During adoption, dogs are often scared and unsure. It is, after all, a process where they are removed from the environment that they are used to and are placed in a new place with a lot of unfamiliar smells and faces. However, there are times when dogs are very happy to meet their new owners and it can be a very touching moment. Good thing these meetings are often captured on camera, recording these first, amazingly sweet moments between a dog and a caring human being.
20+ Heartwarming Moments Of People And Their Dogs Meeting For The First Time
First Bite!
Excitement can sometimes bring out the animal in you. Well, in this case, the dog in this cute little pup. It is quite obvious how excited he is to meet his new owner that he just had to bite his human’s nose! It’s definitely the literal version of “got your nose,” don’t you think?
First Bite!
Worth Keeping
This woman found this cute dog on the side of the road and decided to bring her to the local shelter. However, when she saw this lovely dog’s face, she changed her mind and brought her home instead. We can’t blame her though. This cutie is absolutely adorable!
Worth Keeping
First Selfie
This pup is obviously not camera shy as she immediately posed for a selfie with her winning ear-to-ear grin. This guy definitely made the right choice of adopting her. Clearly, these two hit it off right off the bat!
First Selfie
Put Your Hands Up
There is no doubt about how this adorable dog feels about her adoption. We can see how the feeling is mutual as her new family looks equally excited to have her. What a good way to start a friendship and future together!
Put Your Hands Up
Morning Call
It might be a nice experience being served with breakfast in bed, but a puppy wakeup call is definitely a million times better! Just look at this little cutie’s face and see how this is better than waking up to a tray of toast, egg, bacon, and coffee.
Morning Call
Loving Look
These two cannot take their eyes off each other! They are probably thinking about the next few years of companionship and adventures. Well, that or the little doggy wants to get some treats and is “guilting” the guy into giving him some.
Loving Look
Happy Smile
This doggy definitely has the best things in life. What with sunshine on her face and a hug from her owner, nothing could be better, right? Look at that smile! It’s clearly a happy and contented one. It would definitely look great on a shampoo ad.
Happy Smile
Lovey-Dovey
Hugs and kisses are certainly part of the deal when adopting a dog, and Tata the pup is seriously enjoying this lovey-dovey moment. Being adopted and taken to her new home has definitely made this sweet, little pup very happy and her contagious excitement has obviously made her new owner smile with happiness, too!
Lovey-Dovey
Cute Christmas Present
This man had been asking his wife for a puppy every Christmas, and every year his wife declined. She doesn’t want to have one more mouth to feed in their house. However, she surprised him one Christmas with this cutie. Just look at the shocked look on his face when his Christmas wish finally came true!
Cute Christmas Present
Puppy Love
We can only imagine the kind of stress a cop has during his or her time at work. It is also common knowledge that it is one of the toughest jobs in the world. These people can look tough on the outside, but they definitely have a soft spot, especially for puppies! Just look at this police officer melt as he hugs his new puppy.
Puppy Love
Rock-a-bye Baby
This woman couldn’t help but cradle her new pooch when they met. She obviously adores him, and he clearly enjoys it! Just look at his smile when she treats him like a baby. These two will definitely have a lifetime of love.
Rock-a-bye Baby
A Bear Of A Dog
This Reddit user said, “I went to adopt a dog and ended up with a bear.” He looked happy enough though. We are sure that with this huge dog by his side, he won’t be scared of anything or anyone in the future.
A Bear Of A Dog
Cute First Photo
People don’t often go for older dogs when they decide to adopt. This is mainly because they often have health issues that could cost the owner thousands of dollars at the vet. But this guy obviously didn’t care about it when he chose this pretty dog. This picture was taken outside the shelter where he found her, and she really nailed that lolling tongue look!
Cute First Photo
Can We Take Him Home?
We find it hard to identify whether this cute little girl is making the “Can we take him?” face or “I love this dog so much face.” But whatever that expression meant, it’s quite obvious that she is expressing both! We can clearly see the love that she and this pup will have in the future.
Can We Take Him Home?
Perfect Present
It is natural to be a little emotional when you adopt a new pet. This guy has definitely shown how touched he was at receiving such a beautiful surprise from his significant other. What can be sweeter than a guy in tears because of your gift?
Perfect Present
Similar Expressions
Imagine the kind of fun you’d have when your dog gamely poses for a picture with you, making the same face as you in front of the camera! This guy definitely lucked out when he adopted his new dog. This selfie is just the beginning of a lifetime of fun and adventure.
Similar Expressions
Happy Pill
This woman was suffering from depression. She used to feel that her life was hopeless. When she felt a little better, emotionally that is, she adopted this little puppy. This picture shows how happy she was to bring her new puppy home. Now she has her own happy pill in this cute little bundle.
Happy Pill
Staring Contest
Nothing can cure a grumpy dad better than a cute little puppy! Just look at these two bond by having their own staring contest. We wonder who won this round. Our money is on the puppy, of course!
Staring Contest
Power Nap
The peace and quite that a sleeping child and sleeping dog provide is a close second to the happiness that their smiling faces bring. These two partners in crime definitely need their naps to regain their energy. For sure, they will have more fun and adventure when they wake up.
Power Nap
Lots of Love
This kid surely gives a lot of love to his new puppy. This photo looks like it is a scene straight out of a Pixar movie or a picture from a dog ownership pamphlet. Well, we surely feel like giving our own pooch a hug because of this kid’s obvious love for his own dog.
Lots of Love
Dog Kisses
This is a picture that practically oozes with enthusiasm. The cute little puppy definitely loves his new owner because he couldn’t help but lick her nose! One Reddit comment said, “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
This little girl was obviously ecstatic to receive such a cute little bundle for Christmas. Her mischievous look tells of all the mischief that she is planning to have with her new pup! This cute puppy’s tongue-lolling look seems to express his agreement.
Mischievous Look
Bear Hug
How content does this little boy look! The dog is checking to make sure he’s giving the perfect hug with enough squeeze and many kisses. We have a feeling these two are gonna be best buds for life.
Bear Hug
2 Peas In A Pod
Getting adopted is super excited, and this old guy shows us just how exciting! His owner got in the front seat to drive away but her new adopted son wanted more hugs and cuddles. Back to the backseat she went for more love before they finally headed home.
2 Peas In A Pod
Old & Young
After her husband passed away, this elderly woman had become quite lonely. Her son decided to give her a puppy to help ease the pain of her loss. This photo was taken the moment she found out the dog was hers! We can’t decide who looks more excited!
Old & Young
Grateful
This pup seems to be looking at her new owner, thanking her for adopting her. We bet she’s forever grateful he doesn’t have to spend her final years at a shelter. Just look at those tearful eyes!
Grateful
Who’s More Excited?
Adopting a dog is exciting for the entire family, especially the kids! When Sarah’s parents came home with this pup, she couldn’t believe they were really keeping him! It looks like their new dog Harley was just as excited!
Who’s More Excited?
“I Wub You Papa”
Those who adopt senior citizen dogs are to be commended. This dog has to be at least 12 years old, and this man found it in his heart to take him home. Just look how excited his new dog is to finally be adopted! To a new, final adventure!
“I Wub You Papa”
Just Keep Scratching
“Ooh yes, right there. Keep scratching human, you’re doing great”! If dogs could talk, we assume that’s what this little guy would say. He just found out his foster mom has decided to adopt him. We think he’s more than okay with that, what do you think?
Just Keep Scratching
“I’m Going Home!”
Not only is his collar matching her shirt, but their smiles match as well! This pup looks thrilled to finally have found a good home. His owner looks even more thrilled to finally have a sidekick by the name of Max. We think these two will make each other very happy in the future.
“I’m Going Home!”
Pure Joy
Many pet stores often hold adoption fairs, giving complimentary food and toys to whoever adopts. Sasha has just found out these nice humans are going to take her home. It looks like she just saw heaven! Oh, and how sweet is that collar!
Pure Joy
Eyes, Ears & Mouth Open
When some humans, and even animals receive great news, their eyes, ears and mouths open in excitement. We assume that’s the case with this little guy. Either that, or he’s just saw a bear. Whatever the case may be, we bet he’s happy to have found a loving home.
Eyes, Ears & Mouth Open
Big Hug
Sometimes hugs are the best way to go when you’re feeling excited or overly happy. This monster, we mean dog, was clearly excited to be adopted by this kind man. When they got home and he realized he had a brother in the house, hugs were in order! Oh, and slobbery kisses!
Big Hug
Nap Time
When dogs feel at ease, they often sleep very soundly. This pup looks as content as ever in the arms of his new mommy. We don’t think a loud noise would even wake him! Now that is one peaceful sleeping puppy. Oh, how good loving arms feel.
Nap Time
Kisses Galore
While some dogs resort to hugs, others prefer kisses, kissing their owners that is. This dog decided to jump on his owner, lick his head, ears, neck and face. What a nice welcome home present! At least Tom looks like he’s taking the kiss-fest pretty well.
Kisses Galore
Jus’ Got Adopted #rescue
Now, how adorable is this bandana! It really brings out the color of this adorable pup’s eyes. Based on his facial expression, he can’t quite believe he’s being adopted, and his owner just looks thrilled he’s staying still for the photo. Oh, puppies!
Jus’ Got Adopted #rescue
So. Flipping. Excited.
Finding a forever home is no average thing, it’s a super big deal! This guy knows what we’re talking about. His owner also seems to feel pretty blessed, just read her shirt for all of the evidence you need! This dog’s expression may just be the best on our list. What do you think?
So. Flipping. Excited.
Tongues Out
Either it’s a very hot day outside, or this pup is so excited to finally be leaving the shelter. We think the latter is very likely. That is a happy dog if we’ve ever seen one! His new owner looks pretty satisfied herself, especially by her furry friend’s face!
Tongues Out
Best Friends For Life
This special needs teen has just received a handicap-assist dog to help her in her daily activities. After months of waiting to meet Peach, she is so happy to finally get to hug him. He looks quite happy himself, very calm and happy to be held. What a special friendship this will be.
Best Friends For Life
Can’t Stop Smiling
As this woman was signing the adoption papers, her new dog Mika broke into a wide grin and wouldn’t lose it until they got home!! That might be one of the sweetest things we’ve ever seen! His owner looks so excited herself!
Can’t Stop Smiling
Secret Time
When you have a big secret, but can’t tell anyone, who do you tell? For this girl, her dog Milo came to mind. Milo looks like he was happy to hear her secret. It could be because the secret was, the family was adopting him! It seems these two formed a bond quickly!
Secret Time
A New Pillow
When your parents adopt a fluffy Alaskan Malamute, what are you to do but cuddle with him and use him as a pillow? This young girl knows exactly what we’re talking about! Her big fluffy friend doesn’t seem to mind either!
A New Pillow
Feeling Loved
You’re looking at Paws, and he was adopted from Paws in the City in Dallas. His new mommy, Hallie Noble was so excited to bring her new baby home, and she was quick to share her love with him. He doesn’t seem to have a problem with that at all!
Feeling Loved
Feels So Right
Whoever managed to snap this incredible moment of Dusty being embraced by his new mother should get a prize! This has all the feels, doesn’t it? This is what adoption looks like in a single picture – it’s raw, it’s beautiful, and it’s so right!
Feels So Right
Is This Really Happening?
As they stood in the elevator at Bideawee’s adoption center in New York, Penny was slowly coming to the realization that she was being adopted. This is her face as she begins to understand that John Sechrist, her new dad, is there to rescue her.
Is This Really Happening?
Yeaaaaah!
Sarah Brown Carter, who is now Roxy’s new mother, says that this furball of sunshine is what keeps them all happy, smiling and social. I mean, come on, look at that gorgeous smile! We’re so lucky to have dogs in our lives!
Yeaaaaah
Home At Last
Rex went through some trauma before he was adopted by Dan. Before being taken in, he had suffered severe neck trauma from a shock collar, but look at him now. He has forgotten the days of pain and he is balming in the days of fun and love.
Home At Last
All Smiles
It seems totally appropriate that this little guy’s name is Fluke. He was adopted by Josh Patrick in November 2017, and since then they have only grown closer to each-other. This was their first picture together, but trust me there were many more to follow.
All Smiles
Pure Ecstasy
For whoever believes that adoption is only doing good for the dog, should definitely listen to what Dax’s mom, Kelsi Keys, has to say: “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.”
Pure Ecstasy
Now We’re Family
As some of us know, bringing a new pet into a home filled with other animals can be quite challenging. When this couple brought Cora home to their three cats and one dog, there was a little concern. However, Cora fit right in. This is the photo of them coming home from the BISSELL Pet Foundation event in Grand Rapids.
Now We’re Family
Instant Pals
This little cattle dog, Terabyte, was found abandoned in a field. The family that adopted her discovered that she’s deaf, but she can feel all the love her new family has to share with her. This photo shows the moment that she climbed into the car with her new brother. How do you think she felt?
Instant Pals
Picture Perfect
Say hello to Hazel, who is a Husky-mixed-Alsatian. She now lives in Oakland with a whole family that is head over hills in love with her. “My family is quite obsessed with her,” says her new aunt, Hazel. Everything just looks so right in this picture!
Picture Perfect
What’s Going On?
Oliver’s mom, Jenna Gunselman, describes the day they adopted him: “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!”
Whats Going On
Road To Recovery
Christina Haberkern was searching for a suitable companion for their handicapped labrador, and then she met Marty. Believe it or not, it was their labrador, Zoe, who pulled them to Marty’s pen. They touched noses, wagged their tales, and made an instant connection. There was no doubt about who they were going to take home that day.
Road To Recovery
Before And After
What you’re looking at is Suki on the day she was adopted (left) and then again nine years later (right). It’s clear that she wasn’t sure about what was going on that day, but now look at her! Her mother 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
We’re talking about the actual puppy in this picture, though. Kodak is the name of this gorgeous labrador/shepherd mix, and he was rescued from a hoarding case. Kodak’s name perfectly suits his photogenic smile, which he happily plastered on when he was adopted.
Puppy Eyes
Better And Better
This photo of Bella shows her the first time she was picked up by Krystal, her new mother. Alongside it is the image of this little love after being taken in, cleaned up, cared and loved for, and becoming a part of a real family in a forever home. Beautiful.
Better And Better
You Are My Savior
Would you just take a look at how this newly-adopted doggie is looking at her savior? There was obviously no reason to comfort her or explain to her what was going on, because clearly she knew exactly what was happening.
You Are My Savior
In The Arms Of An Angel
You know, bull terriers are often neglected at dog shelters and for a number of reasons. One reason is that they’re believed to be intrinsically dangerous, but that isn’t true. Thank goodness for good people like this woman who took this little guy home to love forever.
In The Arms Of An Angel
Best Day Of My Life
“This is officially the best day of my life!” That’s probably what this ecstatic little doggo was thinking at the very moment he understood that the car ride would be to paradise. There’s no denying that he understands perfectly well that he’s on his way to his forever home.
Best Day Of My Life
That Smile
Yes, my dear. You will never have to come back to the shelter ever again because you’re going home. “You mean I’m actually coming home with you guys???” Young, full of love, and ready to be adopted. Our hearts melt just looking at this gorgeous dog.
That Smile
Never Let Go
They’re on their way home, and this little fella knows that he’s (literally) in good hands. This will be the first of many pictures with their new baby. He’s still small now, but he will grow into a happy and healthy family member.
Never Let Go
Everything The Light Touches
He is seeing his backyard for the first time, and we can’t help but remember that iconic scene in Lion King – “Simba, everything the light touches is our kingdom.” It’s almost the same, “everywhere the grass touches is your playground.”
Everything The Light Touches
His First Picnic
What’s the first thing you do after adopting a puppy? You introduce him to his very first picnic, that’s what! Freshly-cut grass, sunshine, a cosy blanket, and of course, lots of treats! This will go down as the best day of his life.
His First Picnic
Pure Bliss
So we all know that dogs can’t see all the colors that we can, but we’re pretty sure that this one is seeing all the colors of the rainbow. Suddenly the grass is greener, the water is sweeter, and life is safe and comfortable. Welcome home!
Pure Bliss
Happy Days From Now On
It only gets better from here. The excitement is clearly overwhelming, but that doesn’t mean that she isn’t happy. When they say that all dogs go to heaven, it makes me think that all dogs should go to good forever homes. This one is.
Happy Days From Now On
No Words
Do we really have to tell you about this perfect moment? Words cannot describe this magical moment of realization that home is here, right now. Love, care, and security will all be a part of this cutie’s everyday life. We couldn’t be happier, neither could he.
No Words
Awww
As far as sweet pictures go, this one is definitely on the top of the list. We just can’t help but say “awww” when we see this dog’s happy and relaxed expression in the arms of his new friend.
Awww
Energizer
If there ever was a Fountain of Youth, it would be a pit filled with puppies to the brim! This is because puppies can easily energize people and make them smile. This senior citizen definitely knows what it’s like when she met her new friend and companion.
Energizer