Twenty golden retrievers destined to be killed for their meat in China have been saved thanks to an animal rescue group.
What's more, each dog was photographed meeting its new adoptive parents after touching down for a new life in the US.
The incredible mission was made possible thanks to the Florida-based animal rescue group Golden Rescue South Florida, who reportedly spent six months and $50,000 in donations executing the Christmas miracle.
Per the Metro, rescue co-ordinator, Kristine Minerva, 40, revealed that the dogs had been flown 7,800 miles from Beijing in order to start their new life in the US. Without rescue, they would have likely ended up in a slaughterhouse, Minerva said.
Their tragic story (as well as their adorable little faces) were so moving, that every single one of the pups had a new owner waiting for them before the plane had landed on US soil.
Minerva had the idea for the rescue after reading about their plight in an article online, which led to her being in contact with a rescue group in Beijing.
All-in-all, 17 volunteers were involved in the rescue operation.
Sadly, the transportation wasn't without it's hiccups, and the dogs were forced to remain in their crates for over 40 hours after travel delays.
Fortunately, Minerva was able to enlist the help of the Taiwan SPCA and PETA in assisting in the rescue in both China and Chicago.
After they finally arrived on Sunday morning, volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got to work - cleaning each dog, carrying out medical checks, and matching each dog with its new owners.
The post explains: "We had a 24/7 medical clinic prepared to take them. NOT NEEDED! The dogs were in remarkable shape!"
The post continued: "Now picture 20 dogs in their crates for almost 5 days! They were covered in their own waste. The smell was incredible! But our volunteers jumped in and helped bathe each dog at the one spigot that was there. Backs hurt, knees were sore...but all the dogs were clean when they left for their new homes."
Upon being united with their new owners, each dog was said to be "joyful", wagging their tails and giving kisses.
The post concluded: "What an incredible undertaking. What an incredible undertaking! And guess what? We’re going to DO IT AGAIN...soon."
In an update with their followers, Golden Rescue South Florida shared a series of pictures showing the dogs in their new homes.
With many of the dogs looking exhausted and sleeping away, the group wrote in the caption: "Sweet Dreams sweet babies. Welcome to your home sweet home."
An emotional video has gone viral on social media this week after a group of 20 golden retrievers who were rescued from the dog meat trade met their new owners for the first time.
According to a report by The Metro, the dogs in question were rescued by volunteers working at Golden Rescue South Florida, a dog rescue center in Miami.
Take a look at this news report on the newly-homed dogs:
Per The Metro, 17 volunteers spent six months planning and fundraising $50,000 in conjunction with PETA and a Taiwanese animal rights charity to rescue the canines from the meat markets in China.
They managed to save 20 of the animals from being eaten after flying 7,800 miles from Beijing to start a new life in America.
All 20 of the golden retrievers were adopted by US citizens before they’d even made it to America and their first meeting with their new owners was recorded for posterity.
Per The Metro, 40-year-old rescue co-ordinator Kristine Minerva stated:
"It’s estimated alone that about 10 million dogs are slaughtered for the dog meat trade each year.
"Just seeing an animal in such horrible conditions is heart-breaking. Once rescued and they knowing they are safe is one of the most heart warming and selfless feeling ever."
She added: "The dogs were being kept with hundreds of other golden retrievers when I found out about them.
"Fewer and fewer golden retrievers need to be rescued here in the States, so I figured I’d push the envelope and see about saving goldens from their horrible fate in China.
"All adoptive homes were found before they arrived. They were already so loved by so many families."
Chinese police and animal activists intercepted a truck carrying 386 dogs to slaughter at China's annual Yulin Dog Meat Festival.
According to Humane Society International (HSI), several days before the 2022 Yulin Dog Meat Festival started on June 21, the truck was first spotted 500 miles outside the city.
The publication reported that footage taken by the activists showed the moment the Shaanxi law enforcement pulled the truck over on the road, it confirmed that the vehicle was carrying dogs crammed into wire cages.
Activists in China have praised the police for their quick response and said that if all police took this zero-tolerance policy, the country's dog meat trade would come to a stop.
Credit: REUTERS / Alamy.
Lin Xiong, one of the activists who saw the truck being pulled over by the police, said: "They had probably been on the truck for days, dehydrated and starving, many of them with visible signs of injury and disease."
"We could see their petrified faces peering out from the cages and we knew those dogs were headed straight for Yulin slaughterhouses where they would have been bludgeoned to death," Xiong continued.
Xiong said the response of the police was "really impressive," explaining that the driver of the truck was "unable" to prove that he "acquired" and "transported" the canines illegally.
"It was a very tense time for us but thanks to the authorities, these dogs are now safe in police quarantine where they can get food, water, and rest," they continued. "If only all police across China would have such a firm zero-tolerance approach to these dog thieves and traffickers, it would be the end of the dog trade here."
In their report of the rescue, HSI said that the Yulin Dog Mest Festival began in 2010 to increase declining dog meat sales. While the event can attract thousands of visitors each year, the popularity of consuming dog meat in the country continues to decline.
Per People, the publication also documented opinion polls that show that 72% of citizens in Yulin don't regularly eat dog meat and that the resistance to the practice is now expanding across China.
China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs officially declared in 2020 that dogs are companion animals and additionally, that same year, two Chinese cities - Shenzhen and Zhuhai - prohibited the consumption of both dog and cat meat.
Peter Li, Ph.D., a China policy expert for HSI which helps rescued dogs, said: "Even though most people in China don't eat dogs, dog-eating hotspots in the south such as Yulin do still exist, and millions of dogs continue to suffer terribly."
"I'm so proud of the Chinese activists who are standing up for these animals, and the police whose response was absolutely vital, because without them these dogs would already be dead on the kill floor of a Yulin slaughterhouse," he added.
Featured image credit: Paul Quezada-Neiman / Alamy.
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?!
More than 250 dogs found crammed into a single living room are now recovering well, according to the RSPCA. The animals, mostly poodle-cross breeds, were discovered earlier this year at an undisclosed UK property after their numbers spiralled due to difficult family circumstances.
A photo taken during the rescue showed dozens of shaggy-coated dogs squeezed into one space, sparking disbelief online. Some even questioned whether the image was real, forcing the RSPCA to confirm it was genuine and not AI-generated.
Despite the cramped and concerning conditions, the charity says the dogs have made remarkable progress since being removed from the property in January.
Dogs recovering and finding new homes
As reported by BBC News, Lee Hopgood, the RSPCA's operational superintendent for the North of England, said that "surprisingly... the dogs are fine and doing really, really well".
Many of the animals initially required treatment after being found with "matted and crusted coats". Of the dogs rescued, 87 were taken in by the RSPCA, while the rest were placed with Dogs Trust.
After receiving care and behavioural support, the turnaround has been significant. A Dogs Trust spokesperson confirmed that "many of the dogs have now been successfully rehomed and are enjoying life in their forever homes," while some remain in care, "including those who have given birth while with us".
250 dogs found living in one house. Credit: RSPCA
Boone’s journey to a new life
One of the rescued dogs, Boone, has become a standout example of recovery. Adopted by former RSPCA inspectorate commissioner Dermot Murphy, Boone even appeared on BBC Breakfast.
Murphy explained that Boone arrived underweight with sore ears and eyes, and struggled with basic experiences. "He'd never been on a lead before, so when you put a lead on he locked his claws to the floor, he didn't know what that was".
Adjusting to normal life proved overwhelming at first, described as "a bit of a sensory overload", but Boone has since made huge strides. Now able to run freely and play, Murphy said: "It's just fantastic to see how he's come out of himself and become part of our family."
Rise in large-scale animal cases
The RSPCA says situations involving large numbers of animals at a single property are becoming more common, with cases rising by 70% in England and Wales since 2021. Factors may include mental health struggles, financial pressure, and poor breeding practices.
In this case, the charity confirmed it would not pursue prosecution due to the "extremely vulnerable nature" of the owners.
The dogs involved were all poodle-cross breeds, often called "doodles", which have surged in popularity in recent years. According to a 2025 Dogs Trust survey, they are now among the top three crossbreeds owned by dog owners.
The now-viral rescue image, described by the RSPCA as "shocking", offers a stark look at the scale of these incidents and the work involved in tackling them.
There's nothing quite like a mother's love - even in the animal kingdom - and when this rescue dog lost her puppies after a C-section, she still had a whole lot of affection left to give.
Georgia was found by rescuers from the Sunshine Dog Rescue after surviving on scraps near a gas station by the US-Mexico border.
Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of vets, they couldn't save her puppies, who were all born prematurely.
The German Shepard-mix was left "frantic" after realizing that her litter of puppies was suddenly gone.
"The best way I could describe it was she was frantic," Anita Osa, founder of Sunshine Dog Rescue, told ABC15. "It was so sad, she was looking for those babies. She tore up the toddler mattress we had her on, trying to find her babies."
After realizing that the dog was lactating, Anita went on Facebook to find out if there were any local puppies in the area who would have a use for Georgia's milk, and it was then that she discovered that there were four kittens in need of an adopted mom.
Because dogs and cats are completely different species, Anita, naturally, had her reservations about putting them together.
"I was certainly unsure," Anita told the media. "But I had seen other species nurse another species before, so I thought, 'worse case scenario she doesn't take to them and I have some kittens I need to tend to myself.'"
Unfortunately, one of the kittens died on the first night, but the other members of this unusual family thrived under the care of their new adopted mama, and the rescue helped both the dog and kittens to recover.
Discussing the formation of the new family, Anita said: "I introduced them to her gently. I first brought one out and let her sniff it, and she seemed to accept it, so I brought the others out. It's amazing to see how she instantly calmed down. I think for the kittens, they have no idea that Georgia is a dog."
It wasn't long before every member of this adorable family was adopted, and Georgia even got to live with one of her adopted kittens thanks to the roommate of her adopter falling in love with them!
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