Rescued animals, like those who reside at Animal Rahat’s sanctuary, frequently come from circumstances in which humans weren’t kind to them. It takes hard work and lots of patience to show these understandably fearful animals that they’re safe among the humans who work at their new home.

So when an animal adjusts to a peaceful life at the sanctuary and displays happiness, it’s always a victory worth celebrating.

A dark brown calf has a hint of a smile on his face.

Calf Mahadev, who was rescued from last year’s historic Kerala floods, joyously sprints around the sanctuary.

Rossy’s delight was written across her face as the rescued dog greeted a group of students visiting the sanctuary. She joined them for a humane education presentation and savored every moment of love and attention that they gave her.

A dog smiles so wide that her tongue hangs out of her mouth as she lies on the classroom floor in front of a group of schoolchildren.

Simran the camel feared humans when she was rescued from a circus where she was forced to “perform” under the contstant threat of violence. Today, she knows her caretakers aren’t going to beat or threaten her. She’s full of trust and love—and relishes the feel of the grooming brush.

A camel sits on the ground, eyes closed and smiling, as her caretaker grooms her. The caretaker is also smiling as he gently holds her head still and brushes her fur.

Smiles can be contagious, so why not share these smiles with your friends and make someone else as happy as Mahadev, Rossy, and Simran?