The genre of before-and-after never gets old. Pictures of dogs are an immediate mood-booster. But pictures of dogs who got rescued and are now doing 100 times better are even more heartwarming. Around 3.1 million dogs get adopted every year. On the other hand, around 390,000 don't get rehomed and are euthanized.
But the puppers in these pics are not part of that statistic. They are the lucky ones. We like to melt some Pandas' hearts from time to time, and that's why we collected these precious rescue dog transformation pics. These dogs' stories are a testament to what a little bit of luck, a kind human heart, and a true connection between a pet and an owner can do.
To know more about the delights and challenges of adopting a rescue pet, Bored Panda reached out to Certified Dog Trainer Kristi Benson, CTC PCBC-A. She helps struggling dog owners with her online classes, including "The Calm, Cool, and Collected Dog." We asked Kristi to weigh in on the adopt vs. shop debate, and she also spoke about the challenges that rescue dog owners might run into. Read her recommendations below!
#21 My Newest Foster, Gizzie, Is 8 Weeks Old And Has Demodex Mange, Entropion, Anemia, Skin And Eye Infections, A Corneal Ulcer, And Heart Murmur. After A Few Months Already Feeling Way Better
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#23 Joker 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
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#24 I Found This Babie In Kandahar 5 Years Ago, Half Starved And Mangy, And Now He’s Living The Dream Life
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#25 I Fostered This Girl From A Shelter, They Said That She Wasn’t Going To Make It Much Longer. After A Few Months, She Slowly Got Over Her Fears And Is Now A Very Confident Girl
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#28 The Photo That Made Me Go Get Him And What His Life Turned In To
He was left behind when a family moved out. For days alone with only a cut-open dog food bag in the cement and dirty backyard. We weren't prepared for a dog, but I knew I had to get him out of there, even if it was only to get him to a vet and give him a safe space till we could find somewhere else for him to go. In a few days, we will celebrate his 7th birthday. The best spur-of-the-moment decision I've ever made. He's getting old and his cancer is back, so it won't be too long before we lose him, but we will love him till the end of time and give him everything he wants and needs until he tells us he's ready.
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#29 Before And After Abraham Being With Us For 1 Week. He’s The Sweetest Boy And Is Living A Good Life Now
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#30 Before And After From Milly
This dog was left to guard an abandoned sand quarry. I noticed her when it was -40°C. When I first tried to touch her, she wanted to bite me. Now I can cuddle her everywhere, anytime.
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#31 Further Progress For Papi, With New Starter Pictures. From Adoption Last Month To Today
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#33 We Adopted This Very Sad Looking Girl On Saturday, And She Already Loves Her New Family
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#34 Fed Junk Food And Never Given Any Exercise Her Whole Life, Shiloh Couldn't Walk More Than 10 Meters Before Having To Stop And Rest. 3 Months Later, She's Lost 30 Pounds
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#35 Wesley's Before And After. Now He Runs With Other Doggies In Dog Heaven
Wesley was heartworm-positive, limping, and listed as age 5. He’d been at the pound for 3 weeks, and he was not neutered.
I explained that I’d pay for the heartworm treatment (the shelter typically pays) and promised them I was not looking to breed him. I believe in neutering/spaying. I had my vet email confirm a neuter consult that was coming Monday, signed legal documents about getting him neutered, etc., and off we went.
Apparently, he’s actually 3.5 years old, and he’s a total goofball. He also was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma 2 weeks ago. We have a week or two left. I'm glad I saved him. Glad he didn’t die with sadness on his face.
I explained that I’d pay for the heartworm treatment (the shelter typically pays) and promised them I was not looking to breed him. I believe in neutering/spaying. I had my vet email confirm a neuter consult that was coming Monday, signed legal documents about getting him neutered, etc., and off we went.
Apparently, he’s actually 3.5 years old, and he’s a total goofball. He also was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma 2 weeks ago. We have a week or two left. I'm glad I saved him. Glad he didn’t die with sadness on his face.
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#36 Tater Was A Stud Who Lived In A Backyard For His First 2 Years. We Arranged Rescue With The People Who Had Him, And Since Then His Sunburnt, Infected Skin Has Healed Tons
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#37 My Husband Calls Her "My Most Improved." Meet Captain Blueberry. She Has Come So Far. Once Fear Was Gone, A Sweet, Curious Personality Came Shining Through
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#38 Koda Before And After
2 years ago, I brought an anxious boy with a mess of at least 30 stitches on his back. He had no leash manners and was very needy. At first, he needed to walk about 15 km/day just to calm his anxiety. Now he’s a confident, happy boy who knows he’s home. And his coat is straight-up luxurious these days!
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#39 This Is Our Girl, Pinky! Saw A Post Regarding Her Needing Rescue From A Riverside, CA Shelter And Got Her Out Of There The Next Day. We Adore Her
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#40 1-Year Retrospective. I Found Him Abandoned In The Street, Almost Dying
It was a difficult moment to decide to bring him with me. He was infested with ticks and worms, as well as fungus in his fur and many wounds. There were several months of care. I spent 2 weeks hydrating him and forced-feeding with a syringe. After that, he needed hospitalization for a few weeks because he wasn't eating or drinking water. In the hospital, he was hydrated intravenously and fed through a tube.
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