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Golden Retriever Saved From Slaughterhouse Has the Most Grateful Eyes

arena photography
Image via Shutterstock / MarinTodorovMT

Some dogs have terrible luck. While some are born to wear sweaters and be called pretty from the moment they're born, there are dozens of others who will never know love in their lives. If they're lucky, however, some of those dogs are rescued just in time.

That's exactly the case for this Golden Retriever. Her lot in life was particularly nasty: she was being sent to a slaughterhouse. Luckily, though, someone managed to swoop in and save her just before it was too late:

@poppyevelynfit

So so loved already #fy#adoptdontshop#rescuedog#goldenretriever

original sound - Clara

Poppy Evelyn has two Golden Retrievers in her home now, and she wouldn't have it any other way. Her first Golden's name is Nellie, who is just the sweetest girl in the world. Nellie grew up with another sibling who recently passed away, so she knows how to share.

We don't know anything about this new pup yet, except for the fact that she was rescued from a slaughterhouse. Most likely, she was going to be part of the dog meat trade, which is a part of several other countries. The sale, trade, and possession of dog meat is illegal in America.

Related: Rare Golden Bernese Mountain Dog Looks Like a Pot of Honey

Most likely, she was rescued overseas by an international advocacy group before being transferred to the United States, where she was adopted by Poppy, who adores her. The pup has had the most difficult start in life, but these days, she's really living it up:

@poppyevelynfit

Could never be replaced #dogloss#souldog#childhooddog#rescue

original sound - 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥

She might never be able to replace her new mom's childhood dog, but that's not what they need. All they need is a pup to fill their home with love, and this sweet girl definitely checks that box!

How to Help Slaughterhouse Dogs

The fact that dogs are living in these conditions is horrifying, and the fact that a breed as beloved as the Golden Retriever is targeted is proof that no dog is really safe. In fact, the big, lovable breeds are some of the most common to see in slaughterhouses: bigger dogs have more meat.

arena photography
Image via Shutterstock / Rave NIK

From the United States, it can be tough to do anything to help stop the dog meat trade, since it's not common here. However, there are ways, like:

  • Only supporting ethical breeders, if you choose to support breeders at all.
  • Volunteering with international groups to help transport or foster rescue dogs from overseas.
  • Donating to organizations that help rescue them.

You can also register to rescue dogs with those same organizations, just like Poppy did. They'll often even transport the dog to you! Be careful, though, you might get an even better dog than you ever thought was possible!

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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

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