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There is still good in this world. Good dogs, I mean. And it's our job to protect them. One of the best ways to show compassion to our four-legged best friends is to adopt those in need.

About 3.3 million dogs end up in animal shelters across the United States every year, and about 670K of them are euthanized. While these numbers are heartbreaking, the latter has been steadily declining. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says that is one of the main reasons why there is an increase in the percentage of animals adopted.

The subreddit r/BeforeNAfterAdoption is the perfect proof of rising dog adoption rates. It has over 274K members, many of which post pictures, revealing the spectacular transformations their adorable dogs have gone through. Scroll down to check these before and after photos out and fire up Bored Panda's equally touching posts about rescue pets here and here. It's incredible to see what love can do.

#1

A Korean Family Rescued This Golden From A Breeding Facility. Went From 15 Lbs To A Healthy 60 Lbs

A Korean Family Rescued This Golden From A Breeding Facility. Went From 15 Lbs To A Healthy 60 Lbs

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Raine Soo
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The first photo of this retriever is heartbreaking. The poor thing was just skin and bones. The breeding facility was cruel beyond belief. I hope that it was shut down, fined, and never had the chance to resurface again. And, the dogs got to go to wonderful homes.

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Lisa Beth
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This first picture is completely heartbreaking. But the second one is awesome!

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boredhuman
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Holy sh*t. I literally felt some pain in my heart after seeing this. Poor dogs we don't see.

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Grace Marraffa
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh my god!!! That is so sad!!! Poor girl!!! We have 2 chihuahuas and both of them weigh 15 pounds!!! A golden lab should not look like that!!! Poor little girl. 😔 😔😔😔😭😭😭

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Colleen Coughlin
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like I'm going to get sick....who the HELL could do this?!? Pure evil, I can't think of anything else

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Clavelle
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WT absolute F? Who does this? If they couldn't handle the responsibility of having an animal, why wouldn't they just bring him to a shelter? There's a special spot in hell for these aholes.

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Christina Uhlir
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Clavelle, this evil, sub-human monster is not a pet owner; he/she is a breeder, these animals are just materials used for profit making. Once again, customers - the ignorant, snobs which regard pets as objects, just like toys, keep these evil, heartless monsters in business, and only customers can generate real animal welfare changes.

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NWB
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That poor dog, the heartache in that first photo! Lucky to have survived it!

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Sandra Simpson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was like a skeleton before. The first is absolutely heartbreaking!

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Katinka Min
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How was that dog even still alive???? Jesus Christ! Those f*cking puppy factories!!

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Trash Panda
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I see a photo like the one on the left, I get so angry and start to think about all the medieval things that should be done to the humans who did this.

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sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First look I had no idea, what the breed might be, unable to imagine it was still alive, the photo showing a healthy dog is a miracle recovery, a beautiful dog, the breeders are not human, how could they be, I hope they suffer as bad as that dog, and there likely were others that suffered !!!

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Clairellen McLaughlin
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanks so much for saving her. I hope the people who did that to the sweet retriever suffer themselves worse than anything. They are absolutely evil.

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Wendy Yim
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want to cry just looking at the picture, its heart breaking

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Judith Wilson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People that don't know Goldens are missing out on so much. I love this beautiful doggo.

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sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess when the dog is no longer able to breed, then they just starve it, would be a real treat , to watch the breeders, slowly starve to death !!!

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spharoe
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This first photo is so upsetting. I don’t know how that poor angel survived, and no matter how much I see in this world, I am still shocked by how cruel human beings can be. This world is still capable of surprising me. Who could do that? And WHY?

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Olivia Masterson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those people ought to be shot for sh*t and killed for stinking. How could ANYONE do that to an innocent creature?

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Julinda
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This just breaks my heart knowing there are so many human monsters out there with no hearts.....

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Lisa Shaw
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is no way a 15 lbs. adult golden produced any healthy puppies, I truly hope they were shut down and charges laid!

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Minnie-me
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg how is the picture on the left even real?!?! This makes me sad, angry, happy all at once!!

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Carol Roeder
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How heartbreaking, if the dog on the left wasn't photoshopped.

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gracefullikeagazelle
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really really hope the dog recovered from the EMOTIONAL trauma of being starved to the brink of death. In the first picture, the golden retriever is DYING. It's a miracle that it rallied. The rescuers are heroes. BE A HERO NOT A KILLER.

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Heather Dennis
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you to the wonderful family who saved this beautiful dog from certain death. You are my heroes!

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James Clayton
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First photo is just off putting. Not just because of abuse, but just creepy to look at. Seriously, I've NEVER seen any animal look like this.

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Isaiah Esteban
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just feel so too sad for the first photo but, the second photo made me happy.

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NQ L
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You're not a human being if you treat any animals like this. I'd shot them and go to jail. I'm glad the poor doggie got rescued.

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Pensive
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is an animal that's so badly weakened by starvation capable of breeding? I can't even imagine. Everything about this is horrifying.

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Kali Fugatte
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Welp. Now I'm crying at work. How can anyone be so cruel? These rescuers are angels.

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It's estimated that 78 million dogs are owned in the United States. That means that roughly 44% of all households in the country have pet dogs. The American Pet Products Association said that 34% of them are purchased from breeders and 23% are obtained from a dog shelter or humane society.

#2

My Gorgeous Pupper With Her Puppies Before I Adopted Her And Now 3.5 Years Later

My Gorgeous Pupper With Her Puppies Before I Adopted Her And Now 3.5 Years Later

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Problematic and aggressive behaviors, the dog growing larger than expected, or various health problems are reported to be the most common reasons why owners rehome their pets. However, as this post proves, there still are kind-hearted, responsible people who aren't afraid of these challenges their cute dogs give.

#3

Meet Anna! She Was Living On The Streets Of Italy Before My Mom Brought Her To Germany. Now She's Happy And Loves Her Buddy Iluq

Meet Anna! She Was Living On The Streets Of Italy Before My Mom Brought Her To Germany. Now She's Happy And Loves Her Buddy Iluq

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

Thank you for rescuing Anna. She is so happy now, and is smiling and laughing.

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#4

The Shelter I Volunteer For Has Incredible Before And After’s

The Shelter I Volunteer For Has Incredible Before And After’s

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

It pains me to see any animal fearful, skeletal, and miserable. Thank you for breathing life back into this dog.

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#5

Amazing How Love Changes Someone

Amazing How Love Changes Someone

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#6

We Found Her Infested With Fleas On The Curb 3 Months Ago. Her Name Is Sky And She Likes The Rain.

We Found Her Infested With Fleas On The Curb 3 Months Ago. Her Name Is Sky And She Likes The Rain.

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#7

From A Severe Case Of Mange And Dumpster Diving In The Streets Of San Antonio To 3 Months Later Loving Life, Growing, And Learning Sign Language! Meet Our Deaf Dog, Rue!

From A Severe Case Of Mange And Dumpster Diving In The Streets Of San Antonio To 3 Months Later Loving Life, Growing, And Learning Sign Language! Meet Our Deaf Dog, Rue!

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glowworm2
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This poor dog was dumpster diving? Thank you for saving this beautiful dog.

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#8

No One Wanted To Adopt Him Because Of His Cropped Ears And "Scary" Looking Face. He Had Stopped Eating At The Pound And Was Severely Underweight. Now Bronco Is Healthy, Always Smiling, And Loved By Everyone He Meets

No One Wanted To Adopt Him Because Of His Cropped Ears And "Scary" Looking Face. He Had Stopped Eating At The Pound And Was Severely Underweight. Now Bronco Is Healthy, Always Smiling, And Loved By Everyone He Meets

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Kaisu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People who crop ears and tails are pieces of s**t, I'm glad this dog got a loving home!

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#9

When We Met Her In The Shelter My Daughter Immediately Started Whispering In Her Ear “Your Okay, We’ll Take You Home And Keep You Safe, We Love You Already”

When We Met Her In The Shelter My Daughter Immediately Started Whispering In Her Ear “Your Okay, We’ll Take You Home And Keep You Safe, We Love You Already”

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#10

I Adopted 13 Year Old Phyllis One Year Ago Today! She Came In Emaciated, Flea Anemic And With A 5 Lb Tumour On Her Side. No One Thought She Was Going To Make It And Here We Are One Year Later! Happy Adoption Day, My Little Philly Cheesesteak!

I Adopted 13 Year Old Phyllis One Year Ago Today! She Came In Emaciated, Flea Anemic And With A 5 Lb Tumour On Her Side. No One Thought She Was Going To Make It And Here We Are One Year Later! Happy Adoption Day, My Little Philly Cheesesteak!

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#11

Adoption Day vs. Today. She Has Come A Long Way And Is Spoiled Rotten

Adoption Day vs. Today. She Has Come A Long Way And Is Spoiled Rotten

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Kaisu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are dogs in this bad shape being adopted out? I thought they usually went to a foster home to gain weight and get healthy. But maybe that's different in each country!

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#12

New Foster Pup Nic, She’s Come So Far Already!

New Foster Pup Nic, She’s Come So Far Already!

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

This poor dog has open wounds! I can only imagine the level of neglect she must have suffered. Some people don't deserve the privilege of having a pet. I'm glad to see that she is doing much better.

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#13

This Is Ruthie, Our 16yr Old Chihuahua Mix. December Close To Death In The Shelter Compared To Now. Old Dogs Are Worth Adopting Too!

This Is Ruthie, Our 16yr Old Chihuahua Mix. December Close To Death In The Shelter Compared To Now. Old Dogs Are Worth Adopting Too!

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Kaisu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm really happy people are adopting elderly pets! They bring as much happiness to your life as younger pets, and no pet deserves to die of old age at the shelter

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#14

Gus Gus Was Saved From The Meat Trade In China. He Just Moved Into His Forever Home And Now Gets To Spend His Vacations In Tahoe

Gus Gus Was Saved From The Meat Trade In China. He Just Moved Into His Forever Home And Now Gets To Spend His Vacations In Tahoe

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#15

Rambo Was Left Behind By His Family And Found Tied Inside A Dark Shed By The New Owners. Here's His Before And After

Rambo Was Left Behind By His Family And Found Tied Inside A Dark Shed By The New Owners. Here's His Before And After

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#16

Timmy Was Hit Over The Head With A Blunt Object By His Racing Trainer. After Surgery To Repair His Broken Skull, Therapy To Help Him Regain Proper Use Of His Legs And Plenty Of Tlc He Was Rehomed And Lived Everyday To The Fullest!

Timmy Was Hit Over The Head With A Blunt Object By His Racing Trainer. After Surgery To Repair His Broken Skull, Therapy To Help Him Regain Proper Use Of His Legs And Plenty Of Tlc He Was Rehomed And Lived Everyday To The Fullest!

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

What the hell? I hope that someone took a blunt object to that horrible trainer. Dogs are sentient beings, not just property. I'm happy that the dog made it through the trauma.

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#17

I Found Her 4 Years Ago, Covered In Blisters, No Hair And Starved... Who Knew She'd Be The Love Of My Life. She's The Greatest

I Found Her 4 Years Ago, Covered In Blisters, No Hair And Starved... Who Knew She'd Be The Love Of My Life. She's The Greatest

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#18

Lucia, Right After She Was Rescued From A Hoarder. You Couldn’t Touch Her. Curious But Terrified. Fast Forward 2 Years She’s Fluffy And Fat And Happy

Lucia, Right After She Was Rescued From A Hoarder. You Couldn’t Touch Her. Curious But Terrified. Fast Forward 2 Years She’s Fluffy And Fat And Happy

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Kaisu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm glad she got healthy in a loving home! And even got a buddy too so she's not alone

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#19

Rescued A Skeleton And Ended Up With This Sweet Girl Who Is Always Smiling

Rescued A Skeleton And Ended Up With This Sweet Girl Who Is Always Smiling

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#20

Rescued Last Night, Settled In 2 Hours Later And Slept With Me All Night

Rescued Last Night, Settled In 2 Hours Later And Slept With Me All Night

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#21

This Is Dobby! She Came Into My Life A Few Months Ago After Terrible Neglect From Her Previous Owners. With Some Love And Care (And A Lot Of Food) She Has Turned Into A Whole New Dog! She Is My Everything

This Is Dobby! She Came Into My Life A Few Months Ago After Terrible Neglect From Her Previous Owners. With Some Love And Care (And A Lot Of Food) She Has Turned Into A Whole New Dog! She Is My Everything

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

Dobby is such a cutie! Her previous owners need to be starved the way she was. Thank you for being her everything!

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#22

My Next-Door Neighbors Abandoned Their Dog And Got A New Puppy. She Was In The Shelter For A Full Month Before I Realized What Happened. This Is Missy In The Shelter, And When She Realized She's Never Going Back

My Next-Door Neighbors Abandoned Their Dog And Got A New Puppy. She Was In The Shelter For A Full Month Before I Realized What Happened. This Is Missy In The Shelter, And When She Realized She's Never Going Back

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

Your neighbours are a******s for trading in a family member for a newer model. Why couldn't they just keep both?

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#23

Barkley, Rescued From The Streets Of Puerto Rico And Loved Back To Health

Barkley, Rescued From The Streets Of Puerto Rico And Loved Back To Health

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#24

Our Pug Had A Hard Start To Life. Raised By A Trucker Who Couldn’t Take Care Of Him And Get Him The Treatment He Needed. Then A Vet Who Didn’t Diagnose Him Correctly. Now He’s A Healthy Stud-Muffin!

Our Pug Had A Hard Start To Life. Raised By A Trucker Who Couldn’t Take Care Of Him And Get Him The Treatment He Needed. Then A Vet Who Didn’t Diagnose Him Correctly. Now He’s A Healthy Stud-Muffin!

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#25

This Is Dex. He Fought For His Life After Having Been Left For Dead On The Streets Of Austin. After 10 Weeks Of Being Nursed Back To Health By Pug Rescue Austin, We Were Lucky Enough To Adopt Him In Our Loving Home

This Is Dex. He Fought For His Life After Having Been Left For Dead On The Streets Of Austin. After 10 Weeks Of Being Nursed Back To Health By Pug Rescue Austin, We Were Lucky Enough To Adopt Him In Our Loving Home

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#26

This Is Casey, A Senior Who Was Used For Breeding Then Dumped On The Roadside With A Very Large Tumor & A Blind Eye

This Is Casey, A Senior Who Was Used For Breeding Then Dumped On The Roadside With A Very Large Tumor & A Blind Eye

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

Poor Casey was used, abused, and then tossed out like trash. The breeders were disgusting money grabbers who did not care about their animals. I'm glad to see that Casey is doing much better.

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#27

Took In This Sweet Angel When I Heard She Was About To Be Tossed In The Garbage By A Breeder For Being A Runt. Four Months Later, And Yumi Is The Most Playful, Loving, Healthy Gal

Took In This Sweet Angel When I Heard She Was About To Be Tossed In The Garbage By A Breeder For Being A Runt. Four Months Later, And Yumi Is The Most Playful, Loving, Healthy Gal

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#28

Ruth Was Used For Breeding And Then Dumped. She Had Soft, Tender Paws From Being Locked Up All The Time And Was Found Tied To A Fence In The July Heat. I Was Honestly A Little Afraid At First But She Is So Docile And Sweet. She Was Adopted By People Who Love And Spoil Her. Her Face Says Everything

Ruth Was Used For Breeding And Then Dumped. She Had Soft, Tender Paws From Being Locked Up All The Time And Was Found Tied To A Fence In The July Heat. I Was Honestly A Little Afraid At First But She Is So Docile And Sweet. She Was Adopted By People Who Love And Spoil Her. Her Face Says Everything

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#29

Suffering From Mange And Unable To Take Care Of Her Puppies To Romping In The Cascade Mountains And A Closet Full Of Bandanas In Every Color

Suffering From Mange And Unable To Take Care Of Her Puppies To Romping In The Cascade Mountains And A Closet Full Of Bandanas In Every Color

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#30

This Guy Walked Into Our Hotel In Nepal And Never Checked Out

This Guy Walked Into Our Hotel In Nepal And Never Checked Out

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Note: this post originally had 123 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.