Many stray and neglected dogs suffer as their fur becomes tangled and matted, causing them great distress. A simple haircut can make a world of difference.
Recently, a dog covered in severely matted fur received a transformative makeover, giving him a new lease on life.
On July 16, the South Plains SPCA shared a story about the “worst case of dog neglect we have ever encountered.” This 6-year-old dog, named Matt, was found with extremely matted and thick fur, and in poor health.
“The dog had rotten skin spots, hair matted to the skin so badly it had grown into it, and 2-inch-long nails,” the SPCA reported.
Kim Moyers, president of the South Plains SPCA, told KLBK-TV, “His hair growth was about five years of matting. It’s just awful that he was probably seen in different places and overlooked. I’ve never seen anything like him. It was shocking.”
Despite his terrible condition, the South Plains SPCA was determined to help Matt. They took him in and began the process of giving him a second chance at life.
Due to the pain Matt experienced every time they tried to cut his hair, he had to be sedated. They cut through a collar and leash embedded in his fur and shaved off three pounds of matted hair, accumulated over five years of neglect.
“There were thousands of goathead stickers, sticks, grass, and even beetles matted in his fur. He has severe bruises on his body from the fur being so tight,” the SPCA shared. Matt was also anemic and placed on medication, though he was heartworm negative and free of tick disease.
Matt still has a long road to recovery and will need dental work once his blood work indicates it’s safe. However, his life has already changed dramatically after removing all the matted fur. He looks like a completely different dog.
“After one of our professional groomers, who’s also an SPCA foster, groomed him, he looked amazing,” said Tori Houston. “He is the most gorgeous-looking dog I’ve ever seen. He’s just drop-dead gorgeous.”
The SPCA described Matt as a “sweet boy” after waking up from his grooming. Since then, he has been enjoying a taste of a happy, normal life.
“He went for his very first walk without his bulk of hair in probably five years,” Houston told KLBK. “His little bottom was just going back and forth, his tail was wagging and he was so happy.”
Matt is currently being fostered by Tori Houston and will be placed up for adoption once he has fully recovered.
What an incredible transformation! It’s heartbreaking that Matt was neglected for so long and suffered with all that matted fur, but we’re glad he’s finally safe, groomed, and on his way to a new life!
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