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Before And After: 17 Beautiful Rescue Dogs’ Transformations

| Published on March 8, 2021

Living in an animal shelter can really take a toll on a dog. Strolling down the aisles of crates and kennels, the stress comes across on their sad little faces. It’s why dogs are so great at showing us how thankful they are when we save them. These before-and-after shots beautifully illustrate the transformations rescue dogs undergo when they’re brought home forever.

If these beyond heartwarming photos don’t convince you to #AdoptDontShop, I can’t imagine what will:

1. From Cellmates To Lifemates

@ReccurentlyDisturb/Reddit

These two went through a lot together, and now they’ll have each other and a family for life.

2. From Neglected To Adored

rescue-dog-transformation
@missblueyouwho/Reddit

What a drastic difference adoption made in this dog’s life! The Redditor who shared this post captioned it:

To the person who left her in a park to die 2 years ago… Look at her now! With your horrible neglect came a whole lot of happiness.”

3. Wynter: From Drab to Fab!

@coolmorecooties/Reddit

The poster shared Wynter’s story, explaining how she was nursed back to health over a period of 7 months before finding her forever home:

“Wynter is the sweetest dog. She is great with my kids, old dog, and kitties. When the temperature drops she becomes super spunky and when it snows she goes crazy. I love watching her play in the snow. She looks so happy and free.”

4. 8 Months After Rescue

rescue-dog-before-and-after
@BittersweetSymphony/Imgur

It’s hard to believe this is even the same dog, but fortunately, someone gave Kane a chance to grow and bloom!

5. Room To Relax

@AUChris03/Imgur

A cold shelter floor can’t compare to a personal dog bed supplied with love.

6. A Frown Turned Upside Down

pit-bull-rescue-photos
via Imgur

That expressive Pittie face makes it so clear that she’s ready to give all her love to her new family.

7. A Major Glow-Up

Illinois Bird Dog Rescue via Facebook

When dogs have the time, support, and resources to heal, they undergo major changes. All they need is patience and love.

8. Stray To Pool Day

@besidethebed/Reddit

6-month-old Ripley had a difficult existence in Iran. Now, 1-year-old Ripley is living her best life in her United States forever home! What a transformation!

9. Someone To Explore With

Klaudija Sigurnjak via Facebook

A good grooming and surgery to remove his infected eye made a world of difference for Frodo. Now a loving human will guide this sweet rescue on his outdoor adventures.

10. A Major Change In Surroundings And Attitude

@meriah_j/Twitter

This sweetheart finally found his family and he’s forever grateful. On Twitter, @meriah_j shared:

“so my sis adopted her very first dog and his before and after pics have me crying. adopt don’t shop”

11. How Love Transforms An Expression

dog-before-and-after-adoption
@DestinySenpai/Twitter

Dogs’ eyes can tell us so much, and the addition of a big old smile lets us know this shelter pup is thrilled to be home.

12. A Change In Citizenship

via Reddit

The original poster (who has since taken down their account) shared about their pup:

Adopted this little dude while on vacation in Mexico. The litter was found in the jungle in terrible shape but were nursed back to health by the local animal rescue foundation. Here he is today healthy, happy and adapting well to his new life as a Canadian!”

13. What A Difference A Day Can Make

shelter-dog-adoption-photo
@goldie0702/Reddit

Spokey can’t stop smiling now that he’s out of a shelter and in a home.

14. Found On The Streets, Now She Rides Shotgun

@imostlyobserve/Reddit

The spoiled Chihuahua on the right barely resembles the pitiful pooch on the left. A little love goes a long way!

15. A Remarkable Physical Transformation

@TrioDogFoundation/Facebook

All little Holland needed was a haircut and a forever family. A lifetime of sadness and neglect was swept away with all that matted hair.

16. From Behind Bars To The Front Of The Car

@effexxor/Reddit

Scarlett would have been put down due to a minor skin condition. Instead, she’s living her best life with people she loves.

17. She Wanted Out And She Got Out

@aranjevi/Imgur

It breaks a heart to see a sweet dog like this in a cage, but it melts one to see her free from it.

Featured Image: via Imgur

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