Too often, it feels like the bad news just keeps rolling in on the animal welfare front. While abuse is frequent, there are plenty of heartwarming stories out there to restore our faith in humanity.

Below, discover five inspiring dog rescue stories that may start off sad, but ultimately help remind us of the good people working each and every day to combat cruelty in order to make the world a better and more humane place.

1. Homeless dog Bethany undergoes an amazing transformation

2. Blind dog Fiona rescued from trash pile

3. Once abused pit bull Nala rescued from life in a ditch

4. Sam the pit bull gets rescued from a life of dog fighting

5. Burn victim Firefly becomes shelter’s miracle dog