico with a basketball sized growth hanging from her belly. – Three years later, we foster failed Emilio, a tiny FeLV+ kitten who crawled his way into our hearts. I honestly had no idea how Waddles would react to him, but she was the absolute sweetest dog I had ever met despite her circumstances, and I had high hopes.
As evidenced by these pictures, my hopes were exceeded. – Waddles crossed the rainbow bridge earlier this month, so much later than expected, but still much too soon. I just wanted to share my favorite moments of the two of them, my grumpy old lady and my orange brain cell.
Source: so_fluffy
#25. Saved from 💀 and ready to be adopted !
Source: hatsofftopups
#26. Well, we signed the adoption papers on the saddest face to ever live! And he now no longer cares about us, just my other cat, Freddie Purrcury.
Source: Kelsoob
#27. Lily the little big white cloud diva
Meet Lily. We adopted her in 2017 from an animal shelter. She was rescued from a home with over 30 cats and had a litter of kittens before she was even one. All her kittens had gone but nobody wanted her.
The pictures on the shelter website were not doing her any favours. She looked terrified and timid. When we went to the shelter initially wanting to adopt another cat she THREW herself at us. With everything she had. We thought she was the most sociable cat ever.
We asked who had been there the longest, and Lily had been there at least 4 months longer than Shadow. So… We took her home. Since then her fur has grown massively (sign of her having been very unhappy before) and she is deceptively gorgeous.
Since then, she just hates everyone but us. Any pet sitters? Pariahs and enemies. Despite endless efforts of befriending and bribing. She’s the loveliest whiniest little princess to us, but will not grant anyone else her softness and fluffiness. She’s not mean or false, just… Will disappear and hide. Any other cats won’t be tolerated either. It’s all about her and she wants full attention… – But she’s our big white fluffy cloud. ❤️
Source: AbsolutelyAverage
#28. First time cat mom, adopted this sweet angel two weeks ago!
I promise this isn’t a sad post, it has a happy ending! I lost my soul dog (Indie) 6 months ago and life isn’t the same without her. I adopted her when I was 15 and we grew up together, it was always the two of us.
Now I’m 30 and recently moved alone to a new city. I didn’t feel comfortable getting another dog, but I really wanted to adopt a cat. I searched shelter websites for months and visited in person many times. But I never got “that feeling” like when I found Indie, until I saw this sweet boy.
Meet Koa <3 He is the friendliest, cuddliest, goofiest boy and I swear Indie sent him to me. He has been healing my heart each day and we already have such a wonderful bond. He is ~1 year old and was a stray. I’m so thankful we found each other. I’ve always been drawn to tabby’s and I’m now the proud mama of a SIC 🙂 I’m looking forward to the many years of love and companionship with my little Koko-bean.
Thank you for letting me share; it’s a bittersweet experience losing a beloved pet and then building a bond with another. But I know my girl would be proud of her mama for rescuing another baby who needs a forever home <3
Source: Possible-Vast-356
#29. Hi everyone. Just adopted this lil guy. Any ideas for his name? Gonna bring him to the vet tomorrow and send him to grooming.
I like any names ending with the letter “O”. Thinking of Mango … but not too sure since he’s a white cat… or Blanco? Helpppp…
Source: RuffMunkey
#30. Was told I was adopting a dog. I’m certain she is something else.
A year and a half ago, my boyfriend decided to rescue a puppy from a crappy person who had a litter. We were told the mom was red nose pitbull and the father is Dogue de Bordeaux. But I think they used this as a cover for what she really is. A kangaroo.
I first suspected she may be a kangaroo when she was about six months old. Her favourite spot to sleep was between our legs. She’ll then pretend to be asleep, luling us into a false sense of security. When we’re least expecting it, she will kick her back legs as hard as possible, directly into our groin. I started googling “animals with very strong kicks” and was completely gutted at what I saw. The only animal capable of kicking that hard was a kangaroo. And she looks exactly like one.
Soon, everything began to make sense. The way she would lay in the sun for hours in the summer or curl up in front of the space heater in the winter, she was yearning for her homeland of Australia.
She also doesn’t sit like a normal dog. She’s rarely horizontal. She will always sit upright, just like a kangaroo. The wide chest, the muscular legs, but most of all the tail. She has given me a black eye TWICE, just from wagging her tail. Surely only a marsupial from Australia has that kind of tail strength. Sometimes I can tell she’s trying to pretend to be a dog, but she’s no longer fooling me.
Despite the fact that Canada is not the best place to raise a kangaroo, I’ve grown quite attached her. I’m hoping that you guys could give me some tips on raising a young kangaroo that masquerades as a pitbull. I don’t think I’m going to tell her that I know, she seems quite pleased with herself.
Source: xombae
#31. We just adopted Pepper!
Me and my wife have had 2 dogs (and kitties) since we moved in together, we lost Gizmo (our pomchi) about a year ago to heart failure after years of meds and doctor visits. We have felt like we had an empty space in our home and today we saw Pepper on our local towns Facebook page from a family looking to rehome her. She’s about 6 months old.
Pepper was from a litter of 9, apparently she was adopted out along with 8 of the other puppies in December but something did not work out with Pepper and she ended up back at the home where she came from! Unfortunately we didn’t get any medical history, so I’ll be taking her to the vet tomorrow asap but she’s definitely feeling at home so far and hadn’t really left my side.
Slept next to me in bed and is cuddled next to me in the couch. The rest of our pets are not yet comfortable with her but I know that will come in time. She gets extremely excited with the other pets and they seem to get a bit skittish, the kitties and my other dog as well. I think that will develop over time.
Unfortunately she doesn’t seemed to be potty trained so I’m working on that, and she hasn’t eaten yet but has only been here for about 12 hours. She has been biting and scratching a lot but doesn’t seem to have fleas but we’ll get her feeling all better asap.
Source: chmpgnsupernover
#32. Just made the adoption official in my 16-year-old foster dog. Bronson thw Brave was abandoned in a home & then ran as a stray for who knows how long. People reached out to the rescue with proof and pictures showing he was a puppy in 2009, so Bronson is SIXTEEN!!!
Source: HisMomm
#33. Is she ugly?
At my birthday party this past weekend my grandparents started insulting my kitten calling her ugly and saying she looks sick. My feelings got hurt and I don’t want to talk to them anymore. I see my kitten as my baby and they know this. How do you deal with people close to you calling your kittens ugly? She’s literally 8 weeks old.
Source: Left_Committee_2835
#34. My cat with our foster kitten
Source: primordial_rat
#35. Adopted a Senior Buddy, meet Zippy. We lost a senior dog that we had adopted back in October and while it was devasting (thank you all for the kind messages here), we wanted to keep adopting seniors. Zippy is apparently a 18 year old gramps, but he acts much younger!
Source: Thrawn_Nuruodo
#36. Little gal going to her forever home.
This is 4 month old Tig Notaro! She came into my care from a house of very sick, semi-hoarded litters of kittens, and she made it through coccidia, ear mites, and so many flea baths. One of my absolute favorite fosters. She’s going to join her sister at her forever home next week, and while I’m going to miss that perfect face, I’m so proud of and happy for her. Yay, Tig!
Source: Plummsun
#37. My Lily went to the Rainbow Bridge Sunday night.
It’s a little quieter in our home and a little colder in my bed without her. But I take some solace in knowing I am 100% confident in our decision. It does not make it any easier though. I adopted her when she was about 7 or 8. Her age is unknown but we predict she was about 15-17. She showed me I could love a dog again after the loss of my first and I know when she knows I’m ready she will pick another for me. Lily, my angel, I love you and will miss you every single day.
Source: SpecialEffectZz
#38. meet fig.
adopted my own first dog of my adult life on the 19th and couldn’t be happier with my decision. its been about 8 years since ive had a dog in my life personally and shes the most perfect dog to begin that journey again with. 💜
Source: skvlldrvg
#39. How my 16 y/o greets me (3 month adoptaversary).
She thinks she is a cat! 13lbs of personality. I adopted her 3 months ago 💗 To celebrate her 3 months with me, we have a toothbrush and toothpaste coming today to see if we can get some tartar of those chompers!
Source: Cook_Own
#40. Adopted this sweet girl from the animal shelter a couple days ago. My first tortie! Her name is Pisces and she’s a little over 2 years old. She is an absolute sweetheart!
Source: lunarniers
After reading through these 40 heart-melting stories, it’s hard not to feel a little more hopeful about humanity—and a whole lot more obsessed with animals. If one of these adoption tales warmed your soul or made you laugh out loud (or tear up, we don’t judge), let us know! Drop your favorite in the comments, or share your own adoption moment—because the internet always needs more pawsitive vibes.
