All dogs are special, but there’s something unique about rescue dogs. Comedian Bill Burr jokes: “She’s a rescue…really? Did you pull her out of a burning building?” But the truth is, in many cases, adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue group means saving a life.
The relationship between rescue dogs and their people is beautiful and profound (and often hilarious and stinky, too). Here are sixteen things only someone with a rescue dog understands.
The bed will never be yours again
Those fluffy pillows and froufrou duvet cover? They belong to the dog now (and you’re okay with it).
“Beauty” has a whole different meaning
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Nothing is more beautiful than the face of the dog you love.
Your selfie game is off the hook
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Or is it technically a “bothie?”
You’ll never be alone
Seriously. Not even in the bathroom. This is your life now.
There’s nothing more fascinating than doggy teeth…
…Except for maybe doggy paws
Okay, rescue dog rumps are amazing, too.
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Basically, when you have a rescue dog, you become obsessed with every single part of them.
Licks = love
Sometimes they’re stinky, sometimes they’re wet, but rescue dog kisses are the best kisses around.
The weirdest habits can become the most endearing
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After life on the streets and in a shelter, doesn’t Doug deserve a good shower-cleaning session?
Walks are better with someone by your side
Even if it means cleaning up after sandy paws for days.
Rescue one, and you’ll want to rescue another…
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…and another…and another…
Life with a rescue dog is never boring
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They always give you something to laugh about (and share on the internet for everyone else to see).
Eclectic is the best aesthetic in dogs and decor
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to go kookoo bananas with your interior design, there’s no better excuse than decorating around your rescue dogs!
Fairytale endings are real
For rescue dogs like Scrappy, pictured above, “happily ever after” is real life.
Rescue dogs + rescue cats = truest love
And they said cats and dogs couldn’t get along.
“Who rescued who” isn’t just a bumper sticker
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The relationship between rescue dogs and their people can be life-changing, even life-saving, for both.
From mixed-up mutts at the county shelter to “recycled” purebred pups from breed-specific rescues, adopted dogs change lives.
Is there a new rescue dog in your life? Here’s what you need to know about picking a great name, bonding, and finding personalized pet care so that your dog never feels abandoned again.