Woman stunned by dog's transformation after she broke up with her ‘toxic boyfriend’ — and it's night and day

There isn't anything easy about walking out of a relationship, no matter how unhealthy it is. Each time you gather the courage to make that bold move, overwhelming thoughts cloud your mind, holding you back and pushing you to take another shot at mending broken ties. In such a heartbreaking situation, it's not just the couple but also their friends and family, especially their kids, who often bear the emotional baggage alone. Now, remember, it's just not restricted to humans, as pets also suffer the unbearable agony of toxic relationships. Madi (@rufflife.to.goodlife) has experienced this firsthand, as she saw her dog's unbelievable transformation after she decided to come out of a bad relationship.

Madi shared that dogs, too, can sense every bit of stress and uncertainty in an emotionally damaging relationship, like their owners. When Madi, herself, was tied to one such toxic relationship, she noticed her dog, Penny, always had her ears shot back, perhaps hinting at how the poor puppy was scared all the time. She had lost her appetite and was skipping meals multiple days a week. "Her favorite places to sit (couch and bed) became a worry to her, because my ex would raise his voice when her fur got around the house," Madi revealed. However, everything changed when she ended her 4-year-old relationship and moved into a new house. "Her ears perked back up," Madi said, as she explained how Penny once again started enjoying her favorite spots that had become a terror zone.

Besides, since the day Madi moved out of her ex's house, Penny stopped skipping meals, and her overall health improved almost immediately. "Leave because they deserve to live in peace, just as much as you do," Madi said, asking all people stuck in bad relationships to walk out, if not for them, then at least for their furry babies. Unfortunately, Penny isn't the only one who endured the stress of broken ties; as there are countless other who go through it every single day. "Even in situations where the dog is not being mistreated directly, there can be indirect consequences that may cause behavior or physical issues," Amber L. Lawrence, said in his research on "The Effects of Domestic Violence on Dogs."

Abusive relationships not only ruin the couple but also the ones who see them suffer every day. Madi's video highlighting this profound reality received an overwhelming response on social media. Echoing the sentiments, a user who goes by @orions_charge on Instagram commented, "I had trouble leaving a situation once. But the minute I saw the dog suffering? Gone. Sometimes it’s good to have something to advocate for when you struggle to advocate for yourself. I’m glad you and Penny are safe."

Meanwhile, @sarahbrom6283 wrote, "It’s one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do! But you do it for so many of the right reasons; you and your children and fur babies deserve so much more! @oatlybug said, "I’m glad you guys made it out! You’re the best mommy to Penny. I know she appreciates you so much. And thank you for spreading awareness and sharing a positive message despite a negative situation. I’m rooting for you." On the other hand, @tasha revealed, "I will never get over the guilt of not leaving earlier. One of my cats became so terrified that he jumped out of the tenth floor. You convince yourself that it’s just you that he’s abusing, but the terror they unleashed on you was felt by your furbabies because we’re so connected."

You can follow Madi & Penny (@rufflife.to.goodlife) on Instagram for more dog-related content.