Tragically, this world is full of stray animals. They can be found on nearly every continent, in every country, and in every community. Thankfully, though, this world is also full of animal lovers and when these two groups connect, it creates the opportunity for an amazing transformation to occur.

When a human goes out of their way to show love to a stray, they are blessed to witness this awe-inspiring transformation. It changes the person, too, slowly carving out a permanent spot in their heart where they will stay for eternity.

Here are 20 incredible dog transformation photos that prove just how powerful a human’s love for an animal can be. Be forewarned, some of these before photos are graphic. Rest assured, though, that the after photos will have you tearing up with joy and gratitude.

1. An unbelievable transformation

This poor baby was discovered starving in the streets of Vietnam. There has been much speculation that she might be some species of wild dog. What we know for sure, though, is that she definitely looks a lot happier now that she doesn’t have to scrounge for food and has a kind and compassionate human to look after her.

2. From 15 pounds to 60

We couldn’t believe this was the same dog. She was so emaciated that she looked like a barely-living skeleton, and she was. When she was rescued from a breeding facility by a Korean family, she only weighed in at 15 pounds. Now she weighs a healthy, hefty 60 pounds and has a family that loves on her every single day.

3. Transformation from abused racing dog to loved family dog

This poor sweetie is the definition of a survivor. He was used as a racing dog and when he failed to please his trainer, he beat him in the head with a blunt object that crushed his skull. He underwent surgery to put his skull back together and then went through countless hours of physical therapy to relearn how to use his legs.

After Timmy was adopted, though, he left all that trauma behind him and enjoyed every single day like it was the first day of his life.

4. From neglected to adored

This cutie’s name is Nic. When she was found she had a terrible case of Demodectic mange. As you can see, though, with proper treatment from the humans that took care of her, she now has a beautiful coat to match her sweet smile.

5. That smile says it all

Ava had a rough start to life. She was found left outside in a box under the burning Arizona summer sun with 7 other pups from her litter. She was one of the 4 that were found alive. The others had died and were fed on by the other pups, and from her bite-mark scars, it looks like Ava was next.

Thankfully a group of nearby Marines had heard their whining and snuck into the yard to rescue the puppies and Ava got to go home with one of them. You can tell by her smile that she has known nothing but love ever since. The others were also adopted by Marines in the group.

6. Seniors need love too

Ruthie was 16 years old when her owner found her at the shelter. Her compassionate human knows that all dogs need love, including seniors. So, she took her home and has been blessed with grateful doggy loves ever since.

7. The smile of a survivor

Aptly named, Rambo is one tough pup. The adorable dog you see now was once with a family that cared nothing for him. One day they decided to move and when they did, they tied Rambo up in the dark shed outside. Thankfully, he was still alive when the new homeowners went to take a look in their shed. Now, he’s a handsome, healthy, and happy doggo.

8. Movin’ on up

What you see here is the transformation from a hungry, lonesome street dog to a happy, furry hotel host. According to Redditor greenmangolassi this sweetie showed up at the hotel she works at in Nepal and just never left. Now, the dog is an official hotel dog that will even take you on personal tours… that is, if you slip in a good tip, of course!

9. Zip-tied and abandoned to wild and free

Sadly, that’s not just an interesting birthmark around the puppy’s nose. Rather, it’s where the zip-tie rubbed his nose raw when he was abandoned on some backroads with his jaw tied shut. Quick to heal, though, this pupper hasn’t let the abuse he’s suffered keep him from smiling. We’re glad he has a long, happy road ahead of him.

10. The difference 10 weeks can make

Another pup who knows the painful struggle of fighting Demodectic mange, Dex is living the good life now. This sweet little pug was abandoned to the streets of Austin, TX in this wretched condition and barely survived. Thankfully some humans nursed him back to health, though, and then he met his forever human. Now he’s covered in a gorgeous black fur coat.

11. From dying pup to chubby piglet

An SPCA worker couldn’t bear to see this emaciated pup be put down just because of bad luck. So, she brought her home and nursed her back to health. Now, her dad endearingly calls her Piglet because she’s never lacking an appetite.

12. An 8-month transformation

You would have never known that Luna was a Siberian Husky before she met her human. Rather, she looked more like a starving werewolf than a majestic Husky. Thankfully, she wound up in the hands of an experienced rescuer. Her human has 7 other dogs, and 5 of them are rescues.

13. The day after being rescued from death row

This is Rey and she got a second lease on life at the last minute when her human came into her shelter. LA’s East Valley Shelter is known to be a high-kill shelter due to overcrowding. Little Rey had been scheduled to be euthanized for this very reason when her mom came walking in one day and adopted her. It’s pretty easy to see that she’s ecstatic to finally find her forever home.

14. A Frodo’s legendary transformation

Frodo was found in Croatia looking like he was just spat out of Mordor. The poor thing had such a bad case of mange that it attacked his right eye, which couldn’t be saved. Even so, his compassionate human kept on fighting for him and earning his trust with yummy food. Now he’s mange and tick-free with a gorgeous full coat of hair.

15. From languishing in the streets to lounging in her yard

What a transformation! This dog is almost unrecognizable. Her name is Wynter and she was taken in by an animal rescuer. She was treated for mange, fleas, worms, and malnutrition. After a good bath and lots of TLC, this girl turned out to be a true diamond in the ruff!

16. From Mexican to Canadian

This little cutie was found with his litter mates in a sweltering jungle in Mexico. They were taken in by a local rescue who treated them for mange and other issues. A Canadian family on vacation adopted him and brought him back home. He may be blind in one eye, but he doesn’t let that keep him from being one happy Canadian.

17. Her anxiety melted into joyful enthusiasm

This is Ripley (think Alien, not Ripley’s Believe It or Not). She was flown to North America from war-torn Iran, and now we think she may just be one of the happiest (and smartest) dogs alive. She also speaks two languages; English and Farsi.

18. Proof that life is worth living if you just hang in there

This precious pup was left alone in the park, abandoned to fend for herself or die. After a Good Samaritan found her, she went through 4 vet clinics before she found one that didn’t want to put her down. Now she is a thriving example of how great life can be if you just refuse to give up hope.

19. From hurt and hungry stray to happy, healthy Hank

Hank was found as a stray and so we don’t know his full story, but the scars left on his body and his timidness at just 4-months-old lead the shelter to believe he was abused. Thankfully, he was adopted and has spent the last 4 years with his forever family.

He has known their love every day since they brought him home and, as you can see, he’s not so timid these days. He is a happy, healthy Hank who loves his life to the max!

20. The face of true joy

This adorable little fella found himself in lockup at the city pound and was looking terrified and lonely. Then his new mama came and found him there one day and now she has spoiled him rotten. That smile you see is 8 months of unconditional love, endless snuggles, and a whole lotta treats.

These 20 photos of dog transformations just go to prove that every animal is worth saving, and you always get more out of it than what you put in.

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H/T: Shareably