There’s something so heartbreaking about an animal in need — especially one that has been mistreated by humans in the past.
The fact that they have the strength to recover — and that many can learn to love again and become happy pets — should give us all hope that no animal is too far gone.
These amazing dogs were once destined for painful deaths or lonely lives, but they’ve all found their fur-ever homes with humans who love them.
And the transformations they’ve undergone — both behaviorally and physically — are a testament to the power of love and affection.
1. From backcountry roads to backyard
After seven months of care, she put the dog up for adoption, and Wynter now has a forever home with human and canine brother and sisters and even some cats she loves.
Now she’s a spunky pet who loves playing in the snow and looks nothing like her former self.
2. From hanging head to head held high
But two months of love gave this beautiful boy a whole new lease on life.
Just look at those shining eyes!
3. From wreck to regal
Imagine if this gorgeous boy had never gotten a second chance and had been doomed to an agonizing, lonely end to his life.
4. From panicked to perky
His new owner posted his photos with an explanation:
“When I found Fred on the side of the road he was skittish, neurotic, and sweet as could be. One month later he’s still all those things, but now he’s fat too. Love him more every day.”
We’re so glad he found the home he deserves!
5. From shy to smiley
It’s not likely she had received lots of love up until that point in her puppyhood, but now she’s a happy dog with a fur-ever home full of humans she can trust.
6. From death row to darling pet
Some food and some love worked wonders — and you can just tell from his face even before his transformation that he had plenty of love left to give.
7. From trade-in to trading up
She had been in there a month before the good neighbor realized what had happened and went to save her.
The photo on the right was taken when she realized she had truly found a home that would appreciate her forever.
8. From scared to sunny
The photo on the left was taken during his ride to his new home, when he didn’t know what was going to happen to him.
The one on the right is him taking a ride for fun with his new dad who gives him lots of love and affection.
9. From behind bars to big smiles
But his new family loves this “big goofball” and wouldn’t trade him for anything in the world.
And it looks like he knows it!
10. From dazed to diva
His new owner said of his rescue: “He showed up under a car in our driveway after a blizzard with severe malnutrition and a host of other issues. Today he’s twice as big, healthy as ever and a happy, diva Pomeranian.”
What an amazing transformation!
11. From cellmates to best buds
It took a few months, and one of the pups needed medical attention, but they did find a new family.
The photo on the right is from their ride to their new home.
12. From hungry to handsome
Because he was covered in bites and sores, it was assumed he spent most of his time chained to a concrete block and fighting before his escape.
Two years later he’s a loving, playful, and “goofy” dog, according to his owner.
13. From frail to fluffy
About a month after some shelter care and the proper medication, he found his fur-ever home and is now a sweet, fluffy, spoiled boy who gets to sleep in a bed every night with his human mom and dad.
14. From disease to delight
Pablo was found abandoned at eight years old and had cataracts, arthritis, a heart murmur, an intestinal infection, a hernia, ticks, and fleas. He could barely walk.
After just one week of treatment and TLC by a first-time dog owner, he was well on his way to a happy life in a loving home.
15. From near-death to never better
But one day her new owner walked in and picked her, saving her life in the process.
You can see the gratitude in her shining eyes.
16. From terrified to teddy bear
Now, the worst thing that happens in this little guy’s life is that his brother, Sir Pancakes, often gets fed first.
He looks like he’s taking it well though!
17. From returnee to really loved
That kind of rejection leads to some major trust issues in an animal, and while she was one confused little girl, her owners have stuck with her through her trying days.
“We are so filled with joy anytime she smiles and curls up in bed, knowing that she has finally found her home!” they said.
18. From skeletal to all smiles
When a Marine whose contract was up decided to take her in, no one was sure she would even survive since she was so sick and injured.
But in just a week, her new dad fed and cared for her and her body weight doubled. Now she’s a sweet, friendly dog who lives the spoiled life.
19. From fighter to friend
Not ready to trust people for quite some time, the photo on the right is from one year later on a hike with his new owner who loves him very much.
It’s hard to believe this is the same dog!
20. From timid to terrific
The Humane Society rescued him and now he’s happily at home with his new — and growing — family that even includes a human sibling.
21. From worn down to warmed up
These photos were taken just two weeks apart with plenty of belly scratches in between.
At first, her owner described her as “the most shy, timid, scared little dog” and “just pitiful.” But now she’s playful and pleasant and has even started warming up to strangers.
22. From petrified to paw-some
The poor pup came from a hoarding situation where he lived outside with 30 other dogs. When he got to the shelter, he didn’t know what to do with himself in his kennel.
These days, he has a loving fur-ever home with furry siblings where he can engage in his favorite pasttime — hoarding shoes.
23. From sickly to studly
With a severe case of mange, he was taken in by his new family and misdiagnosed at first.
Once he got the proper veterinary care and love from his new owners, he turned into quite the little stud muffin!
24. From miserable to momma’s girl
The one quirk that still remains is that she’s terrified of cooking noises.
But other than that, she spends her time lolling around in bed and loving on her mom.
25. From sorrowful to Scooby Doo
She was on death row after the pups were adopted and she was left behind, but she got a last-minute reprieve from a loving foster.
When she was transferred to another shelter in Denver, she was lucky enough to meet her new family, who fell in love with her immediately.
26. From the bottom of a dumpster to the top of the world
But three months after her adoption, she was thriving in her new home and even learning some sign language.
27. From mangey to merry
These photos were taken by her loving foster, who guided her through her recovery until she got those bangin’ brows back!
28. From sorrowful to shiny-eyed
The photo on the right is from five years after her rescue with the vast majority of her life being spent in a loving home.
Just look at that face and those shining eyes!
29. From pauper to prince
His new owner’s heart broke the moment they met him and they agreed to pay his medical expenses and take him home.
Timmy is now at home with two dogs, one cat, and one baby sibling.
30. From Gandalf the Gray to Gandalf the White
He had a long list of ailments and trouble with mobility, and the truth is that many humans would have never given him a chance looking (and smelling) like he did.
Knowing that, Gandalf’s new owner turned the pup’s luck around, knowing he’d never be adopted from a shelter.
And in the end, it turns out they both saved each other — and this old dog could even muster up some zoomies!
31. From timid tripod to terrific tripod
These photos were taken just nine months apart, but after his adoption he went from shy and scared to willing to hobble up to anyone he meets.
32. From raw mess to healing homeboy
Mange and skin allergies left him in raw pain, but these days he’s a happier, healthier, and loving boy.
Just look at that magnificent tongue!
33. From scared pooch to sweet playmate
Now she’s a complete bed hog who wants nothing more than to cuddle with her owner — and wake them up with big kisses every morning.
34. From hungry to hefty
Over time, she became cuddly and chubby, even though she’s very active.
Her new humans very responsibly let her become accustomed to good care but put her on a diet when she got overweight.
They report that she’s getting healthier every day (and happier, it seems!).
35. From mother of messes to sweet sidekick
Her human found her online at a rescue four states away and fell in love with her without ever even meeting her.
And while she showed up scared, skittish, and with worms, skin issues, and without house-training, she got the care and compassion she needed.
Three-and-a-half years later, this pitbull/husky mix is 50 pounds of pure cuddlebug.
Isn’t it incredible to see how some love and affection can turn a life around?
Remember to adopt, not shop for your next pet!
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