The sad reality is that many underweight or emaciated dogs often end up in animal shelters. It breaks my heart to see animals suffer so much that they become almost unrecognizable.

Despite the abuse they’ve endured, some animals still manage to show affection and trust towards humans. Others, however, shrink back in fear when approached by a rescuer. It’s hard to imagine what kind of trauma these poor creatures must have gone through.

I can’t fathom the idea of ever wanting to hurt an animal. The thought that anyone could find joy in causing harm to an innocent creature is beyond me.

That said, I firmly believe that dogs have a special sense—a kind of sixth sense—that helps them distinguish between good and bad people.

People who genuinely care about animals understand the importance of giving a neglected dog time to adjust. While our first instinct may be to pet or play with the dog to show we mean no harm, that’s not always the best approach.

Some folks can’t grasp how a dog that has suffered cruelty might react in shock when approached by a stranger.

Take Edie, for instance. Edie is a mixed-breed dog who was abandoned and left in terrible condition. She was scheduled to be euthanized within hours. Completely terrified of humans, Edie had gone so long without receiving any kindness that she no longer knew how to respond to it. Her coat was messy, and she looked severely malnourished. Only a true animal lover could give Edie another chance.

Watching the beginning of Edie’s rescue video is tough. She is so scared that she doesn’t know how to react. She shakes uncontrollably and barks in fear, assuming the man approaching her is a threat.

However, as the video progresses, the man gently manages to catch Edie and prevent her from running away. This is the turning point—he is able to stay close to her without scaring her off.

From there, the trust between them builds surprisingly quickly. Edie starts to realize that this man doesn’t mean her any harm—instead, he’s there to help her. You can almost see the moment it clicks for her, the moment she understands she’s not going to be put down.

You can watch Edie’s incredible reaction in the video below, as she comes to the heartwarming realization that she’s been saved.

Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the incredible people who dedicate their lives to helping animals in need. Without them, the world would be a much darker place for our defenseless four-legged friends.

Please share this video so more people can witness Edie’s amazing transformation