10+ Soul-Healing Photos Of Adopted Cats And Their Owners, Celebrating Second Chances

We’ve all wanted a dog or pony at some point. If the pup is big enough, one can ride it like a horse. One is easier to care for. Cats, lizards, snakes, and rodents are allowed here!

Dear readers, welcome to a post with adorable creatures of different sizes. They’re not regular pets! These sweeties were just adopted or their owners shared a photo of their adoption from years ago.

Murad Kirdar, the Public Relations Officer of Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society, was kind enough to address some of our concerns about pet adoption around the holidays, so stay tuned!

Upvote and comment as you browse! If you can’t get enough, Embora Cats has done several of these compilations, so check out July and August’s gorgeous critters. Let’s begin!

More info: Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society | Instagram

1. Due to a long hospital stay, this man gave his dog to the Humane Society. A nurse adopted the dog after learning this. She Visited Everyday and Returned Him After Discharge!

After Christmas, we may relax and enjoy our gifts. Half of my chocolate Santas are gone, destroyed, and the rest are waiting to be dunked in hot coffee and eaten headfirst.

The presents that last decades or a lifetime outlast the rest of my goodies. Holiday pets are a dream for many youngsters and adults. Is there anything better than meeting your new best friend during a season of pleasure, fairy lights, and funny music? There are things to consider ahead.

Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society Public Affairs Officer Murad Kirdar thinks adopting a pet should never be taken lightly. He told Embora Cats that adopting an animal should be considered twice, three times, or even four times. “Dogs and cats live 17–20 years. Caring for another living creature is a lifetime commitment, not a whim.”

2. Since these siblings were inseparable, the shelter required their adoption together. Every Night.

3. Just found this little girl at work. Definitely I’m Adopted.

4. My 10-year-old cat was lonely, so I adopted a kitten. He seems pleased.

Adopting a pet requires numerous considerations, yet they often go unnoticed. “Adoption is a commitment,” Murad remarked. “Too many people bring home animals because ‘it’s cute.’ Did they think long-term?” Pet training costs and time are often disregarded.

Consider allergies and unwillingness to help with animal care. If one cannot provide company and training, dogs may not be for them. Murad has found that “planned, and the individual has done their homework on the animal” adoptions work best.

5. My Recently Adopted Cat Only Sleeps On Me. My Heart Melts

6. Just Adopted My First Cat! Meet Freya. She Adjusted Fast.

Holiday adoptions have advantages. Most significantly, adopting a pet saves a life and frees up shelter space. With everyone on vacation from school and work, the family has more time to get to know and teach the new pet, making adoption easier.

The ASPCA recommends Christmas adoption. Their 2013 study found that gifting an animal is safe if done properly. 86% of pets adopted during the holidays stayed in the home, and emotional attachment was unaffected.

We must also consider the flip side. Dogs are for life, not Christmas. However, the excitement of keeping a pet sometimes overshadows its duties. Avoid adopting pets you can’t care for since the animal will suffer the most.

7. We Adopted Three Cats: One Is Nice And Calm, One Is Shy, And This One Is

8. Discovered Her Behind A Dumpster. My Adorable Rescue Cat Coco

Rebecca Ruch-Gallie, service chief of community practice at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, says dogs bond with their owners and may not comprehend why that bond was destroyed. She also argues pets need routine. Adoption, acclimating to a new home, and returning to the shelter can be confusing for animals.

“Dogs Trust take in thousands of much-loved dogs from heartbroken owners who sadly find themselves unable to continue to care for their dogs due to unavoidable changes in their circumstances, so it’s particularly hard for staff when they see […] dogs handed in simply because their owners bought them on a whim and consider them little more than toys to be discarded when the novelty wears off,” said Dogs Trust Chief Executive Adrian Burder.

Veterinarians Bronwyn Orr and Mark Westman offer suggestions if you still want to adopt a pet for Christmas. Remember that parents are accountable for children’s pets. Older cats and dogs (eight years and older) and middle-aged dogs (five to eight years old) are the toughest to re-home and spend the longest time in the shelter.

9. Rancher, from Mississippi, was adopted last night and had his first Maine snow day this morning!

10. I Adopted This Tiny Boy With Brooklyn Street Fight Damage.

11. Adopted a kitten today. Observe His Leaf Play. Cute

Beware that pets can accidentally consume Christmas decorations like tinsel and tree hangings. No leftover Christmas ham or sausages, as these can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Chocolate—pups don’t like chocolate.

For a new pet, December is a busy month full of festivities, loud noise, and lots of people coming and going. This may discourage adoption during the holidays and instead wait till the New Year.

Live animals, so lots to consider! Joy and responsibility often go together. Murad’s input was much appreciated. I’ll leave links to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter’s social media and website if you want to support them.

Upvote and comment as you browse this great list. I hope to see you next year!