There’s no greater joy than watching a shelter dog finally find its forever home. After what can feel like forever in a noisy, smelly facility, it must feel like such a relief to be able to have a cozy, comfy place to call home, especially when you consider what most of those poor pups have been through in their past!
There’s a special name for that first drive home from the shelter, too. It’s called the “Shelter Freedom Ride,” and it represents the newly adopted pooch’s first taste of life outside of the confines of the shelter.
Each one of the following dogs had been waiting at Chicago Animal Care and Control for someone to adopt them. Some waited for months, while others were rescued in their final hour. Luckily, though, each one of them eventually found loving forever homes—and they were photographed during all of their freedom rides. Make sure that you have your tissues ready, because this is about to get emotional!
1. Peach, who had severe mange, chose to close her eyes and take in the smell of freedom as she went on her journey home. Even though she wasn’t looking at her surroundings, she knew she was finally free of her metal cage. She looks like she’s in heaven!
2. Kit Kat had spent more than three months in animal control after her owner was prosecuted for animal abuse. Now that she’s found a loving forever home, she couldn’t be happier! Just look at that big grin!
3. Yoshi was definitely thinking “Let’s blow this popsicle stand!” when he learned it was his turn to bust out of the shelter. That’s one cheeky grin right there! There’s the face of a dog who’s happy to be free.
4. This pooch looks like he didn’t have any trouble getting comfortable while riding in his new family’s car. Wherever this sweet boy was heading, it’s undoubtedly comfier than that shelter! Plus, he got his own personal travel pillow. Rest easy, big guy!
5. Like the dog before him, this precious pup found it be pretty easy to cozy up in his forever family’s car. And while there might still be some apprehension about moving to a new and unfamiliar place, we’re sure he’ll warm up to it soon enough!
6. This poor guy must be so shy after leaving the shelter that he’s a bit timid about showing his face. It’s hard to blame him for being bashful, though. He’s probably never experienced so much love! That, or maybe he’s just enjoying the built-in seat heater…
7. Aw, just look at how relaxed she is as she stretches out in the backseat of the car! It looks like somebody really wants a belly rub. She deserves it, though. She’s clearly thrilled to have the entire backseat to herself!
8. This pooch is so adorable. Not only is he grateful to finally be on his way to a loving forever home, but it’s almost as if he said to his owner, “I really, really love your T-shirt. We’re gonna be best friends.”
9. Look how cheeky this little girl is! She might be sneaking a peek during a fun game of hide-and-go-seek, or maybe she just can’t her eyes off of her new family in the front. Either way, this is one pic that’ll stay on the fridge for sure.
10. This dog’s expression is priceless. Just look at how happy he is! One of the things that is so amazing about pictures like these is that dogs can intuitively tell that their lives are about to get better. How much do you want to bet he’s gearing up to go on an epic walk around the neighborhood?
11. This dog has probably been through so much before he was able to get to this wonderful point in his life. Things are only going to get better and better for you from here on out, big guy!
12. There’s no telling how long it’s been since this adorable furry friend has been able to sleep in a real house with all the comforts of home that he deserves to have. You just know he’s going to be treated like the top dog that he is, too, because he got to ride shotgun!
13. “Aw Mom, come on! Another photo?” Despite her silly look, this little girl must have been thrilled that she would finally get her own bed, her own toys, and of course, her own family to love her. She’s obviously trying to play it cool and hide her excitement.
14. This cute little guy tried not to let his nerves show as he was taken to his new forever home. As great as it is to get rescued, it also must come with a lot of worries. “Will the other dogs like me?” “Will there be a big yard I can run around in?” Yes, little buddy, there will, and your new siblings will absolutely adore you!
15. This beautiful pup just wanted to thank his rescuer for saving his life and bringing him into a home that would provide him with love and care like he had never experienced before. Now, whenever he needs help or reassurance, there’ll always be someone who loves him who can lend a paw!
Doesn’t it just warm your heart to see these pups so happy with their new families? It’s safe to assume that things got better for them than ever before. It’s so great that they finally found a place where they can call “home!”
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