All dogs deserve blissful lives filled with snuggles, lots of treats, and a secure place to live. As dog owners, we know what our dogs need and gladly provide it. It’s unimaginable to think there are people out there who care so little for their animals, but that is why there are animal rescuers and advocates willing to do whatever it takes to help these precious creatures. One such case had a tragic beginning, but with teamwork and animal-loving hearts, things changed for the better.

When the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) got a call from the local police about three dogs living in grim conditions nearby, the rescue team set out immediately. Arriving at the scene, the team was taken aback by the sight before them.

Three dogs peered out from run-down wooden shelters that barely protected them. Their empty food and water bowls, overturned and gathering dust, told a story of severe neglect. “The scene was more harrowing than we could have imagined,” the PSPCA shared in a Facebook post. The dogs, named Bam, Beau, and Brenda, were tethered to their makeshift homes with heavy chains.

After assessing the pups, rescuers found that Bam and Beau were in the most dire condition and urgently transported them to the shelter’s hospital. “They were both started on medications to treat their wounds and refeeding plans to slowly help them gain weight,” PSPCA reported.

Brenda, in slightly better health than her companions, received care as well, though her needs were less critical. At last, the three dogs could feel safe and begin to recover under expert care.

Currently, Bam is still receiving treatment in the shelter’s hospital. “[I]t’ll be a bit of time before [Bam is] ready,” a PSPCA representative told The Dodo. “He is very sweet, but we think he isn’t feeling well enough for his personality to truly shine. We’ll take the next several days and maybe even weeks to get to know him and make sure he knows he’s safe.”

Beau has recently moved to the shelter’s greenhouse, a cozy space for animals ready for adoption. The team is hopeful that he will soon be available for a loving family. “Our hospital team had nothing but great things to say about this good boy,” a representative shared.

Meanwhile, Brenda is fully prepared for adoption and is looking for her forever home. “She is very social, loves to wag her tail, solicit attention, lean into her human friends, and even is starting to play!” PSPCA added. Brenda has also met a few other dogs and seems eager to make new friends.

No matter what’s next for Bam, Beau, and Brenda, the shelter staff know they have promising futures ahead. “With each day that passes, all three dogs are becoming stronger and learning to open their hearts up to people,” PSPCA wrote. “They may have been forgotten in the past, but with us, they never will be.”