Precious pet adoption stories to brighten your day
No matter how big or small, young or old, it’s a magical moment when homeless pets have new families to love them. The wagging tails, rumbling purrs, and smiling faces are all the proof we need of that. From coast to coast, Best Friends Animal Society places thousands of pets in new homes each year as we work toward the goal of bringing all shelters across the country to no-kill by 2025.
Every adoption is a cause for celebration (and maybe a few happy tears). And because that joy is worth sharing, here are just a few messages we’ve received about dogs and cats in their new lives with their new favorite people.
Luna — adopted by the Pearlman family
Luna is amazing! We’ve had so much fun getting to know her and seeing her personality evolve as she has gotten more comfortable in the house. We had a dog and a cat already. Luna first warmed up to the dog, Emmy, but she and our other kitty, Lillie, are now daily playmates in the evening when the kids are in bed.
Best, though, are her licks: She has the roughest tongue of any cat I’ve known. When I get home, Luna needs to be picked up so the face and neck cleaning regimen can commence. I wince and giggle as she works her way around my chin, cheeks, and neck. I say regularly how blessed we are to have her.
Pigoo — adopted by Erika
What a fabulous couple of days! Mr. Pigoo slept in my lap the whole way home. He’s adapting quite well to his new home. What a bundle of energy! Holy moly! I’ve never seen a kitty run so fast! This once-sluggish kitten who didn’t want to eat is now faster than Usain Bolt!
Finley — adopted by Jill
From Finley: I have finally settled into my new home. I get so much attention and love. Even treats! From Jill: I love Finley so much; she is my girl. Thank you for taking good care of her while she was with you. She is what I needed in my life.
Troy — adopted by Tami and Wayne
This note is from me, Troy, with my mom helping me type it because my paws are a bit too big for the keyboard. Thank you so very much for helping my mom make it official that I get to be a part of my new family forever. I am so very grateful to everyone at Best Friends who made it possible. You are all angels!
Over the course of the last month with my family, I’ve learned all the daily routines, all the basic commands, how to be a great hiking and mountain-biking partner, and how to fit in as if I’ve been here my whole life.
This article was originally published in the January/February 2024 issue of Best Friends magazine. Want more good news? Become a member and get stories like this six times a year.
Let's make every shelter and every community no-kill by 2025
Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill by 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets.
Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.
You can help save homeless pets
You can help end the killing in shelters and save the lives of homeless pets when you foster, adopt, and advocate for the dogs and cats who need it most.
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