These Pups Were Left To Starve On The Streets, Look At Them Now – See Their Transformations
Every now and then, we all come across someone in need. While not every act of kindness leads to a perfect outcome, it's easy to forget how much even a small gesture can make a difference.
In fact, those who offer their love and support are often the most surprised by the incredible transformations that unfold. What may seem like a gradual change to them can be a life-saving shift for the one they’ve helped. When caring for someone special becomes tough, stories like these remind us that it’s all worth it. Let’s take a look at these heartwarming dog transformations!
They really needed each other
When this dog first met Reddit user t_c_roman, he appeared a bit malnourished. But the most remarkable change he experienced over the next six months wasn't just physical—it was his newfound photogenic confidence. The dog's transformation in the second photo shows a level of self-assurance that seemed impossible before.
While it might sound like a cliché to say that the dog saved the uploader as much as they saved him, the uploader insists that it’s no less true. In their words, "I think I needed him more than he needed me. I am so grateful to have such an amazing dog."
This took less time than most people would expect
When Reddit user scook1996 brought this foster dog home, she was dealing with severe skin issues. Her previous owner claimed they couldn't afford the necessary treatment, but the new foster wasn’t convinced by that excuse.
The uploader found that the medications, ointments, and special baths the dog needed were much more affordable than expected. What was even more impressive was how quickly her condition improved. Within just two weeks of consistent care (and plenty of soothing chin rubs), she was already looking much healthier and happier.
Even she seems to know what a close call this was
This beautiful dog had every reason to be as scared as she looked in the first photo. She was seriously ill with parvovirus, a potentially fatal disease for dogs. In fact, it nearly claimed her life, which is why Reddit user LittleLowkey didn't sleep for a week after taking her in as a foster.
However, they weren’t new to this virus—this dog was actually the fourth they’d fostered to battle it. Thankfully, after a month of care, her health made a complete turnaround. The uploader now describes her as a "total nutcase," full of energy and life.
It's hard to believe what someone put Queso through
As Reddit user Nooksgabriel shared, little Queso had spent her entire six-and-a-half-year life in a cage before being rescued. An animal rescue had purchased her from a man at a swap meet who admitted to keeping her in the cage so much that she had never even touched grass.
At first, Queso was underweight, skittish, and walked as if she were still confined. But with time, she began to thrive. As the months passed, her health improved, her coat became fluffier, and she's now known to roll around in the grass every day, enjoying the freedom she never had.
The difference is powerful
When Sammy first arrived at Reddit user BiggEVH's home, the dog was in rough shape. While most of its fur seemed fine, there was a noticeable infection near its left hind leg. Worse yet, the strange, concave shape of its body indicated a serious lack of nourishment.
Eight months later, Sammy is living a much better life. Not only has the dog become significantly more robust, but its fur has gone from somewhat healthy to shiny. The infection is gone as well, marking a complete turnaround in Sammy's health and happiness.
It's hard not to cry at the difference here
When this sweet little dog was rescued, its fur was severely matted where it existed. Worse yet, so much of it was gone due to a clear case of mange that can be seen around the ears. But thanks to Reddit user jaldt's kindness and love, the pup wouldn't always look like that.
It took some time before the little friend improved, but he clearly became happier the healthier his fur looked. Although it's unclear how long this took, it's now such a happy and adorable little dog that it hardly looks like anything happened to it at all!
She's a reminder not to take things for granted
After Reddit user charlottepharoah adopted this dog from Romania in December 2023, she was scared of everything, including going outside. However, they said that they saw some serious progress about four months after her adoption, as she went out to explore the yard for three consecutive days.
Although she wasn't comfortable enough out there to go to the bathroom, she nonetheless reacted to a passing helicopter, a loud car, and nearby voices without barking and snarling. She's even taking ownership of her ball, which most dog owners wouldn't bat an eye at but is a sign of serious progress for her.
It was a hard road but oh so worth it
According to Reddit user TheYankunian, this pup used to be a stray wandering the streets of Cyprus. While no one knows exactly what he went through, it was clear to his new owner that he was deeply afraid.
For the first week in his new home, he wouldn't even touch his bed—he just stayed tucked away in the corner seen in the first photo. But after six weeks of care and patience, everything changed. The once-nervous dog finally realized he was safe, and now his joy is unmistakable.
Subtle differences in how he behaves
When Reddit user broo_house shared these photos of their dog, Pudge, he didn't exactly come across as a high-energy pup. But there’s a quiet, powerful difference between his low-key demeanor when he was first found and six months into his new life.
As a stray, Pudge looked worn down and heartbroken—life on the streets had clearly taken a toll. Now, when he’s stretched out on the rug at home, that same stillness comes from a place of peace. His tail wags gently, a small but sweet sign that he’s finally safe, loved, and at ease.
It's too bad that foster failing isn't an option here
Reddit user aliensemble shared the journey of their first-ever foster dog, Boney Maroney. True to his name, he arrived painfully underweight, his ribs starkly visible in a photo taken alongside the uploader's daughter.
But within just a month of care and nourishment, Boney transformed—gaining weight, regaining strength, and becoming ready for adoption into a forever home. Although the family couldn’t keep him, the experience left a lasting mark. In fact, it inspired their daughter to pursue a future as a veterinarian, all because of the love and connection she felt while helping Boney recover.
He's already looking healthier!
As Reddit user Fuzzy_Pressure_2664 explained, this bulldog and terrier mix was about 43 pounds when he was first rescued. That's pretty malnourished for a dog of his size and breed, but the good news is that he's up to about 60 pounds just three months later.
The dog's owner also said he's pretty muscular, which is surprising because he spends most of his days sleeping. As for the tail, it apparently wasn't docked. The bulldog genes just made it naturally curl up like that.
This precious little guy won't be left behind anymore
Two years ago, Reddit user failures_art was handling an eviction as part of their property management job. However, they learned that the tenant not only abandoned the apartment but also left two dogs alone. Since the pit bull shown here was in the worst shape of the two due to malnourishment and infections, the uploader decided to adopt him.
And in the two years since they've started being pals, the progress has been remarkable. Not only is the dog so much healthier and stronger but what was once a sad, despondent dog is now downright goofy.
They've been on a real journey together
Sadly, not much is known about how this dog went from a frightened shelter pup to the lovable companion he is today. Reddit user keyjamoon simply shared, "Six years later, and I'm so grateful Bane is still by my side."
And honestly, that says it all. The sadness in Bane's eyes as a puppy was unmistakable—and now, it’s clear just how much love and happiness he’s found. The bond they share speaks volumes.
A lot of progress in a short time
As Reddit user cenatutu described, Sal here was practically catatonic when they first fostered him. After being confined to an outdoor pen, starved, and otherwise mistreated, he had to be carried out to the uploader's car and wouldn't leave the den they set up in their kitchen.
However, so much changed after only two weeks. Although Sal is still afraid of the Redditor's car, he has become much more playful and friendly. Not only does he greet his foster parent at the door, but he now loves playing with the other foster dog in the house and even enjoys hikes.
What a difference a year made
This sweet girl had come out of a seriously rough situation by the time she found shelter in Reddit user CheckAgitated6428's arms. Although they weren't specific about the kind of treatment she faced, it was known that her previous owners were hoarders. And that malnourishment speaks for itself.
However, she's looking so much healthier after a year in the uploader's care. Her coat is shinier, her weight is more substantial, and she's resting peacefully after a snack. Although there's still more work to do, the uploader described her as "Seriously, the most loving dog I've ever met."
It was hard not to fall in love
As Reddit user beer__fear explained, this little doggie was brought to them from Greece as a stray in June of 2021 at six months old. And while there are certainly dogs in worse shape by the time they're adopted, she was both pretty scruffy and clearly stressed out.
After a year in the uploader's care, however, she's both better groomed and wearing a much more peaceful expression. Naturally, she's made a big impact on her new owner as well. As they wrote, "She's been the light of my life ever since."
He's like a completely different dog!
As the caption in a video posted to Reddit by DuTr0ng suggests, this dog had clearly been horribly mistreated and neglected when his saviors found him two years before their post. Between his sickly fur and his demeanor that straddled the line between being too anxious to be touched and too exhausted to refuse it, it was clear he had been through too much.
However, the two years that followed were full of love, patience, and the proper feeding and care the dog should have experienced all along. As a result, he's not only got a lush, healthy coat but a confidence that seems unrecognizable from before.
Somebody had some good news for Laser here
When Reddit user littleshortdogs first started fostering Laser, he was clearly malnourished. However, that wasn't the only problem that the poor pup had to deal with. However, it only took six weeks to put most of those issues in the rearview.
As the uploader explained, the second of these pictures was taken after they had just finished Laser's heartworm treatment. Not only was the dog at a much healthier weight and next to an equally adorable friend, but littleshortdogs was about to adopt him officially. It couldn't work out better!
It may not seem like it, but she's much happier
It's unusual to see a dog with a thousand-yard stare, but Pumpkin the Catahoula had every right to have one. As Reddit user AlfcatLannister explained, she came from a crowded house with far too many dogs, which left her scared to the point that she was considered half-feral.
However, the past two years have seen Pumpkin go from cowering in the corner and not trusting many foods to becoming curious and comfortable. She cuddles with the uploader, gives kisses, approaches them on their own, and even lets their family walk her and feed her by hand.
It went from a refuge to a preferred sleeping arrangement
Based on this little sweetie's scared eyes, it seemed hard for her to adjust to her new home. Although it wasn't clear what she had been through, she needed to find comfort wherever she could. That led her to take refuge on this little dog mattress.
Seven months later, her demeanor is much different. Although she's in the same place and in roughly the same position, her eyes are far more confident and comfortable. As Reddit user d_bone36 said, "7 months later, it's still her favorite spot."
Whoever did this couldn't have brought her to a better place
When Reddit user disktoaster first met their dog, Roxie, she had been anonymously left on their doorstep. At the time, she only weighed 20 pounds, and based on the markings the Redditor had noticed on her, they suspected she had been used as a bait dog in an illicit fighting ring.
Although they'll never know who brought Roxie to their home, it turned out to be the perfect match because they were still dearly devoted to her ten years later. Not only is she clearly much healthier and happier, but disktoaster's care also helped bring out the silly, lovable girl she was all along.
Sometimes, the humans aren't the ones doing the adopting
When Reddit user iLoveGlass210 first met their dog, Beck, she happened upon them outside of a convenience store when they were on their lunch break. She just jumped in the uploader's truck, and before that person knew it, she was their dog.
In the two years since that's happened, it's clear that this once scrawny dog has reached a much healthier weight. That's also been enough time for her human to fall in love completely. In their words, "The only way I can describe her, it's like catching a rare Pokémon. She's the most perfect dog ever."
The difference couldn't be clearer
Naturally, the first thing most people notice when they see this dog is her unusual, fang-like bottom teeth. However, Reddit user jansarceo explained that they're her badge of honor for surviving an awful disease that most dogs sadly succumb to.
Specifically, she overcame the canine distemper virus. And while her weight and coat nowadays show how healthy she's become since surviving it, her unique teeth will always be a little reminder of her journey. She's so happy and loved now!
She will never end up in the trash again
As Reddit user BeingJohnZoidberg explained, he initially encountered little Shelly when she was five weeks old after she had been abandoned in a garbage drop-off zone. Although he had planned to take her to an adoption service, he found that he wouldn't be able to let her go once he brought her home.
Although the uploader doesn't know what breed she is, it's not lost on him that she's an unusually small dog. But whether it's due to her breed, status as the runt of her litter, or an improper diet, she's still his precious little girl eight months later.
This is how powerful a loving environment can be
When Reddit user firstpuppyowner's rescue puppy arrived from Puerto Rico, it didn't take a master of perception to see how scared she was. From her teary eyes to her nervous chewing, it would've inspired a big hug if she was comfortable enough to receive it.
In the two years since that adoption first took place, however, it's like she's been blessed with an entirely different personality. Her happiness is palpable and while she may have had a rough time as a puppy, she's thriving as a big girl.
His first Christmas may not have been merry, but this one is
Although it's very common for rescue dogs to be scared and moody when they first arrive home, it seems that this one has a truly indomitable spirit. As Reddit user mks93 explained, it only took three weeks of providing foster care for the dog before they decided they wanted to adopt him.
Yet, while the love may have grown quickly, that doesn't mean the process of becoming close to him over the next two years was easy. As the uploader wrote, "He's been the most rewarding challenge of my life."
There's only one hint as to his life before it got better
According to Reddit user squishsquishsquish30, Finn was in rough shape when he was surrendered by a family in 2020. Although the 10-month-old dog's missing eye was the most obvious issue, he was also dealing with mange and a wide array of other health problems.
However, he took a shine to the uploader immediately and was quickly adopted. Over the last four years, Finn has not only had those health problems taken care of and ventured on the path to a much happier life, but he's had some real experiences. He's even been white water rafting!
It's amazing how quickly this happened!
This is Sunny. As Reddit user Katesashark explained, the first week she spent in their home was characterized by her crouching in this corner and eyeing her new family suspiciously. That's not exactly unusual for a rescue dog.
What is unusual, however, is what happened after that week was over. As the second picture demonstrates, she's now comfortable enough to sleep on the people she once refused to take her eyes off of. In the uploader's words, "Sunny finally understands 'home.'"
Mason Zimmer
