To commemorate International Homeless
Animal Day, we decided to collect some of the most heart-breaking (and
heart-warming) dog rescue stories we’ve ever seen and put them all in
one place.
Animal shelters and rescue centers
around the world have put countless volunteer hours into helping abused
and homeless animals like these find loving homes. Animals on the
street, especially if they are of a showier breed that needs regular
hygienic care, lead very difficult lives. This day is a great
opportunity to donate to your nearest animal shelter/rescue center and,
if you’re looking for a new furry companion, to adopt a pet that needs
your love and care.
Rasta
This poor guy was found in the streets
of Montreal looking so filthy that it was hard to tell that he was
actually a dog. He could barely move underneath all his matted hair. But
look how charming he seems after his cleanup! (Image credits: Quebec Society for Protection Of Animals)
Miley
Miley was found living in a trash pile,
severely injured and barely able to walk. Now Miley is happy and
healthy, living in a new home with her new family. (Image credits: Frank Bruynbroek)
Kenzi
Kenzi came to Cocker Spaniel Rescue of
Austin & San Antonio from San Antonio as an abuse/neglect case. Her
transformation shows what some tender loving care and soothing baths.
(Image credits: onepicturesaves.com)
Ellen
Trio Animal Foundation went and picked
up a clump of matted fur from an open access shelter. The fur on poor
Ellen’s legs was so heavy that it was starting to rip out at the root. 2
pounds of it was shaved away. Now this 2-year-old girl is ready for her
new life to begin. (Image credits: Trio Animal Foundation)
Dolly
One woman spotted this little poodle eating from a trash can in Los Angeles. She reached out to Hope For Paws,
which helped the little girl become fluffy and charming again, removing
10 pounds of fur from the 15-pound pooch. (Image credits: onepicturesaves.com)
Theo
Theo’s owners moved away and left the poor creature to live on the streets, where he spent about a year until Hope For Paws came to rescue him. (Image credits: Annie Hart)
Little Betty
Little Betty was abandoned by her owners. Once ashamed by her appearance, she is now ready for a new home. (Image credits: onepicturesaves.com)
Woody
Woody was dumped on the streets after
his owner passed away. He hid for months and wouldn’t let anyone near
him. The rescuers soon realized that the dog was blind in one eye.
Despite his fear, he surrendered to the rescuers’ gentle touch. (Image
Credits: Hope For Paws)
Treasure
Treasure, a 2-year-old female purebred
miniature poodle, was severely neglected before being spotted by a
passing motorist who brought her to the Natchez-Adams County Humane
Society. Because of her matted, thick, and dirty hair, she couldn’t even
walk anymore, until a visit to the vet made the beautiful Treasure
emerge again. (Image credits: onepicturesaves.com)
Alana
Alana was surrendered to the shelter
severely matted and dirty, hardly recognizable as a dog. To give
vaccinations it was mandatory to shave her completely, which revealed
her being much younger than initially thought. The sweet little dog
found her forever home. (Image credits: onepicturesaves.com)
Boo
Boo was brought to the CARES Community
Animal Rescue & Educational Shelter in Florida after being found on
the side of the road, soaking wet and stinking of urine. After being
cleaned up and groomed, she weighted only 2,8 pounds and looked
adorable. (Image credits: onepicturesaves.com)
Iggy
This poor guy was found barely alive in Mexico with a horrible eye
infection. Someone uploaded a picture of him to Facebook, sharing his
story. People were touched and donated money to transport the guy into
the U.S. and treat his injury. Now it is hard to keep Iggy still – all
he wants is to run around and play with everyone. (Image credits: Eldad Hagar)
Vita
A man found Vita, starving and close to
death, in a junkyard in the Los Angeles area. She weighed only 70
pounds. The rescuers spent months helping her rehabilitate with good
veterinary care, grooming and a proper diet, and now she’s a new
dog. (Image credits: onepicturesaves.com)
Cedar
Cedar was named after the Golf Course
close to where he was waiting to be picked-up by someone. He was
hairless from stress, with bones poking through his skin. Since then,
Cedar has found a great home with good care, where he fits right in.
(Image Credits: Paaws Antigua)
Olivia
This is Olivia on the day she was taken
from an animal shelter by her current owner and one year after. What a
difference a year makes. (Source: imgur)
Shrek
Shrek was found barely moving, with legs
covered in sores and fur caked with mud. After his excess hair was
removed and his wounds were cared for, he was discovered to be a
6-year-old malti-poo dog that had been raised at a puppy mill. Soon
Shrek found a loving home. (Image Credits: Park Road Veterinary Clinic)
