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Thank you, Eastgate Petco for hosting our adoptable kitties yesterday! All of these adorable cats are available for adoption on our website. Whether it's a faithful football-watching feline or a watchful window-sitter you're looking for this fall, find your newest best friend at one of our upcoming events or at www.animalrescue.net 🧡 #adoptme #adoptablecats #cats #cutecats #animalrescue #adoptionevent

Have you seen these outlaws??? They've stolen hearts and now they're potentially seeking shelter in YOUR home! 🐎 To learn more about any of these bandits, visit animalrescue.net 🐾

Feline Friday feature 🐈🐈 🧡 DOUBLE THE ORANGE. DOUBLE THE LOVE. ONE SECOND CHANCE. 🧡 Meet Melo & Stuart! 🐈🐈 These handsome orange tabby brothers thought they had found their forever home, but after an unexpected emergency in their adopter’s life, they’re back with IAR through no fault of their own. 💔 After having their little worlds turned upside down, these sweet boys are understandably taking some time to come out of their shells. But with a little patience, love, and stability, we know they’ll blossom again! 🧡 🐾 Sweet and wonderful with people and children 🐾 A little cautious around dogs 🐾 Twice the orange-tabby charm! Our holiday wish? To see Melo and Stuart settled into their FOREVER home before Thanksgiving. 🦃❤️ They’ve already had one unexpected detour. Let’s make sure their next stop is HOME. 🏡 Could you be their happily-ever-after? 🐾 Apply to adopt at animalrescue.net/adoptacat/ and search for Melo and Stuart! Not ready to adopt? A share could help these brothers find the family they’ve been waiting for. 🧡 #AdoptDontShop #IndependentAnimalRescue #OrangeTabbyCats #BondedBrothers #RescueCats

Come spend a little time with our Independent Animal Rescue kitties and pups this Saturday! You might find yourself wondering how you ever lived without your own personal pillow warmer. 📅 Saturday, November 7 🐕 The Pups ⏰ 10:30AM - 12PM 📍 Foster Street Coffee (530 Foster Street, #2, Durham, NC) 🐈 The Kitties ⏰ 12–3 PM 📍 Petco Eastgate (1800 E Franklin St, #19, Chapel Hill, NC) Stop by, meet some wonderful floofs, and see if one of them is meant to be yours. Your future best friend might be waiting! ❤️ #IndependentAnimalRescue #AdoptDontShop #CatAdoption #ChapelHillNC #RescueCats #AdoptALocalCat #IARcats

Milk and Espresso were just five weeks old when they were discovered with their littermates outside a local coffee shop. They were wary of people when they first came into IAR (or as we like to say in the rescue biz, they were a little spicy!), and our goal was to help them grow comfortable with human companionship and build the confidence to thrive in a home of their own. With lots of patient socialization and love, both kittens blossomed in foster care. And in the sweetest full-circle twist, they were adopted together by one of the managers at the coffee shop where their story began! Now, Milk is thriving as a playful, carefree king, while Espresso has become a laid-back queen who loves relaxing on her cat tower under her favorite heating lamp. We think it's safe to say that these two have brewed up a pretty sweet ending together! Ready to find your own purr-fect companion? We have plenty of wonderful cats and kittens still waiting for someone to give them a home. Visit https://animalrescue.net/adoptacat/ to meet them!

Izzie says "Happy Waggy Wednesday!" Izzie is a three-year-old gal with a fun, playful personality. She loves hiking and spending time outside and she’s also been making great friends with cats and chickens! She’s an active girl who needs plenty of exercise and stimulation. Izzie is very loving with people; cuddling and hanging out are some of her favorite things to do. She may take a few minutes to warm up, but as soon as she does, she’ll be your best friend. Izzie is great with kids, though she may be a better fit for a family with older children due to her size. She knows basic commands and her foster family is helping her work on her leash manners. As an intelligent gal, she would benefit from continued, patient training. Izzie is house-trained, behaves well indoors, and is comfortable being left alone. She can feel intimidated by dogs larger than she is, or who are overly exuberant, so she does best with calm, respectful introductions. Izzie came into IAR’s care after her owner passed away, and she would love to find her way into a furever home to start a new chapter in her life. She’s current on her vaccinations, spayed, microchipped and heartworm negative. Could Izzie be the loyal friend you’ve been looking for? Learn more about Izzie & apply to adopt at animalrescue.net 💚

Thank you @trianglecanineclub and @beyond_fences_durham for hosting an amazing Barktoberfest this weekend! Pups, Halloween costumes, and great weather make for a great Saturday! Some of our fosters got a lot of cuddles -- Junebug, Bruce, Dionysus, Calypso, Hercules, Choco, Beauty, Mollee, Sahara, and Carson! They are all looking for a loving home! Show our furry pals some love! #barktober #halloween #rescuedog #durhamnc

These two siblings have put us under a spell... it's none other than.. Salem and Binx! 🧙 Salem is a magnificent foster kitten who acts as a loving protector and big brother. This playful and affectionate "panther-in-training" is a professional snuggler who is ready to bring an abundance of good luck and happiness to a forever home. Salem would love to be adopted alongside his sibling, Binx. 🔮 Binx is an incredibly affectionate and fiercely playful black kitten who loves casting a spell on everyone he meets with his sweet nature. As the ultimate purr-machine, he starts purring the moment he is picked up, whether he is chasing toys around the room or curling up under your chin for a nap. He is currently in foster care and hoping to find a forever home where he can be adopted alongside his brother, Salem. Under their spell? Learn more about them & apply to adopt at animalrescue.net 💚🐈‍⬛

Happy Feline Friday! Check out our cutie PUMPKINS! 🎃

We need dog event hosts! 🐶 We're looking for 1-3 volunteers to host one dog adoption event each month in Durham. Hosts help pick up supplies, set up, welcome potential adopters, make sure the dogs have what they need, and pack up once the event is over. Events are usually about 4 hours, one Saturday or Sunday a month. A few hours a month can help put an IAR dog directly in front of the person who has been looking for them! If you can commit to hosting one event a month, we'd love to hear from you! Sign up at www.animalrescue.net/volunteer and select "Dog Support" 🐾💚🐾

Did someone say Waggy Wednesday?? Four years. Still waiting for his person. 💚 I had the chance to take Ghost on a walk in honor of his four-year anniversary with IAR, and this sweet boy absolutely stole my heart. Ghost is a laid-back, well-mannered Husky who loves long walks, sniffing all the smells, car rides, treats and the occasional case of the zoomies. 🐾 He’s house-trained, crate-trained, great on leash and takes his treats like a perfect gentleman. Ghost is looking for an experienced adopter who enjoys an active lifestyle and can give him the secure space he needs to thrive. He may prefer being your one-and-only pup, though he can be drawn to gentle female dogs. Four years is a long time to wait. Let’s make this the year Ghost finally gets to trade “IAR foster dog” for “HOME.” 🏡🤍 Please share Ghost and help us find his person. #AdoptGhost #AdoptDontShop #RescueDog #Husky

Tonight, somewhere in Durham, a dog is carrying around a stuffed toy like it's their full-time job. A cat is sitting in a cardboard box worth approximately $0.12 and feeling extremely successful. And neither of them has any idea they're about to start interviewing humans this weekend. 🐶 Saturday - Barktoberfest at Boxyard RTP | 1 PM - 4 PM 🐱 Sunday - PetSmart North Durham | 12 PM - 3 PM Requirements include: ✅ willingness to provide snacks ✅ tolerance for fur on everything ✅ acceptance that personal space is now a group project Apply in person. The cats and dogs look forward to reviewing your qualifications. 🐾🤣 #Barktoberfest #AdoptDontShop #ApplyInPurrson #TinyInterviewer #HumanApplicationsNowOpen #FutureCouchGremlin #ProfessionalToyCarrier #BoxExpert #ToeBeanSupervisor #PlottingYourAdoption #RescuePets #DurhamNC #BoxyardRTP #PetSmartNorthDurham #YourPetIsWaiting

🐾🐶What dog do you need for your next chapter? 🔗 Check out the link in our bio to find out more about our adoptable dogs and who fits your personality and lifestyle best! #adoptdontshop #dogsofinstagram #rescuedogs

These sweet faces want to thank @petco for hosting an adoption event for them yesterday! We at IAR had such a great time talking with everyone and showing off some of our adorable, adoptable cats. 🐾 If you didn't get a chance to stop by, check out our website to meet them! 🐱 #AdoptDontShop #pets #iar #animalrescue #adoptables #adoptme

Double, double, cats in trouble! Meet our little coven of black cat witches! Poptropica, Janie, Boo, Spooky, and Mary are brewing up some Halloween magic and casting spells for their next big adventure… finding their forever homes! 🖤 Ready to fall under their spell? Check out our adoptable cats and apply through the link in our bio #AdoptDontShop #AdoptableKitten #independentanimalrescue #pets #iar #fall

🌧Unfortunately, the weather is not our friend again this weekend. The dogs have had to postpone their visit to The Common Market. They are cuddling up in their warm, dry foster homes waiting for their next opportunity to meet you! Please go support our kitties at TWO indoor events today! 🌧 📣 URGENT: SATURDAY’S CUTE-TO-HUMAN RATIO IS ABOUT TO BE A PROBLEM. Independent Animal Rescue is taking over Durham, and frankly, the humans are not prepared. 🐈 12–3 PM | Petco Renaissance The cats have requested a meeting. They will not be sharing an agenda. You may leave with an application for a new best friend and absolutely no recollection of what you came to the store for. 🐈 12–3 PM | Unleashed, Parkway Plaza A separate feline delegation will be available for meet-and-greets. They have been told to play it cool. They will not play it cool. Two events. A whole lot of adoptable personalities. And a very real chance that your Saturday errands end with you explaining to your landlord that you'll need to add a new tenant to your lease. Go meet them. Your future favorite weirdo could be waiting. 💗 #IndependentAnimalRescue #IAR #AdoptDontShop #DurhamNC #DogAdoption #CatAdoption #RescuePets

Who is this fine fella, you ask? Meet Slippery Elm—part-time model, full-time cat. Formerly an outdoor adventurer, he brings a huge personality and a serious sense of curiosity wherever he goes. If you’re looking for endless afternoon entertainment, look no further! #felinefriday #AdoptDontShop #pets #iar #animalrescue #adoptables #adoptme

PIT BULL AWARENESS MONTH 🐾 MEET THE DOG. NOT THE MYTH. Let’s bust a few pittie myths → PIT BULL AWARENESS MONTH 🐾 MEET THE DOG. NOT THE MYTH. Let’s bust a few pittie myths → PIT BULL AWARENESS MONTH 🐾 MEET THE DOG. NOT THE MYTH. Let’s bust a few pittie myths → PIT BULL AWARENESS MONTH 🐾 MEET THE DOG. NOT THE MYTH. Let’s bust a few pittie myths → PIT BULL AWARENESS MONTH 🐾 MEET THE DOG. NOT THE MYTH. Let’s bust a few pittie myths → THE TRUTH? ❤️ They aren’t stereotypes. They’re goofy. They’re shy. They’re playful. They’re couch potatoes. They’re adventurers. They’re individuals. MEET THE DOG. NOT THE MYTH. 🐾 🔗Meet IAR’s adoptable dogs at the link in our bio

WAGGY WEDNESDAY: MEET CHOCO! 🤎 This handsome brown lovebug is ready to steal your heart! Choco loves leisurely walks, making doggy friends, and soaking up all the belly rubs and cuddles he can get! He’s looking for a loving, medium-energy forever home where he can heal, learn, and blossom. Could you be his happily ever after? 🏡❤️ 🐾 Adopt Choco and let the tail wags begin! #WaggyWednesday #RescueDog #AdoptDontShop #independentanimalrescue #pets

⚡️ A legendary litter has arrived at IAR! ⚡️ Aphrodite. Ares. Artemis. Calypso. Demeter. Dionysus. Hephaestus. Hercules. Morpheus. These nine tiny gods and goddesses were born in a rural shelter and came to their IAR foster home with their mama when they were just five days old. ❤️ Now they’re growing up, receiving their puppy vaccinations, and preparing for their next great adventure: forever homes. They’ll also be microchipped and spayed/neutered when they’re old enough. They may have names fit for mythology, but what they’re really looking for is pretty simple: a family of their own. 🐾 Which little legend would you choose? 🏛️✨ #IARRescue #AdoptDontShop #RescuePuppies #AdoptARescue #PuppyLove DurhamNC 💕 Aphrodite — Goddess of Love & Puppy Kisses ⚔️ Ares — God of Playtime & Tiny Battles 🏹 Artemis — Goddess of Adventure & Backyard Expeditions 🌊 Calypso — Goddess of Enchantment & Stealing Hearts 🌾 Demeter — Goddess of Growing Big & Strong 🍇 Dionysus — God of Good Times & Puppy Parties 🔨 Hephaestus — God of Toys & Creative Destruction 😂 💪 Hercules — Hero of Super Strength & Mighty Cuteness 😴 Morpheus — God of Dreams & Championship Napping

Thank you @unleasheddurham for always being an amazing host to our adoptable kitties ~ 💚 We had a great time at our adoption event yesterday! You can find ALL of our adoptables on our website at animalrescue.net ... and who knows, you might find your new best friend!

🚨 Attention! 🚨 Unfortunately, due to bad weather, we've had to postpone our dog adoption event. Please go and support our kitties at Unleashed and keep an eye on the calendar for an updated dog event! Scientists have discovered that homes with dogs and cats contain significantly more: ✅ happiness ✅ laughter ✅ fur ✅ toys in places you definitely didn't leave them ✅ little feet running across the house at 3am for unknown reasons To further investigate these findings, we invite you to attend: 🐱 Cat Adoption Event @ Unleashed Parkway Plaza: 12pm-3pm Please come meet our adoptable pets and help advance science. AdoptDontShop #DogAdoption #CatAdoption #RescueDog #RescueCat #AdoptAShelterPet #ForeverHome #PetAdoption #RescuePets #TheCommonMarket #UnleashedParkwayPlaza #WeekendPlans #SupportRescue #ScienceButMakeItFurry #ControlledChaos #FindYourBestFriend 🐾🔬❤️

Opal and Jasper met in foster care. Four months later, they were officially a package deal. 👯❤️ Transferred to IAR from one of our shelter partners back in February, these two quickly bonded in their foster home and became the best of friends. Today, they’re happily settled into their forever home, where they spend their days wrestling, exploring, and constantly finding ways to entertain themselves and their people. Jasper loves chasing his fishing rod and showing off his big jumps, while Opal never misses a board game night and has even learned how to get in on the action by rolling the dice. Their adopters say, “the cats have been doing wonderfully and are perfect little members of our family!” We couldn’t be happier that they all found each other 💚 Could your home use a couple of new personalities? Visit animalrescue.net/adopt to meet the cats and dogs waiting for their forever homes!

Meet Bobby and Mary, a pair of sweet 5-month-old bonded kittens looking for their furever home! ✨Bobby (grey and white) is outgoing and affectionate. She is a wobbly cat, but she doesn't let her special needs slow her down! Bobby loves food and staying close to her people. ✨Her sister, Mary (a petite black kitten), is on the shy side and looks to Bobby for confidence as she navigates new environments. Because they spend most of their time at floor level, this loving duo would thrive in a patient household that enjoys floor-level playtime! #AdoptDontShop #pets #iar #animalrescue #adoptables #adoptme

It’s spooky season! 🎃🦇 Bramble and Barnaby want you to know they make great Halloween decorations if you’d give them a chance and take them home. Don’t they look so so scary in their costumes?🧛‍♂️ #animalrescue #spookycats #rescuecats #adoptdontshop #petsincostumes

🦇 Meet Peanut Butter Is it a puppy? Is it a bat? 🦇🐶 Nope — it’s Peanut Butter, and those ears are ready for spooky season! 🎃😂 PB is a sweet, playful, people-loving pup with a big personality and even bigger ears. He loves cuddles, playtime, learning new things, and making friends with other dogs. He’s also crate-trained and already sleeping through the night. 🙌 No tricks here — Peanut Butter is all treat. 🧡 Ready to bring this little bat-dog home before Halloween? Check out the link in our bio to learn more and apply to adopt! 🐾 #AdoptPeanutButter #AdoptDontShop #RescuePuppy #SpookySeason #independentanimalrescue

If dogs had ChatGPT, we already know they’d ask: “Why no treats?” 😂 What would YOUR dog ask ChatGPT? #adoptdontshop #iar #independentanimalrescue #adoptme #dogs

Thank you Eastgate Petco for hosting our adoptable kitties yesterday! 🐾 Miss the adoption event? No worries! You can always see our adoptables at animalrescue.net 💚

Pumpkin season looks pretty good on Taco, don't you think?! 🎃🤎🍂 Almost a year ago to the day, this sweet pup was found wandering the streets of Wake County. For the next nine months, he waited in his IAR foster home for a family of his own, charming everyone he met along the way with his playful, curious, affectionate personality. Today, he’s traveling all over the East Coast with his family, cheering on the Buffalo Bills, collecting allll the toys, and enjoying every bit of fall fun he can find! Ready to meet your own fall adventure buddy? Visit animalrescue.net/adoptadog/ to meet our pups still looking for their forever homes!

Ahoy, landlubber! 🏴‍☠️ Me name be Nuggy, the most handsome sea-kitten on the high seas! They call me Nuggy ‘cause I look just like a golden chicken nugget. 🍗✨ Don’t let me missing right eye fool ye—this single spyglass don’t slow me down one bit! I’m living me best pirate life, running the decks, scaling the rigging, and seeking grand adventures. 🗡️💥 When I need some attention or playtime, I’ll let ye know, and I’ll pay ye back in purrs and warm pirate hugs! ⚓️❤️ I’ve also recruited a fine first mate along the way—me bestie Pinna! 🐈‍⬛ We’re a package deal if ye have room on your galleon for two partners in crime. Check out me captain’s log and send a message if ye be ready to adopt this crew! ⛵️ #AdoptableKitten #PirateCat #SpecialNeedsCat #RescueCat #AdoptDonation #KittenLife #DoubleTrouble

Psst! You! Yes, you! 👀 We’re looking for someone to help put cute faces like this one all over the internet. If you love animals and social media and have a little time to spare, our volunteer social media team wants to hear from you! DM us for details!

WAGGY WEDNESDAY: MEET GOBI! Gobi is as sweet as he looks! 💕 This mellow little guy loves being wherever his people are, soaking up pets and cuddles with his adorable toothy grin. He enjoys playing with his doggy siblings, then settling in for a cozy nap. 🥰 Friendly, happy, and eager to please, Gobi is working on his leash, crate, and potty training and doing great! 🐶💙 Could Gobi be your new best friend? #WaggyWednesday #AdoptDontShop #RescueDog #dogs #independentanimalrescue

Somewhere nearby, a cat is practicing their most adorable head tilt. Another is perfecting their purr. A kitten is currently chasing an imaginary bug and absolutely crushing the performance. On October 3 from 12-3 PM, these tiny thespians and many more will be waiting to meet you at Petco Eastgate. Whether you're looking for a snuggle buddy, a work-from-home supervisor, or a furry best friend to share your days with, your perfect match might be waiting just around the corner. Come meet our adoptable cats and kittens and help them find the loving homes they deserve. 📍 Petco Eastgate, 1800 E Franklin St., #19, Chapel Hill 🗓 October 3 ⏰ 12-3 PM #LoveAtFirstPurr #TinyCriminals #ToeBeansAndDreams #MeowMeetup #FutureHouseTiger #ProfessionalPurrMachine #WhiskerGoals #CatDistributionSystem #AdoptDontShop #FureverHome 😻🐾

Huge thank you to @petsmart598 for hosting us yesterday afternoon! 🐾✨ We had an absolute blast meeting everyone and showing off some of our total rockstar kitties. Our adoptable cats definitely loved soaking up all the attention! 😻❤️ #ForeverHome #durhamnc #RescueKittens #PetPhotos #AdoptLocalNC

Thank you @chapelhillgov & @chapelhillarts for hosting Movies Under the Stars! We think it was the perfect night to kick off spooky season, and our adoptable pups in attendance agreed that The Nightmare Before Christmas is their new fav movie!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for our cat adoption event at Unleashed on the 19th and 24th! We’re so grateful to everyone who opened their hearts, met our adorable cats, shared their support, and helped make the day so special! #CatAdoption #AdoptDontShop #RescueCats #ForeverHomes #ThankYou #CatLovers

We are so excited to annouce our partnership with @thepetpantrync in the Go-Home Bag Program! The Go-Home Bag Program provides FREE, personalized bags for newly adopted dogs, including: 🥣 Nearly a month’s supply of dog food 🦴 Treats and a toy 📚 First-week and food-transition information IAR is sending a HUGE thank you to The Pet Pantry for supporting our rescue pups by helping them, and their new families, have a warm furever home welcome 💜🐾💚

Meet Zohey 💕🐾 Sweet, social, and still ready for an adventure, Zohey is proof that age is just a number! This lovely hound enjoys long walks, time in the yard, and—most of all—being with her people. Her foster says she “revels in human company,” and we think that pretty much says it all. 🥹 She’s easygoing and well-mannered at home, has lived peacefully with another senior dog, and occasionally shares her opinions with a classic hound awoooo. 🎶😂 Zohey is looking for someone who wants a true companion by their side. Could her next chapter be with you? ❤️ 🐾 Apply to adopt Zohey through the link in our bio!

ATTENTION. The cats have scheduled yoga and a shopping trip. The dogs have scheduled a movie night. Does it get any better? 🐱 Sept. 24 | Cat Yoga | 6-8 PM | Unleashed Parkway Plaza 🐶 Sept. 25 | Movies Under the Stars with the Pups | 6:30-7:30 PM | Carolina Square Lawn 🐱 Sept. 27 | Cat Adoption Event | 12-3 PM | PetSmart North Durham The adoptable crew will be there. Plotting. Looking super cute. Stealing hearts. Bring friends. Bring snacks. Bring a willingness to be emotionally manipulated by adorable faces. 🐾❤️ #AdoptDontShop #RescueCats #RescueDogs #MainCharacterEnergy

Monday morning got you down? Here’s a little kitten happiness to start your week off right 💚 When Poppy arrived at IAR at just 6 weeks old, she had a ruptured eye that was causing her a lot of pain and needed to be removed. Around the same time, 3-week-old Teddy came into our care, still tiny enough to need nursing. After becoming fast friends in foster care, these two found their way into the same forever home. Their adopters say "they have been the perfect additions to our family and we can’t imagine our lives without them" - we couldn’t be happier for these two sweet siblings-by-choice! 😻😻 Could your home use a little more kitten joy? Visit animalrescue.net/adopt to meet our animals still waiting for their forever homes!

✨ Their personalities shine at adoption events… but they shine even brighter in a home of their own. 🐱💕 A big thank you to @petco Renaissance in Durham for hosting and to everyone who came out to meet our adoptable cats today! We loved watching them show off their sweet, silly, curious personalities. Missed us? Your new best friend might still be waiting. 🐾 Check out our adoptable cats at the link in our bio. #adoptdontshop #independentanimalrescue #cats_of_instagram

🐶 Want to help an IAR dog find their person? We’re looking for 1–3 volunteers to host one dog adoption event each month in Durham. Hosts help pick up supplies, set up, welcome potential adopters, make sure the dogs have what they need, and pack everything up afterward. Events are usually about 4 hours, one Saturday or Sunday a month. You don’t have to know all the answers. You just need to be ready to help, connect with people, and cheer on some adoptable dogs. ❤️ Interested? Sign up at www.animalrescue.net/volunteer and select “Dog Support.” 🐾 A few hours of your time could help the right dog meet their person. #IndependentAnimalRescue #DurhamNC #DurhamDogs #DogAdoption #RescueDogs #VolunteerWithUs #AdoptDontShop

Start spooky season off right with your very own personal void—err, we mean cat! Meet Clifford, a gentle, charming boy looking for his forever home. 🎃🐈‍⬛ Coming from an outdoor colony, Clifford is steadily gaining confidence indoors. He needs a patient, understanding adopter who will give him the time and space to build trust and fully flourish. ✨ #AdoptDontShop #pets #iar #animalrescue #adoptables #adoptme

🐾 Adoption day is just the beginning. A new home means new people, new sounds, new routines—and a whole lot for a dog to take in. ❤️ The 3-3-3 guideline is a reminder to give your newly adopted dog what they may need most: time, patience, consistency, and space to settle in. Every dog adjusts differently. Some settle quickly. Others need a little longer. There’s no deadline for feeling safe. 🏡🐶 Swipe ➡️ to learn what those first days, weeks, and months can look like. And if you’re ready to give a rescue dog the time and love they deserve, meet our adoptable dogs at the link in our bio. 🐾💕

Meet Mollee 🐾 senior girl, world-class snuggler, and living proof that age is just a number. She came to IAR after her owner moved into assisted living, and it shows — this girl knows how to love hard. Her days are made of sunshine, tug-of-war, treats, and walks, but her favorite spot is always right beside you. Potty-trained, crate-trained, sleeps through the night, knows her commands, and gets along beautifully with other dogs (cat status: still a mystery). Spayed, heartworm negative, and fully vetted — she's healthy and ready for her next chapter. If you've got room on the couch and love to spare, Mollee is ready to trot into your life. #adoptdontshop #durhamnc #seniordog #chapelhill #adoptabledogsofinstagram

This Saturday from 12–3PM, Durham will sparkle with the annual Great Cat Gathering, where wonderful adoptable cats meet humans at two joyful locations. 📍 Unleashed Parkway Plaza (4215 University Dr, Ste 13, Durham) 📍 Petco Renaissance Parkway (8200 Renaissance Pkwy, Durham) Featured guests include: Nuggy (brings pure charm) Pinna (brings bright curiosity) Snapple (brings delightful energy) Marty (brings enthusiastic zoomies) Geddy Lee (brings rock‑star confidence) Paris (brings elegant flair) Daisy (brings tiny sunshine) Come meet them and their snuggly friends, enjoy their personalities, and maybe welcome a new furry friend who will proudly supervise your household with love. #CatAdoption #DurhamNC #AdoptDontShop #Unleashed #Petco #FelineFriends #RescueCats #CatEvent #MeetTheCats

We won’t judge you if you didn’t come out in the rain to meet our adoptable cats this weekend… but she might. 👀😹 Thank you, @unleasheddurham , for keeping us dry and helping our cats meet some new friends! 🐾❤️ Missed us? Check the link in our bio to meet our adoptable cats and find an upcoming event. #rescue #independentanimalrescue #catadoption

🐾❤️ A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us at Der Nachbar for our dog adoption event! We’re so grateful to everyone who came out, supported the pups and helped make the day so special. Here’s to new beginnings, happy tails, and forever homes! #AdoptDontShop #pets #iar #independentanimalrescue #adoptme #dogs

Just months ago, this little puppy was curled up on a stranger’s doorstep as snow and ice closed in around him. Today, Toby is curled up at home, safe, healthy, and very, very loved. 🥹 Back in January, this guy was only a few months old and already desperately underweight, with every rib and hip bone visible beneath his patchy fur. Fresh gashes covered his face and back, and he was so weak that he could barely hold his head up to eat. When a message went out asking if anyone could help, one of our fosters answered. She brought him inside and began the long process of helping him heal. Because he was so severely emaciated, he needed tiny meals every few hours - too much food at once could have actually killed him. At first, he was even terrified to step into the yard. But slowly, meal by meal, he began to change. His ribs became less visible. His steps became steadier. And as his body grew stronger, so did his confidence. He started following his foster from room to room like a little tan shadow, discovered that he loved cuddles just as much as food, and eventually began bounding happily into the yard, confident that he would always be welcomed back inside. After months of healing, he found his forever home. His new family named him Toby, and today he spends his days playing outside, chasing treats, and soaking up love from the people who can't imagine life without him. From a frightened, starving puppy on a doorstep to a happy, healthy dog in his forever home, Toby has come a long way. We’re so grateful to his foster family, his adopter, and everyone who helped give this sweet boy the chance to become the dog he was always meant to be 💚 If you’ve been looking for a sign to adopt, maybe Toby is it. Visit animalrescue.net/adoptadog to meet the dogs (and cats!) still waiting for their forever homes.

Happy Feline Friday! Meet Scottie, an adorable gray bundle of sweetness! If you are looking for a cuddle buddy this fall, look no further. When Scottie isn't snuggled by your side, she can be found stalking that pesky toy mouse. She would do best in a home with older children, as loud noises and quick movements make her a bit nervous. Reach out to us to meet Scottie today! #AdoptDontShop #pets #iar #animalrescue #adoptables #adoptme

Happy Waggy Wednesday! 🐾 Hi, I'm Buckeye D. Dawg, but you can just call me Buckeye! I can do all sorts of cool things, wanna see? ⭐ First off, I'm very handsome and the modeling agencies are calling every day. ⭐ I'm REALLY good at hugging! ⭐ I can roll around on my back—I'm so silly! ⭐ Finally, my best trick yet, I can sit on a bench like a human! I hope you enjoyed these fun facts about me. I look forward to meeting you soon—maybe you'll be my furever home? With love, Buckeye D. Dawg 💗 #adoptdontshop #iar #animalrescue #dogs #adoptme #durhamnc

Leena has a plan for Saturday. Step one: Grab her friends and look adorable at Unleashed, Parkway Plaza from 12–3pm. Step two: make someone fall completely in love with them. Step three: find a home and pretend this was all part of the plan. Meanwhile, Bodhi and his buddies will be over at Der Nachbar from 3–5pm, where he’ll be doing his best to convince someone that their life has been missing a dog-shaped best friend. Different venues. Different species. Same basic idea: come meet your new favorite treat lover. 🐾❤️ #IndependentAnimalRescue #IAR #AdoptDontShop #AdoptLocal #RescueCats #RescueDogs #DurhamNC

Thank you, Eastgate! A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by our Cat Adoption Event at Petco Eastgate! We’re so grateful to everyone met our sweet cats! Every adoption means a second chance at a loving forever home. ❤️ Thank you for supporting our rescue and helping make this day so special. We couldn’t do it without our amazing community! 🐾✨ #CatAdoption #AdoptDontShop #PetcoEastgate #RescueCats #ForeverHome #ThankYou

Thank you @fosterstreetcoffee for hosting our adoption event yesterday! There was lots of puppy love to go around 🐾 Didn't make it to the event? No problem! You can see all of our adoptable pups at animalrescue.net 💚

Margot came to IAR for a standard spay and vaccinations. She left with a forever home. 🥹 When Margot was brought in for a TNVR (trap-neuter-vaccinate-release) appointment, our volunteers quickly saw that this little girl was exceptionally social and affectionate, and they knew she deserved a chance at something more than life on the streets. So instead of returning her to the community, we found her placement in our foster program, and eventually, a permanent home. Her adopter says Margot has been her shadow from day one and describes her as the sweetest little bean, a champion cuddler, goofball, and the best bed-making assistant around. We are so happy this sweet girl found the indoor life and adoring family she was meant for! 😻

Come meet this adorable sister duo—Dilly and Ranger! Found outside a Durham restaurant, these twin sisters are loving their new indoor life. Together, they like to play their own feline version of WWE Smackdown, chase crinkle toys, and lounge on the cat tree. If you are looking for double the love, Dilly and Ranger would make the perfect addition to your home! #AdoptDontShop #pets #iar #animalrescue #adoptables #adoptme

Meet Oink and Quack! 🐾 These 2-month-old male puppies are making their adoption debut this Saturday, 9/5, at Foster Street Coffee from 10am–11:30am. Come say hi! #adoptdontshop #durhamnc #adoptablepuppies #fosterstreetcoffee #chapelhill 📍Durham, NC

Waggy Wednesday is here 💚 Meet CJ 🐾 CJ is a sweet, playful, adventure-loving guy looking for a patient, active family to call his own. He loves stuffies, chew toys, car rides, walks, exploring, and — most importantly — ending the day curled up next to his person. ❤️ He’s crate- and housetrained, food motivated, and happiest when he gets to be part of the action. CJ is still building confidence and working on his manners, so he’d thrive with a family ready to keep cheering him on. Looking for a loyal sidekick who can go from zoomies to couch cuddles? CJ might be your guy. 🐶✨ Apply to adopt through the link in our bio! #rescuedogs #doglovers

🔥🐾 THE ANIMALS HAVE UNIONIZED AND DEMAND ADOPTION 🐾🔥 This weekend is NOT normal. This weekend is a multi‑location fluffy uprising and you are invited (required?) to attend. 🚨 SATURDAY 10:00–11:30am - Foster Street Coffee The dogs have infiltrated the café. They are holding the pastry case hostage. One pup is wearing a tiny vest that says “ASK ME ABOUT MY RIGHTS.” They will not leave until someone (you) adopts them. Bring treats. Bring emotional stability. Bring big feels. You will leave with an application. 🚨 SATURDAY 12–3pm - Petco Eastgate The cats have declared this “The Great Human Selection Ceremony.” They will judge you. They will stare into your soul. They will decide if you are worthy. If chosen, you must accept your fate. Do not break eye contact. Do not show fear. 🚨 SUNDAY 12–3pm - PetSmart North Durham The second wave of cats arrives. These floofs have plans. They have formed committees. They have drafted bylaws. One is running a PowerPoint titled “Why You Should Adopt Me: A Business Case.” You will be persuaded. This is not an adoption weekend. This is a coup. A takeover. A fur‑powered revolution. Show up. Comply. Adopt the rebels. #SoftChaosPets #GentleUprising #WhiskerWhimsy #PawsAndPeace #MildlyChaoticCats #DogsWithDreams #PastelPurrs #TenderTroublemakers #CozyCoup #FuzzyRevolution #SweetButUnstable #DurhamDarlings #RescueMagic #SoftRebelEnergy #AdoptTheCharmers

RIP #dollyparton. In honor of Dolly, we’re highlighting our authentic beauty…Beauty! Beauty has been with us almost two years, her only downside seems to be her color, although we think her fur is beautiful. Beauty is a sweet girl who gets along well with other dogs and older kids. She loves to zoom after a ball! Here she is sporting her bunny outfit to maybe get the attention of a forever family, did she capture yours? #adoptdontshop❤️ #rescuedog #adoptable #ripdollyparton

Thank you @unleasheddurham for hosting our cuddle-fest! Our sweet adoptable kitties are looking for their purrfect homes, check out their profiles and apply to adopt on animalrescue.net 💚🐾

From underneath a house to safe inside their forever home, Poof and Zip have come a long way in a few months 🤎🤍 When these two were found in February, huddled together in a crawlspace and only 7 weeks old, they had no idea how much their lives were about to change. After coming into IAR in March, they had just enough time to grow, play, and show off their sweet personalities in foster care before finding a forever home together. Their adopter says they’ve been “the most affectionate, playful, energetic and wonderful companions” he could have hoped for, adding, “It feels like I’ve known these two for ages.” We’re couldn't have asked for a happier ending for these sweet siblings! Ready to find your new best friend (or two!)? Visit animalrescue.net/adopt to meet our cats and dogs who are still waiting for their forever homes

Are we all hanging in there? Its been a long week, and DJ Triangle Gerbil is showing us that she understands the feeling... but its finally Feline Friday! Yes. We know. Dj Triangle Gerbil is a beautiful name for this beautiful little girl, and paired with her best friend Telemundita, they make a truly adorable duo. 🔼🐹 + 🐈‍⬛ DJ Triangle Gerbil and Telemundita had some medical hard times when they first arrived at IAR, but they came through with flying colors and now are healthy and so much fun! They love playing, being petted, eating, and occasionally sleeping, and they'd love to do all of those things with you! Bring home the music, the humor, and the adorable vibes by adopting these two cuties! Visit animalrescue.net to learn more about these silly girls and all of our adoptables! 💚🐾

School is officially back in session! Which means it's time to answer the most important question... what is your dog's major? Duke: Computer Science;because someone has to figure out why the treat jar is password protected. UNC-Chapel Hill: Business;specializing in negotiations for just one more treat. o: NC State: Mechanical Engineering;building the perfect zoomie machine, obviously. NCCU: Criminal Justice;investigating who stole the snacks. Swipe through and find your pup's future! Then tell us which major your dog would pick! #AdoptDontShop #pets #iar #independentanimalrescue #adoptables #dogs

🐾 Meet our Great Pyrenees/Hound mix pups! 🐾 Three months old and already stealing hearts 💕 These sweet babies weigh 26-32 lbs now and will grow into big, beautiful dogs with the gorgeous coats to match! They’re hard at work on potty training and leash manners, and made their debut at their first adoption event this past Saturday! 🎉 2 boys, 2 girls — all looking for their forever homes 🏡 Interested in meeting them? Link in bio!

I have reviewed your weekend schedule and, frankly, it looks like you should be adopting a cat. I’ll be at Unleashed in Durham on Saturday, August 29 from 12–3 PM with my friends, then my other buddies will be at PetSmart North Durham on Sunday, August 30 from 12–3 PM. I cannot guarantee I’ll be the cat you came for. I can guarantee I’ll be the cat you leave thinking about. 😼 📍 Unleashed: 4215 University Dr., Ste 13, Durham 📍 PetSmart North Durham: 1720 N Pointe Dr., Durham Come meet me. I have questions. Mostly about snacks. #AdoptHarold #CatAdoption #AdoptDontShop #DurhamNC #IndependentAnimalRescue #RescueCat

Thank you @petsmart at North Pointe for hosting our adoption event this past Sunday! Check out some of our adoptable feline friends who were in attendance, they're patiently waiting for their purrfect home! 🐾 #adoptdontshop #animalrescue #rescuecat #durham #nc

A huge THANK YOU to Honda at Southpoint for hosting such a wonderful dog adoption event with us! We had such a great time sharing our adoptable pups, and watching them soak up all the love and attention. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, met a dog, or simply showed your support And a special thank you to the team at Honda at Southpoint for opening your doors and supporting rescue! We’re so grateful for you. #AdoptDontShop #pets #iar #independentanimalrescue #SouthpointHonda #DurhamNC

Kinda chic to adopt. Very chic to find your new best friend. ✨🐾 Meet our adoptable dogs & cats through the link in bio. 💚

Basket Case was found in someone's backyard injured and unable to put weight on one of her back legs. She arrived at IAR in a laundry basket (hence the name!), and despite having a pelvic injury she was quietly making biscuits while receiving meds. After several weeks of crate rest, she is fully healed and now ready to embrace the wonderful life of a full-time indoor cat! Despite having been a stray, it took her no time to get used to and enjoy human company. She loves playing with the wand toy, Churu treats, ear scratches, chin rubs, and would give you gentle head butts to remind you to keep petting her. Basket Case is a little shy at first in a new environment - her foster mom is slowly introducing her to the indoor life beyond the bedrest from her crate. She seems okay with other cats, but we're not sure how she feels about dogs. This sweet, beautiful diluted tabby is looking for a forever home with people who would enjoy some adorable company and also be patient to let her blossom on her own time. Visit animalrescue.net to learn more about sweet Basket Case! 🧺💚 #felinefriday #adoptdontshop #Durham #nc

Back in February, Stevie found herself in a kennel at the Durham Animal Protection Society after being surrendered by her previous owner. Shelter staff reached out to IAR and asked if we had room in our foster program for her and her sister where they could decompress and settle into a home environment. We were so happy we could say “yes.” In foster care, Stevie blossomed into the happy, energetic, elevation-seeking teenager you see here, and before long, she found her forever home with a family who absolutely adores her. They say: “Stevie is a wonderful, goofy, loving, doodly, delight! She has brought us so much laughter with her crazy antics, and we feel so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to be her people.” Could your family use a little more sweet, silly, affectionate puppy energy? Stevie would like you to know there are plenty more where she came from 😉 Meet them at animalrescue.net/adoptadog !

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