Face of Abandoned Pup vs. How He Looks When 'Starts To Trust' Melts Hearts

The amazing transformation of a rescued 6-month-old puppy has highlighted the importance of the work animal rescuers do.

"Slush was found in a fenced-in park area a few days ago, in Pittston, Pennsylvania. His finders held onto him until we had an opening," a spokesperson from Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge in Dallas, Pennsylvania, told Newsweek.

A petite 25 pounds, he arrived at the shelter with the haunted expression of an abandoned puppy, with a delicate frame and terrified expression.

Slush exhibited signs of deep-seated fear, manifested in drooling and growling at every person he came into contact with.

Each year 6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters, an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The number of dogs and cats taken in by pet shelters hit 46,807 during January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared with January 2022, the 24Pet 'Shelter Watch Report' found. Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

"He was petrified," Blue Chip said. But despite his fear, well captured in a picture taken just moments after his arrival, it didn't take too long for Slush to realize he was safe.

What followed was nothing short of a miraculous transformation. From a terrified and timid puppy, Slush blossomed into a new dog, embodying the joy and exuberance expected of a happy canine companion.

In a recent picture, the transformation is clear in his more relaxed, happier body language: "He is a completely new dog now, acting how a normal happy puppy should act," the rescue said.

Despite initial reservations around new faces, Slush's new-found trust has uncovered a gentle and affectionate dog with a lot of love to give.

At just 6 months old, he now finds himself in a search of a forever home.

"Still a tad reserved around new people until he warms up, but not a mean bone in his body. He would do well in just about any home as he is good with dogs, cats, and kids," said Blue Chip.

The rescue shared the pictures of Slush's amazing transformation after being rescued on Facebook where people were delighted to see him settling. Alongside the pictures, Blue Chip wrote: "The face of an abandoned puppy when he first arrives at the shelter vs the face of an abandoned puppy when he starts to trust!"

"What a cutie," said Jackie in the comments. While Stacy said: "Aww I need a new puppy in my life."

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