Shelter Dogs Get Adopted

Adopting a dog from a shelter is life-changing for both the pup and their new owners. The people involved have a new companion, and the dogs have someone to love and care for them. And in some cases, the adopters are quite literally saving the shelter dog’s life. 

These 30 photos capture the moment of adoption for the shelter dogs in them. Keep some tissues nearby because the sight of these excited, content, and already loved pups is enough to make anyone shed a tear.

30 Photos of Shelter Dogs at the Moment of Adoption

 

 

Luna’s expression as she rides home with her new best friend tells you everything you need to know about adopting from a shelter. She is so clearly happy and content to be heading toward her forever home.

 

 

Because of stereotypes about the breed, pit bulls are often overlooked at shelters. Princess Ru the pit mix was at her shelter for months before a family took a chance on her. These photos show the effect adoption has on the wellbeing of any dog. Princess Ru is smiling, and so his her family because they have her.

Image by Allie Lucchetti via Facebook

The immediate love and trust between Rosie and her new mama are apparent as they cuddle up during her adoption. The pair couldn’t be happier to have found each other, and they clearly have many cuddly years ahead of them.

Image by Julie Docherty via Instagram

These four senior Chihuahuas are clearly living their best life after being adopted from the same shelter. They get to live out their remaining years with their new companions and mom.

While puppies and younger dogs tend to get the most attention at shelters, there are so many benefits of adopting senior shelter dogs. They tend to be lower energy and require less training. And no matter how old, any dog has plenty of love to give.

This pooch seems overwhelmed by the fact that she’s just been adopted. Whether she’s overwhelmed by joy or a little bit nervous, she now has a family that can get to know her and meet her needs.

Image by Jessica Charles

When you adopt a shelter dog, you might go in with certain expectations only to fall in love with a dog that you never saw coming. In this case, Chance didn’t give his dad an opportunity to pick out another dog. Chance spotted him and heading over right away, sitting down in his lap to call dibs.

There’s nothing quite like being chosen by a dog, and Chance’s new dad couldn’t say no. He got to go home with him and become a member of the family he’d picked out himself.

 

 

Before coming to the shelter, Luna had a rough go of it. She was neglected and overweight, and her family abandoned her at the shelter. Due to all of this, Luna was timid and mournful. But a shelter visitor took a liking to Luna and decided to take her home. Just eight hours later, Luna was basically a different dog, snuggling with her new owner and completely relaxed. It’s amazing what an immediate difference adoption made for this pup.

Getting adopted is hard work for a little puppy. This little baby was so tuckered out by the excitement of the day that she spent the car ride home napping in her new dad’s arms.

Image by Reddit user zackbusselsd

These two guys can’t believe their luck at finding each other at the shelter! They’re both fun-loving, goofy, and ready for anything. These best friends are sure to grow their bond with many adventures ahead.

Image by Nicole Grimes via Facebook

This adoption story is worthy of its own movie. Nicole was overjoyed to find a poodle-pomeranian mix named Chloe at her local shelter. Chloe reminded Nicole of a dog that her parents had made her give up for adoption a few years before.

When Nicole learned that the shelter dog was also named Chloe, she thought it was a coincidence. But she also had the same birthday as her former dog, so she had the vet scan her microchip. It seems impossible, but Chloe was the very same dog Nicole was forced to give up years before! The reunited companions now live together with Nicole’s daughter, grateful to be together again.

Both this pup and its new owner look completely content at having found each other. This dog’s small size makes it perfect for people who live in an apartment or don’t have time to take a couple of long walks each day. One benefit of adopting from a shelter is that so many different dogs are available. You can find a pairing that meets both the dog’s and people’s needs.

Is there anything better than a floofy dog? This pupper’s new family obviously agrees as they look delighted to be taking their new pet home. But nothing can top their dog’s look of joy as he rides home on his mom’s lap, ready for his new life.

Seven-year-old mini Australian shepherd Bella can’t take her eyes off her new mom. This breed is exceptionally intelligent and loyal, and it looks like Bella already knows who to look out for!

This dog’s underbite makes it look like she’s smiling all the time! Her new mom was captivated by her unique look and decided to take her home. Shelter dogs with special needs or unusual appearances need and provide just as much love as other pups. Although some might need extra attention, these sweet companions are absolutely worth it.

This puppy was so excited to be adopted that he rode home from the shelter on his dad’s shoulder. These two have many years of friendship ahead of them.

Despite his handsome face, Frank the Tank was having trouble getting adopted. But when a shelter visitor posted his photo on social media, potential adopters started calling in about him. Frank got matched with the perfect family, and he even has a dog brother. The difference in his expression between the first and second pictures shows just how happy Frank is to have a home.

Nine-month-old Samoyed Nook is showing off his skills. This beautiful fluffster has already impressed his new family, so maybe he’s giving them a handshake as his way of saying “thank you” for adopting a shelter dog.

Image by Reddit user I_speak_Australian

This woman and her newly adopted pup are clearly made for each other. The new dog parent beams with joy as her sweet little companion leans in for the first of what is sure to be millions of chin scratches and snuggles. Adopting a shelter dog is positive for everyone involved.

Pablo arrived at the shelter after getting picked up as a stray dog. He was dirty and uncared for, and he looked absolutely downtrodden. But a new family picked Pablo out at the shelter and decided to take him home. These photos demonstrate what a loving family and a good bath can do for a formerly stray pup!

Image by Reddit user mithimithi

This pit bull was saved just in the nick of time! Scarlett was scheduled for euthanasia because her shelter was overcrowded. A totally curable skin condition had kept other adopters from considering her.

But her new owners couldn’t resist her sweet face and decided to adopt her on the spot. Now, Scarlett is healthy and happy, bringing her family daily joy.

Kodak ended up at the shelter after he was rescued from an animal hoarding situation. He and his new mom are in puppy love after she adopted him from the shelter. They’re both smiling because Kodak is going to grow up with all of the love and attention he needs to become a very good boy!

Photo by Reddit user animatedrussian

Rey was scheduled to be euthanized at the shelter just days after she was adopted. It’s no surprise that she looks so much happier in the second photo. Rey’s owners truly rescued her, and now she gets to live with a family who will love and care for her for the rest of her days.

This little guy had to take a nap when he got home from his adoption. He’s so comfortable in his new home that he wasn’t afraid to drool a little bit.

There’s no bond quite like that between a child and their pet. And if you got to go to the shelter and pick out your own dog as a kid, it’s probably one of your favorite memories. This puppy and his boy are new companions, but they’re already super comfortable together. Because he adopted his pup, they get to grow up together!

It was easy for Corgi-German shepherd mix Vera to win over her new dad. Who could resist her unique looks and sweet smile? Like other shelter dogs on this list, Vera was scheduled for euthanasia before being adopted. But now she has a loving home and a purpose: her dad plans to train her as an emotional support animal!

Adoption-wise, things weren’t looking great for this pup, Donuts. He was a senior pup who was both blind and deaf. And he had just been diagnosed with cancer, making it unlikely that anyone would adopt him.

But fortunately, Matt visited the shelter one day and fell in love with Donuts. He adopted Donuts and resolved to give him the best life possible, no matter how much time he has left.

Poor Pippa was in the shelter for 103 days before she found her forever family. As discouraging as it surely was to keep waiting and waiting, things turned around for Pippa when her family picked her out. She warmed up to them right away and got to leave the shelter for a home of her own!

This puppy can’t hide his joy after being adopted. His new family gifted him a bandana and took him on a hike. It’s surely a sign of many more to come, based on this pup’s big smile.

Image by Sgt. Valerie C. Eppler via Wikimedia Commons

English bulldog Pinkerton was fortunate to find his new dad, a Staff Sergeant, at an adoption event on his military base. It’s clear that the two immediately bonded and have a love-filled future ahead of them!

Image by Lort Smith Hospital via Facebook

Coso couldn’t contain his excitement about getting a new family! This pup was so overjoyed about his adoption that he lifted his paws in the air to celebrate.

Have you ever seen a more satisfied face? And the reason for this contented face is obvious: he has a human and a forever home! Even if your adopted shelter dog doesn’t make this exact face, know that this is how they feel on the inside.