For us, adopting a pet is a huge responsibility, but it’s the best thing that can happen to shelter animals. To prove the power of a loving home, proud owners from all over the world are sharing photos of their new dogs before & after they were rescued. Bored Panda has decided to compile these heartwarming images into a list, and it will clear any doubts whether or not it’s worth picking up a pup from a kennel.

From sad faces in cramped cells to wide smiles on king size beds, these k9s found happiness in their new homes and can’t hide their emotions. You can understand the difference adoption makes to a shelter pet only if you see one, so scroll down and meet the lucky ones!

Frank The Tank. before and after adoption

Image credits: frankthedoggotank

“Looking at Penny tonight and can’t believe that just one month ago she was a little 7 pound baby scared to go outside”

Image credits: manyadventuresofpiperandpenny

“We found Teddy’s shelter picture and it’s heartbreaking. We’re so glad he came into our lives and is letting his sweet, goofy personality shine! Hopefully he knows that he’ll be safe, clean, fed, and loved for the rest of his life”

Image credits: carrie.613

“Here’s the day my mom picked me up and then me again a couple weeks ago”

Image credits: rosieposiepit

Before and after adoption

Image credits: jaxdoodledog

Before and after adoption

Image credits: kaminten.and.pup

Before and after adoption

Image credits: abaskak

Before and after adoption

Image credits: pippin__pup

Meet Pillow. Before and after adoption

Image credits: Paw_Stories

before and after he left the shelter

Image credits: __hotamolly1114

Before and after adoption. There was a happy, lovable dog hidden behind all that fear

Image credits: killsgerms

Toby at the county shelter 2 years ago and is now king of our house.

Image credits: imgur

Before and after adoption

Image credits: virginiathepitbull

Before and after adoption

Image credits: don_nerone

Butters. Before and after adoption

Image credits: everyoneknows_itsbutters

Ziggy Stardust in his new furever home

Image credits: imgur

Before and after adoption. What a difference a few months make!

Image credits: imgur

On the left, a picture of Ajax, an eskie mix, from 8 months ago: 26 lbs of skin, bone, and mange, with kennel cough and little use of his back legs, pulled straight from animal control. On the right, Ajax, 8 months later: a healthy 42 lbs and overjoyed to

Image credits: imgur

“My foster baby is heading off to her furever home today. I’m gonna miss her!”

Image credits: imgur

Zoe. Before and after adoption

Image credits: thejacksongalaxyproject

Rufus was adopted 4 years ago from a local shelter, and it looks like he has been doing GREAT since!

Image credits: thejacksongalaxyproject