Heartwarming Photos of Dogs Before and After the Shelter

It's incredible how just a touch of love can change a dog's entire worldview. Ask any foster family: forming a bond with a rescue pup is unlike any other love in this world. These photos of 13 rescue dogs before and after will pull at your heartstrings in a way you didn't think possible. #AdoptDontShop

1. Cha Cha

Sadly, Cha Cha didn't grow his leg back. :( But he's a lot more eccentric and way less timid than when we first met him...and not as scraggly! He's come a long way in just a couple months. At least he doesn't bark at the postman every day anymore. 

Learn more about Cha Cha's story.

2. Layla

Look at the difference love makes! After just a year, Layla oozes happiness. Her eyes are brighter, and she's even smiling.

3. Little Girl

Pitbulls need love too. This girl's temporary foster human, Chrissy, reminisced: "A beautiful transformation only within five days! Rescued this little girl from a bad situation, and now she's going to a great and loving home. I'm glad I was able to help and find her a new home, she is a great puppy."

4. Jack 

Meet Jack, who's breaking pitbull stereotypes one Instagram photo at a time. Jack was abandoned in the middle of a field and found with his eye punctured. Jack was taken to the vet and almost euthanized, until his humans gave him a forever home. He now lives the life of a 66 pound, pampered (and destructive) pooch.

5. Cantik 

It's also amazing what a little hair can do to dogs. This is sweet Cantik after eight weeks of donated medicine, medicated shampoo, fish oil, and a raw food diet. She is now looking to be adopted out of Mission Pawsible Shelter into a forever home.

6. Ronald

Ronald transformed from hairless and depressed with a severe limp to "happy and hairy with swagger!" He looks so proud of himself. We're proud of him too.

7. Francis

Francis' transformation is incredible in two ways. One, he shed his past as a shelter dog with an injured eye and was adopted into a forever family. He also recently accepted his role as certified rescue dog. You can tell he takes his job seriously.

8. Max

We'll let roxy_petrick tell Max's adoption story firsthand: "When I first was looking at getting a dog, I knew I was going [get a] rescue. I actually stumbled across Max by accident. He was malnourished and needed to put on a few pounds. When I spent some time with him, there were numerous characteristics about him versus the other dogs that stuck out to me. Despite his living conditions, which weren't the best, he sat there smiling at me and waging his tail begging just to be let out. I took him that instant and said: 'Where do I sign?' I didn't just leave with a rescue dog; I left with my best friend, my companion."

9. Hope

Hope showed up starving at a doorstep, with the skin clinging to her bones. Now she's a healthy and happy 22 pounds. Check her out cuddling with the little human!

10. Coconut 

Coconut was rescued only three months ago, but she's made a miraculous transformation since then. Now, she loves spending her days basking in the sun.

 11. Emma

12. Shylah

Amazing what a year's difference can make. Loving, happy, and no more sadness in her eyes. Looks like she's well fed now too. :)

13. Tyson

That smile is adorable! This photo just proves the point that dogs are capable of feelings too.

 Find an animal shelter near you and bring him a furry friend today. 

Still got paws on the brain? Check out 15 Famous Human & Dog Duos and Pawsome Gifts from Dog to Dad.