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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!
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#1
Before And After Adoption
Sardonic Scribe 6 years ago
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
Ariel 6 years ago
I agree that it is cruel, unnecessary and natural ears look far better.
Load More Replies...
Kristyn Lnu 6 years ago
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!
Joan Churton 6 years ago
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.
Just Carmen 6 years ago
The first picture just broke my heart. I'm so happy someone is giving him a new home and lots of love.
Lynn Rolaf 6 years ago
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. 💕
Gillian Black 6 years ago
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
Allana Rose 6 years ago
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!
Tamara Keegan 6 years ago
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.
Raven Mystique 6 years ago
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!
The Screaming Destruction Cat 6 years ago
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)
Karynne Williams 6 years ago
I am so glad someone saw the beautiful beast underneath all that sadness. Thanks for helping me lubricate my eyes.
Yunyann See 6 years ago
Really love this transformation. Love the way show he stand up proud and strong.
Marta Puig Orriols 6 years ago
buff I cannot stand it. My heart cannot take it. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE ADOPT!!! I have one fur baby and 18 birds
sharron lynn parsons 6 years ago
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 ???
Student Aaron Cunningham 4 years ago
I wanna cry at the first but I feel so good for it in the second one
Tammy Ralph 5 years ago
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.
rustic raven 6 years ago
Can anyone please tell me why ANYONE DOES THIS TO THERE DOGS IT IS TOTALLY DISGUSTING ;=]]
Eva Tervala 6 years ago
Thank you to give him his life. He is worth of everything. Very noble person !
Erin welch 6 years ago
WOW THAT WAS A GREAT CHANGE! WHAT A WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL DOG! WHAT AN AWESOME INDIVIDUAL TO TAKE HIM IN!
JustSomeone1 6 years ago
That pit is so beautiful. who would give him away? I would've taken him home no problem
David Alquist 6 years ago
The penalties are not near enough to what these wicked people do to these beautiful creatures. Karma is a great thing!
Janine Wilson 6 years ago
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
Janine Wilson 6 years ago
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
Russell Hummel - Lewis 6 years ago
This photo really brings out the sadness and also the joy in my emotions ! What ABEAUTIFUL BOY HE IS !!!
Russell Hummel - Lewis 6 years ago
This photo really brings out the sadness and the pure joy in my emotions ! What a BEAUTIFUL BOY HE IS !!!!
JoAnne Klein 6 years ago
Exactly why I will only adopt rescue/shelter animals! He is utterly majestic!
Kim Lorton 6 years ago
Animals deserve the best we can give them, especially love and a home. Not a yard they are chained to all the time!
Kelsey Watkins 6 years ago
The poor thing I. The shelter like that I got my dog from the shelter
Paul Pickthall 6 years ago
I'm so sad looking at the before photo of this lovely dog. But hopefully he has a better owner now.
Kris Dikeman 6 years ago
Amazing what a little love can do to a soul that's otherwise given up.
Ginger Panda 6 years ago
I just started my workday by bawling through all theses posts. (Best Tuesday EVER!)
Kara E. Lovett 6 years ago
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.
Jiří Schindler 6 years ago
Find the monster who did this to another living crature and strike him with righteous retribution. Show no mercy.
#3
Before And After Adoption
#4
My Dog Wynter - From Living In The Streets To Relaxing In My Backyard
#5
From Cellmates To Lifemates
WeWillJustSeeAboutThat 6 years ago
Heartbreaking first picture, which makes the second picture that much more amazing! Love their smiles!
#6
Ripley At Around 6 Months In Iran And Again At Around 1 Year In Her Forever Home In The United States
#7
Hank! Abuse Left This Poor Pup With Scars And Timidness, But Now He Smiles Ear-To-Ear
#8
Before And After Adoption
#9
Frank The Tank. Before And After Adoption
#10
So My Sis Adopted Her Very First Dog And His Before And After Pics Have Me Crying
#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
#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.
#13
The Night We Found Him On The Street Vs 1 Week After Adoption. Meet Pablo
#14
Before And After Adoption
#15
This Is My Koda Bear The Day Before He Got Adopted And A Few Months After
#16
After 4 Years In The Street, Annie Found Her Home With My Parents. First Day Vs 1 Week Later
Kizzy Kizzy 6 years ago
So cute!!! Looks just like my Ellie, but without the brindle!! She is so innocent in both!
#17
My Friend Rescued This Sweet Girl From Being Put Down Over A Minor Skin Condition. Meet Scarlett
Ginger Panda 6 years ago
Oh my God. It has tears in its eyes. I can't even... Thank you for saving this sweet baby.
#19
Before & After Of My Adopted Pup
#20
Before And After Adoption
#21
Before And After Adoption
#22
My Name Is Rey! I Was On Death Row Yesterday But Today I'm A Free Woman!
#23
Meet Waldo. From Crusty And Underweight To A Very Fluffy Boy
#24
Before And After Adoption
#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
#26
Before And After Adoption... Nacho The One Eyed Dog
#27
Toby At The County Shelter 2 Years Ago And Is Now King Of Our House.
Neeraj Jha 6 years ago
In the second pic, it looks like as if he has snoozed morning alarm twice already. :P
#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"
#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.
#30
From A Houston Stray To A Midwestern Princess
#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
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Pamela24 6 years ago
Dear Bored Panda, this is what I come here for. Not some ridiculous click baits, overheard conversations spread over a hundred tweets and people being shamed/praised for their parenting. Animals, positivity, adorable pictures. <3
Sunzilla 6 years ago
I haven't seen stuff like that? Maybe I just scroll passed... (past) Can never figure those two out...
Load More Replies...
HellCat 6 years ago
My brain is so confused right now... Looking at the "before" pictures, I cried because of sadness. Looking at the "after", I cried of happiness. Either way, this post made me cry like a baby. Ufff....
Elena Charlton 6 years ago
I'm totally rubbish at this - how do I submit my picture of my dog, Baxter? Baxter-com...450337.jpg 
NK 6 years ago
I took a few minutes out to upvote each and every one of these not because of the before and after, but because I personally would like to thank each and every one of you for saving these animals. It just wasnt enough to vote only on the article. I hope and wish all of you the best for the kindness in your heart <333
Katie 6 years ago
These are so sweet, but every time I look at posts like this I can't help but think of all the others who weren't lucky enough to find a forever home. I do as much as I can (fostering for our local humane association) but it's so sad to go up there and see all the wonderful souls without families. Thankfully, ours is virtually no kill thanks to volunteer efforts, but many places aren't so lucky. To think an animal would be put to sleep just because no one wants it is so heartbreaking.
Janine B. 6 years ago
This makes me cry every moment I think about it. I'm so glad I live in a country where pets are not being killed just because nobody wants them. Also I could never go and simply buy a young dog or cat knowing there are so many others waiting for a home and love. We have two cats no one wanted and they turned out to be the sweetest furballs. Please everybody go and adopt from a shelter.
Load More Replies... Kristyn Lnu 6 years ago
To all those who choose to adopt and not shop for a dog (or cat) I sincerely thank you! As an avid rescuer and often time foster family - it breaks my heart to see how many people choose to "throw away" a dog due to being: un-trainable; too energetic; tears up my house; won't stop peeing in the house; don't have time; or the worst one in my opinion: he/she is just too old and we want a puppy.
Elizabeth Molloy 6 years ago
There is a spacial corner of hall especially for those who abuse animals. So glad these doggos got a second chance with loving new owners. You guys ROCK!!
Friedlander Rosenzweig 6 years ago
Just when you tthink you’ve seen the worst, you go to another and ...WHAM! I really pray Karma is a B***H.
Marion Friedl 6 years ago
#AdoptDontShop, #AdoptTheLessAdoptables too, the shy ones, the traumatized ones, the old ones, the "disabled" ones, the chronic sick ones, the black furbabies who´re sill overlooked very often, the neglected and abused ones, open your heart for THEM and you´re gonna be blessed with a furbaby that´s gonna love you unconditionally!!!
Aoki 6 years ago
I adopted a blind cat, a three legged cat and one with ataxia (needed nappies) when he came to me and they all are/were the most adorable creatures one could imagine. Seeing how impressively they cope with their disabilities and what a happy life they live is so inspiring each day. They are worth being loved and cared for just like any pretty pedigree pet.
Load More Replies... 
Carol Taylor 6 years ago
in all their before shots you could see how dejected they all felt, but in the after shots, seeing the sheer joy of being somewhere they now felt loved..beautiful..
Marlene Yagoda Hamilton 6 years ago
Love every single word! Love and kindness changes everything
Marilyn Slater 6 years ago
I'm so relieved that there is still enough love in this world to rescue these dogs and make them well and happy. However, we still need to work on the rest of our planet's denizens, Save: the whales, the elephants, the orangutans etc. etc!
therealpixie 6 years ago
How wonderful to see all the worry, pain, and fear changed into trust, health, and joy. I enjoyed each and every one of the posts (even though some of the before pictures were hard).
Santino Marazzo 6 years ago
Well hell. Some or all of these dogs were abused. My feeling, is that the abusers should be treated the same. However, with one difference, no one rescues them. Makes me sick and mad.
BoopityBooptiyBooper 6 years ago
All I thought while looking at these pictures was "Sad pup......HAPPY PUP!! :D"
Tracey Seven 6 years ago
Bless you all for taking in the unwanted dogs and saving their lives! I can feel the immense sadness in the before picture, they just want to be loved ! The after pictures are amazing! You can feel the happiness radiating off of the dogs. So beautiful. #adoptdontshop
Liz Llanes 6 years ago
To summarize this..its a heartbreaking thoughts these adorable pets have gone through...just happy they are adopted now by their kind and loving pawparents...God bless u all...
Marcy Moffett 6 years ago
I just love all of you for taking care of all these sweet pups. Rescues truly are the best. All of mine have been the best blessings.
Jelena Obradović 6 years ago
I have a serious problem with sorrow every time when I see animals in pain...
CtrlAltDelete 6 years ago
I want to kill the people who make those dogs look so sad. I can't belive anyone would ever do that to sweet creatures who want no harm.
Another loser 4 years ago
its so hard for me to loo kat these kinds of pictures but I know that its a happy ending so it makes me happier, I needed to see happy puppers T-T
Marina Aniram 5 years ago
My little princess. Before with no fur, leishmaniosis, thin and confused. Collage-20...c8a00e.jpg 
Katie Smith 6 years ago
I wish I could post the doggo we saved and sent to a rescue who will probably stay there as his forever home.
Eva Tervala 6 years ago
In this world, which is so terrible to animals, it is so good sometimes see, that there are still good people, who want really help. Crying doesnt help these poor souls. The concrete work works. So please dodnt cry, help.
chris gill 6 years ago
My grandson pick out a pit bull from the local rescue. She loves my grandson and pretty much all kids. Sleeps with him at night and often pouts when he is not with her. A total sweetheart.
Pamela24 6 years ago
Dear Bored Panda, this is what I come here for. Not some ridiculous click baits, overheard conversations spread over a hundred tweets and people being shamed/praised for their parenting. Animals, positivity, adorable pictures. <3
Sunzilla 6 years ago
I haven't seen stuff like that? Maybe I just scroll passed... (past) Can never figure those two out...
Load More Replies... HellCat 6 years ago
My brain is so confused right now... Looking at the "before" pictures, I cried because of sadness. Looking at the "after", I cried of happiness. Either way, this post made me cry like a baby. Ufff....
Elena Charlton 6 years ago
I'm totally rubbish at this - how do I submit my picture of my dog, Baxter? Baxter-com...450337.jpg
NK 6 years ago
I took a few minutes out to upvote each and every one of these not because of the before and after, but because I personally would like to thank each and every one of you for saving these animals. It just wasnt enough to vote only on the article. I hope and wish all of you the best for the kindness in your heart <333
Katie 6 years ago
These are so sweet, but every time I look at posts like this I can't help but think of all the others who weren't lucky enough to find a forever home. I do as much as I can (fostering for our local humane association) but it's so sad to go up there and see all the wonderful souls without families. Thankfully, ours is virtually no kill thanks to volunteer efforts, but many places aren't so lucky. To think an animal would be put to sleep just because no one wants it is so heartbreaking.
Janine B. 6 years ago
This makes me cry every moment I think about it. I'm so glad I live in a country where pets are not being killed just because nobody wants them. Also I could never go and simply buy a young dog or cat knowing there are so many others waiting for a home and love. We have two cats no one wanted and they turned out to be the sweetest furballs. Please everybody go and adopt from a shelter.
Load More Replies... Kristyn Lnu 6 years ago
To all those who choose to adopt and not shop for a dog (or cat) I sincerely thank you! As an avid rescuer and often time foster family - it breaks my heart to see how many people choose to "throw away" a dog due to being: un-trainable; too energetic; tears up my house; won't stop peeing in the house; don't have time; or the worst one in my opinion: he/she is just too old and we want a puppy.
Elizabeth Molloy 6 years ago
There is a spacial corner of hall especially for those who abuse animals. So glad these doggos got a second chance with loving new owners. You guys ROCK!!
Friedlander Rosenzweig 6 years ago
Just when you tthink you’ve seen the worst, you go to another and ...WHAM! I really pray Karma is a B***H.
Marion Friedl 6 years ago
#AdoptDontShop, #AdoptTheLessAdoptables too, the shy ones, the traumatized ones, the old ones, the "disabled" ones, the chronic sick ones, the black furbabies who´re sill overlooked very often, the neglected and abused ones, open your heart for THEM and you´re gonna be blessed with a furbaby that´s gonna love you unconditionally!!!
Aoki 6 years ago
I adopted a blind cat, a three legged cat and one with ataxia (needed nappies) when he came to me and they all are/were the most adorable creatures one could imagine. Seeing how impressively they cope with their disabilities and what a happy life they live is so inspiring each day. They are worth being loved and cared for just like any pretty pedigree pet.
Load More Replies... Carol Taylor 6 years ago
in all their before shots you could see how dejected they all felt, but in the after shots, seeing the sheer joy of being somewhere they now felt loved..beautiful..
Marlene Yagoda Hamilton 6 years ago
Love every single word! Love and kindness changes everything
Marilyn Slater 6 years ago
I'm so relieved that there is still enough love in this world to rescue these dogs and make them well and happy. However, we still need to work on the rest of our planet's denizens, Save: the whales, the elephants, the orangutans etc. etc!
therealpixie 6 years ago
How wonderful to see all the worry, pain, and fear changed into trust, health, and joy. I enjoyed each and every one of the posts (even though some of the before pictures were hard).
Santino Marazzo 6 years ago
Well hell. Some or all of these dogs were abused. My feeling, is that the abusers should be treated the same. However, with one difference, no one rescues them. Makes me sick and mad.
BoopityBooptiyBooper 6 years ago
All I thought while looking at these pictures was "Sad pup......HAPPY PUP!! :D"
Tracey Seven 6 years ago
Bless you all for taking in the unwanted dogs and saving their lives! I can feel the immense sadness in the before picture, they just want to be loved ! The after pictures are amazing! You can feel the happiness radiating off of the dogs. So beautiful. #adoptdontshop
Liz Llanes 6 years ago
To summarize this..its a heartbreaking thoughts these adorable pets have gone through...just happy they are adopted now by their kind and loving pawparents...God bless u all...
Marcy Moffett 6 years ago
I just love all of you for taking care of all these sweet pups. Rescues truly are the best. All of mine have been the best blessings.
Jelena Obradović 6 years ago
I have a serious problem with sorrow every time when I see animals in pain...
CtrlAltDelete 6 years ago
I want to kill the people who make those dogs look so sad. I can't belive anyone would ever do that to sweet creatures who want no harm.
Another loser 4 years ago
its so hard for me to loo kat these kinds of pictures but I know that its a happy ending so it makes me happier, I needed to see happy puppers T-T
Marina Aniram 5 years ago
My little princess. Before with no fur, leishmaniosis, thin and confused. Collage-20...c8a00e.jpg
Katie Smith 6 years ago
I wish I could post the doggo we saved and sent to a rescue who will probably stay there as his forever home.
Eva Tervala 6 years ago
In this world, which is so terrible to animals, it is so good sometimes see, that there are still good people, who want really help. Crying doesnt help these poor souls. The concrete work works. So please dodnt cry, help.
chris gill 6 years ago
My grandson pick out a pit bull from the local rescue. She loves my grandson and pretty much all kids. Sleeps with him at night and often pouts when he is not with her. A total sweetheart.
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