Looking after a pet is no easy task, especially when it comes to dogs. Putting aside the money you have to spend on keeping them fed and healthy, you have to make sure that you can spend the right amount of time to take them on walks and otherwise look after them. It's one thing to bring a dog into your home, but another to look after it every day - especially when you have a full-time job.
There are a lot of people out there who underestimate what it's like to look after a pet, so end up giving them away to shelters for them to find a new home. Not everyone takes this route however, with many dogs being left to fend for themselves.
For instance, this young puppy was abandoned at a park in Hamilton, Ohio. In a tragic turn of events, the dog wandered onto some nearby train tracks, where it was hit. In the accident, the puppy had its hind legs and tail amputated, while its eye eventually had to be surgically removed.
Thankfully, the dog was saved by the Animal Friends Humane Society, who made sure he was healthy and able to heal. He's now in a much better condition, and has a new name: Trooper.
Tara Bowser, executive director of the organisation that saved him, spoke to PEOPLE about the rescue:
‘The train amputated both of his back legs, as well as his tail. He also had a ruptured eye due to the train’s impact on his tiny body. Trooper was hospitalized immediately at an emergency vet clinic.
"He required surgery to further amputate both back legs and tail, this way the surgeons could clean up the area and have enough skin to suture. His left eye was also removed since it was damaged beyond repair."
Despite these setbacks, Trooper soon got back into good health, and was apparently still up for "kisses and cuddles" during the recovery process. Less than a month after his accident, Trooper was fitted for a wheelchair for his back legs, and is already getting adjusted.
The Animal Friends Human Society shared Trooper's recovery process on Facebook, and soon after he healed, it was announced that he had been adopted and given a forever home.
The organisation made sure the new owners were safe for him to move in with, and luckily found some who have experience looking after disabled animals.
"Please be more responsible with pets. If you don’t have the means to properly care for an animal, then don’t get one," Bowser suggested. "If you have an animal and can no longer care for it, do the responsible thing and find it another home or surrender it to a shelter that will take care of it. Turning an animal loose to fend for itself is never the answer."
While Trooper definitely hasn't had an easy life, it looks like things are looking up for him now!
Dogs, like people, are susceptible to all kinds of disabilities. But you'd hope that the same unconditional love we have for our friends and family who live with disabilities would extend to our beloved pets too.
Unfortunately, this isn't always the case.
In fact, a three-year-old dog is now looking for his forever home because his original owners gave him up after he became blind.
According to PEOPLE, Louis, a gorgeous Lab-Shepherd mix, arrived at Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe, California, at the end of December after being given up by his owners.
When Louis developed an eye infection, his former owners decided to have his eyes removed rather than pay to treat it.
Shortly after the procedure, the canine was left at a pound in Calexico as his owners were not able to adjust to caring for a blind dog.
Louis was then brought to Helen Woodward Animal Center, where a medical check-up revealed that he had sustained untreated injuries - potentially as a result of being struck by a vehicle.
"It is incredibly important that people who consider getting a pet know the obligations they take on with these animals," Helen Woodward Animal Center Adoptions Director Hella Tyler said in a statement.
"When people get their pets for free off of Craigslist, they don't seem to realize that pets come with responsibilities and a monthly expense for their caretaking, including medical care," the statement continued.
"In turn, these pets will provide their owners with unparalleled love. They pay it back tenfold. It's just devastating to see an animal treated the way Louis was treated."
Louis is currently living at a foster home, adjusting to life after his loss of sight.
Helen Woodward is still hoping to find a suitable forever family for Louis. Ideally, his new owners would live in a one-story house, and work from home.
Louis is looking for a family who is "prepared to provide patience and special care" as he "learns his way around a new home," according to Helen Woodward.
"Louis is extraordinary," Tyler added. "He really suffered at the hands of his former owners but he shows no malice towards humankind. He is ready to love the perfect family and he certainly deserves one."
In India, there is a significant problem with stray dogs - whether they be abused or simply left to fall to a variety of diseases and infections, these poor creatures are in dire need of care.
Unfortunately there are very few people out there who want to help, or who have the ability to help them. After all, some of their conditions are extremely serious, requiring urgent medical attention from skilled professionals. While you would think that an epidemic like this is incredibly difficult to resolve, there are some who are making a difference.
For instance, Animal Aid Unlimited have been doing some incredible work in India. The rescue centre is vital to the street animals living in Udaipur, Rajasthan, providing sanctuary, medical services, and life-long care if need be, for animals that are found injured or ill.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]]
They frequently save animals from the brink of death, with infected wounds that would only go on to fester and lead to a painful end. Recently, they found one dog on the street who - while he seemed to be relatively unharmed - desperately needed medical attention.
The dog, later named Roxy, was unconscious, and was completely unresponsive to the Animal Aid staff. Realising that he was unable to rise from this comatose state, they decided to gently lift him from the roadside and take him back to their sanctuary where he could get the medical attention he so urgently needed.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: YouTube / Animal Aid India]]
After a quick examination, they found no sign of broken bones or obvious wounds externally, so their next step was to treat him for an internal injury. Treating him with a medicine that specifically targets and reduces swelling on the brain, they soon realised they had made the right call. He still didn't wake up the following day, but soon enough, he was back on his feet again.
By the third day of treatment, he was on his feet again, and the transformation is absolutely remarkable. The charity made a video showing how they found him, and how he later progressed, and there's a good chance that it will move you to tears. Just take a look at how invigorated and happy the little dog looks today, now that he's had the right support and treatment:
"Angels exists its true," one user commented on the video, while another said: "Good job guys thanks for savings this poor animals. God bless you."
Many of the comments on the YouTube video were positive because, well, how could they not be. It seems like Animal Aid are doing an amazing job in India at the moment - this isn't even the first time they've tracked the amazing transformation of one of the stray dogs they took into their care.
The six-year-old poodle was adopted by Zach Skow of Tehachapi, California, in February 2018, and since then, she's gone from strength to strength thanks to his unfailing faith in her.
Skow, who runs Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue, concluded that the poodle, whose name is Coroa, likely sustained her lifechanging injuries after being hit by a car.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: SWNS]]
"We tried to save the legs with surgery but one of them had a bone infection and had to be amputated, and the other one couldn't be fixed and had to be amputated as well," he explained.
"She was depressed - it was a shock for her to lose her legs and it was very painful for her to be immobile."
[[imagecaption|| Credit: SWNS]]
"The vet wanted us to euthanize her but I've taken in many two-legged dogs over the years and I knew she could get better," Skow continued. "Now Cora is the rock star of them all."
Following the surgery, Cora worked her strength up with the help of a cart, and within the space of three months, she began to walk independently on her hind legs.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: SWNS]]
"Through perseverance and dogged will she learned how to walk on her own," Skow said. "We gave her space and we let her be - we didn't want to be overly sympathetic and carry her everywhere."
[[imagecaption|| Credit: SWNS]]
Now, Coroa is letting nothing hold her back and her owner has described her as "the friendliest, happiest dog I've ever met."
[[imagecaption|| Credit: SWNS]]
"She has never met a person or a pet that she doesn't want to be best friends with," Skow said. "I think her mission in life is to display gratitude wherever she goes."
Meet True. He loves to cuddle, make people happy, and go on long walks in his wheelchair, even though it tires him out. That's because, when this two-year-old mixed breed lived in the Ukraine, his owner abused him.
True's owner, who was an addict, cut off the dog's two front legs for digging a hole. When the owner later died from an overdose, neighbours rescued True to take him to a shelter. There, medics patched him up, though they were worried he wouldn't live through the winter with his injuries.
So, the shelter contacted their partner Cause 4 Paws in Canada. The organisation, which re-homes and rehabilitates abused animals, helped raise money for True's medical expenses.
When Erin Blaak heard about True through Cause 4 Paws and a Facebook page for rescues, the 31-year old decided she needed to help. So, she adopted True and took him home to her growing family: her boyfriend Romain Avril, a Pomeranian called Bandito, and a Labrador-Dane mixed breed named Brady. And now, True.
Now, True is settled into his new home. Though he is easily tired, True gets wherever he needs to be by being carried, walking on his hind legs, or using his special wheelchair.
And now that he's adjusted, Erin is helping him train to be a therapy dog. This way, True can bring a smile to amputees the same way he has brightened Erin and Romain's days, especially because he gets on so well with people and other dogs alike.
As for Erin, she's now more involved with Cause 4 Paws - planning and hosting fundraisers. The first one she put on when she first adopted True brought in £20,000 for his medical bills. And so far, Cause 4 Paws has rescued more than 1,000 dogs.
Watch this video of a man reuniting with his dog after three years:
If you fancy keeping track of True's progress, you can follow him on Instagram. His bio reads: "Hi I’m TRUE. I’m a rescue who underwent horrific abuse. I’m living my new life in Canada. I’m a therapy dog who brings love & joy to all who need it!"
Credit: Reddit / TrioAnimalFoundation[/caption]
Adoption, it saves lives. That is what we are always being told by shelters and rescues. And there is a good reason, it really does save lives. More than that, it gives the animals being adopted a whole new lease of life and a reason to look forward to the future. Animals have feelings too, some people might not think so, but it’s impossible not to believe it after seeing the before and after pictures of dogs who’ve been adopted.
There is no denying that there is a huge difference in the look on these doggies’ faces, from the sadness of being abandoned and abused to being completely loved, these dogs show quite the transformation. And it is all thanks to the humans who have adopted them and provided them a loving home. The power of love is an incredible thing. Below is a heartwarming list of the incredible before and after pictures of adopted dogs.
[post_page_title]This Before and After[/post_page_title]
The before picture is completely heart-wrenching. Any animal lover would definitely cry seeing this. It definitely shows that animals can feel the same sadness as us humans.
[caption id="attachment_2808" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / Unknown[/caption]
But the second picture shows an incredibly drastic change. Here we see a very happy and well-cared for dog. It's definitely a happy ending for this good boy. Just look at how majestic he is!
[post_page_title]Saved from Euthanization[/post_page_title]
Not going to lie, this picture really guts me to look at. This poor dog is so skinny and neglected, how can people do that?! It's hard to believe the poor thing was able to survive the ordeal.
[caption id="attachment_2809" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / phil2146[/caption]
But thanks to some kindness from the shelter worker who refused to give up on this dog, the next picture just gives you all the feels. Amazing job.
[post_page_title]This Husky's Transformation[/post_page_title]
Here is another image that will make you question people and why they could ever let their pets get so neglected. This poor little thing was all skin and bones.
[caption id="attachment_2810" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / BittersweetSymphony[/caption]
Thanks to pure love and affection, she was brought back to life. Now she is looking full and healthy and most importantly, happy.
[post_page_title]Wynter[/post_page_title]
One Reddit user uploaded this before and after of her dog Wynter. She explains that before she being adopted, the poor thing was living on the streets.
[caption id="attachment_2811" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / Coolmorecooties[/caption]
Thanks to plenty of TLC, it looks like Winter is living her best life. She definitely had a stroke of luck getting adopted. Who'd have thought she'd the potential to grow such a luscious looking fur coat?!
[post_page_title]Former Cellmates, Forever BFFs[/post_page_title]
This one is so cute. These two dogs were surrendered to an animal shelter together. And while the odds of two dogs getting adopted together are slim, this is a pair who got lucky. Very, very lucky!
[caption id="attachment_2812" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / RecurrentlyDisturb[/caption]
Things weren't looking great for the pair, and you can see it in their eyes. They look so sad. When they did get adopted, they got a second chance at life. And they look so happy for it.
[post_page_title]Pure Happiness[/post_page_title]
This is Ripley. Ripley had quite the journey. The first picture is from Ripley at 6 months old in Iran. Clearly scared and lonely, all this pooch wanted was for someone to love her...
[caption id="attachment_2813" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / besidethebed[/caption]
Next picture is a very happy Ripley who looks like she's living the life of Riley. She is so happy. It's so cute.
[post_page_title]Happy Hank[/post_page_title]
Nothing is sadder than the face on little Hank on the left. You can just see the pain and sadness in those big brown eyes. If ever there was a picture of a dog on the verge of tears, the image on the left would be it.
[caption id="attachment_2815" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / thecoiner[/caption]
Unfortunately, this little guy had a rough start to life as an abused and timid puppy. But now look at him! He's got a smile going from ear to ear.
[post_page_title]To Hell and Back[/post_page_title]
This poor little guy had a sad start. He definitely looks like he went through hell and back. That first picture is one of a completely hopeless-looking doggy who was so sad. I mean, what the heck happened to his eye?!
[caption id="attachment_2817" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / Klaudija Sigurnjak[/caption]
Now he's a well-groomed and happy-looking little guy. He looks like a proper dog now. Isn't it amazing to think that a TLC was able to turn him from looking scary and sick to adorable and healthy?!
[post_page_title]Frank the Tank[/post_page_title]
This poor little guy looks adorable even in his sad state. However, his little sad face is still so cute. It's no wonder someone saw him at the shelter and fell for those big, black eyes.
[caption id="attachment_2818" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / frankthedoggotank[/caption]
Thankfully though, he got adopted. And look at that face, just look at it. He looks so happy. And he's still so freakin' cute! That's a doggo smile that could melt even the coldest of hearts.
[post_page_title]This Will Make You Feel All the Feels[/post_page_title]
The person who posted this before and after was actually posting on behalf of her sister's dog. Here on the left, you can see him depressed in his kennel at the shelter. Absolutely heartbreaking, right?
[caption id="attachment_2819" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / meriah_j[/caption]
Now here he is on the right, post-adoption. The difference is huge. And it looks like his new owner is absolutely in love with him, I mean, just look at that cute little flower crown he's rocking. It's clear that he's very much loved, and it's written all over his face.
[post_page_title]Puppy Gets New Life[/post_page_title]
This little puppy had his rough start in the jungles of Mexico, where he was abandoned with his litter. Thankfully, they were nursed back to health by the local animal rescue foundation.
[caption id="attachment_2820" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / shmandala[/caption]
This little guy got his brand new shot at life after someone adopted him while on vacation down in Mexico. Today he's a happy, healthy little pup living his best life in Canada.
[post_page_title]Left to Die[/post_page_title]
I can't get past some people and their absolute disregard for animal life. It's actually scary to think that there are actual psychopaths out there who would happily leave a neglected puppy to die in a park.
[caption id="attachment_2821" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / missblueyouwho[/caption]
That is how this little girl was found on the left. With lots of love and care, she was brought back to life. And now, two years later, she is a happy healthy little pooch. It just goes to show you that bad situations can be turned around.
[post_page_title]Pablo's Before and After[/post_page_title]
Meet this little guy Pablo. His owners found him on the street and took him in. The first picture is from the night he was rescued. You can clearly see the sadness all over his face.
[caption id="attachment_2822" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / imostlyobserve[/caption]
The second picture shows an incredible change in him after only one week! It is so clear that he knows his life has changed for the better and he's so happy and grateful for it.
[post_page_title]This Transformation[/post_page_title]
Talk about a complete Cinderella change. You can't even see this dog's face from all the matted hair in the way. It is clear that he suffered plenty of neglect before being rescued.
[caption id="attachment_2823" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / TrioAnimalFoundation[/caption]
The second picture shows that there is indeed a happy little dog underneath the whole mess that was his unkempt coat. And we're so happy he has a new forever home that will keep him smiling for years to come.
[post_page_title]All Smiles[/post_page_title]
Speaking of smiles, this before and after set is definitely one for the books. The person who posted was the owner of Koda Bear. The OP revealed that the picture on the left is from the day before Koda Bear was adopted.
[caption id="attachment_2824" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / mwisni[/caption]
Now, look at Koda Bear on the right. That is him after only a few months. Clearly, he is happy as he's got a silly little grin on his face and we are so happy that he does. What a cute little boy.
[post_page_title]Annie's Struggle[/post_page_title]
This poor little girl was found living rough on the streets for 4 years! Imagine being homeless for that long. She was scared, and you can see it in her face in the first picture.
[caption id="attachment_2825" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / Echo_hello_world[/caption]
The person posting the pictures of Annie revealed that they actually found her a home with their parents. And after only a week, the changes are real. Annie looks so comfy and happy all fast asleep in her new bed. So happy she got her happily-ever-after.
[post_page_title]Scarlett[/post_page_title]
Scarlett was in a shelter and was ready to be put down because of a minor skin condition. The person who posted her story on Reddit actually wasn't her owner but revealed that her friend was the one who adopted Scarlett.
[caption id="attachment_2826" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / effexxor[/caption]
And it was a good thing that they rescued her, I mean just look. This sweet girl is so happy and got such a lucky break in life. Her eyes have lit up in every sense of the word.
[post_page_title]Incredible Changes[/post_page_title]
It is always amazing to see the changes in dogs. This little guy was clearly so scared and timid after his struggles prior to adoption.
[caption id="attachment_2827" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / mycatseatbetterthanIdo[/caption]
And the changes are incredible. It's like seeing a whole new dog. Amazing what a little love can do for pets.
[post_page_title]This Pup[/post_page_title]
A person on Reddit shared this before and after of their pup that they adopted. The picture on the left shows such a sad and scared little dog.
[caption id="attachment_2828" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Credit: Reddit / norightbrain[/caption]
Cut to the second picture and it's a whole happy little dog. You wouldn't even know to look at them that they were once the dog on the left. Total change.
[post_page_title]The Change Adoption Makes[/post_page_title]
While all the pictures in this post are heartbreaking to see the befores, this before picture tugs on my heartstrings the most. This little dog looks so sad and so desperate to get out of the shelter. And who could blame them?
[caption id="attachment_2829" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / aranjevi[/caption]
Now on the right, is a beautifully happy dog that shows exactly what adoption can do for an animal. This is great. Also, what a gorgeous slobbery tongue.
[post_page_title]Heartbreaking Before and After[/post_page_title]
Nothing is sadder than a dog that is starving in the streets. This before picture is everything that is wrong with the world. How can anyone just let a dog, or any animal for that matter, get to this state?
[caption id="attachment_2830" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / socks4tay[/caption]
And thankfully, this little pupper got their happily ever after that they deserve. I am glad that they got adopted.
[post_page_title]Rey[/post_page_title]
This is Rey. The picture on the left is when Rey was on death row. From the picture, it is clear that Rey knew her time was up, that she wasn't going to be leaving the shelter alive.
[caption id="attachment_2831" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / animatedrussian[/caption]
But thanks to the wonderful person that adopted Rey, she got to walk out of the shelter a free woman. The difference is astonishing. In just one day, Rey became a completely different dog. Just goes to show you how emotionally intelligent animals actually are!
[post_page_title]Waldo[/post_page_title]
This is Waldo's transformation. As you can see from the first picture, he started off as crusty and underweight stray. And all it took was a little bit of love.
[caption id="attachment_2832" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / priceisalright[/caption]
That was all it took to help Waldo become the happy, fluffy boy that you see in the next picture. He is so lucky and it shows.
[post_page_title]This Before and After Adoption[/post_page_title]
This poor doggie is all skin and bones before being adopted. It is so sad to see this dog looking so skinny and so depressed.
[caption id="attachment_2833" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / rosieposiepit[/caption]
But the change is amazing in the next picture. This dog looks like a whole new dog. They are bright and cheery and it fills out hearts with all the feels.
[post_page_title]Jasper[/post_page_title]
Jasper is a little pup that started off his life in Romania. He looks so sad and depressed. Thankfully, little Jasper had a change of fortune.
[caption id="attachment_2834" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / LittleMissZombiebait[/caption]
Jasper had an incredible adoption story which involved him traveling all the way to the UK to his new home. And it is clearly all over his face how happy he is in his new life.
[post_page_title]Nacho the One-Eyed Dog[/post_page_title]
I would totally have adopted this little fellow had I come across him in a shelter myself. Thankfully, someone did manage to adopt little Nacho and give him the home he deserves.
[caption id="attachment_2835" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / arubanmac88[/caption]
He looks so happy in his new life. And that pirate eye of his seems to not bother him one bit. He is a happy little guy and it gives us all the feels.
[post_page_title]Toby's New Life[/post_page_title]
Toby spent two years in a county shelter. Can you imagine sleeping on the cold, hair floor with an uncomfortable crate for a pillow? It's just so sad to think about.
[caption id="attachment_2836" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / Imgur[/caption]
Things have certainly taken a turn for the better for Toby. This little dog certainly moved up in the world post-adoption and is now enjoying sleeping in the king-sized bed he deserves.
[post_page_title]Teddy[/post_page_title]
This set of before and after pictures were uploaded by Teddy's owners who wrote: "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."
[caption id="attachment_2837" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / carrie.613[/caption]
We can't agree more. We are so happy that his owners took him in and gave him the love and attention he deserves. Well done guys.
[post_page_title]Harper[/post_page_title]
Meet Harper who was adopted by her family from the Fairfax Animal Shelter. Prior to her adoption by her forever home, the poor girl had been adopted and returned three times - three times! - within the first year of her life. No wonder the poor girl looked so alone, confused, and scared.
[caption id="attachment_2838" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / vizsla_harper[/caption]
We are so delighted to see the difference in Harper. There is no doubt that constant love is what helped to make her the happy little girl you see on the right.
[post_page_title]Midwestern Princess[/post_page_title]
It is hard to imagine that this little girl on the left is the same dog that is on the right. She was a found as a stray in Houston. It was a rough start.
[caption id="attachment_2839" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / ledronjames[/caption]
But look at her now. She has moved up in the world, and through adoption, she has become a princess in her new Midwestern home. Isn't it wonderful when things change for the better?!
.jpg_I4Ebof?tr=cr-0.338.2730.3068,f-webp,q-70,w-100)
.jpg_I4Ebof?tr=cr-0.338.2730.3068,f-webp,q-70,w-1024)
