Shelter rescues neglected dog covered in three pounds of matted fur — he looks completely different after makeover
Many stray and neglected dogs suffer tremendously due to a lack of grooming, leading to severely matted fur that causes them great distress. However, a simple haircut can make a world of difference, as demonstrated by a recent heartwarming case where a severely matted dog received a makeover, giving him a new lease on life.
On July 16, the South Plains SPCA shared a heartbreaking post detailing “the worst case of dog neglect we have ever encountered.” A 6-year-old dog was found covered in extremely matted, thick fur, in deplorable condition. “The dog has rotten skin spots, hair matted to the skin so bad it is ingrown into the skin, the nails are 2 inches long,” 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 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.”
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The South Plains SPCA took in the neglected dog and named him Matt, a nod to his severely matted fur. Despite the terrible condition in which he was found, the team was determined to rehabilitate him and provide him with a second chance at life.
Matt’s fur was so matted and painful that he yelped with pain every time they attempted to cut it. As a result, they had to sedate him to proceed with the grooming. The SPCA team cut through a collar and leash that had become embedded in his hair and shaved off a staggering 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. Additionally, Matt was found to be anemic and placed on medication, although he was heartworm negative and free of tick disease (likely because ticks couldn’t penetrate his thick fur).
While Matt still has a long road to recovery ahead, including necessary dental work once his blood work indicates it’s safe, the removal of his matted fur has already drastically changed his life. He is now unrecognizable, looking like a completely new dog. “After we had one of our professional groomers — who’s also an SPCA foster — groom him, he looked amazing,” said Houston, president of the South Plains SPCA, to People. “He is the most gorgeous-looking dog I’ve ever seen. He’s just drop-dead gorgeous.”
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Following his extensive grooming, Matt woke up and exhibited a sweet and gentle demeanor. For the first time in what must have felt like forever, Matt began experiencing the joys of a normal, happy 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.”
Currently, Matt is being fostered by Tori Houston and will be available for adoption once he has fully recovered. His story is a remarkable transformation from neglect and suffering to safety and hope.
It’s heartbreaking to think about how long Matt suffered with his matted fur and the pain he endured, but it’s uplifting to see him finally safe, groomed, and on his way to a better life. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of caring for our pets and the incredible difference that a simple act of kindness can make.
Please share Matt’s incredible story to raise awareness about the importance of pet grooming and to celebrate the remarkable work done by organizations like the South Plains SPCA. ❤️🐾