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For most of us, rescuing a pet is a huge responsibility, but it's the best thing that can happen to the animal shelter residents. To prove the power of a loving home, proud owners from all over the world are sharing photos of their family dogs before and after they were rescued. Bored Panda has decided to compile these heartwarming dog adoption images into a list, and it will clear any doubts whether or not it's worth picking up a pup from a kennel.

From sad faces in cramped cells to wide smiles on king size beds, these k9s found happiness in their new dog rescuers homes and can't hide their emotions. You can understand the difference pet adoption makes to a shelter inmate only if you see one, so scroll down and meet the lucky ones!

#1

Before And After Adoption

Before And After Adoption

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#2

My Ex Worked At The Spca And Refused To Let This Piglet Be Euthanized, So She Took Him Home. She Did An Amazing Job.

My Ex Worked At The Spca And Refused To Let This Piglet Be Euthanized, So She Took Him Home. She Did An Amazing Job.

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Jiří Schindler
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Find the monster who did this to another living crature and strike him with righteous retribution. Show no mercy.

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BusLady
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's unbelievable that anyone would do this to a dog. So glad your ex adopted him.

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Tamara Keegan
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even after 25-years doing dog rescue, I'll never get used to the sight of a dog starved near death. How could someone do that and look at the poor dog daily? Where is the humanity?

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Terry Jeppsen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would anyone neglect such a beautiful creature?! I hope they are brought to full justice!

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Just JoLynn
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That before picture is one of the worst I've ever seen. So glad the baby got a good home.

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Lucida
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh dear! I'm so happy to see that he is doing well now!

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Just Carmen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm crying because of the first picture. How could you ever do this to a living, feeling creature?! This woman is an angel for saving this guy.

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Becky Mitchell
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG the first picture broke my heart, so happy to see the second. Beautiful doggy 💙💙

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Hawk
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who ever did that in the first pic to him should be hit with a hammer on the head, sorry

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Nadine Ducca
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh my God. This is shocking. So happy the poor creature got saved. Aggg. I can't look at the "before" picture. It's too painful.

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Ruth oro
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh no. The before pictures on many of these make me so mad/sad desperate to do something about these animals being neglected so badly before

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Raven Mystique
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've NEVER been able to understand, why ANY ONE would want to hurt another Living Being but when it comes to The Innocent, such as children & animals, there aren't enough words to describe the pain & horror, it evokes in My Soul!

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SJA
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow! He has grown into his most handsome self. You the owner are a champion. I'm in complete admiration of you. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

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Diana Hockley
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG, how awful. I bet the monster who did this didn't get punished either which is a blight on so-called "justice" systems practically worldwide. What a marvellous job she did on this beautiful boy.

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KCN
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...piglet? Looks like a dog to me. And oh sweet Jesus, that before picture! Grab the previous owner and set it up so he looks like that.

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Melissa Nunya
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So hard to even think of someone allowing a living creature to waste away like that.

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Uriel Grey
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wiwh instead of an up vote for this post it had a absolutely love for the love care given!

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Rebekah
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look at that look of love in pic 2. Warms my dead heart.

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Sheryl Thompson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least now he is having a a life truly worth living . I hope the previous scum who let this happen rots in hell . Your good lady is a beautiful soul .x

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Gillian Black
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

c**p I hope they got the mongrel that did this oh my word bless you or not giving up on him oh shoot the bast$%# that did this

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

this two picture show me how much human the new home and who is heartless bastard ! Thank you bottom of my hearts

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

You did a wonderful job...he looks like he,s always been with ypu! THANKS for not giving up on him while he was re- covering. His face says he KNOWS who's his HERO. :)

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Maggie Dougherty
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look at this sweet little pup, with the big eyes, and that cute brown nose, and pretty pink lips!! Who could do this to this baby? Let me at 'em!! Bastard, jail would be too good for him! She looks so beautiful, and healthy. What a fantastic job, Mama <3 <3 etc.... Ya did good!! <3

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rustic raven
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How about if they do the same to them like they to there pets or would it make any difference to them ? Then just wipe them off the face of the earth we DO NOT NEED THEM AT ALL !;=]]

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Alex Craig
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow my heart is breaking and then souring with happiness at the after photo. He is so lucky to have the beautiful human he has.

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Erin welch
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OH HOW SAD! IT JUST AMAZES ME HOW ABYINE CIULD/WOULD ALOW A DEFENSELAESS ANIMAL GET IN THAT SHAPE/HARM IT! LUCKY DOG TO GET A GREAT HOME!

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

Dogs are so forgiving it is heartbreaking. So humbling. May there be many good meals in his futurex

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Michele Levin
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are an angel for helping this poor dog recover. Kudos to you and your beautiful wife!!!!!!

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JoAnne Klein
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of the human monsters out there - SOOO grateful for people with compassion, kindness, vision and the money and willingness to help our horribly abused/neglected animals.

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Wm Gouthro
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Horrible what hate and abuse can do, yet amazing what some love and attention can bring to these guys!

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Slaine MacRoth
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...and worse, most of us are so disconnected that we actually EAT animals while proclaiming to be 'animal lovers'.

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Paul Pickthall
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is wrong with people if you can't afford to look after an animal then please don't have a animal. It's not that hard. It makes me sick.

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kkathleen517
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate people. This is a sick world, there's so much evil right now.

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Dawn Welton
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I cannot fathom how people can let this happen. No humanity. Give me five minutes alone with whoever starved this poor baby...no weapons, just my bare hands. >:( Our latest rescue was starved, too...for food (he managed to survive, eating rocks and chicken s**t - how? We'll never know.), affection, love, shelter...he was chained up outside all his life - he's still just a puppy. Just so heartbreaking. :'(

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Paul Schwartz
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

why are the shelters starving animals!? Its your job to SHELTER them!

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Doubanji
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The shelters aren't starving dogs!! These pictures are of the dogs when they entered the shelters. It takes time to feed them up and deal with any health issues but if the only health issue is starvation they will still put the dog up for adoption sometimes. My at was in a similar state when I adopted her, she'd been in the medical area off adoption until cured of active cat flu then put up for adoption as it's easier for many animals to gain weight in a home situation than in a shelter no matter how they try!! Dispicable "people" leave these poor animals to get into these kinds of states then they finally end up at a shelter where the staff of mainly volunteers try thier hardest to sort them out, get them veterinary treatment and onto the right diet to feed them up without making them ill!!

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#3

Before And After Adoption

Before And After Adoption

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Lucida
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had I not known that this dog would do well in the end I wouldn't manage to even look at the first picture because it's so awful. It's unbelievable how anyone that skinny even can stand up. :(

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#4

My Dog Wynter - From Living In The Streets To Relaxing In My Backyard

My Dog Wynter - From Living In The Streets To Relaxing In My Backyard

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#5

From Cellmates To Lifemates

From Cellmates To Lifemates

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WeWillJustSeeAboutThat
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Heartbreaking first picture, which makes the second picture that much more amazing! Love their smiles!

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#6

Ripley At Around 6 Months In Iran And Again At Around 1 Year In Her Forever Home In The United States

Ripley At Around 6 Months In Iran And Again At Around 1 Year In Her Forever Home In The United States

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#7

Hank! Abuse Left This Poor Pup With Scars And Timidness, But Now He Smiles Ear-To-Ear

Hank! Abuse Left This Poor Pup With Scars And Timidness, But Now He Smiles Ear-To-Ear

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#8

Before And After Adoption

Before And After Adoption

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Lexi
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually just read the entire article of this dog.... She actually lost eye sight on one of her eyes, sad.

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#9

Frank The Tank. Before And After Adoption

Frank The Tank. Before And After Adoption

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#10

So My Sis Adopted Her Very First Dog And His Before And After Pics Have Me Crying

So My Sis Adopted Her Very First Dog And His Before And After Pics Have Me Crying

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#11

Adopted This Little Dude While On Vacation In Mexico. The Litter Was Found In The Jungle In Terrible Shape But Were Nursed Back To Health By The Local Animal Rescue Foundation. Here He Is Today Healthy, Happy And Adapting Well To His New Life As A Canadian

Adopted This Little Dude While On Vacation In Mexico. The Litter Was Found In The Jungle In Terrible Shape But Were Nursed Back To Health By The Local Animal Rescue Foundation. Here He Is Today Healthy, Happy And Adapting Well To His New Life As A Canadian

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#12

To The Person Who Left Her In A Park To Die 2 Years Ago... Look At Her Now! With Your Horrible Neglect Came A Whole Lot Of Happiness.

To The Person Who Left Her In A Park To Die 2 Years Ago... Look At Her Now! With Your Horrible Neglect Came A Whole Lot Of Happiness.

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#13

The Night We Found Him On The Street Vs 1 Week After Adoption. Meet Pablo

The Night We Found Him On The Street Vs 1 Week After Adoption. Meet Pablo

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#15

This Is My Koda Bear The Day Before He Got Adopted And A Few Months After

This Is My Koda Bear The Day Before He Got Adopted And A Few Months After

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#16

After 4 Years In The Street, Annie Found Her Home With My Parents. First Day Vs 1 Week Later

After 4 Years In The Street, Annie Found Her Home With My Parents. First Day Vs 1 Week Later

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Kizzy Kizzy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So cute!!! Looks just like my Ellie, but without the brindle!! She is so innocent in both!

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#17

My Friend Rescued This Sweet Girl From Being Put Down Over A Minor Skin Condition. Meet Scarlett

My Friend Rescued This Sweet Girl From Being Put Down Over A Minor Skin Condition. Meet Scarlett

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

Oh my God. It has tears in its eyes. I can't even... Thank you for saving this sweet baby.

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#19

Before & After Of My Adopted Pup

Before & After Of My Adopted Pup

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#20

Before And After Adoption

Before And After Adoption

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#22

My Name Is Rey! I Was On Death Row Yesterday But Today I'm A Free Woman!

My Name Is Rey! I Was On Death Row Yesterday But Today I'm A Free Woman!

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#23

Meet Waldo. From Crusty And Underweight To A Very Fluffy Boy

Meet Waldo. From Crusty And Underweight To A Very Fluffy Boy

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#25

Meet Kasper! He's Only A Pup And Travelled All The Way From Romania To Join Us In The Uk. Has Yet To Integrate And Learn The Language. Very Good Boy Nonetheless

Meet Kasper! He's Only A Pup And Travelled All The Way From Romania To Join Us In The Uk. Has Yet To Integrate And Learn The Language. Very Good Boy Nonetheless

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#26

Before And After Adoption... Nacho The One Eyed Dog

Before And After Adoption... Nacho The One Eyed Dog

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#27

Toby At The County Shelter 2 Years Ago And Is Now King Of Our House.

Toby At The County Shelter 2 Years Ago And Is Now King Of Our House.

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Neeraj Jha
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the second pic, it looks like as if he has snoozed morning alarm twice already. :P

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#28

"We Found Teddy’s Shelter Picture And It’s Heartbreaking. We’re So Glad He Came Into Our Lives And Is Letting His Sweet, Goofy Personality Shine! Hopefully He Knows That He’ll Be Safe, Clean, Fed, And Loved For The Rest Of His Life"

"We Found Teddy’s Shelter Picture And It’s Heartbreaking. We’re So Glad He Came Into Our Lives And Is Letting His Sweet, Goofy Personality Shine! Hopefully He Knows That He’ll Be Safe, Clean, Fed, And Loved For The Rest Of His Life"

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#29

One Year Ago Today We Adopted Harper From The Fairfax Animal Shelter. She Had Been Adopted And Returned At Least Three Times In The First Year Of Her Life And Looked Alone, Scared And Confused.

One Year Ago Today We Adopted Harper From The Fairfax Animal Shelter. She Had Been Adopted And Returned At Least Three Times In The First Year Of Her Life And Looked Alone, Scared And Confused.

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Sky
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You shouldn’t be able to adopt if you are going to bring them back, but I guess that is better then having them abandoned.

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#30

From A Houston Stray To A Midwestern Princess

From A Houston Stray To A Midwestern Princess

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BusLady
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So sad that she's having to nurse, when she's not healthy herself. What happened to the pups?

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#31

This Stray Girl Walked By My Sisters' Donkey Rescue Centre. She Couldn't Let Her Starve So She Flew Her To The Netherlands To Come Live With Us. Now She's Alive And Kicking

This Stray Girl Walked By My Sisters' Donkey Rescue Centre. She Couldn't Let Her Starve So She Flew Her To The Netherlands To Come Live With Us. Now She's Alive And Kicking

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