Tangled fur can be quite distressing for stray and abandoned animals. However, a simple haircut can make a world of difference.
Recently, a dog with matted fur received a transformation that revitalized his life.
On July 16, the South Plains SPCA posted about what they described as the “worst case of dog neglect we have ever encountered.” A 6-year-old dog was found with severely matted, thick fur and in very poor condition.
According to the SPCA, “The dog has rotten skin spots, hair matted to the skin so badly that it has become ingrown, and his nails are 2 inches long.”
Kim Moyers, president of the South Plains SPCA, told KLBK-TV, “His hair growth was about five years of matting. It’s just terrible that he was likely seen in various places and ignored. I can’t understand how he wasn’t noticed roaming around in such a condition. I’ve never encountered anything like him. It was shocking.”
His matted fur led to him being named Matt at the South Plains SPCA. Despite his dire situation, they chose to help him and provide him with a second chance.
Matt cried out in agony when they cut his hair, prompting them to sedate him. They untangled a collar and leash from his fur and shaved off three pounds of matted hair after five years of neglect.
“His fur was filled with thousands of goathead stickers, sticks, grass, and even beetles. He has serious bruises on his body due to the tightness of his fur against his skin,” the SPCA reported. The dog was anemic and started on medication, but fortunately, he tested negative for heartworm and tick diseases (as ticks couldn’t penetrate his thick fur.)
Matt faces a long road to recovery and will require dental treatment once his blood work is stable.
Matt’s life has significantly improved after the removal of all that filthy fur, and he now resembles a completely new dog:
“After one of our professional groomers — who also fosters for the SPCA — took care of him, he looked incredible,” Houston shared with People. “He is the most stunning dog I’ve ever encountered. He’s simply breathtaking.”
Following his grooming, the SPCA referred to Matt as a “sweet boy” and provided him with a joyful, normal life.
“He experienced his very first walk without all that excess hair in probably five years,” Houston told KLBK. “His little rear was swaying back and forth, his tail was wagging, and he was absolutely thrilled.”
Once he has fully recovered, Tori Houston plans to find Matt an adoptive family.
What an incredible transformation! While Matt’s long period of neglect and matted fur is heartbreaking, we are overjoyed that he is now safe, groomed, and on the path to a fresh start!
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