Every friendship has a story. Most of us remember the moment we met our best friend or significant other like it happened yesterday. Pets are no exception. They bring so much joy and fulfillment to our lives, it’s impossible to forget the day your heart told you that this tiny cold nose, long whiskers, or wagging tail was something you'd always needed.
And to celebrate the beautiful life with our four-legged friends, pet owners are now participating in a viral #ThenAndNowChallenge on Facebook which shows side-by-side images on the day they met vs. today.
Genuine smiles and all-telling eyes are enough to speak thousands of words about the precious bond humans share with animals. It’s impawsible not to notice how fast time flies in photos, but some things, they do stay forever.
#21
London was intentionally paralyzed by her abuser ... She was to be a bait dog in a fight ring. Fortunately, she was rescued before ever making it into the ring. Due to her paralysis, the Vet at the shelter recommended euthanasia. A friend of mine, and employee of the shelter, saw London wag her tail and knew that she'd be able to walk again ... So, she "adopted" her as a foster. My husband and I heard London's story and knew we had to have her. We worked extensively with a specialist in Nashville and, after several months of physical and hydrotherapy, London healed to 90%! She has also had 1 surgery. The 2nd picture is her, mid jump, playing at daycare.
Her name was Panda, but she often fell when re-learning to use her back legs. I would say, "Slow down, London!" ... Referencing London Bridge. She began to respond to London, so we kept it 🙂
EDIT: Thank you all for the love and support! London is the center of our world ❤ Per request, I've attached some videos of her playing. She does waddle when she walks and runs, and that will never go away, but she doesn't let it stop her from enjoying every minute of her life! We do a lot of swimming with her ... She's not a fan of the pool, but she loves the beach. Fortunately, we have a boat and have access to the Gulf ... She's not spoiled at all 🤣
Her name was Panda, but she often fell when re-learning to use her back legs. I would say, "Slow down, London!" ... Referencing London Bridge. She began to respond to London, so we kept it 🙂
EDIT: Thank you all for the love and support! London is the center of our world ❤ Per request, I've attached some videos of her playing. She does waddle when she walks and runs, and that will never go away, but she doesn't let it stop her from enjoying every minute of her life! We do a lot of swimming with her ... She's not a fan of the pool, but she loves the beach. Fortunately, we have a boat and have access to the Gulf ... She's not spoiled at all 🤣
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163points
#22
About 8 yrs ago my 16yr old pit "Blaze dog" passed away.
My ex decided to surprise me w a boxer puppy . He found a backyard breeder (i don't condone) with one puppy left "on clearance" bc he was the runt and had a heart murmur.
Little did they know he was royalty.
Vet told me he was undersized would probably be 50 lbs max and need surgery bc his skin was so droopy his lower lids were hanging too low lol
WHELP! He is 85 lbs and grew into his saggy face skin and his name of Bruiser which I named him as a joke bc he was so teeny.
He will be 8 next week.
8 years of being glared at, judged , and called a strumpet. 😄😄😄
My ex decided to surprise me w a boxer puppy . He found a backyard breeder (i don't condone) with one puppy left "on clearance" bc he was the runt and had a heart murmur.
Little did they know he was royalty.
Vet told me he was undersized would probably be 50 lbs max and need surgery bc his skin was so droopy his lower lids were hanging too low lol
WHELP! He is 85 lbs and grew into his saggy face skin and his name of Bruiser which I named him as a joke bc he was so teeny.
He will be 8 next week.
8 years of being glared at, judged , and called a strumpet. 😄😄😄
162points
#23
Trixie still thinks she’s small enough to sleep on top of her big sis Frannie 💕
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160points
#24
Miss Bella is now 5 months old and thriving, Al-hamdulillah. She was an orphan with two siblings that did not survive. I couldn't let her fall to the same fate. She is typically feral, disliking to be picked up, but she will come to snuggle in my lap and has an instant purr anytime I touch her.😻 She loves her adopted big brothers Peanut and Hamasa, but is besties with Hamasa. The two of them share the love of full body massage and napping in the balcony chairs...and, of course, their hooman.😊😻
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154points
#27
Gary was a stray dodging cars for months to reach my husband’s workplace every day to share the office cat’s food. The first picture is within 20 minutes of my husband dropping him over the fence into our backyard, where I was spending a day off watercolor painting. We just stared at each other. Don’t his eyes look human? That was in about 2009. He was really sweet but refused to come in the house, until a cold night when we dragged him in for warmth. After that, he was the first at the door to come in every time we let the 4 dogs out LOL. Now he wears pajamas in winter hahaha.
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136points
#28
My baby is just two months old but she's grown a lot (of fur and a little bit in size) Plus her eyes are now yellow. . . . and fierce. Lmao
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133points
#29
This is my boy Gizmo. He's such a loverboy!
129points
The heartfelt stories of rescued pets finding their forever homes beautifully reflect the powerful bonds animals can form, much like the touching relationship between a kitten and an owlet at a cozy Japanese cafe. Readers interested in unique and heartwarming animal friendships might appreciate exploring this charming tale to see another side of animal companionship.
For a glimpse into such an extraordinary bond, check out unusual animal friendships that warm the heart.