#AdoptNotShop

[catsofcalifornia]

Sluggo from The Little Lion Foundation in Long Beach, California

Click here for more information about adoption and other ways to help!

Click here for a link to The Little Lion Foundation's main website.

Let's say you're this cat - your name's Sluggo- and that the Universe has put your nine lives through some heavy-duty hard luck, followed by a spin cycle of neglect. But you survive it. You carry the scars of your terrible journey. Anyone can see it in the mangled ear, along the outlines of old battle scars around the head and neck, but don't let that fool you because this cat is a LOVER.

Feel him relax when your fingertips begin to scratch the underside of his chin. Listen to the extravagant purring as he eats his dinner. Watch his paws knead the air as he enjoys your touch. Sluggo is a gentle boy that will bring eternal joy and love to your heart and home.

[doggiedayoutnc]

Earning the Trust of Rescue Dogs: Creating Comfort in Their New Home

Rescue dogs come from a variety of backgrounds—some may have been abandoned, others surrendered, and many may have lived through trauma or neglect. No matter their story, when a rescue dog enters your home, it marks the beginning of a new chapter for them and for you. However, adjusting to this new life takes time, patience, and intentional care. Here’s how you can earn the trust of a rescue dog and help them feel comfortable in their new home.

1. Understanding the Importance of Patience

Every rescue dog is unique—while some might settle quickly, others may take weeks or even months to feel at ease. It’s important to remember that building trust takes time. Your new dog may be unsure of people, frightened by certain objects, or even confused by simple things like a doorbell.

Tip: Give your dog space to explore the home and come to you at their own pace. Avoid forcing affection, and instead let them initiate interactions.

2. Create a Safe Space

Your new rescue dog needs a quiet, comfortable space that is all theirs. This could be a cozy dog bed in a corner or a crate with the door left open. Dogs need a place where they can retreat and feel safe if they become overwhelmed.

Ideas for Creating a Safe Space:

Use a crate lined with soft blankets and keep it open for them to enter freely.

Choose a low-traffic area of the house for their bed, away from noise and activity.

Add familiar toys, treats, or scents (like a blanket from the shelter) to provide comfort.

3. Establish Routine and Consistency

Dogs thrive on routine, and establishing one will help your rescue dog feel more secure. Consistent feeding times, potty breaks, walks, and bedtime routines help your dog understand what to expect, reducing anxiety.

How to Create a Routine:

Feed your dog at the same times every day.

Walk and play sessions should follow a predictable schedule.

Use the same commands and cues for training to avoid confusion.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement

Training is essential for rescue dogs, but the key to success is positive reinforcement. This means rewarding good behavior with treats, toys, or praise, rather than punishing unwanted behavior.

Training Tips:

Reward calm behaviors like sitting quietly or coming when called.

Use a gentle tone to communicate with your dog and encourage them.

Be patient with accidents—use them as teaching moments rather than reasons for punishment.

5. Build Trust with Calm, Gentle Interactions

Many rescue dogs may be wary of people, especially if they’ve experienced neglect or abuse. Building trust requires gentle, calm interactions that show the dog they are safe. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that might startle them.

How to Build Trust:

Sit on the floor at their level and let them approach you.

Offer treats from your hand to create positive associations.

Speak softly and avoid prolonged eye contact, which some dogs may find intimidating.

6. Give Them Time to Decompress

Rescue dogs often experience stress from their previous environment. When they come to a new home, they need time to decompress. During this period, it’s important to avoid overwhelming them with too much attention, visitors, or new experiences.

Decompression Guidelines:

Limit the number of people or animals they meet in the first few weeks.

Keep walks short and in calm, familiar areas until they build confidence.

Allow them to explore the house and yard at their own pace.

7. Encourage Bonding Through Activities

Bonding with your rescue dog will strengthen your relationship and help them feel more secure. Activities like walks, games, or even grooming sessions can foster trust and connection.

Bonding Activities:

Go on daily walks to explore new areas together.

Play simple games like fetch or hide-and-seek with toys.

If they are comfortable, groom them gently to build positive touch associations.

8. Pay Attention to Body Language

Rescue dogs may not be able to tell you how they feel, but their body language speaks volumes. Understanding what your dog’s signals mean can help you respond appropriately and avoid stress triggers.

Common Signs to Watch For:

Tail tucked, ears flattened: Fear or discomfort.

Yawning or lip licking: Stress or anxiety.

Relaxed body, wagging tail: Comfort and happiness.

9. Introduce New People and Pets Slowly

If you have other pets or expect visitors, it’s important to introduce them to your new rescue dog gradually. A slow introduction prevents overwhelm and helps your dog adjust at their own pace.

Introduction Tips:

Start with leashed introductions to other pets.

Let visitors offer treats and allow the dog to come to them.

Supervise interactions and be ready to step in if the dog seems stressed.

10. Celebrate Small Wins

Progress with a rescue dog can be slow, but every small victory counts. Celebrate milestones like the first time your dog wags their tail, eats comfortably, or comes to you for affection. Recognizing these moments builds confidence in your dog and strengthens your bond.

Final Thoughts

Bringing a rescue dog into your home is a beautiful, life-changing experience for both you and the dog. Though the process may come with challenges, the rewards of earning their trust and seeing them thrive are priceless. With patience, love, and consistent care, your rescue dog will come to understand that they are finally safe and truly home.

By following these steps, you’ll not only make your rescue dog feel comfortable but also build a lasting, trusting relationship that will bring joy to both of your lives for years to come.

If you’ve recently welcomed a rescue dog, what steps have helped your new friend settle in? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments!

[fakegeekguy]

If you're in NY you can apply to adopt Smudge and Sketch (4mo old) through @anjelliclecats

TODAY! Their numbers are p4363 and p4362!! https:// www.anjelliclecats.com/adoption-application

[sheltercatsofthetriad]

Rating Loafs of the Shelter Cat Variety...

First off we have the wonderful Fiesta!

Such a fabulous pose, staring into her reflection, contemplating the beauty of the world and her coat.

Front paws are properly tucked, but the back leaves something to be desired.

Overall, a solid 3.5 ⭐

Next on the list of loaves is the tiny but rambunctious Rex!

Radiates chaotic energy. Calm down, sir.

0 continuity in this loaf. Every leg has different degrees of tuckedness, and the tail is hanging out.

Overall, I'll give this 2 ⭐

Last but undoubtedly not least, is Zoe, a tired momma cat with a spark of energy still in her.

Such a well done loaf. Holds it perfectly even when her son is nipping her behind.

All paws are perfectly tucked under the fluff, and the tail largely stays in place.

Undoubtedly 5 ⭐

Every cat you see here today is ADOPTABLE!

Check out Juliet's House Animal Rescue in North Carolina to take a loaf of your own home!

[ask-chrysalis]

Here’s the adopt!

I’m only gonna be selling it for 2 dollars, i unfortunately only take cashapp

Dm me to buy or request an adopt!!

The base was made by BlakezineScribbles on DA

[sugarmirai]

pony adopt

made base

fix 20$

payment PayPal

[little-homestead-in-the-suburbs]

Astra, Empress of downstairs, is exploring a new role as Caverns of the Comforter Explorer. She started snuggling under the blankets a couple nights ago, but this was the first time she went spelunking on her own.

[luu-mar23]

My sweet puppy

[sabinmarketing]

[notevensunny]

This is a photo of one of my foster kittens that I foster it does not have a name yet so if you have any name suggestions put some suggestions in the comments  

[eyetwitch]

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to write a letter of introduction to your OWN MOTHER? I have done that.

There's a bunch of tips in this video if you're an adoptee who is thinking about making your first try at contacting your parents, or if you're a blood relative who thinks they may have found a lost adoptee on the DNA family tree sites. There's right ways to go about it and wrong ways to go about it and I don't have the answers for what works but I can tell you what I did and what worked and what didn't.

There are so many things about adoption that only real, living adoptees know about and that isn't right. You should ALL know what life is like for us. You write us into your stories, you make pretend characters you tag as adoptable, you sell dogs and say you're adopting them, you sell US, you yell at us when we don't talk about how wonderful it is. Learn some shit, non-adoptees. LEARN SOMETHING.

[catsofcalifornia]

Rainy from LA Animal Services East Valley Animal Shelter in Van Nuys, California

Click here for more information about adoption and other ways to help!

[damnmmmmmmmmmm]

And shippers down played that as a joke. Because i think it was Apollo? Either way, they looked extremely terrified. Not the oh I got caught look. The look of im scared shit less of what's about to happen// yeah it was apollo and it wasnt one vid but two, in one you can see him trying to escape and on the other one he is going back to her garden thanks to the hole he dig, and when he saw he was being recorded he was scared and not happy, almost like he was sad. It was when aw was on her month away on vacation from nothing. This woman treat her dogs so bad, she leave them alone for months, many times when she dont have to because you dont have to go to over a month vacation all the time, and her dogs are from shelter, she dodnt figure out they need time, care and stable house, i remember when she took apollo she maybe spend month or two at home and then she was away for cannes, and her another month vacations. Apollo clearly dont want to be there and want to escape, or he just is like that what menn she should spend more time with him, because her leaving her dogs always is not creating stable house for them. She really treat this dogs like toys or prop for her pic and so she can post adoptnotshop for time to time

[freddydefreitas]

The Hidden Truth About Feral vs Stray Cats #adoptdontshop #adoptnotshop ...

[sugarmirai]

dogs/cats $5 each

payment via PayPal

no rules

made on a paid base nOOney

[lionheartsgray]

She immediately had to make some adjustments to her new cardboard house...