Animals have a special way of lifting our mood without even trying. In this heartwarming collection, the “Loving Animals” Instagram page brings together some wholesome moments that radiate pure good vibes. From gentle friendships and playful antics to quiet displays of trust and affection, these photos capture the simple joys that make animals so easy to love. Scroll on for a dose of warmth, smiles, and the kind of positivity that only animals can deliver. #1 Image source: lovinganimals.dg Meet the Valais Blacknose Sheep, often called the cutest sheep in the world! ?? Native to the Swiss Alps, their fluffy white coats and deep black faces make them look almost unreal like storybook characters brought to life! But these sheep aren’t just adorable! Their thick wool is famous for its quality, used to make some of the softest textiles in Europe. ? And despite their mountain roots, they’re incredibly friendly and love human contact some even enjoy cuddles just like dogs! ? Credit @bopeep_valaisblacknose #2 Image source: lovinganimals.dg Camouflaged cameras placed in the wild let us witness animals as they truly are without human presence disturbing them. Triggered by motion, these hidden tools reveal how wildlife behaves, hunts, travels, and interacts in its natural environment. They help scientists study elusive species, understand their challenges, and develop better conservation plans. And beyond the science, these cameras often capture rare, beautiful, or even hilarious moments reminding us why protecting wildlife matters! #3 Image source: lovinganimals.dg I guess shopping ain’t easy when you’re a single mom of a dozen #4 Image source: lovinganimals.dg Image credits: anthonydimitri #5 Image source: lovinganimals.dg Via @king_rose_queen_daisy #6 Image source: lovinganimals.dg This is Tira, a very unusual zebra seen in the Maasai Mara. ? Unlike most zebras with black and white stripes, Tira was born with a rare genetic condition called melanism, which changes the color of the coat. Instead of stripes, Tira has a dark brown body with white spots a pattern that’s almost never seen in the wild. This is the first time a zebra like this has been recorded in the area! ? Credit: Frank Liu #7 Image source: lovinganimals.dg Meet the harvest mouse, one of the smallest rodents in Europe, weighing less than a 2€ coin! ? These agile little climbers use their prehensile tails to balance on flowers and tall grasses, making them true acrobats of the wild. Their favorite spots? Hidden among petals and stems, where they find shelter and safety from predators. Looking at them nestled inside these tulips, it’s hard not to fall in love with their tiny, curious faces. ? Credit: @captivelight #8 Image source: lovinganimals.dg Before they can fly, young owls rely on their legs. At this stage, their wings are still developing, so running becomes their main way of moving around ? Owlets leave the nest early and spend time on the ground or nearby branches, exploring their surroundings and following their parents for food. Running allows them to escape danger, change position, and build strength before their first real flights It’s a short but important phase in their development a moment when instinct adapts to what the body isn’t ready to do yet! They are not flying yet but they are learning how to get there! ? ? Credit Photo 1/2 Hannie Heere #9 Image source: lovinganimals.dg #10 Image source: lovinganimals.dg This is the Japanese Bird, named “Shima Enaga’ Photo: zucky956a #11 Image source: lovinganimals.dg Doodlebug’s story will melt your heart. ? After losing his mother too soon, this tiny eastern grey kangaroo was taken in by wildlife carer Gillian Abbott in New South Wales, Australia. Alone and distressed, he needed something to help him feel safe in this big, unfamiliar world. ?❤️ That’s when a simple teddy bear became his greatest comfort. For Doodlebug, hugging it wasn’t just play, it was his way of finding security and calm. Even as he grew older and began hopping around on his own, he never stopped coming back to embrace his beloved bear. ? ? Photo by Tim Abbott #12 Image source: lovinganimals.dg The pudu is the tiniest deer on Earth and one of the most adorable too! ?? Native to South America, pudus come in two types: the Northern and Southern pudu. Both are shy, solitary animals that live in dense forests, perfectly adapted to sneak through the undergrowth. ? Measuring only 30 to 44 cm tall (about the height of a house cat!), pudus are peaceful herbivores who love munching on leaves, fruit, and seeds. ?? Sadly, this miniature marvel is now a vulnerable species threatened by habitat loss and poaching. Protecting these tiny deer means protecting one of nature’s most precious secrets. #13 Image source: lovinganimals.dg After being rescued from a fire, this fawn and kitten were found curled up together for comfort. ?? Both had been scared and disoriented, but rescuers quickly took them to safety, where they could rest and recover. Their calmness around each other shows how animals can sometimes find peace, even after chaos. ❤️ ? Credit: Animal Rescue Team, California (2009) #14 Image source: lovinganimals.dg Dragon was born at Deer Tracks Junction in Cedar Springs, Michigan, with an exceptionally rare piebald genetic trait. His coat is marked with large white patches, a completely white face, and a soft pink nose a look found in less than 1% of whitetail deer. Shortly after birth, his mother rejected him. In the wild, a fawn with unusual coloring can be seen as a danger to the herd, attracting predators and reducing its chances of survival. Without human help, Dragon’s odds would have been minimal. Farm owner Hilary Powell stepped in, bottle-feeding him and keeping him safe until he was strong enough to roam in a protected pasture. Named Dragon by Hilary’s son, this little survivor has grown healthy and active, proving that with love and care, even the most fragile lives can thrive. ?✨ ? Credit: Deer Tracks Junction #15 Image source: lovinganimals.dg How I feel when I get home from work. Can you relate? ? Via Otterwatch #16 Image source: lovinganimals.dg That’s so delicious ?? Via @cholemayirvine #17 Image source: lovinganimals.dg This tiny sunbird is using the heart of a banana flower as a natural bath, where rainwater gently collects inside the petals. A simple moment, yet incredibly rare to witness, where instinct meets perfect design! ? Banana flowers don’t just produce fruit they also become temporary shelters, water sources, and feeding spots for many small birds and insects in tropical ecosystems. Everything serves a purpose, often in silence. ? Scenes like this show how wildlife adapts using what nature offers, without waste, without excess. Just life flowing exactly as it was meant to! ? ? Credit: @rahulsinghclicks #18 Image source: lovinganimals.dg An unbelievable moment captured in the wild! ? This stunning photo shows a green woodpecker carrying a weasel on its back a rare and dramatic scene that seems straight out of a fantasy movie! But what’s really happening here? This isn’t a playful ride, the weasel was actually attempting to prey on the bird. Luckily for the woodpecker, it managed to escape once it landed safely on the ground. Nature never ceases to amaze us. ? ? Via Martin Le May #19 Image source: lovinganimals.dg The spotted quoll is one of Australia’s most striking little carnivores. Its white dots aren’t just pretty, they help it disappear into the forest shadows while it explores its world! ? Like all marsupials, a quoll begins life tiny and fragile inside its mother’s pouch. As it grows, it climbs onto her back, learning the forest’s scents, sounds, and hiding places step by step. ? Don’t let their size fool you. These youngsters quickly develop sharp instincts and surprising agility, becoming remarkable hunters as they mature. Spotting one at this age is a rare and unforgettable moment! #20 Image source: lovinganimals.dg With their round cheeks and bright smiles, quokkas have earned the title of the “happiest animals in the world.” These little marsupials are found only in a few places in Western Australia, most famously on Rottnest Island. ? Quokkas are herbivores, feeding mostly on leaves and grasses. They play an important role in their ecosystem by helping plants spread their seeds. Even though they look joyful, quokkas are a vulnerable species, facing threats from habitat loss and predators. ? Seeing a quokka up close is a rare and heart-warming experience, a small creature with a big charm that continues to fascinate people around the world! ? @cruzysuzy #21 Image source: lovinganimals.dg The Siberian flying squirrel is one of the forest’s tiniest wonders. ?️ With its big black eyes and silvery fur, it looks like it just leapt out of a fairy tale. This little glider moves from tree to tree using a thin membrane called a patagium, allowing it to soar up to 30 meters in a single jump. ? At night, it quietly explores the branches in search of buds, bark, and nuts, blending perfectly into the calm of the twilight! Delicate and shy, it’s also a symbol of the northern wilderness! ? Credit: @thutrang.bhdn #22 Image source: lovinganimals.dg Helping innocent animals! ❤️ Photographer (@cawildlife) says: Remember this little guy from a couple of years ago? This fledgling Northern Mockingbird arrived with knuckling feet. After being treated with “snowshoes,” his feet were able to work normally and he was released to the wild soon after. Via @cawildlife SW #23 Image source: lovinganimals.dg Rangers from Virunga National Park ? Selfies like this may seem fun at first glance and they are but they also carry a powerful message. These mountain gorillas are under constant protection, thanks to rangers who dedicate their lives, day and night, to keeping them safe from poachers and threats. This photo is more than just viral content, it’s a symbol of courage, resilience, and the extraordinary bond between humans and endangered wildlife ?❤️ ? Credit: @virunganationalpark #24 Image source: lovinganimals.dg In Nicaragua’s Thomas Belt Zoo, something truly magical happened: the birth of Itzae, a rare albino puma whose name means “Gift from God” in Maya. ? Among her three siblings, she is the only one born with this exceptional genetic trait making her one of just a handful of albino pumas ever seen on Earth. ? Her snow-white fur and crystal-blue eyes are the result of a genetic mutation that blocks melanin production. Because of this, she’s more sensitive to sunlight and needs extra care from her keepers to stay strong and healthy. ☀️ Despite these challenges, Itzae is thriving. Playful, alert, and full of life, she reminds us how beautifully unpredictable nature can be a living symbol of rarity and resilience. ? ? Credit: Oswald Rivas #25 Image source: lovinganimals.dg At @wildlifelearningcenter lives Zeus, a blind Western Screech Owl whose eyes shimmer like tiny constellations. ? Even though he cannot see, his gaze reflects a universe of light and mystery. Zeus was rescued after an injury left him unable to survive in the wild. Today, he lives safely at the center, where his cosmic-looking eyes never fail to fascinate those who meet him. ?✨ More than his appearance, Zeus is a living reminder that nature often hides its most astonishing wonders in the most unexpected places. ❤️ ? Credits: @zeustheblindowl & @wildlifelearningcenter #26 Image source: lovinganimals.dg This miniature antelope, barely 30 cm tall, lives in the bushlands of eastern and southern Africa. With its huge eyes, delicate features, and shy nature, it almost looks like it stepped out of a cartoon. But don’t be fooled, despite their size, dik-diks are fast, alert, and incredibly adapted to surviving in the wild! ? They live in monogamous pairs and are fiercely territorial proof that small doesn’t mean weak. Nature never runs out of surprises… and this one fits in the palm of your hand. ?✨ ? Credit Photo 1-2 @mogenstrolle Photo 3 Jack Dobli Photo 4 Jean Wimmerlin #27 Image source: lovinganimals.dg This little lynx is already showing the instinct, balance, and focus of a true wild predator. Every step, every jump is part of learning how to survive in a world where nothing is easy, even from the very beginning! ? The Iberian lynx is one of the rarest wild cats on Earth, found only in small regions of Spain and Portugal. Thanks to years of protection and conservation, their population is slowly growing again, giving hope to a species that was once very close to disappearing! ? Watching a baby like this move freely is a powerful moment! ? ? Credit: Marcello Galleano #28 Image source: lovinganimals.dg The takahē is a rare, flightless bird native to New Zealand, instantly recognizable by its vibrant blue-green feathers and striking red beak. ?? Long thought to be extinct after disappearing in the late 1800s, it was dramatically rediscovered in 1948, deep in the mountains of the South Island. ⛰️ Thanks to decades of dedicated conservation work, its population has slowly recovered now exceeding 500 individuals, with steady growth year after year. ? Several takahē have even been reintroduced into their native alpine habitats, a milestone for both science and biodiversity. More than just a species, the takahē holds deep cultural meaning for the Māori people, who consider it a taonga a treasured being. Its story is proof that extinction isn’t always final — and that determined efforts can bring a species back from the edge. #29 Image source: lovinganimals.dg Via @cutest.hedgehogs #30 Image source: lovinganimals.dg If you touch my babies gonna peck you #31 Image source: lovinganimals.dg My new toy ? Via @thehedgedog_ #32 Image source: lovinganimals.dg After a heavy rain in Massachusetts, a tiny two-month-old raccoon was found alone, drenched, and shivering on a doorstep. He stood there quietly, hoping someone would see him. Thankfully, a caring homeowner noticed and called for help. A local wildlife officer arrived, gently wrapped him in a towel, and brought him to Leyden Wildlife Rehabilitation. Now safe and cared for, this little orphan will stay until he’s healthy and strong enough to return to the wild. A beautiful reminder to look out for the most vulnerable animals around us. ?? ? Credits Belchertown Animal Control / Leyden Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation #33 Image source: lovinganimals.dg Meet Teddy ? Via @teddytheshetland #34 Image source: lovinganimals.dg #35 Image source: lovinganimals.dg The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is the fastest land mammal on Earth, reaching around 100–110 km/h over very short distances. This speed comes from a unique body built for acceleration: flexible spine, long legs, semi-retractable claws for grip, and large airways for efficient breathing. ⚡ Unlike lions or leopards, cheetahs do not hunt with brute strength. They rely on speed and precision, targeting mostly small antelopes like gazelles, tripping them with a front paw before suffocating their prey. After a sprint, they are extremely exhausted and vulnerable for several minutes! ? Toward humans, cheetahs pose almost no threat. They are naturally shy, avoid confrontation, and prefer to flee rather than attack. The few recorded incidents are extremely rare and usually linked to captivity or extreme provocation. Today, cheetahs are a threatened species, with fewer than 7,000 left in the wild. Habitat loss, decline of prey, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal wildlife trade are the main reasons behind their rapid decline. #36 Image source: lovinganimals.dg Leopards are big fans of tree naps, it’s their way of staying safe, getting a good view of their territory, and finding the most peaceful place to rest. Thanks to their powerful limbs and amazing agility, they climb effortlessly and pick the comfiest branches to sprawl out and unwind. True experts in the art of tree lounging, they can make even the most awkward limb look like a luxury bed! ??? ? Credit: Photo 2 shujath.mohammed Photo 3 JJ Zapp Designs Photo 4 Thomas Dehne #37 Image source: lovinganimals.dg A 140-year-old African spurred tortoise… with her 5-day-old baby softly perched on her head. This heartwarming moment, captured by Attila Balazs at Hungary’s Nyíregyháza Animal Park in 2011, instantly went viral. It’s a rare, genuine glimpse into maternal care no filters, no staging. Just a mother and her tiny baby sharing an unspoken bond! #38 Image source: lovinganimals.dg Rehabilitation Fuzzy Fawn Wildlife does rehabilitation for full-grown Deer and fawns in New York State that have been injured in any way, shape, or form. This photo is from one of their recent projects in the region bringing them back to the wild. ❤️ Via @fuzzyfawnwildlife #39 Image source: lovinganimals.dg A photo of a lion with visible receding hair has gone viral, sparking laughter, sympathy, and a wave of memes. While most male lions display thick and majestic manes, this feline seems to have entered his “wise uncle era” a little earlier than expected ? Just like in humans, thinning of the mane in lions can be related to age, stress, health problems, or low testosterone levels. Studies from the University of Minnesota show that the mane can also shorten or thin due to poor nutrition or high temperatures. #40 Image source: lovinganimals.dg Did you know? These adorable mice are called “curly mice” or “rex mice”! ?? They carry a special gene that gives them naturally curly fur like tiny teddy bears with whiskers! ? Their soft coats and sweet little curls make them truly one of a kind. Curly mice are bred ethically by enthusiasts and are known for their gentle nature and unique look. They also help teach us more about genetics and how amazing nature can be! ? Credit via @mysigonek The post 40 Animals Being Their Most Charming And Adorable Selves on Camera appeared first on DeMilked.

Adoption fees can feel like sticker shock when you’re ready to bring a dog home. But here at DogingtonPost, we believe adoption fees explained reveals something important: shelters aren’t trying to profit-they’re covering real costs to keep dogs healthy and safe. The money you pay goes directly toward veterinary care, food, housing, and staff who work tirelessly to prepare your new companion. Understanding where your adoption fee goes helps you see it as an investment, not an expense. What Adoption Fees Really Cover The Range and Reality of Adoption Costs Adoption fees typically range from under $100 at municipal shelters to $500 or more at rescue organizations, and this variation reflects real differences in what shelters provide. According to Shelter Animals Count data, approximately 4.2 million dogs and cats were adopted in 2024, yet many adopters still question whether fees justify the cost. The reality is that adoption fees directly fund the medical care your dog receives before coming home. Most shelters include vaccinations, microchipping, and spay or neuter surgery in their fees-procedures that would cost $500 to $1,500 if you paid for them privately. Why Fees Vary Between Organizations A 4-month-old puppy adopted without prior neutering represents lower upfront costs for the shelter but higher future expenses for you, which is why many organizations front-load these costs into their adoption fees. Some shelters offer transparent, itemized breakdowns showing exactly how much goes toward each service, while others bundle everything into one price. Foster-based rescue organizations often charge more because they cover months of food, supplies, and individualized care in a home setting rather than a facility. Municipal shelters frequently charge less because government funding supports their operations, but this sometimes means fewer medical services included upfront. Fee Structure and Adopter Outcomes Research shows that adoption fee amounts don’t actually predict adopter commitment-one study found that waiving adoption fees increased adoption rates. Some shelters strategically reduce fees for senior dogs or animals with longer stays, recognizing that extended shelter time increases behavioral and health risks. The Cat Adoption Team increased adoptions by 89% when they lowered fees for adult cats, yet their total revenue actually grew because adoption volume more than compensated for lower per-animal fees. This means shelters charging premium fees aren’t necessarily operating more efficiently-they’re simply using price as a barrier. What to Ask Before You Adopt When comparing shelters, ask what each fee includes: vaccines, microchip, behavior assessment, trial periods, and post-adoption support vary significantly. Organizations offering adoption guarantees or disruption insurance protect your investment if the placement doesn’t work, justifying higher fees through risk management. Location matters too; urban shelters typically charge more than rural ones due to higher facility and staff costs, not necessarily better services. These questions help you understand whether a higher fee reflects superior care or simply reflects where the shelter operates. Breaking Down Where Your Money Actually Goes Veterinary Care: The Largest Cost Component Veterinary care represents the largest chunk of your adoption fee, and shelters do not cut corners here. Before a dog leaves the shelter, it receives vaccinations against rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, which cost $15 to $100 per dose. Microchipping adds another $25 to $50, and spay or neuter surgery runs $200 to $500 depending on the animal’s age and health status. A shelter that performs these procedures on hundreds of animals annually negotiates better rates with veterinarians than you would as an individual, but the costs remain substantial. Some shelters also include fecal exams to check for parasites, heartworm testing for dogs in certain regions, and dental cleanings for older animals. When you adopt, you receive approximately $400 to $750 worth of veterinary services bundled into a single fee. Food and Housing: Daily Operational Expenses Food and housing expenses compound quickly in shelter settings. The average shelter dog stays 9 to 14 days before adoption, though many stay far longer. During this time, shelters provide quality dog food, bedding, toys, and climate-controlled housing. A dog that consumes 2 to 3 cups of food daily costs roughly $8 to $15 per day in supplies alone, meaning a 30-day stay generates $240 to $450 in food costs before accounting for housing utilities, cleaning supplies, and waste management. Rescue organizations that run foster-based programs face even higher expenses because they pay foster families or reimburse them for months of care, veterinary emergencies, and specialized food for dogs with dietary restrictions. Staff and Administrative Costs: The Hidden Reality Staff costs represent the reality most adopters overlook. Shelter employees include veterinarians, veterinary technicians, behavior specialists, adoption counselors, and facility maintenance workers. A single full-time veterinarian costs a shelter $60,000 to $80,000 annually in salary and benefits. A behavior specialist who evaluates dogs for adoptability earns $35,000 to $50,000 yearly. When you adopt one dog, you pay a proportional share of these salaries plus administrative overhead, liability insurance, and facility rent or mortgage. Larger shelters spread these costs across thousands of adoptions annually, resulting in lower per-animal fees. Smaller rescues with fewer adoptions must charge higher fees to cover the same essential staff positions. This explains why a rescue organization that places 50 dogs yearly charges significantly more per adoption than a municipal shelter that places 2,000 dogs annually, even if both provide identical medical care. Understanding this cost structure helps you recognize that higher fees at smaller organizations reflect operational realities, not inflated pricing-and it sets the stage for understanding what additional benefits and protections your adoption fee actually provides. What Your Adoption Fee Actually Protects Health Documentation and Legal Safety You pay an adoption fee to obtain documented proof that your dog meets basic health standards before arriving home. Shelters provide vaccination records, microchip registration, and spay or neuter certificates that establish your dog’s medical history from day one. This documentation protects you from unexpected veterinary bills and legal liability. A dog without proof of rabies vaccination can trigger quarantine requirements if it bites someone, potentially costing you thousands in legal fees and boarding expenses. Shelters conduct behavior assessments before adoption, identifying dogs with aggression or severe anxiety issues that would surface after you bring them home. Research shows that comprehensive pre-adoption screening reduces your risk of costly returns, emergency rehoming, or expensive behavior training far more effectively than adoption fee amounts alone. Trial Periods and Adoption Guarantees Many shelters now offer trial periods or adoption guarantees, allowing you to return the dog within 14 to 30 days if the match fails, with full refunds or fee credits toward a different animal. This protection proves invaluable because a behavioral mismatch costs far more in stress, time, and money than any adoption fee. Some organizations include disruption insurance that protects your investment if the placement doesn’t work out, justifying higher fees through risk management. These safeguards transform adoption from a permanent, irreversible decision into a flexible arrangement that protects both you and the dog. Post-Adoption Support and Ongoing Guidance Post-adoption support separates quality shelters from mediocre ones, yet most adopters never ask about it. The best organizations provide free behavior consultations during your first month, telephone support for training questions, and connections to local trainers or veterinarians. Some shelters cover the cost of behavioral medication if your newly adopted dog develops anxiety after placement, recognizing that environmental stress causes many behavioral problems that weren’t visible in the shelter. Foster-based rescues maintain relationships with adopters for years, offering guidance on introducing dogs to children, managing resource guarding, or addressing separation anxiety. A dog from a reputable shelter comes with institutional knowledge about its personality, food preferences, and medical history that a random dog from an online listing never provides. This information helps you avoid expensive mistakes like purchasing the wrong food for a dog with digestive issues or triggering fear responses through incompatible training methods. Understanding What Your Fee Includes When shelters charge higher fees, they often fund post-adoption services through adoption revenue. A $400 fee at a rescue organization might include six months of telephone support, while a $150 fee at a municipal shelter covers only basic medical care. Ask what support your fee includes before adopting, helping you choose an organization aligned with your needs and experience level. This transforms adoption from a one-time transaction into an ongoing partnership that protects your investment in your new dog. Final Thoughts Adoption fees explained reveals a straightforward truth: you pay for health, safety, and ongoing support that protects both you and your dog. The $150 to $500 you spend upfront prevents far costlier problems down the road, from legal liability to veterinary emergencies that dwarf any adoption fee. Shelters absorb these costs so you don’t have to, providing documented medical care, professional behavior assessment, and often a safety net through trial periods or guarantees. Shelter dogs come with institutional knowledge about their personalities, medical needs, and quirks that helps you avoid expensive mistakes (something you’ll never get from an unlicensed breeder or online listing). Post-adoption support from reputable organizations means you have experts to call when questions arise, preventing costly mismanagement of training, nutrition, or health issues. Research consistently shows that adoption doesn’t predict lower commitment or higher return rates compared to purchased dogs. View adoption fees as transparent investments in a healthier, safer relationship with your new companion. Ask shelters to itemize what your fee includes, compare organizations based on services and support rather than price alone, and recognize that higher fees often reflect superior care and ongoing commitment to your success as a dog owner. Visit DogingtonPost for more practical guidance on responsible dog ownership and adoption resources that help you make informed decisions about bringing a dog into your home.

A cat showed up shy and hungry, but kept coming back to the person who was kind to him. Eventually, he let his true self shine. OliveKelsey @pennyandthefostersKelsey has been caring for community cats in Indianapolis with support from other volunteers, ensuring the cats are fed, vetted, and spayed or neutered.About a year ago, a long-haired black cat appeared in a colony, timid and hungry. "He just blended in with the existing cats, but you could tell he was not part of their group," Kelsey told Love Meow.For a while, he remained elusive and wary of people. But as the months passed, his behavior around Kelsey began to change. Kelsey @pennyandthefostersHe slowly warmed up to his caretaker, allowed her to approach, and eventually accepted gentle pets. "I was so excited because none of the other cats are social (and that's okay), but it was fun to have a new friend."Then, without warning, he vanished. At each feeding time, Kelsey searched for that familiar fluffy silhouette, but he was nowhere to be found. Kelsey @pennyandthefostersNearly four months later, he finally returned, and this time, he stayed, never missing a meal again. "He came back every day, rain, snow, or shine, rubbed all over me, and impatiently waited for his kibble to be put out."Once he let his guard down, he lunged for pets like a dolphin coming up for air. He melted in Kelsey's arms as she held him and named him Olive. Kelsey @pennyandthefostersAs winter settled in and flurries filled the air, Kelsey noticed Olive's fur becoming matted again. She knew she couldn't leave him outside any longer. "I made the decision that he would be a good candidate to be brought indoors.""I have an unused room that normally houses kittens that would be perfect for him." Kelsey @pennyandthefostersAt first, Olive wasn't thrilled with the change. He hissed, spat, and protested loudly as he was brought inside in a carrier, away from the frozen ground he'd known. He hid under a bed for nearly six hours before realizing he was safe."He came out and acted like he always did with me, rubbing on me, accepting pets, and rolling over to let me pet his belly." Kelsey @pennyandthefostersBefore long, Olive claimed his spot on the couch, curling into Kelsey's lap as if he'd done it his whole life. His paws kneaded away like he was making biscuits while he leaned into his human, completely at ease. "He loves lounging and being close. He's adjusting to the household noises he hears."Olive gazes up at Kelsey with his soulful eyes filled with love, basking in the companionship he always wanted. Kelsey @pennyandthefostersOnce his walls came down, Olive allowed Kelsey to trim his nails and brush his fluffy coat. After a vet visit, he was freed from all the mats and knots. It turned out he had battle scars all over his body, but thankfully, those outdoor days are behind him.Olive now spends ample time snuggling with Kelsey, resting his head on her arm as if it's the safest place he's ever known. Kelsey @pennyandthefostersHe is getting used to the pitter-patter of the resident dogs and cats and doesn't mind the curious nose sniffing through a crack in the door. "We're taking a very slow approach (introducing them) to make sure it's done right."No more roaming the streets or braving another winter outside. Olive is thriving indoors, surrounded by a family he trusts. Kelsey @pennyandthefostersWhen Kelsey isn't nearby, he watches his favorite shows on the big screen from the comfort of his couch.Once a timid stray trying to survive, Olive is now living the dream as a pampered house cat, and he's never looking back. Kelsey @pennyandthefostersShare this story with your friends. More on Olive and Kelsey's fosters on Instagram @pennyandthefosters.Related story: Cat with Big Paws Becomes the Most Gentle Soul When Kind People Save His Life, Now Living Like a True Prince

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