Shelter rescues neglected dog covered in three pounds of matted fur — he looks completely different after makeover

Numerous stray and neglected dogs remain unkempt, leading to significant distress as their fur becomes tangled and matted. However, a simple haircut can transform their condition dramatically.

This was exemplified recently when a dog, previously burdened by severely matted fur, underwent a remarkable 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 extremely thick, matted fur and in a dire state. “The dog has rotten skin spots, hair matted to the skin so badly that it has grown into the skin, and his nails are 2 inches long,” reported the SPCA.

“His fur represented about five years of matting,” stated Kim Moyers, president of the South Plains SPCA, in an interview with KLBK-TV. “It is heartbreaking that he was likely seen by many yet overlooked. I cannot comprehend how he went unnoticed in such a condition. I have never witnessed anything like this; it was shocking.” The South Plains SPCA took him in and named him Matt, in reference to his matted fur. Despite his dire condition, they committed to restoring him and providing him with a second chance.

Matt reportedly cried out in pain whenever they attempted to cut his fur, necessitating sedation for the procedure. They had to cut through a collar and leash that had become embedded in his fur, ultimately removing an astonishing three pounds of matted hair—evidence of five years of neglect.

“There were thousands of goathead stickers, sticks, grass, and even beetles tangled in his fur. He had severe bruising on his body due to the tightness of his fur against his skin,” the SPCA noted. The dog was found to be anemic and was placed on medication, although he tested negative for heartworm and tick-borne diseases, as ticks could not penetrate his thick fur.

Matt still faces a long recovery journey ahead, and he will require dental treatment once his blood work indicates it is safe to proceed.

However, following the removal of all that matted fur, Matt’s life has already undergone a significant transformation, and he now resembles a completely different dog.
Following a grooming session conducted by one of our professional groomers, who is also a foster caregiver for the SPCA, Matt underwent a remarkable transformation, as noted by Houston in an interview with People. “He is the most beautiful dog I have ever encountered. He is simply breathtaking,” she remarked.

The SPCA described Matt as a “sweet boy” upon waking from his grooming, and he has since begun to experience a joyful and normal life.

“He enjoyed his very first walk in probably five years without the burden of his excessive fur,” Houston shared with KLBK. “His little rear end was swaying back and forth, his tail was wagging, and he was filled with happiness.”

Currently, Matt is being fostered by Tori Houston and will be available for adoption once he has fully recovered.

This transformation is truly remarkable! It is disheartening to think that Matt endured such neglect for an extended period, suffering under the weight of matted fur, but we are relieved that he is now safe, groomed, and on the path to a new beginning.

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