See Difference in 'Shut Down' Rescue Puppy After a Few Days in Foster Home

A before-and-after photo shows how important fostering is for rescue dogs, as one pet transformed dramatically after just a few days with a caring foster family.

Nine-month-old Baton was surrendered to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue shelter on October 16, and she wasn't coping very well with her new surroundings in Asheville, North Carolina.

Brooke Fornea, the shelter's director of marketing and guest experience, told Newsweek that there has been a noticeable difference in the black mouth cur and hound mix, since she was fostered on November 8.

"Baton was shut down in the shelter; she would never look at you and didn't enjoy walks, playgroups, or enrichment items like puzzle treats." Fornea said. "When we would try to take her for walks, she was overwhelmed and scared and would hide under anything she could find.

"Since being in a foster home, Baton loves to go for walks, is a huge fan of treats, and is obsessed with the bed and cuddling. She has really come out of her shell and is a much happier dog. We are so grateful to people who open their homes and hearts to homeless animals like Baton," Fornea added.

Fornea said that the shelter helpers are seeing an increase in owners needing "help with their animals." She praises foster carers for giving shelter dogs the chance to feel more secure and settled.

Fornea added: "Foster homes make all the difference in the world for an animal who finds themselves in a shelter.

"It provides them with a comfortable routine and gives them time to decompress and receive comfort. They learn that people can be kind and gentle. We also hear from our fosters that it brings joy into their lives, so it is a win-win."

Each year, 6.3 million pets are surrendered to U.S. shelters, which is 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.

Earlier this week on November 20, the shelter posted Baton's before-and-after transformation with the following caption: "After a few days in a loving foster home, she started to bloom! She is learning people are pretty great - and this thing they call a bed is AMAZING!"

The heartwarming post amassed more than 500 likes and plenty of comments.

One user wrote: "My old, cold heart thaws some every time I see your stories. Appreciate your hard work and commitment to good stuff!"

"It is amazing what a great home can do for a pup. Learning to trust doesn't always happen immediately, but it DOES happen. So grateful Baton is thriving! Thank you!" posted another.

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