Working in animal rescue can be daunting. The cases that some rescuers come across are heartbreaking and devastating, but seeing the transformation and life changes that can happen for the animals makes it all worth it.

Ermioni knows this all too well, as she works with DAR Animal Rescue in Karditsa, Greece.

She's seen a lot of terrible abuse cases, but some animals stick with her more than others, including a one-year-old dog named Nixxi.

Photo: YouTube/DAR Animal Rescue

Nixxi was found in a village by a young man who noticed the poor pup cowering in some bushes. He called the animal rescue for help as the dog was so scared she wouldn't allow anyone to approach her.

As DAR Animal Rescue shared on YouTube, rescuers couldn't get near Nixxi so they put sedatives in some food and set it out for her. Thankfully, hunger own over and it wasn't long before Nixxi ate the food and fell asleep.

Photo: YouTube/DAR Animal Rescue

Once safely at the veterinarian, they discovered something gut-wrenching. Poor Nixxi had been living with a collar painfully embedded in her neck. No one can say for sure what happened in her past, but it's likely her first year of life was filled with hurt and neglect.

She smelled like "rotten skin" and her eyes were so full of fear and terror. After they removed the collar, rescuers worked patiently with Nixxi to get her used to humans and to help her overcome her fears. She had a long journey ahead of her, but eventually, she was ready for a new home.

Photo: YouTube/DAR Animal Rescue

A wonderful woman ended up adopting Nixxi and gave her a new name: Phoebe.

Phoebe is now living with her mom and other dog siblings. She still carries some sorrow in her eyes, but she no longer has to worry about getting food, love, care, or companionship.

We're so happy for her! Check out the video below: