Many stray and neglected dogs suffer from ungroomed fur, leading to distress as their fur becomes tangled and matted. However, a haircut can make a world of difference.
This was evident recently when a severely matted dog received a makeover, giving him a new lease on life. On July 16, the South Plains SPCA shared a post about the “worst case of dog neglect we have ever encountered.” A 6-year-old dog was found with extremely matted, thick fur, and in poor condition.
“The dog has rotten skin spots, hair matted to the skin so badly it is grown into the skin, and the nails are 2 inches long,” reported the SPCA. 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 don’t see how he hasn’t been seen roaming in the condition he was. I’ve never seen anything like him. It was shocking.”
The South Plains SPCA took him in and named him Matt, after his matted fur. Despite his terrible condition, they were determined to fix him up and give him a second chance. Matt reportedly yelped with pain every time they tried to cut his hair, so they had to sedate him. They cut through a collar and leash embedded in his hair and shaved off three pounds of fur, the result of 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 his fur being tight on his skin,” the SPCA wrote. The dog was anemic and placed on medication, though he was found to be heartworm negative and free of tick disease, as ticks couldn’t penetrate his thick fur.
Matt still has a lengthy road to recovery ahead and will need dental work once his blood work indicates it’s safe. However, removing all that matted fur has already transformed his life dramatically, making him look like a completely different dog.
“After one of our professional groomers, who’s also an SPCA foster, groomed him, he looked amazing,” Houston told People. “He is the most gorgeous-looking dog I’ve ever seen. He’s just drop-dead gorgeous.” The SPCA said Matt was a “sweet boy” after waking up from his grooming, and he’s been experiencing a happy, normal life since.
“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 recovered.
What a stunning 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. Please share this incredible story!
