Dogs are often terrified and wary when they are adopted. We do not blame them since it means taking them to a strange environment with unfamiliar smells and faces. Sometimes, however, they are glad to meet their new owners. These moments have even been caught on tape! Read on to see these lovely photos.

These Dogs And Humans Meeting For The First Time Will Make You Go “Aww”!
First Bite!
“I’ve got your nose,” but make it literal. This dog was so happy that he could not hold in the excitement he was feeling! In the end, this happened. He bit his human on the nose, but we are sure it did not hurt.

First Bite!
Worth Keeping
This lady stumbled upon the pup on the sidewalk. She only wanted to take this dog to the shelter but decided to keep him for herself after a closer look! She decided to bring him home instead.

Worth Keeping
First Selfie
This pup does not have reservations about posing for the camera whatsoever. She grinned from ear to ear for this selfie. The guy must have known that he made the right call to adopt her after seeing this.

First Selfie
Put Your Hands Up
You do not need to be a genius to figure out what this dog felt about the adoption. We can see that this also goes for her new family. They look just as thrilled to call her a member of their family! Aww.

Put Your Hands Up
Morning Call
Breakfast in bed is always nice, but there is an even better option out there. Wait until you get a wakeup call from the cutest puppy on the planet! This is a better way to start your day than a good meal.

Morning Call
Loving Look
Will you look at the way the two of them look at one another? We bet they are thinking about all the things they can do in the future. It is either that or the dog was trying to guilt him into giving more food.

Loving Look
Happy Smile
This dog clearly has all the best things in life. We cannot think of anything better than the sun on our faces and a hug. That winning smile is all the proof we need to see that she is happy and content.

Happy Smile
Lovey-Dovey
When you adopt a dog, it is your responsibility as an owner to deal out hugs and kisses. This pup was having a blast. She was just glad and thankful that she now had a family that she could call her own.

Lovey-Dovey
Cute Christmas Present
This guy had always wanted a dog. He has been asking or it every Christmas, though his wife always said no. They did not have the means to feed another mouth… until this year. His dream finally came true!

Cute Christmas Present
Puppy Love
A cop often sees a lot of stress in his line of work. We are sure that it is hard to maintain the peace in a community. However, even these tough men have a soft spot for adorable pooches like this one here.

Puppy Love
Rock-a-bye Baby
She could not help but cradle her dog after they met. Clearly, she already adores this pup! He was also enjoying the attention she was giving him. Look at how lovely this smile is. We wish them the best!

Rock-a-bye Baby
A Bear Of A Dog
On Reddit, this guy said, “I went to adopt a dog and ended up with a bear.” We can see that he was not mad about it, however. We bet that having such a big dog will make him feel safe and secure at night.

A Bear Of A Dog
Cute First Photo
At the shelter, it is not common for people to pick the younger dogs. It is primarily because older dogs suffer from health issues that can cost a lot. This guy did not care and adopted her anyway!

Cute First Photo
Can We Take Him Home?
With that look, she was either trying to say, “I love this dog very much,” or “Can we keep him?” We think that we are not mistaken to think that she wanted to say both. They clearly adore each other!

Can We Take Him Home?
Perfect Present
It is only normal to feel emotional when you adopt a new pet. This dude was so touched when his partner got him this lovely surprise! She clearly did a great job when she picked out a gift for him.

Perfect Present
Similar Expressions
Can you imagine how fun it must be to have a pup who can pose like this for photos? We are sure that he would have a lot of fun with his new companion. The photo shows the start of a great friendship!

Similar Expressions
Happy Pill
This woman used to suffer from depression. Even though she used to think her future was hopeless, it all got better when she got this doggy from the shelter. She now has a happy pill inside her house.

Happy Pill
Staring Contest
If you want to improve your dad’s mood, an adorable pup might just do the trick. Look at this man and his dog staring at each other. Do you have any idea who won in the end? We are sure it was the dog!

Staring Contest
Power Nap
Few things are more peaceful than the image of a child and dog asleep. How adorable is it that they are even smiling? Don’t worry, they just needed to recharge quickly before they got up to more antics!

Power Nap
Lots of Love
This child succeeds in giving his new dog all the love that she needs. If we did not know any better, we would have assumed that this was taken from a Pixar film! The love is oozing in this photo.

Lots of Love
Dog Kisses
This photo is simply oozing with a lot of enthusiasm. The adorable pup loves his owner a lot, that much we can see. He even licked his human on the noise. This was what a Reddit user had to say about it: “The camera may have been quick enough to catch this protruding puppy’s tongue, but it still couldn’t capture his fast-flicking tail!”

Dog Kisses
Mischievous Look
The little girl in the photo could not believe what she got for Christmas. This little bundle of joy was the best gift ever! We are sure that she was excited to get into a lot of trouble with her new friend.

Mischievous Look
Bear Hug
Aww. How happy does this young man look in the photo? It looks like the dog was checking if he was giving the best hug ever. We have no doubt that the two of them would go on to be the best of friends.

Bear Hug
2 Peas In A Pod
Adoptions can be exciting affairs, no doubt about it. This old guy could not help but show us how excited he was. The owner even went back to the backseat to squeeze in some TLC before they went home.

2 Peas In A Pod
Old & Young
When her husband passed away, this woman started to feel lonely. It was a good thing that she had a great son, who got her a puppy. This photo was taken when she found out that this dog was all hers.

Old & Young
Grateful
If you look at this photo, you will get the impression that this dog was thanking to woman for choosing her. We can see just how grateful this dog was to have found her forever home. Good for you, pup!

Grateful
Who’s More Excited?
The whole family is normally excited when they get a new dog. The kids are even more enthusiastic about it, however. This was how shocked Sarah was when she found out they had a new family member.

Who’s More Excited?
“I Wub You, Papa”
Anyone who takes in senior dogs should be awarded. This dog must be 12 years old or older, but it did not stop the man from taking him home. What a kind man he must be to give this dog another shot!

“I Wub You, Papa”
Just Keep Scratching
“Ooh yes. That’s the right spot, human. Keep scratching. You’re doing great!” this dog was likely thinking when the photo was taken. He found out that he was getting adopted and could not wait to go with her.

Just Keep Scratching
“I’m Going Home!”
It was not only their clothes that matched but also their smiles! It seems like the pup was happy to have found a home at last. She was also thrilled to finally get a new pal. We bet they will be happy together.

“I’m Going Home!”
Pure Joy
Many adoption fairs offer free toys and food to those who are interested in adopting. Sasha only found out that these lovely humans want to take her home with them. She simply could not believe her luck.

Pure Joy
Eyes, Ears & Mouth Open
When we receive good news, we tend to have a physical reaction. Their ears, eyes, and mouths would pop open in excitement. Puppies tend to do the same thing. Look at how he responded to his adoption!

Eyes, Ears & Mouth Open
Big Hug
A hug can be the best way for you to express your happiness or excitement. This dog was clearly thrilled about what was going on. When the two of them got home, he was happy to see that he had a brother!

Big Hug
Nap Time
When dogs feel at ease, they will have no problems sleeping soundly. This dog was content in the arms of his new mom. We doubt that anything in the world would wake him up at that moment. How nice.

Nap Time
Kisses Galore
A lot of dogs prefer hugs over kisses. Not this one, however. This hound just wanted to jump on his new owner and lick him from his head to his ears to his neck. What an awesome welcome home gift!

Kisses Galore
Jus’ Got Adopted #rescue
Don’t you think this bandana is the cutest? It manages to bring out the eye color of this dog very well. Based on his face, the dog cannot believe that he was finally getting adopted. You best believe it, pup.

Jus’ Got Adopted #rescue
So. Flipping. Excited.
Finding your forever home is a great cause for celebration. It is a huge deal, mind you. We bet this cutie knows this. His new owner looks like she is also very blessed, don’t you think? We are happy for them!

So. Flipping. Excited.
Tongues Out
It is either super hot that day, or he was just glad to finally leave this shelter. There is a better chance that the latter was true. What a happy dog! On the other hand, his new owner looks just as happy.

Tongues Out
Best Friends For Life
A handicap-assist dog will come in very handy if you have special needs. This teen had been waiting for one of her own for months. At long last, she finally met Peach! They look so happy together, don’t they?

Best Friends For Life
Can’t Stop Smiling
While she was still finishing the adoption papers, her new dog broke into a very wide grin. He could not wait to go home with his new owner. That is the sweetest thing ever! His owner looks just as thrilled.

Can’t Stop Smiling
Secret Time
What are you supposed to do when you have a big secret? Ideally, you keep your mouth shut. This girl knew that her new pal was trustworthy, however. She told him the news that they were adopting him!

Secret Time
A New Pillow
This is what you do when your parents take in an adorable Alaskan Malamute. There is not much you can do but to cuddle with them and pretend they are a pillow. Luckily, this dog did not mind it at all.

A New Pillow
Feeling Loved
Folks, meet Paws. He was adopted from Paws in the City in Dallas. His new mom is Hallie Noble, and she could not wait to bring him home and love him as much as she could. We bet they get along just fine!

Feeling Loved
Feels So Right
The person who took this photo managed to capture a special moment between Dusty and his mom. The person deserves a prize for taking such a great photo! It shows us what adoptions should be like.

Feels So Right
Is This Really Happening?
Penny realized that she would no longer be living at the shelter when she was in the elevator with her new father, John Sechrist. Look at her face! The expression she was making in this photo is priceless.

Is This Really Happening?
Yeaaaaah!
Sarah Brown Carter gets to call herself Roxy’s new mom. She says that this dog helps them all stay happy. With a sweet smile like that, we do not doubt that she is the glue that holds the family together.

Yeaaaaah
Home At Last
Before Dan adopted him, this dog experienced a lot of trauma in the past. Rex got severe neck trauma when his old owner forced a shock collar on him. It is a good thing that he now looks a lot happier.

Home At Last
All Smiles
The guy in the photo is called Fluke, which is a hilariously appropriate name for him. His new dad Josh Patrick took him in last November 2017. This was the first photo they had, but it is surely not the last.

All Smiles
Pure Ecstasy
This was what Kelsi Keys had to say about adopting her fur baby, Dax: “Adopting Dax is one of the best decisions I have ever made. He has been there through all of the ups and downs of my life. He is the best adventure partner and cuddle-buddy. I keep him safe and he keeps me wild.” How sweet is that?

Pure Ecstasy
Now We’re Family
Just so you know, there is no guarantee that your new pet will get along with the ones you have at home. The couple hoped that Cora would get along with their other pets. Luckily, she fit in just fine!

Now We’re Family
Instant Pals
Everyone, we want you to meet terabyte. The cattle dog was discovered abandoned in a field. A family found her and then learned that she is deaf. Luckily, this did not get in the way of much they love her!

Instant Pals
Picture Perfect
The Husky and Alsatian mix below is Hazel, who lives in Oakland with her family. This was what her aunt had to say about her: “My family is quite obsessed with her.” Everything looks so lovely in the photo.

Picture Perfect
What’s Going On?
Jenna Gunselman recounted the time they adopted Oliver, “The first time we took Oliver on a car ride, he was shaking and crying (we assume because the only time he had ever been in a car before was to take him to the shelter). Now he loves car rides because he knows he’s going to get to see a new friend or go play somewhere!”

What’s Going On
Road To Recovery
Christina Haberkern wanted a friend for Zoe, her handicapped Labrador. It was actually her pet dog who saw Marty! She brought her mom over to his pen. There was no doubt which one they were getting.

Road To Recovery
Before And After
The first photo was captured when Suki was adopted, while the next one was taken 9 years after that. She looks very different now, doesn’t she? Her mom said, “Suki has been a major support for me, especially for my mood disorders. Suki has been with me since freshman year of high school.”

Before And After
Puppy Eyes
The puppy in the photo is called Kodak. He is a lovely shepherd and Labrador mix who was rescued from a hoarding case. His name is perfect for him! That gorgeous smile is definitely worthy of many photos.

Puppy Eyes
Better And Better
Here is a photo of Bella as her new mom Krystal picked her up for the very first time. The other photo shows her when they took her in. She has since become a very important part of the family. How nice!

Better And Better
You Are My Savior
Look at the way this dog was looking at her savior. We can see that she needed no comforting. She must have had a decent idea of what was going on. In fact, she could not be any happier about it.

You Are My Savior
In The Arms Of An Angel
In case you did not know, bull terriers usually get neglected in shelters. Some people think that they dangerous, but this is not true at all. Luckily, there are people like her who know the truth.

In The Arms Of An Angel
Best Day Of My Life
“This is definitely the best day ever!” the puppy in the photo must have been thinking during that car ride. Something about the photo tells us that he knew exactly what was going on when this was taken.

Best Day Of My Life
That Smile
This dog won’t have to live in the shelter any longer because he is finally going home. He could not believe that he was finally getting a place he could call home. Isn’t it touching to see how happy he is?

That Smile
Never Let Go
They were going home, and this guy knows that he is literally in good hands. This was the first of many photos they had with their baby. Even though he was small then, he will surely grow into a big guy!

Never Let Go
Everything The Light Touches
“Simba, everything the light touches is our kingdom,” said Mufasa in the greatest animated film ever, Lion King. We bet that something like that happened when this photo was taken. However, it was probably something along the lines of, “Everywhere the grass touches is your playground.”

Everything The Light Touches
His First Picnic
You should know that you can never go wrong with a picnic! In fact, we highly recommend taking out your new pup to one after the adoption. Trust us, nothing beats treats, sunshine, grass, and each other.

His First Picnic
Pure Bliss
It is true that dogs cannot see the entire spectrum of colors that we could. However, we bet that the dog in the photo could see all the colors of the rainbow. After all, he has made it home at long last.

Pure Bliss
Happy Days From Now On
We can clearly see how overwhelming her excitement is. She was clearly happy about what was going on. They say that dogs go to heaven, but we hope that they can go to their forever homes first.

Happy Days From Now On
No Words
What can we say about this lovely moment? Words can not enough to describe the magical moment when you realize that you are finally home. At last, this pup will get care, love, and security every day.

No Words
Awww
Are you looking for sweet pictures? This one must be at the top of the list. It is the sort of photo that will make you go “aww.” The happy and relaxed expression on this dog is simply the best thing we have ever seen.

Awww
Energizer
Have you heard of the Fountain of Youth? The truth is that it is nothing more than a pit of pups. We all know just how much these babies make us smile and give us energy. This senior citizen knew this. After all, she got to experience it firsthand!

Energizer
Best Friends Forever
These two little cuties were cellmates in the dog shelter. The family that came to adopt a dog that day, just wanted one dog. Once they saw their cute little faces and their strong bond however, they understood that the two of them couldn’t be separated. Long story short, both of them got adopted by the same family. Just look at those big smiles a few months after the adoption. Keeping them together was definitely the right decision.

Best Friends Forever
Sunny Day
That’s Ripley. A year ago he was adopted and back then he was in a very bad condition. He had severe health issues and people thought he is not going to survive. One family however decided to adopt him and try their best to get him healthy again. That is exactly what they did. One year later Rilpey is playing in the pool and enjoying the sun. That’s the kind of happy dogs we love to see!

Sunny Day
Good Times
Many adopted dogs are dealing with trust issues and are often very depressed. Luckily this little pup managed to overcome his anxiety and trust issues. This dog couldn’t be happier. He has the sun, a nice spot in the park and some tennis balls. What else could you possibly ask for?! We are happy to see that this dog finally enjoys his life, after being neglected by his previous owner.

Good Times
Thanks For Saving Me
This little pup is Pablo. He was found on the street and was not only starving but also full of ticks and flees. Luckily a woman took him home and nurtured him back to live. This is Pablo now. A few months later he looks like a different dog. The look he gives to his new owner, already says it all! Thank you for saving me!

Thanks For Saving Me
Hair Cut
This little cutie was found in a very bad condition. This dog breed usually has very long hair, which need to be treated well. Unfortunately this dog wasn’t that lucky. His hair also transmitted parasites, which made him sick. Thankfully he got adopted by a great family, which instantly send him to a groomer. Look at him now! Isn’t he gorgeous?! And this smile!!

Hair Cut
Freedom
Just take a look at this happy dog! He is enjoying his freedom, the fresh air and the huge adventurous playground around him. This dog was held in a room by his previous owners all the time before they gave him up for adoption. We are very happy to see, that this dog was adopted by a wonderful family, that gives him all the freedom he needs.

Freedom
Beautiful Face
This pup is just such a beauty! Look at him. Before he got adopted, he lost his right eye in a fight with a cat. That didn’t keep his new owners from adopting him! The little cutie found a wonderful new home and a loving family, and we are so happy to see, that he is able to enjoy his life in the fullest again!

Beautiful Face
King Size Bed
You can see how much this dog enjoys his new home. It is very clear, that he is a big fan of his new owners king-size bed! It is clearly not the same as the floor in the adoption home. We are very happy to see, that this fluffy guy finally found a loving family with a wonderful big and comfy bed!

King Size Bed
Sweet Dreams
It didn’t take long for this guy to get along with his new owners. Already the first night after the adoption this little Jack Russel got into the bed of his new parents. It seems like he already feels very comfortable with his new mom. It looks like he just found the perfect and most comfortable spot to be.

Sweet Dreams
Best Friends For Life
This picture is too cute! Here you can see how a dog that just got adopted and its new buddy are becoming friends. The both connected right away, and it looks like a lifelong bond is about to be shaped. We are very happy to see that this dog already feels connected to his new owner the first night he got out of the shelter. And the little boy is lucky as well, because he just found a new best friend for life!

Best Friends For Life
Forever Together
Also these two cuties met each other at the dog shelter and became the best friends. As Kim (the right one) was supposed to be adopted her best friend Bob was crying so much, that the new owners realized that there is only one solution to this problem. Two adopt both of them. That’s exactly what they did and just look at them now. Peacefully living and enjoying their life at a great new family together.

Forever Together
Huge Smile
If you compare the two pictures of this little pup, it is not hard to see how much happier he is on the right one. It only took him a few days to trust his new family and enjoy the time with them. Now just look at him! He has the biggest smile on earth. We are very happy to see that this furry friend found a good place to stay at and just bursts out from good energy!

Huge Smile
Pure Joy
Here is another happy pup. This little once was neglected by his old family and found on the streets before he was put up for adoption. Luckily he found a family that treats him like a king and loves him with all of their heart. Just look at him. He is full pf joy!

Pure Joy
Throw Me The Ball
This dog is certainly very happy! After he got adopted, his new owners showed him what real love is. They go on hour long walks with him every day and play with him ball for hours and hours. It seems like he just can’t get enough of his new favorite game. We are happy to see, that another dog found a loving and caring home.

Throw Me The Ball
Restored Faith
Who wouldn’t want such a cute dog? That’s a good question, right?! However, someone gave this little pup up for adoption. Luckily it didn’t take long, until this beauty found a new loving home. We are glad to hear, that there are still loving and caring dog lovers around this world!

Restored Faith
The New Sheriff In Town
This is Mardi, a shelter dog that was found in a very bad condition. He was scared and had severe trust issues. It took more than a year, until someone adopted this beauty. Unfortunately during this time, her trust issues got stronger and stronger. However, her new family told themselves, that they are going to try everything to gain Mardis trust and won’t give up until they managed it. Luckily they didn’t give up and today Mardi is the new brave sheriff in the house.

The New Sheriff In Town
Good Vibes
This man seemed to do a good job adopting this little pup. Just look at them! They are not only sharing the same smile, but both are full of happiness, joy and good vibes! It is always great to see the strong bond between a dog and his owner and the way they can make each other happy and smile.

Good Vibes
King Of The World
Being neglected by ones owners, can be a traumatic event for dogs. This was also the case with this cutie. He was put on the streets by his old owners and found by animal protections. Luckily some generous people adopted the dog and nurtured him back to health. They also gave him back the feeling of trust and self-esteem. Now the dog lives with a caring and loving family and knows what how strong and cool he is!

King Of The World
Family Time
This is Buddy. Buddy was in the shelter for a long time, until this lovely couple finally showed up and took him with them. That was the day, where everything changed for Buddy. Buddy and his new owners had an instant connection, and it was clear, that they are going to be great friends! It is always wonderful to hear stories with a happy ending like this!

Family Time
Heaven
After years in a shelter, this Chihuahua finally found her spot in Heaven. After being alone for many years, she finally found a great family who loves her and takes care of her! It is amazing to know, that happy endings are still existing!

Heaven