The first time we met Coconut, she was starving, shivering and extremely fearful of people. It was May 2013, and she was being rescued from a puppy mill.

Coconut was one of 150 dogs the ASPCA helped save that day, and while many quickly found homes, Coconut couldn’t even handle being touched. Battered and broken, it is likely that she had never before experienced a kind human hand. Coconut needed help, so we sent her to our state-of-the-art Behavioral Rehabilitation Center in Madison, New Jersey.

Over the next few months, Coconut underwent intensive treatment for her fear and anxiety. Though she was one of the most severe cases we had ever seen, our staff refused to give up on sweet Coconut—and within the first few weeks of treatment, she began to show massive improvement. It’s hard to put into words how incredible her transformation was, so we invite you to witness it for yourself:

By the end of her treatment, Coconut was a whole new dog. Her shaking, barking and extreme fear subsided as she learned that there are humans she can trust. In January 2014, she was adopted by a retired couple, and she is now flourishing in their home.

We will never stop fighting for animals like Coconut. She is proof that victims of abuse can be saved, and that every animal has the potential to love and to be loved. We hope that you feel the same way, and that you will help us continue to save lives like Coconut’s by making a donation today.