The genre of before-and-after never gets old.Pictures of dogsare an immediate mood-booster. But pictures of dogs who got rescued and are now doing 100 times better are even more heartwarming. Around3.1 million dogsget adopted every year. On the other hand, around 390,000 don’t get rehomed and are euthanized.But the puppers in these pics are not part of that statistic. They are the lucky ones. We like to melt some Pandas' hearts from time to time, and that’s why we collected these preciousrescue dog transformationpics. These dogs' stories are a testament to what a little bit of luck, a kind human heart, and a true connection between a pet and an owner can do.To know more about the delights and challenges of adopting a rescue pet,Bored Pandareached out to Certified Dog Trainer Kristi Benson, CTC PCBC-A. She helps struggling dog owners with her online classes, including “The Calm, Cool, and Collected Dog.” We asked Kristi to weigh in on the adopt vs. shop debate, and she also spoke about the challenges that rescue dog owners might run into. Read her recommendations below!More info:Kristi Benson|Facebook|X|The Calm, Cool, and Collected DogThis post may includeaffiliate links.
The genre of before-and-after never gets old.Pictures of dogsare an immediate mood-booster. But pictures of dogs who got rescued and are now doing 100 times better are even more heartwarming. Around3.1 million dogsget adopted every year. On the other hand, around 390,000 don’t get rehomed and are euthanized.
But the puppers in these pics are not part of that statistic. They are the lucky ones. We like to melt some Pandas' hearts from time to time, and that’s why we collected these preciousrescue dog transformationpics. These dogs' stories are a testament to what a little bit of luck, a kind human heart, and a true connection between a pet and an owner can do.
To know more about the delights and challenges of adopting a rescue pet,Bored Pandareached out to Certified Dog Trainer Kristi Benson, CTC PCBC-A. She helps struggling dog owners with her online classes, including “The Calm, Cool, and Collected Dog.” We asked Kristi to weigh in on the adopt vs. shop debate, and she also spoke about the challenges that rescue dog owners might run into. Read her recommendations below!
More info:Kristi Benson|Facebook|X|The Calm, Cool, and Collected Dog
This post may includeaffiliate links.
Certified Dog Trainer Kristi Benson is all for adopting dogs. “I would encourage anyone and everyone who is thinking about getting a dog to consider a dog from arescue or shelter,” she told Bored Panda.“Homeless dogs are, generally, homeless due to circumstances outside their control (such as the people in their lives experiencing difficulties), not because they are somehow lesser than purebred or purpose-bred dogs. Thousands of beautiful, charming, silly, robust, energic, chill, andwell-mannered dogscan be found in rescues and shelters every day!““All dogs, no matter their origin, are their own creatures with their own set of challenges and strengths,” the dog trainer points out.But not all people choose to adopt. Some folks want pure-bred dogs, and I myself will admit I used to be one of those people. When I was a kid, I wanted a purebeagleso bad I got my parents to buy me one. Back then, I didn’t know about what goes on in puppy mills, and if I had known, I certainly would’ve done a 180 in a heartbeat.
Certified Dog Trainer Kristi Benson is all for adopting dogs. “I would encourage anyone and everyone who is thinking about getting a dog to consider a dog from arescue or shelter,” she told Bored Panda.
“Homeless dogs are, generally, homeless due to circumstances outside their control (such as the people in their lives experiencing difficulties), not because they are somehow lesser than purebred or purpose-bred dogs. Thousands of beautiful, charming, silly, robust, energic, chill, andwell-mannered dogscan be found in rescues and shelters every day!”
“All dogs, no matter their origin, are their own creatures with their own set of challenges and strengths,” the dog trainer points out.
But not all people choose to adopt. Some folks want pure-bred dogs, and I myself will admit I used to be one of those people. When I was a kid, I wanted a purebeagleso bad I got my parents to buy me one. Back then, I didn’t know about what goes on in puppy mills, and if I had known, I certainly would’ve done a 180 in a heartbeat.
Sadly, purchasing a dog from good breeders is becoming less and less possible. Kristi says that getting a dog from a breeder can be beneficial, but many people might be unaware they’re getting a dog from a puppy mill and not a certified breeder.“A great dog breeder will focus on the physical and behavioral health of their pups and will be committed to finding homes that are a good match for the dogs they sell,” she explains. “However, the vast majority of puppies who are sold to the unsuspecting public are not from great breeders – they are from puppy mills.““Puppy mills are horrific and dangerous for the parent dogs,” dog trainer Kristi Benson goes on, “who live in absolutely abhorrent conditions, and the puppies, who don’t experience the quality socialization they need and may suffer medically and behaviourally, along with their new human family, as they grow.”
Sadly, purchasing a dog from good breeders is becoming less and less possible. Kristi says that getting a dog from a breeder can be beneficial, but many people might be unaware they’re getting a dog from a puppy mill and not a certified breeder.
“A great dog breeder will focus on the physical and behavioral health of their pups and will be committed to finding homes that are a good match for the dogs they sell,” she explains. “However, the vast majority of puppies who are sold to the unsuspecting public are not from great breeders – they are from puppy mills.”
“Puppy mills are horrific and dangerous for the parent dogs,” dog trainer Kristi Benson goes on, “who live in absolutely abhorrent conditions, and the puppies, who don’t experience the quality socialization they need and may suffer medically and behaviourally, along with their new human family, as they grow.”
Due to the rising tide of negative press and the shift in public opinion about puppy mills, their owners now go out of their way to mask their practices. “They produce beautiful websites with pictures of lovely family scenes with healthy dogs and puppies,” Kristi explains.“A good search on figuring out if a puppy-selling website is a front for apuppy millshould be the first step for those who choose to buy a purebred or purpose-bred dog, unless they know the breeder personally,” the dog trainer adds.
Due to the rising tide of negative press and the shift in public opinion about puppy mills, their owners now go out of their way to mask their practices. “They produce beautiful websites with pictures of lovely family scenes with healthy dogs and puppies,” Kristi explains.
“A good search on figuring out if a puppy-selling website is a front for apuppy millshould be the first step for those who choose to buy a purebred or purpose-bred dog, unless they know the breeder personally,” the dog trainer adds.
As a seasoned dog trainer, Kristi says that bringing home a rescue puppy won’t be that different than a puppy from a breeder. The most important rule still remains: Prepare!
What if you’re bringing home an adult dog and not a puppy? “[This] may include some challenges, but these will be dog-specific and not necessarily origin-specific,” Benson says. “If the dog is in need of a bit of remedial manners training, a great dog training class will be a good option. If the dog might have some fears, then a good positive reinforcement trainer can help.”
When Leiah was healthy enough, we found her forever family. She has a wonderful dad and dog sibling who love her very much.
“If the dog needs to brush up on their house-training skills after a stay in a kennel, a few weeks of training might be needed to hone this skill as well.” Kristi has ahouse-training coursefor owners who struggle to housebreak their adult dogs.But just because a dog comes from a shelter or rescue doesn’t mean owners will face challenges. “They need care, exercise, good food, vet care, enrichment, and all the things that we love providing for our dogs! But these are things that we must provide to all the pets in our care,” Kristi points out.
“If the dog needs to brush up on their house-training skills after a stay in a kennel, a few weeks of training might be needed to hone this skill as well.” Kristi has ahouse-training coursefor owners who struggle to housebreak their adult dogs.
But just because a dog comes from a shelter or rescue doesn’t mean owners will face challenges. “They need care, exercise, good food, vet care, enrichment, and all the things that we love providing for our dogs! But these are things that we must provide to all the pets in our care,” Kristi points out.
I found her on the side of the highway during a road trip, hundreds of miles from home. None of the local rescues would take her. The obvious broken leg also turned out to be a bad bone infection, and vets couldn’t save it. That doesn’t stop her or even seem to slow her down!
“This is especially the case with puppies, who benefit enormously from the safe environment of a well-handled puppy class to play with other puppies and learn important life skills, such as how to be comfortable at the veterinary office and have their nails trimmed.”
But Kristi warns people to look out for unqualified trainers. “Sadly, dog training remains an unregulated field, which means that anyone, no matter their educational history or approach to changing a dog’s behavior, can call themselves a professional and take your money.”
“If your new dog is showing worrisome behaviors, such as aggression or fear, or is not fitting in well with your family, hiring a professional trainer can absolutely help,” Kristi agrees.“We can help you meet your dog’s needs, meet your needs, and keep everyone feeling safe and joyful. If hard decisions, such as a return to a rescue, need to be made, a trainer can also help clarify and talk you through this.”
“If your new dog is showing worrisome behaviors, such as aggression or fear, or is not fitting in well with your family, hiring a professional trainer can absolutely help,” Kristi agrees.
“We can help you meet your dog’s needs, meet your needs, and keep everyone feeling safe and joyful. If hard decisions, such as a return to a rescue, need to be made, a trainer can also help clarify and talk you through this.”
“So, looking at dogs who are at least three years old at the rescue or shelter is a good bet, especially if the dog was in a foster home. You’ll have a sense of what the dog is like and how they’ll fit into your home and your life!”
He was left behind when a family moved out. For days alone with only a cut-open dog food bag in the cement and dirty backyard. We weren’t prepared for a dog, but I knew I had to get him out of there, even if it was only to get him to a vet and give him a safe space till we could find somewhere else for him to go. In a few days, we will celebrate his 7th birthday. The best spur-of-the-moment decision I’ve ever made. He’s getting old and his cancer is back, so it won’t be too long before we lose him, but we will love him till the end of time and give him everything he wants and needs until he tells us he’s ready.
Kristi also points out that not all rescues are the same. Some might have questionable practices, too. “Some rescues pull dogs from places far from home (which may or may not be an ethical issue),” she goes on.“Some use outdated and dangerous training techniques to mask worrisome behaviors in the dogs in their care, and some may not vet well for health and offer little or no support post-adoption. Many rescues are wonderful, though, and take great care of the animals they place with adoptive homes.“The dog trainer also tells people to consider adopting a senior dog. “These dogs are often less active, which means they fit in nicely with a more casual home (I don’t get up at six to jog for an hour, do you?). And nothing will fill up your heart quite like being a soft and gentle spot for a homeless senior dog to land after a stretch in a rescue or shelter.”
Kristi also points out that not all rescues are the same. Some might have questionable practices, too. “Some rescues pull dogs from places far from home (which may or may not be an ethical issue),” she goes on.
“Some use outdated and dangerous training techniques to mask worrisome behaviors in the dogs in their care, and some may not vet well for health and offer little or no support post-adoption. Many rescues are wonderful, though, and take great care of the animals they place with adoptive homes.”
The dog trainer also tells people to consider adopting a senior dog. “These dogs are often less active, which means they fit in nicely with a more casual home (I don’t get up at six to jog for an hour, do you?). And nothing will fill up your heart quite like being a soft and gentle spot for a homeless senior dog to land after a stretch in a rescue or shelter.”
This dog was left to guard an abandoned sand quarry. I noticed her when it was -40°C. When I first tried to touch her, she wanted to bite me. Now I can cuddle her everywhere, anytime.
Wesley was heartworm-positive, limping, and listed as age 5. He’d been at the pound for 3 weeks, and he was not neutered.I explained that I’d pay for the heartworm treatment (the shelter typically pays) and promised them I was not looking to breed him. I believe in neutering/spaying. I had my vet email confirm a neuter consult that was coming Monday, signed legal documents about getting him neutered, etc., and off we went.Apparently, he’s actually 3.5 years old, and he’s a total goofball. He also was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma 2 weeks ago. We have a week or two left. I’m glad I saved him. Glad he didn’t die with sadness on his face.
2 years ago, I brought an anxious boy with a mess of at least 30 stitches on his back. He had no leash manners and was very needy. At first, he needed to walk about 15 km/day just to calm his anxiety. Now he’s a confident, happy boy who knows he’s home. And his coat is straight-up luxurious these days!
It was a difficult moment to decide to bring him with me. He was infested with ticks and worms, as well as fungus in his fur and many wounds. There were several months of care. I spent 2 weeks hydrating him and forced-feeding with a syringe. After that, he needed hospitalization for a few weeks because he wasn’t eating or drinking water. In the hospital, he was hydrated intravenously and fed through a tube.
She was brought into our local shelter as a stray (she was starving in the winter and apparently walked up to someone’s door). The shelter vet said it was the worst case of mange and malnutrition that they had ever seen. They were going to put her down that night unless someone was able to take her right then and there. Our friend (who already had five dogs) immediately came and picked her up and kept her for three days before calling us.We fell in love immediately. All she wanted was love. She immediately ran into my lap and, although she was very skittish towards men, started licking me and jumped right into my arms.
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One morning the shelter’s staff found a dog who had just given birth (with no puppies to be found) had been left in their outside kennel overnight. I cannot imagine what this poor angel had been through, but I know for sure that she will never go through it again!
Amara was approximately 4 months old Chiweenie who was dumped on my daughter’s front porch on September 2nd, 2021, in bad shape. I rescued her and took her to my vet for immediate care. She was diagnosed with Demodectic Mange and Sarcoptic Mange. She also had an eye infection. She has come a long way and has been such a great dog.
Hi everyone! This was the severely emaciated and mange-ridden little boy, Jasper. After a lot of love and nurturing, he was nursed back to health. Unfortunately I could not be a “foster fail” as my one resident male dog just would not get on board with the new addition, but he did get lots of love and care while living here. I’m happy to report that Jasper is now living his best life and has more than doubled on weight!
He was a homeless dog. The dogcatcher saved him from a road that he had been stuck on. He had a fresh coat of tar on it. He is a long-haired dog, so they had to give him a bad haircut to remove all the tar. No one wanted him because of his age, and the pound labeled him as a hospice case. Turns out he wasn’t really that sick. He just needed almost all his teeth removed. That was 4 years ago, and he is still living the life.
He had been there 6 months, had heartworms, and the shelter didn’t realize he was deaf. When I told them he was deaf, they said he was just pretending to ignore me.It took weeks to convince him he could sleep on the 8 different beds scattered around the house for him. He would pull out any little rug or towel and sleep on that, sleep next to the bed, or take it all apart and sleep just on the blanket on the floor. Eventually, he got it. He has no chill when asking for pets. His only method is to plop his giant, heavy head on your body and hope you notice him.He doesn’t cuddle, he doesn’t lean into you, he doesn’t give kisses, and he doesn’t get on the furniture even though I’ve tried. The one picture of him half on the bed is the closest we’ve gotten. He hasn’t exactly figured out how to play, and if you try to give him a toy, he will take it gently, drop it, and then go sit in the corner with his back to you. It takes a lot of time and small exposure to build his confidence with things.
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This is Sunny. She was found in the woods with her 5 puppies. Underweight, dull fur, and the saddest eyes I’ve seen. When we first met her, she gave everything to her babies. Every treat we tried feeding her, she gave it to them. When we took her for a walk, she just lied down after 2 minutes and took a nap. She clearly didn’t get any rest in a long time. Shelter suspected that she had been mistreated and physically abused. Now, 7 months later, she can finally enjoy her life. She had a glow up, her fur is shining, and her eyes have life in them again.
This boy was the shell of a dog three years ago in the shelter. After we brought him home, we cried for days, wondering if we could ever help him to live a normal life. He wouldn’t even go near my partner for days. He jumped at everything, he would shake on a leash, everything you could imagine. Someone messed him up badly. 3 years later, and you wouldn’t recognize him.
The first picture is what he looked like when a coworker found him on the street and took him to the vet. He didn’t have a chip, so I decided to adopt him.The second picture is what he looked like when I picked him up from the vet.The rest of the pictures were taken when he was happy and healthy!I think he may have been abused because of how frightened of people he was at first, especially men, but he eventually started feeling safe around me and my friends/family.
Belle was found severely dehydrated and emaciated, suffering from painful eye ulcers, extremely anemic, and covered in open wounds. Earlier this week, after spending the last two months with one of our fantastic fosters, Belle is now happy and healthy because she went home with her forever family.
I found him in the middle of the road on my way home from work a few years ago. Took him to the vet the very next day. Asked around the neighborhood for anyone missing a puppy and posted on the local pet lost/found Facebook page. Never found the owners… I decided to just keep him.
Poor thing, was just skin and bones! His body was covered in wounds, and he lost some teeth trying to chew the chain they used to restrain him, but now he only gets good food and a lot of pets!
They were in such bad shape. Born under an abandoned car in the middle of a hot NC summer. They were covered in mange, fleas, and ticks, their paws were so swollen. We were scared to touch them for fear that their skin would break open.They started as fosters for us. We already had two other shelter dogs at home (another Husky with no tail and an aging chow), but of course, we had to adopt them.
This little sweetheart just wants all the cuddles and attention. My friend saved her as she was darting through traffic. Her original family relinquished ownership, and she has been loved ever since.
We picked up Poppy at the end of July. She had a small litter of puppies when she was less than a year old. All her babies were adopted, and she was left at the shelter.She was so shy and reserved and got scared at the smallest thing. Most of the time she would hide in her kennel. Now she’s a sassy cuddle bug that has come into her own so beautifully. She is such a great addition, and we are so happy to have her.
DustyDoll is a stray pup that I spent 4 days trying to rescue during the North Texas freeze that just passed. I walked ~12 miles over the course of those 4 days, following her through the frozen woods and pastures to find where she was living, and started putting food out for her at the closest area I saw her frequently.These pictures are from the first time she got near me after 3 days of lying on the frozen ground. The moment I got her in the truck, she let me pet her, and a picture from this evening shows her settling into her new life.
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Indrė Lukošiūtė
Justinas Keturka
Animals
