Angelica and Spud lived in tight cages in a Virginia house for six years, watching their lives slip away.

Angelica, a short-haired Saint Bernard, had difficulty standing up or turning around in the tiny cage, while Spud, a smaller terrier mix, whirled wildly in small circles.

Then there was the rescue. Rescue & RemEMBER, to be exact. The Virginia-based group describes the bridge as “a bridge over which shelter animals can travel before ending up in their furry home.”

In a distressing video of the first time rescuers spotted them, the couple appear neglected – dirty, anxious and hungry. However, when their cages are unlocked, they escape to save their lives.

They got back together after that. They had no one else for six years and could not even communicate from their various prisons.

Even if it is just the kitchen of the house in which they have been locked up, they play and run, jostle with each other and absorb what must feel like a vast new universe.

Rescue & RemEMBER, in partnership with Knine Rescue, Inc., went out at once to find eternal abodes for them.

Spud was the first to be adopted, and he was adopted by a family who welcomed him as one of their own right away. Spud is now enjoying the warmth of hugs with his new family.

Angelica’s adoption took a little longer due to her health problems, especially her undeveloped hind legs. Anyway, she persisted with her treatment and came out radically modified.

Angelica now looks at the basic joys of life with new eyes!

Despite the abuse and neglect of their childhood, Spud and Angelica are now hoping for a happy future filled with love and companionship.

Watch the couple’s story below, courtesy of the Dodo: