People on reddit are sharing before and after pictures of rescued dogs and we can't stop looking at them.
If you've ever visited an animal shelter, you likely know firsthand that they can be loud, chaotic places. Dogs who live in these temporary situations often don't get to experience things like meaningful playtime with other dogs, human connection, regular (or any) walks, grooming, or even down time where they can curl up, rest comfortably, and feel safe.
Shelter life is stressful for dogs, and you can physically see the signs of this stress in all of these "before" pictures.
What's beautiful is that the opposite is also true. Once adopted, you can physically see signs of a dog's well-being. Their coats are shinier. They have more confidence. Some of them even wear huge smiles that show just how resilient dogs can be.
Take a look at these before and after pictures of adopted dogs and share your dog adoption story in the comments.
These two cuties were adopted together, so they get to be best friends forever. The before and after pictures couldn't be more different!
This guy was found in a warehouse, where he was close to death after eating rat poison. He made a full recovery and four years later he's now the handsome boy you see on the right.
This girl, Luna, made an incredible transformation after being discovered living in a drainage ditch. A small dog rescue in Oklahoma found her and nurtured her for months before her new owner drove out, picked her up and helped her grow from the weak, skiddish girl she once was to the outgoing, happy girl she is now. The picture on the right was taken two years after the picture on the left. Her before/after transformation is incredible.
A year after being adopted, this rescue pup gained 30lbs and a new best friend.
Somehow no one wanted this sweet puppy at the shelter, where she was passed over time and time again. When she moved into her new home, she gained confidence and became a great companion dog.
This dog's human found him on a blazing hot day in a tiny enclosed area of someone's yard. He had no water and his fur had mostly fallen out from neglect. Seven years later, he's the proud pup on the right you see today.
Bubba was found outside tied up to a fence on a cold, rainy day. Some good humans found him and likely saved his life when they took him to a rescue. He now has the love and attention he needs to thrive.
In just one month, Honey gained 7 pounds and a happy smile. She was shy at first, and even hid from the male of the household at the shelter. She's already come such a long way in one month.
These photos were taken only a week apart! Butters got a new home and his new owners got a very good boy.
Watson's eye was in bad shape when his human spotted him at the shelter. His eye healed quickly and he got a new home. Looks like a happy camper!
This girl was rescued after she was almost put down for having a minor skin infection.
This cutie was abused and abandoned. She learned to trust again when she found a loving home. The picture on the right is a year and a half after the rescue.
This beautiful black lab mix was sad and aloof before his rescue. After he was taken into a new home, he turned into the happiest boy.
This pup was scheduled to be euthanized but was rescued at the last minute. The pic of her soaking up the sun is less than 24 hours the rescue.
Here's Ripley at 6 months in Iran and then at 1 year in his forever home in the States. He's a unique, beautiful dog who gets to live with a roof over his head now, something he has never had before.
This photo was taken while this pitbull was still in the shelter, the moment she realized she was being taken to a new home. It's crazy what a difference a little love can make!