ADVERTISEMENT

Every year, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter shelters nationwide. Those little poor beings often lived deprived of love, care, and nurturing, many of them never having experienced the joy of life. They come to shelters with their stories unknown, suffering from fear, anxiety, and sheer loneliness. In the most profound sense, adopting such an animal is giving them a second chance in life that we are all worthy of.

So in order to make a tribute to all those life-changing adoption stories, we selected some of the most powerful before and after adoption pics of dogs shared on the r/BeforeNAfterAdoption subreddit. “This is a place to share the amazing difference a loving family can make on an abandoned or mistreated animal,” says the group’s description, but the pictures speak louder than thousands of words.

The change in these rescued doggos is stark, and in case you ask, yes, someone’s chopping a giant onion over here. Psst! More heart-melting pets before and after being adopted by their forever family can be found in our previous posts here, here, and here.

#1

She's The Sweetest Creature I've Ever Met. I Don't Always Know What To Say About Her Transformation Other Than "Look." The First Picture Is A Month Before The Second, The Last Is Her 2 Year Gotcha-Versary

She's The Sweetest Creature I've Ever Met. I Don't Always Know What To Say About Her Transformation Other Than "Look." The First Picture Is A Month Before The Second, The Last Is Her 2 Year Gotcha-Versary

justwantedquiet Report

#2

My Girlfriend And I Adopted Buck In August Of 2019, He’s Changed Our Lives More Than We Did His And Has Been The Best Choice We’ve Made. Love This Guy To Death!

My Girlfriend And I Adopted Buck In August Of 2019, He’s Changed Our Lives More Than We Did His And Has Been The Best Choice We’ve Made. Love This Guy To Death!

swn96 Report

#3

We Took Home This Sick Pup That Had Cirrhosis Of The Liver And Wasn’t Expected To Live More Than Three Months. Today Marks One Year Since We Brought Him Home And Now He’s Healthier Than Ever

We Took Home This Sick Pup That Had Cirrhosis Of The Liver And Wasn’t Expected To Live More Than Three Months. Today Marks One Year Since We Brought Him Home And Now He’s Healthier Than Ever

randomgurl1234 Report

To find more about the wonders adoption can do for dogs and their owners, Bored Panda reached out to Hannah Baker, a head of communications at FOUR PAWS in the UK. This charity organization was founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, and now has spread worldwide, advocating for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding.

“Adopting a pet is so rewarding for all involved,” Hannah said and added: “Not only are you rescuing an animal and offering them a second chance but you’re also freeing up the space to help another animal in need in the rehoming center. Plus, you get a new four-legged friend to build a life-long bond with.”

#4

Joker Dog Was A Bait Dog For I Don't Know How Long. It Amazes Me From The Moment I Met Him All He Needed Was Love To Heal

Joker Dog Was A Bait Dog For I Don't Know How Long. It Amazes Me From The Moment I Met Him All He Needed Was Love To Heal

forestfae333 Report

Add photo comments
POST
shaynameidela avatar
Dorothy Parker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not a violent person, but very bad things are warranted by monsters who treat animals like that. He's so handsome and sweet looking.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

Maya's One Year After Adoption. From Severely Underweight To One Happy Pupperoni

Maya's One Year After Adoption. From Severely Underweight To One Happy Pupperoni

FloppyWallaby Report

Add photo comments
POST
finskilad avatar
TmKhr
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The looks of this doggo remind me of our late dog. She originally came from a puppy mill, and we got her after she was rescued from there. After about 8 months we had to put her down because of her bad hip, it couldn't be fixed. What made it even worse is that she was so energetic and loved running around the yard. Miss ya girl.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

Our Sweet Toby Was Found In A Ditch And Couldn’t Use His Back Legs. Now He’s King Of The Road In Two Wheels

Our Sweet Toby Was Found In A Ditch And Couldn’t Use His Back Legs. Now He’s King Of The Road In Two Wheels

wacha23 Report

Add photo comments
POST
camlynn1234 avatar
Miss Frankfurter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No animal is a throw away. Karma coming at those who dumped him. Such happy freedom!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

Moreover, most rehoming centers offer lifetime support for you and your new pet, Hannah added, “so if you have a question about helping them settle in or a new behavior that develops, they are on hand to help, whether it happens two weeks or two years after the adoption.”

For example, “At FOUR PAWS we’ve been able to really see the life-changing difference rescuing and adopting a dog or cat can be as we have saved victims of the dog and cat meat trade in Southeast Asia and offered them a chance at a life free from the fear of the cruel trade.”

#7

I’ve Posted Luna’s Glow-Up Here A Few Years Ago, But Today We Are Celebrating Her Six Year Gotcha Day Anniversary And I Just Love Her So Much And Want To Share Her Again

I’ve Posted Luna’s Glow-Up Here A Few Years Ago, But Today We Are Celebrating Her Six Year Gotcha Day Anniversary And I Just Love Her So Much And Want To Share Her Again

mugglequeen Report

Add photo comments
POST
helierasmithson avatar
Julie Bonenfant
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Post pics of her as often as you like. A beautiful success story for a beautiful girl. Sadly, such horror stories will play out daily always . I think we all need to be reminded that there are still so many good people in this crazy world to help their horror go away.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

The Evolution Of Our Foster Pup’s Ears. From Day One With Us, After Being Found As A Stray, To Now

The Evolution Of Our Foster Pup’s Ears. From Day One With Us, After Being Found As A Stray, To Now

MyPalJosie Report

When asked if being loved and cared for can alter a pet's behavior and personality, Hannah assured us it's absolutely true and said that we all love to be loved and this is no different for our pets. “Dogs and cats are social animals and whilst some may be a bit more aloof, they generally like company and we humans are great at making a fuss of them. Some of those dogs and cats rescued from the dog and cat meat trade in Southeast Asia were initially timid and scared but with the patience and love from our teams, they have thrived.”

ADVERTISEMENT

After the adoption, “we hear reports from their new families that this change is continuing and many are embracing their inner puppy and loving their new found families and security.” Hannah told us.

#10

Magnum Was Rescued By A Local Shelter Where I Live. Thank You To All Of You Who Work Tirelessly To Save These Angels' Lives

Magnum Was Rescued By A Local Shelter Where I Live. Thank You To All Of You Who Work Tirelessly To Save These Angels' Lives

Ogamiya Report

#11

Mighty Marmalade At Intake vs. Almost A Year In Her Furever Home

Mighty Marmalade At Intake vs. Almost A Year In Her Furever Home

papalaponape Report

#12

My Local Shelter Posted A Post-Adoption Update Of This Pup - Check Out That Glow Up! (Not My Dog)

My Local Shelter Posted A Post-Adoption Update Of This Pup - Check Out That Glow Up! (Not My Dog)

animallover42069 Report

It’s no secret that there’s been an unprecedented surge in people interested in pet adoption fueled by the worldwide pandemic. Hannah said that FOUR PAWS saw a surge in adverts for dogs and cats that appeared online, driven by the growing demand of people wanting to add a four-legged friend to their home during lockdown as early as last April.

But sadly, such demand may backfire for many animals, fueling the puppy trade and illegal breeding. “Unfortunately, many of these dogs and subsequent new families will have become the unsuspecting victims of the illegal puppy trade, in which dogs are bred in Eastern European countries and the puppies are taken away from the mums (often too early) and transported on long journeys to the UK.”

ADVERTISEMENT
#13

Mr. Rogers. Blind, Emaciated, Famished, And So Weak He Couldn’t Walk. His Literal Bones Were Jutting Out Through His Skin. Like White Bone. I Brought Him Home From The Shelter For The Night But Decided He Needed To Go Stay At The Veterinarian After I Saw His Condition

Mr. Rogers. Blind, Emaciated, Famished, And So Weak He Couldn’t Walk. His Literal Bones Were Jutting Out Through His Skin. Like White Bone. I Brought Him Home From The Shelter For The Night But Decided He Needed To Go Stay At The Veterinarian After I Saw His Condition

gkstacey Report

#14

Millie, When She Was Rescued In Mississippi And Now. The Best Doggo

Millie, When She Was Rescued In Mississippi And Now. The Best Doggo

incub8r Report

Add photo comments
POST
shaynameidela avatar
Dorothy Parker
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It takes more than a vet to save a sick little girl like this. And it's so worth it.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

My Foster Dog The Day We Rescued Her From An Animal Cruelty Case And 3 Weeks Later

My Foster Dog The Day We Rescued Her From An Animal Cruelty Case And 3 Weeks Later

caitiesfosterfam Report

Hannah continued: “From here they are sold on to new families who often have no idea what those first few weeks looked like, but many sadly see the repercussions via costly vet bills or emotional distress caused by a sick puppy,” she explained and added that if you are suspicious you’ve been the victim of the illegal puppy trade, you can report it here.

On the other hand, “not all cases have been negative; for many rescue centers, they have seen dogs and cats that had previously been overlooked find the loving homes they longed for. However you acquire a new pet, FOUR PAWS urges long considerations about whether now is the right time, if that is the right animal for you, and to remember that it is a lifelong commitment.”

#16

First Photo Is One Year Ago When We Got Him From The Shelter - Insecure And Nervous. Many Hikes And Plays Later - He's The King Of Our Home. Dude's First Adoptiversary!

First Photo Is One Year Ago When We Got Him From The Shelter - Insecure And Nervous. Many Hikes And Plays Later - He's The King Of Our Home. Dude's First Adoptiversary!

Sibel_Rac Report

Add photo comments
POST
deborahbrett avatar
Deborah B
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That first pic got me; you can tell he expects nothing good from people.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

I Adopted This Baby From The Dominican Republic 1 Month Ago- My Mom Didn't Believe Me That It Was The Same Dog. I Named Him Remi And He Suffered From Mange And Malnutrition, Not Anymore!

I Adopted This Baby From The Dominican Republic 1 Month Ago- My Mom Didn't Believe Me That It Was The Same Dog. I Named Him Remi And He Suffered From Mange And Malnutrition, Not Anymore!

Knottygirl420 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#18

Olly Was Rescued By A Group In South Korea That Rescues Dogs Held By Restaurants (To Be Eaten) And From Other Bad Situations. He Was Unlikely To Be Adopted There Because His Bald Spot & He’s A Dark, Mixed Breed. They Sent Him To A Rescue In Our City. Adopted Him Over 2 Years Ago

Olly Was Rescued By A Group In South Korea That Rescues Dogs Held By Restaurants (To Be Eaten) And From Other Bad Situations. He Was Unlikely To Be Adopted There Because His Bald Spot & He’s A Dark, Mixed Breed. They Sent Him To A Rescue In Our City. Adopted Him Over 2 Years Ago

reddit.com Report

#19

The Day We Met And Present Day. 11 Years Later

The Day We Met And Present Day. 11 Years Later

minerva0309 Report

#20

I Was Told Y’all Would Love This Survivors Big Beautiful Smile! In Order To Really Appreciate It You Need To See What He Looked Like The Day He Was Rescued. Best Smile Ever

I Was Told Y’all Would Love This Survivors Big Beautiful Smile! In Order To Really Appreciate It You Need To See What He Looked Like The Day He Was Rescued. Best Smile Ever

reddit.com Report

#21

Meet Bebe: Rescued After Being Thrown Out Of A Moving Car And 5 Years Later Is My Music Buddy

Meet Bebe: Rescued After Being Thrown Out Of A Moving Car And 5 Years Later Is My Music Buddy

_adrinthesky_ Report

#22

Found In Plastic Bag And Now She Found Away To Our Home And Heart

Found In Plastic Bag And Now She Found Away To Our Home And Heart

opalthekitty Report

Add photo comments
POST
donttouchmyneck avatar
Alicia Butterfield
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My god - to do that to an innocent puppy you would have something seriously wrong with you. Wishing terrible karma on that person.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

He Was Scared Of Crates, Brooms, Gloves, And Walking Anywhere New Or Loud. Now He’s A Happy Adventure Dog Who Loves Every Person And Animal He Meets

He Was Scared Of Crates, Brooms, Gloves, And Walking Anywhere New Or Loud. Now He’s A Happy Adventure Dog Who Loves Every Person And Animal He Meets

tiny_titanic Report

#24

Went From Crouching In Fear From Anyone Raising There Voice To Shamelessly Begging For Treats In Less Than A Year

Went From Crouching In Fear From Anyone Raising There Voice To Shamelessly Begging For Treats In Less Than A Year

009774425 Report

#25

My Sweet Girl, When She Won Me In Nov '19 Versus Apr '20

My Sweet Girl, When She Won Me In Nov '19 Versus Apr '20

nothinbutsomethinnew Report

#26

Found My Girl On My Way To Work One Day, A Rural Dirt Road In The Middle Of Nowhere. It’s Obvious Someone Has Hit Her In The Past So I Think She Was Abandoned There. She Is Now Our Sweet Nipsy And Lives With Us On Our Farm

Found My Girl On My Way To Work One Day, A Rural Dirt Road In The Middle Of Nowhere. It’s Obvious Someone Has Hit Her In The Past So I Think She Was Abandoned There. She Is Now Our Sweet Nipsy And Lives With Us On Our Farm

Spirited_Charge6191 Report

#27

Happy Girl Gingko With Us For 9 Months!

Happy Girl Gingko With Us For 9 Months!

deoxyribonucleo3p Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#28

From Dumped In The Road, To Home Sweet Home! This Is Birch Baby!

From Dumped In The Road, To Home Sweet Home! This Is Birch Baby!

bl00j Report

Add photo comments
POST
blbrightonoswin_1 avatar
Brian Bennett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a true Road Warrior just add respect and love and mix well!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

2017-2020. Help Them Flourish And Enjoy The View When They Bloom. It Will Always Be Worth It

2017-2020. Help Them Flourish And Enjoy The View When They Bloom. It Will Always Be Worth It

dogrescueteam Report

Add photo comments
POST
camlynn1234 avatar
Miss Frankfurter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's always a beautiful soul in there. It's up to us to see that and help them feel secure enough to show that radiating from inside to out.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

We Got Her At 2.5 As A Foster When She Was Used As A Bait Dog, Eating Zip Ties, And Had A Crushed Hip Joint. Now She Has Had One Best Friend (Who Passed Last Year) And Now Is The Best Friend Of Our Newest Rescue Lindsie!

We Got Her At 2.5 As A Foster When She Was Used As A Bait Dog, Eating Zip Ties, And Had A Crushed Hip Joint. Now She Has Had One Best Friend (Who Passed Last Year) And Now Is The Best Friend Of Our Newest Rescue Lindsie!

ChronicallyBrookelyn Report

#31

Our Rescue Dog Holly! The Day We Got Her vs. 8 Years Later

Our Rescue Dog Holly! The Day We Got Her vs. 8 Years Later

not_very_hopeful Report

Add photo comments
POST
michellesavage226 avatar
Michelle M
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...and 8 years later, we discovered Holly's true identity. It's mother was a reindeer and father was a dog!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#32

This Is Hana. We Rescued Her From A Shelter Two Years And A Half Ago. On The Left Is How The Shelter's Volunteers Found Her, Wandering In The Woods. On The Right Is How She Looks Now. Best Decision Of My Life

This Is Hana. We Rescued Her From A Shelter Two Years And A Half Ago. On The Left Is How The Shelter's Volunteers Found Her, Wandering In The Woods. On The Right Is How She Looks Now. Best Decision Of My Life

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
blbrightonoswin_1 avatar
Brian Bennett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wanderlust is no good for man nor beast without the element of hugs of love!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#33

Adoption Update! When We Brought Her Home, 1 Day Later, 1 Week Later

Adoption Update! When We Brought Her Home, 1 Day Later, 1 Week Later

Pixiedursty Report

#34

Oliver Was Underweight, Had Mange, A Distended Belly And We Were Told He Might Fail To Thrive. He’s 8 Months Old Today And Hasn’t Stop Growing!

Oliver Was Underweight, Had Mange, A Distended Belly And We Were Told He Might Fail To Thrive. He’s 8 Months Old Today And Hasn’t Stop Growing!

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
blbrightonoswin_1 avatar
Brian Bennett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oliver had no failure in his eyes then and definitely none now! Thank you from Oliver!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#35

Piggie In The Shelter & Piggie On His Couch After Adoption

Piggie In The Shelter & Piggie On His Couch After Adoption

pupdrea Report

#36

Ivy Grimm Went From A Sickly Street Dog To A Spoiled And Healthy 9 Month Old

Ivy Grimm Went From A Sickly Street Dog To A Spoiled And Healthy 9 Month Old

thecrowfly Report

#37

Brought Chino Home As A Foster To Get Through Leg Amputation And He Ended Up Never Leaving. Happy 1 Year Since You Got Your Leg Chopped Off And Found Your Forever Family!

Brought Chino Home As A Foster To Get Through Leg Amputation And He Ended Up Never Leaving. Happy 1 Year Since You Got Your Leg Chopped Off And Found Your Forever Family!

kellyfacee Report

Add photo comments
POST
michellesavage226 avatar
Michelle M
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope you put a hook on it's stump/s and eyepatch on an eye for Halloween. Ahoy captain Chino. ^_^

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#38

My First Foster Failure Lala. First Pic Is How She Was Found Chained Under A Back Yard Table For 6 Months, Her Owners Wanted To Euthanize Because Of Her Mange. Next Pic Is Her At The Rescue, And Finally, 6 Years Later Of A Life Filled With Love!

My First Foster Failure Lala. First Pic Is How She Was Found Chained Under A Back Yard Table For 6 Months, Her Owners Wanted To Euthanize Because Of Her Mange. Next Pic Is Her At The Rescue, And Finally, 6 Years Later Of A Life Filled With Love!

samituret Report

Add photo comments
POST
blbrightonoswin_1 avatar
Brian Bennett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of man kind is not kind but you are the type of mankind we should all be!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#39

My Little Old Man, Buck. Started Fostering December 12, Adopted Christmas Eve! One Look Into His Eyes Melted My Heart. Adopting Him Was By Far The Best Part Of My 2020

My Little Old Man, Buck. Started Fostering December 12, Adopted Christmas Eve! One Look Into His Eyes Melted My Heart. Adopting Him Was By Far The Best Part Of My 2020

aleksiann Report

#40

Three Months Later

Three Months Later

HamsterCoordinator Report

Note: this post originally had 82 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.