These dogs are getting a second chance – and it started exactly when these photos were taken. These pictures capture the incredible moment in time where a sad story came to an end and a better, brighter future began.
For a dog who has had to endure a life of abuse, a rescuer is a hero, a savior, and a best friend all rolled into one.
![Breaking the chains](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/01.jpg)
Yesterday’s sad dog chained up and laying in the dirt will have a warm blanket and fresh water tomorrow.
![Thank you for rescuing me!](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/02.jpg)
In so many cases you can see that these dogs know that they’re being helped, and feel the relief of their rescue.
![Don't worry doggy, you're in good hands.](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/03.jpg)
No matter what their story, no matter how scared or tired or hurt, these dogs now have someone who cares for them.
![You're safe now, doggy.](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/04.jpg)
These dogs may have never known a nice belly scratch or a friendly smile. All of that changes once they’re rescued.
![This Beagle is rescued from an animal testing lab in Italy.](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/05.jpg)
This all happens thanks to people stepping up and speaking our for animals who can’t speak for themselves.
![So many hands willing to help.](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/06.jpg)
![Rescued from a dog fighting ring.](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/07.jpg)
We can show that for every abuser and abandoner, there are hundreds more of us who want to see dogs like these in happy homes.
![I'm sure this dog is grateful to be rescued.](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/08.jpg)
![These puppies were among the ones rescued in a dog fighting operation.](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/09.jpg)
Keep speaking up. Let people know the extent of abuse that animals face every day.
![Thank you for saving me..](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/10.jpg)
Even if it’s little by little, every single one of these lives deserve saving.
![Fight animal abuse!](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/11.jpg)
And every single one shows their gratitude – once they come out of their shells!
![I've seen this photo a dozen times, and it never fails to make me smile.](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/12.jpg)
Be sure to speak up if you see animal abuse, and thank a rescuer every chance you get for the work they do in giving animals a shot at a better life!