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A new challenge has just emerged on TikTok and let's hope it continues for as long as the platform is online. It started when user Alexa posted a video, saying "Show me what your dog looked like in their shelter picture versus now." She even went first herself and introduced everyone to her goofy pet!

People immediately answered Alexa's call to action. Everyone who got their dogs from shelters started posting heartwarming pics of their animals, liking each other's content, and just having a good time. I bet it's stuff like this the Internet was created for.

#1

Koda Bear Is A Very Happy Pup Now

Koda Bear Is A Very Happy Pup Now

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Lis Daglish
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such a heartwarming difference. That dog is BEAMING with happiness. Love.

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According to Best Friends Animal Society, pets are relinquished to shelters for reasons related to the owner's circumstances at roughly a ratio of 2 to 1 as compared to reasons specific to the animal. Unlike what many may believe, the animal's behavior is not a leading reason for surrender.

Luckily, more and more of us are willing to adopt shelter animals. The organization estimates that 79% of the 5.4 million cats and dogs that entered US shelters were saved in 2019, compared to only 50% in 2014.

#2

So Glad Dobby Came Into My Life!! Big Thank You To

So Glad Dobby Came Into My Life!! Big Thank You To

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As you can see, a lot of dogs featured in this list arrived at shelters in very poor health. Malnourishment, skin diseases, bacterial infections—these are just a few common problems pups face while they live in the streets.

However, even with all the love, care, attention, and enrichment from volunteers and staff at a rescue or shelter, the kennel environment is extremely stressful for most dogs, Marissa Sunny, CPDT-KA and senior dog lifesaving specialist at Best Friends Animal Society, told Bored Panda.

#3

From Kill Shelter To Furever Home

From Kill Shelter To Furever Home

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those sad eyes shoot straight through the heart. I'm so glad that someone saved him/her.

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"They are likely suffering from anxiety and frustration from seeing and hearing other dogs all day without being able to interact," Sunny explained.

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"Dogs in the shelter have very little autonomy to make choices, as well as not being able to relax and sleep soundly with all the noise and commotion. While we all do our best to take wonderful care of all the dogs, a shelter environment will never be ideal for any animal."

#5

Pandora Became Penny!

Pandora Became Penny!

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That almost doesn't even look like the same dog. What a bad case of mange. Good going, Penny!

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Understanding this is crucial for people who are looking to adopt a dog, as the animal might need some time to adapt once they join their new family. "The best thing to do when bringing a dog home is to give them time to decompress," Sunny said. "Their whole world just shifted to a much better, but completely different environment. Creating a routine and structure for them while also slowly introducing new things—like people and animal friends—is extremely beneficial for them."

Sunny said their personality will begin to come out little by little over the coming weeks as they decompress, bond, and become comfortable.

#6

Rescue Dog

Rescue Dog

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, dear. Are those ribs sticking out of its side? That's so painful to see. I'm glad it's doing better.

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#7

From Fresno Bully Rescue To Now Almost 5 Years Later!

From Fresno Bully Rescue To Now Almost 5 Years Later!

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But once they do, you have a new friend for life! Pet adoption makes sense for many reasons. First are foremost, you are saving a life. Even if you adopt from an organization that has a no-kill policy, you will be helping to rescue another animal by making space available at the shelter.

You will also save yourself money because adoption costs less than buying an animal from a pet shop or a breeder.

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#9

One Heck Of A Glow-Up If You Ask Me

One Heck Of A Glow-Up If You Ask Me

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Plus, by adopting rather than buying a new companion animal, you will reduce the demand that drives the commercial breeding of puppies and kittens. Each year, millions of healthy animal lives are destroyed in shelters simply because there are not enough homes for all of them.

To learn more about animal adoption, visit Best Friends Animal Society. They have informative, easy-to-understand articles on all aspects of the process!

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#14

...and That’s On Adopting. Love Works Wonders

...and That’s On Adopting. Love Works Wonders

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#15

Heartly Loves Her Pink Pj’s

Heartly Loves Her Pink Pj’s

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#18

She Had A Bit Of A Glow Up

She Had A Bit Of A Glow Up

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#19

I’m So Proud Of My Boy

I’m So Proud Of My Boy

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#20

Loml. Smiley Boy Who Stole My Heart

Loml. Smiley Boy Who Stole My Heart

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#24

From The Shelter To Having His Own Army

From The Shelter To Having His Own Army

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#26

We’re Still Working On Some Things, But He’s Been Ours Since We Saw Him

We’re Still Working On Some Things, But He’s Been Ours Since We Saw Him

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#27

Winnie Joined Our Family On September 30, 2020 She’s An Angel! Today She Is 6 Months Old!

Winnie Joined Our Family On September 30, 2020 She’s An Angel! Today She Is 6 Months Old!

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#29

Chiuahua Rescue

Chiuahua Rescue

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Eva the Egg
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can really see her pain in the first picture... I hope she is doing better now!

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#30

My Little Monky Lilac She Was Rescued In Georgia. Found On The Side Of Road With Freshly Cropped Ears At 9 Months And Broken Leg From Car

My Little Monky Lilac She Was Rescued In Georgia. Found On The Side Of Road With Freshly Cropped Ears At 9 Months And Broken Leg From Car

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#31

Tater Tot's Story Just Fits So Well With These Trend

Tater Tot's Story Just Fits So Well With These Trend

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#32

Rescued My Baby From Romania 9 Years Ago

Rescued My Baby From Romania 9 Years Ago

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#36

He Looks Like A Completely Different Boy

He Looks Like A Completely Different Boy

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#37

Macey Scared Potato vs. Happy Potato

Macey Scared Potato vs. Happy Potato

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#38

Shelter Pic —> Now. Seriously The Most Loved Dog In The World

Shelter Pic —> Now. Seriously The Most Loved Dog In The World

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#39

Got Him From A Rescue Not A Shelter But I Think You Can Tell How Happy He Got

Got Him From A Rescue Not A Shelter But I Think You Can Tell How Happy He Got

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#40

I Got So Emo Making This

I Got So Emo Making This

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-OldCarnival-
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3 years ago

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Note: this post originally had 100 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.