Pets bring so much love to our lives, but the most rewarding part of being an owner is seeing the joy you bring them. Animals who are adopted have a rare appreciation for their happy home, and it shows from day one. Some owners captured the life-changing moment in a precious photograph. Get ready for some heartwarming pictures of newly-adopted pets snuggling up to their forever families, including pet siblings! Warning: these images may tempt you to rescue truckloads of fur buddies.
That Close-Eyed Smile
This dog seems keenly aware of the fact she's headed to her forever home. She's leaned against her human sibling and couldn't be happier about it. The little boy is looking down as his new pet with all the love she's been craving.
It's incredible how dogs have a way of living in the moment. This canine isn't dwelling on the shelter she just came from, but is just grateful to now have a family.
Look Ma, No Hands!
This dog's joy couldn't be more apparent as he jumps on his hind legs and raises his front paws in the air. It's like the pooch is saying, "Look at me! I'm getting adopted!"
The mother and son duo look equally happy as they get ready to bring the newest addition to their family home. It's all smiles in this photo, and we would imagine that everyone in the room couldn't help but also grin from ear to ear.
So Much Love!
As happy as this woman looks over her little dog, her smile can't beat the overjoyed expression on the pooch! It's like the dog is soaking up all of her love and it's just making him so overwhelmed with gratitude.
Some dogs don't like being picked up, but that clearly isn't the case with this little fella. The cutie is simply beside himself with excitement over his proud mama, and she's happy to be there for him.
What Do You Mean This Isn't My Mom?
This adorable picture shows a brand new puppy getting cozy with its pet sibling in the backseat of a car. The hilarious part is that the pup genuinely thought that the older dog was her mom.
The Redditor wrote, "The day after we rescued our puppy, Zelda. She thought her big sister, Chloe, was her momma for several weeks." At least Zelda was patient and kind with the clueless pup. She was probably thinking, "You silly child."
An Adoptive Cat Mother
Though cats have a reputation for being self-centered, this one is busting right through those assumptions. Even the owner admitted that they were worried about how the older cat would respond to a new kitten joining the family.
The adoptive kitten felt comfortable enough to climb right on top of the cat's back. In response, the cat simply stayed still and grinned. It must like feeling like an adoptive mother. Perhaps she's found her true calling in life.
Check Out My New Mom!
It's not every day that an animal looks directly into the camera lens. This dog is so thrilled about being adopted that he's even willing to smile for the camera. His new owner is certainly in a playful mood, as well.
She's holding the dog like a baby and looking lovingly at the canine with an open-mouthed smile. In fact, the two have almost the same exact expression on their faces. Looks like the perfect match if you ask us!
Sticking Out The Tongue Is Sometimes A Good Thing
When humans stick out their tongue, it's often to express disgust or to poke fun at something. When dogs like this one do it, though, it's out of pure excitement. This adorable little buddy is just thrilled to be in his loving owner's arms.
The owner looks just as happy as she holds the pup close. Her smile is so big that we wonder if her cheeks were sore the day after adopting this precious pooch.
Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You
This adorable little pooch is so enamored with his new mom that he can't take his eyes off her! The two are all cozied up together while sitting outside and it's clear they're a match made in heaven.
The owner is leaned over to be as close to her adorable pet as possible, and the dog is loving every minute of it. The canine's smile is stretched across his entire face, and probably will continue to be for at least the next 24 hours.
He Has A Person At Last
This dog seems to be telling the camera, "This is my person and I love her already." His sweet look and smile are almost too precious to take. The owner must be equally overjoyed because they don't mind the dog jumping up on them one bit.
The owner simply leaned down to embrace the dog right back, and that response was enough for the canine to know he's going to a good home. We're betting there's plenty of snuggle sessions to come for these two.
A Perfect Match
We wonder if the owner and the dog knew that they had the exact same expression on their faces when this photo was snapped. It just goes to show how in sync the two already are on the first day of being a family.
The sweet Rottweiler is jumping onto her new owner, and he's embracing her right back with open arms. They both look equally ecstatic about the adventures they'll get to embark on together.
They Couldn't Wait To Get Home To Snuggle
This guy couldn't even wait until he got home to snuggle up to his new pooch. The sweet puppy looks like she's fallen asleep while curling up to one of her owner's arms as he drives.
There's something about the vibration of a car that puts kids and pets to sleep. But we have a feeling that this little one was already relaxed knowing that she has a family to call her own. It's amazing how quickly dogs can bond with their person.
Smile For The Camera!
They say that dogs look like their owners, and somehow this is true for these two. They don't have any specific features in common, but something about their aura just makes them look right together.
The woman looks positively adorable holding on to her new companion. We can foresee many snuggly television watching and picnics in the park for these two. Just look at how cozy they already are together, and it hasn't even been a day!
Happy And Chunky!
This dog made a complete turnaround after being adopted. Before, he was scared and timid. Now he's having the time of his life with his new owner and pal. They couldn't be cuter together all snuggled up in bed.
Though canines don't always like being squeezed, this one seems over the moon about being wrapped up in someone's arms. We can only imagine the emotional rollercoaster this dog has been through, but all he needed was a little love to bounce right back.
I Like Your Face
This lady couldn't be happier about the dog she's just adopted. Meanwhile, the pooch can't get over how great her new owner's breath smells! Canines can tell a lot about a person by how they smell, and this one is clearly getting nothing but good vibes.
You can even see a little smile spread across the dog's sweet face. If they're having this much fun just lounging on the grass, we can only imagine what great adventures lie ahead.
Cheek-To-Cheek
Imagine driving your car when all of a sudden, a precious little puppy pops up behind one of your shoulders! That's one of the many great things about having a pet: they can make mundane moments extraordinary.
This little guy just had to crawl up his new owner's back to say hello. The owner, meanwhile, seems utterly delighted about the decision to adopt the adorable dog. Though there may be challenges ahead, that face makes it all worth it.
The Inseparable Pair
These cats couldn't be more precious at the put their heads and front paws together to snuggle. As it turns out, these two have been through a lot together.
The Redditor explained, "When we got them, the shelter said they *had* to be adopted together. They demonstrate why on a daily basis." That's right, these cats have been through thick and thin together, and they express their undying bond regularly. That's true love right there.
Shopping For Supplies
A record number of people adopted pets in 2020 while they were in quarantine, and this guy is no exception. Look at the way he's holding his precious new BFF in his arms like a baby as they cruise the aisles of the pet supply store for things to buy.
Hopefully, the happy little pup got to pick out some fun treats and toys to take with him to his forever home. He deserves it!
Reunited Adopted Brothers!
You aren't seeing double; these dogs look alike because they're brothers! When a couple adopted one of these cuties, they had no idea that its sibling had already been adopted by someone who lives in the same neighborhood!
The Redditor explained, "After rescuing a puppy from across the country, we found out that one of his brothers also got adopted near us. We set up a play date for the two. Here's a picture of them together." What are the odds?!
That Look Of Love
This cat is so in love with his owner that he "cat" take his eyes off her! The owner is all snuggled up to her new cat and smiling for the camera. Meanwhile, the feline is smiling for her!
Even more precious is that the Redditor mentioned that the cat was the last of his litter to be adopted because he was so shy. Now the cutie is completely comfortable and at ease with his loving owner.
Already Learning Tricks
This happy canine is already learning some new tricks! He's just a pup and already is mastering the art of shaking his owners hand. Considering that the pooch is sitting in lush green grass, we would guess his new owners took him straight to the park.
That, or they have a nice backyard for the dog to run and play in. Either way, this pet already has it made. Based on the fact his tongue is hanging out of his smiling mouth, we'd bet he's well aware of his luck.
Happily Headed Home
This couple was so excited about their new puppy that they couldn't even wait until they got home to take a family portrait. The dog is just as excited as they are, sitting on his new mom's lap with a big smile on his face.
We can imagine the pooch looking wildly out the windows as he anticipates arriving at his new home. He'd probably want to race to the front door to get a good whiff of the house.
Smiling In His Sleep
You know your pet is happy when they can't stop smiling, even in their sleep! This dog was sullen before being adopted, but now he's happy as can be snuggling up to his person.
Dog's are very expressive and wonderful communicators. Though this pooch can't talk, it's clear to see that he's happy as can be living with his new owner. It's amazing that even after being alone, he instinctual wants to be close to someone.
Locking Eyes With The New Pup
Even this middle-aged man melted for his adorable puppy. The canine is so small that it has to turn its head way up to look at the owner while sitting in his lap. It's incredibly cute to see these two locking eyes on their first day as a family.
Puppies are pretty vulnerable on their own, so this one must be relieved that he has a protector who is willing to take care of him.
Two Peas In A Pod
The cat owner who posted this photo explained that the local shelter only lets people adopt their felines in pairs. This picture explains why they would have such a rule, even if it means some customers might go elsewhere.
The cats are so bonded that they'd be better off staying in the shelter together than being ripped apart. Fortunately, there was an owner willing to take on both cats at the same time, resulting in double the cuteness!
It Was Meant To Be
This pet owner couldn't believe her eyes when she spotted this little fella. It turns out the woman had a dog years prior that she had to give up for adoption. Her former companion looked just like one of the canines at the shelter, so she had to have him.
Now this dog-lover gets to live out the rest of the time she lost with her former dog. Though they might not be exactly the same, it certainly helps turnaround the situation.
Arnold Schwarzenegger's Furry Friend
Even Arnold Schwarzenegger appreciates the unconditional love of a dog. The actor posted this picture to his Reddit account to introduce his followers to his furry friend. The dog's name is Dutch, and that isn't a coincidence.
When one commenter asked if the dog's name was a reference to Arnold's role in Predator, he actually replied yes! Based on the look on Dutch's face, we would guess that the dog is his famous owner's number one fan.
Snuggled On His Owner's Lap
This sweet dog is already comfortable enough with his owner to pass out on his lap. The Redditor stated that he only adopted the canine, named Digit, that morning!
Digit's loving feelings are certainly mutual, as the owner added that the dog is already his best friend. How could you not love a sweet pooch like that? It's like the canine was ready and waiting to give all his love to a willing and kind owner.
The Baby's Baby
This little girl can't be more than four-years-old, but she already has the baby holding position spot on. Instead of holding a doll, this girl gets to cradle her sweet little kitten!
The Redditor said that his daughter thinks the feline is her baby. What's even funnier is that the owner's username is theconfusedfather. He must be scratching his head at the fact his baby is already eager to treat something like her baby.
The Crazy Cat Man
Stereotypes would have you believe that the only crazy cat people are women. As it turns out, men can be wild for their felines, too! This brawny guy has no shame about snuggling his pair of cats.
We just hope he isn't hugging them too tight, because the cats look a little bit uncomfortable in that bear hug. Nevertheless, it's precious to see animals being loved on by a willing owner. You know the cats love him right back since they haven't clawed their way out of that hug yet.
Boy's Best Friend
Many of us can relate to longing for a pet as a kid but never having the opportunity to get one. They're a ton of responsibility, so the parents definitely have to be on board.
This boy's parents happily added this cute pup to the family. The dog is already snuggled up to his human sibling, and the boy is grinning over the company. Now he gets to grow up with a friend who will love him through all the ups and downs of adolescence.
They Came Into The Shelter Together, And They Left Together
This Redditor had a touching story behind the two cats pictured here. When they decided to adopt one of them, the shelter shared a story that would change anyone's mind.
It turns out the two cats are sisters and they were found together curled up in a log in the woods. Even after being rescued, the cats were inseparable. The moving story convinced the owner to get both cats, and now they get to spend the rest of their lives in a loving home.
Buy One, Get Three!
This dog lover went a little crazy at the shelter, getting not one or two dogs, but four! The Chihuahuas get to stay with all three of their siblings, and you can tell by the look on their faces that they're very excited about it.
The breed is so tiny that all four of them probably still weigh less than a large breed. Small as they may be, they have four times the love to offer their owner.
New Owners, New Rules
This dog didn't come from a shelter but was passed on to its former owner's friends. The Redditor explained that the home the dog came from had a no couch policy for dogs.
The canine's new owners allow the dog on their couch, and you can tell he's already taking advantage of the new rule. Not only does the canine have a huge smile on his face, but his tongue is also hanging out of his mouth!
The Senior Prince
This sweet cat was adopted at 18-years-old! Not many owners are willing to take on a senior pet out of fear that they won't have much time with them. The owner of this sweet cat was happy to him on.
She loves her little guy so much that she even got him a crown. Two years after adopting him, the Redditor posted this picture to introduce Oakie to the world. It goes to show that animals can live long with enough love.
His First Smile For The Camera
This adorable dog was recently adopted when this picture was snapped. According to the owner, it was the dog's first time smiling for the camera! The sweet pup is named Bear, which somehow fits his fluffy, brunette appearance.
It's incredible how quickly a dog's demeanor can transform once they've been accepted into a loving home. This cutie is already coming out of his shell, and it hasn't even been a week since he was adopted!
Scratches Are The Best
This dog got to test out his new bed on his way to his new home. He looks incredibly excited about all the brand new parts of his life. We're betting that the thing he's most over the moon about, though, is the owner scratching his back.
The dog's mouth is wide open and pulled into a smile. He doesn't seem to be looking at the person scratching him, which makes us think there may be more family members in the back seat he's gazing towards.
A Grateful Kitty
This kitten looks like he's full of love already and it's been less than a day since she arrived at her forever home. The owner wrote on Reddit, "I can finally adopt a cat, it's one of the happiest days of my life. Welcome home Apolo."
From the looks of it, Apolo feels the exact same way. The kitten is cute as a button while smiling and gazing up at who we can only imagine must be the owner.
Finally Home
This dog looks like he's seen some things in his lifetime. The sweet pooch is resting on its belly while his new owner pets him and welcomes the canine home.
The animal's response is to just look up at his person with sweet eyes. It's like he's finally able to rest after an extended period of being without a family. Now this dog can ease into his home and trust that he'll be loved from now on.
It's A Sable!
If this photo caught you off guard right away, that's probably because you were expecting another dog or cat. This little cutie is neither; it's a sable! The mammal weighs less than 2.5 pounds and is typically found in Russia, Siberia, and Mongolia.
Somehow, one of these precious little guys found his way into the arms of a pet lover. He certainly seems happy about being a house pet, and the owner isn't afraid of taking on a lesser-known pet.
Cute As A Bunny!
This kitten is positively adorable and is comfortable enough in her new home to curl up and fall asleep. While snoozing, the owner couldn't help but notice something about her new cat.
She wrote on Reddit that sometimes the feline looks like it could pass for a bunny. It's true that if the kitten's ears were longer, she would look more like a rabbit than a feline! Either way, this pet is too cute to be real.
The Cackling Puppy
This adorable puppy looks like he could be laughing out loud in this photo. His mouth is so wide that it's hard to imagine there isn't noise coming out.
The cutie is ecstatic about not only being adopted, but also getting to go on a hike with his owners! There's even a gleam in his eyes as though this is the best day of his life. It very well may be, but there are plenty more wonderful times ahead!
