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

So majestic in the second pic.. Great job, ppl who adopted him!

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

For some reason it always bothers me when people have their dogs ears clipped. I know it's akin to having you ears pierced, but I still find it so cruel. Otherwise - what a proud boy in the second pic! I love me a good pit! :D

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

I agree that it is cruel, unnecessary and natural ears look far better.

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

I hate what people do to their ears! It is very painful and often done with crude instruments such as knives or scissors, and without anesthesia. Many do this to pitties to make them look "more mean." It makes me cringe! I'm glad that this boy found his forever home!

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

This first picture made me cry. He is so sad and my heart just aches for him. He looks like he could melt into the wall. The second picture is just a masterpiece. He is so proud and happy. I bet he is being treated like a king. Thank you for rescuing him. I appreciate you sharing.

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

The second is as though he has his self-esteem, ego, and pride back. It's like Lion King on Pride Rock. The first one is tears inducing.

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

The first picture just broke my heart. I'm so happy someone is giving him a new home and lots of love.

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

This is a very sad photo. l wish people would use brains before getting any animal. They have feelings. No animal deserves to go to an shelter. They should be loved and respected. They love back unconditionally/

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

Omg i want to hug that poor baby in the "before" pic. So hppy to see him as joyful as he is in the after pic. 💕

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

the first breaks your heart he has ben left without reason, then the nest is just a wow now in a loving home and it shows

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

That breaks my heart and mends it all in two pictures 😍

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

Never have I've seen a better picture of a totally despondent animal portrayed in one shot before. It broke my heart to see him this way. Thank God, he was one of the lucky ones and got adopted!

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

From depressed and full of mange sitting on a hard concrete floor to the rightful King of his Domain. He's very proud here with his chest pushed forward. Whomever is responsible, thank you.

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

I'm going to a mess of tears, as I go through this article, I can already tell, after just seeing this 1st post! WOW! The Power of LOVE, My Friends, there isn't anything like it , no matter Who, When, Where, What or How!

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

Wasn't sure if I'd be able to handle this...and I was right.

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

That second pic looks like he is feeling like he's on top of the world!

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The Screaming Destruction Cat
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am so happy for this dog! It seems pitfalls finally get the happiness and human friendship they long for! The first picture is really sad but the second just makes my heart melt! (with happiness)

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

I am so glad someone saw the beautiful beast underneath all that sadness. Thanks for helping me lubricate my eyes.

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

The first pic shows the puppy was waiting for the family to come along.... thank goodness! Nice job.

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

Really love this transformation. Love the way show he stand up proud and strong.

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

buff I cannot stand it. My heart cannot take it. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE ADOPT!!! I have one fur baby and 18 birds

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

Such a beautiful boy. All of my cats and dogs have been rescues, all have been excellent and loving pets, I hope more people find a pet at the shelter and not buy a special breed, I ask why ???

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

Soooooo happy to see that beautiful doggie happy and proud now

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

show me how much human the new home! Thank you bottom of my hearts

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Tammy Ralph
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People must be born without hearts, how could anyone look at this doggy and not feel his pain and suffering, my heart is broke just looking at him.

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

Can anyone please tell me why ANYONE DOES THIS TO THERE DOGS IT IS TOTALLY DISGUSTING ;=]]

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

Thank you to give him his life. He is worth of everything. Very noble person !

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

WOW THAT WAS A GREAT CHANGE! WHAT A WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL DOG! WHAT AN AWESOME INDIVIDUAL TO TAKE HIM IN!

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JustSomeone1
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That pit is so beautiful. who would give him away? I would've taken him home no problem

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

The penalties are not near enough to what these wicked people do to these beautiful creatures. Karma is a great thing!

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

I hate to think what he was thinking then and would love to know what he was thinking the moment he realised he was loved

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

I can't imagine what he was thinking in those terrible times - I would love to know what he was thinking the moment he realised he was lovedx

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

This photo really brings out the sadness and also the joy in my emotions ! What ABEAUTIFUL BOY HE IS !!!

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

This photo really brings out the sadness and the pure joy in my emotions ! What a BEAUTIFUL BOY HE IS !!!!

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

Exactly why I will only adopt rescue/shelter animals! He is utterly majestic!

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

Animals deserve the best we can give them, especially love and a home. Not a yard they are chained to all the time!

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

I hope the left is because it was a stray, not because it was abused.

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

The poor thing I. The shelter like that I got my dog from the shelter

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

I'm so sad looking at the before photo of this lovely dog. But hopefully he has a better owner now.

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

Amazing what a little love can do to a soul that's otherwise given up.

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

This dog's name has to be Thor. Or Majesty. Either that or the complete opposite, like Bill (with apologies to any majestic, Thor-like Bill's out there).

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

I just started my workday by bawling through all theses posts. (Best Tuesday EVER!)

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Kara E. Lovett
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The before picture just about takes a wrecking ball to my fragile little glass heart and the second pretty much offers me a get-well-soon card to deal with it - I really despise animal cruelty, since most dogs would never harm people to this extent. I'm glad this boy found a good home, he deserves it.

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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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#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
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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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