We don’t give too much value to the phrase “time flies” until we see it happen. And it’s also true that time goes by faster with the ones we love, which, of course, includes our fellow pups and kittens. In just a blink of an eye, they go from puppies and kittens to full-fledged doggos and cats, and the only thing we can do is cherish the time we have with them.

We at Bright Side couldn’t help but get sentimental when we compiled these nostalgic before-and-after animal photos, and we truly believe you’ll feel the same way.

1. “It’s still his favorite toy!”

2. 1 and a half years makes a lot of difference.

3. “These were taken a year apart — last year when I found this little guy walking the streets, and today, getting cuddles.”

4. “He helped me get through a very tough year. Couldn’t have done it without him.”

5. “Pics of my dog, 2.5 years apart”

6. 7 months apart — old habits die hard!

7. “Chewie grew SO much in just 2 months.”

8. “When I first rescued him and now! He and 4 other kittens were left in a city work truck.”

9. From 2 hours old to 8 weeks old

10. No matter how big they get, they’ll always be a pup at heart.

12. “My best friend Savannah turned 17 today. She helped raise 2 boys and has been the best of good girls.”

13. “6 months later…fluffy to even more fluffy!”

14. “My, how things have changed…”

15. “My dog and me in 1998 and in 2012”

17. “Left: 3 months old, right: 11 months old — we also got a third cat in the form of a tail…”

18. The difference 2 years can make

19. “My ’Poppy’ over the course of a year!”

Do you have a before-and-after photo that shows the growth of your pet? If yes, share them in the comment section.