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
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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
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Seriously. Not even in the bathroom. This is your life now.
There’s nothing more fascinating than doggy teeth…
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…Except for maybe doggy paws
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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
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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
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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
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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
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For rescue dogs like Scrappy, pictured above, “happily ever after” is real life.
Rescue dogs + rescue cats = truest love
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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.
