They clung to each other out of fear, uncertain of what their future might hold. But look at their lives now in this heartwarming update.

No reason was given, but when these two dogs were dropped off at the shelter by their owner, they clung to each other out of fear, uncertain of what their future might hold.

Bridget and Louie, as they are now named, were photographed upon their intake at Montgomery County Animal Shelter in Conroe, Texas this past week. Little did they know that just one day later, they would begin their journey to a new life.

Both dogs were suffering from signs of neglect, with mange and matted fur. But they were obviously attached to one another, so the shelter decided to keep them together in their kennel.

Louie, the smaller, black dog, had a barbed-metal collar jutting into his neck.

Bridget’s upper teeth were ground down to her gums and appears to have had multiple litters. The condition of her teeth could be as result of chewing on metal, such as a chain.

Dog fighters are also known to file down a female dog’s teeth to prevent injuries to males during breeding, or if they are to be used as bait animals. It’s heartbreaking, no matter what the cause.