Hearts have well and truly been melted by a rescue dog’s adorable transformation in the year since she was adopted, leaving internet users stunned by the remarkable difference.
Dog owner Ellie Knippers, 21, shared a heartwarming TikTok video capturing the transformation of her once‑neglected rescue dog, who is now thriving one year after her adoption. The clip documents the emotional journey of Eve—affectionately nicknamed Eevie Peevie—from a frail, malnourished pup to a vibrant, joyful companion.
Knippers adopted Eve on December 23, 2024 after she was found in an unsafe area of Alabama. While little was known about Eve’s past, Knippers told Newsweek that her “body condition told a bad story.”
“When I first saw Eve, I was just sick. I couldn’t believe that she was alive or that someone let her get in such bad condition. I also couldn’t believe how sweet she was. She was so loving to have something so horrible happen to her,” Knippers said.
It is hard for Knippers not to wonder what her sweet rescue pup once endured. She believes that Eve was locked in a cage and staved because of how malnourished she was. Not to mention, Eve doesn’t have any bottom teeth, which makes Knippers think she was gnawing to get out.
Early footage from the TikTok video shows the black‑and‑white pit bull mix at the beginning of 2025, appearing visibly emaciated. Her ribs protruded and her face was marked by multiple abrasions, as she cautiously paced around with evident fear and uncertainty.
The transformation comes into full focus in a second clip, filmed at the end of 2025, where Eve splashes around in a paddling pool. In a stark comparison to the previous footage, the rescue pup looks energetic, lively, and almost unrecognizable from the frightened dog she once was.
Since the 12‑month transformation video was posted on December 29, it has generated over 42,500 views and more than 11,900 likes at the time of writing.
“When I reflect on Eve’s story, I feel accomplished but also devastated,” Knippers said. “Eve should have never got to the state she was in. It makes me sad to think of all the dogs that don’t have an ending like Eve. But it inspires me to keep rescuing and advocating for animals.”
Knippers regularly shares videos about Eve’s adoption on her social media accounts. In a previous post, she said that she first came across Eve after seeing a post on Facebook that showed the dog in a dire condition.
In the initial days after her rescue, Eve was given time to decompress in what Knippers calls her “foster room.” It is a safe space with dog beds and blankets, and Eve wasn’t bothered too much while she got all the rest she could need.
“Eve is a completely different dog now. She was rescued at 22 pounds and is now a healthy 50 pounds. All her wounds have healed, but have left scars. She is the most joyous dog and loves everything,” Knippers continued.
“Today, Eve loves all her fur siblings, goes to doggy day care a couple of days during the week, loves the baby pool and is a total goober. I love Eve with all my heart, and it’s my mission to make her life the best it can be and continue to save animals like her.”
For many rescue dogs, the path from instability to comfort can be gradual. It is certainly not linear, but experts commonly reference the 3‑3‑3 rule, as a typical adjustment timeline. The guideline suggests that it takes three days to decompress, three weeks to begin learning routines, and three months to truly feel comfortable and secure.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says that pets may be stressed and overwhelmed during the first three days in their new home. It is common for them to display their emotions through fear or anxiety at this point.
Pets should start to settle in over the following three weeks as they begin to feel more comfortable in their new environment. The ASPCA encourages owners to work on basic training, use positive reinforcement to reward success, and maintain set boundaries.
After three months, rescue pets typically start to adjust to their new surroundings. They begin to trust, understand their routines, develop bonds and establish habits. While the ASPCA notes that it typically takes pets three months to acclimate, some animals may need longer. It is best for owners to let them go at their own pace and remain patient.
How Did Social Media React?
The online response to Eve’s journey has been overwhelmingly supportive, with TikTok users applauding Knippers for giving the pup a second chance at life. The video has already generated over 250 comments, with many celebrating the pup’s recovery.
One comment reads: “Best accomplishment I’ve seen so far.”
Another TikTok user wrote: “The glow up is perfection—thank you for giving this angel a new lease on life!”
A third person replied: “You brought that angel baby back to life.”
One commenter added: “Your love healed this sweet dog, thank you.”
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