A makeover can truly transform the life of a neglected dog, as shown by one recent case of extreme neglect. A 6-year-old stray, found with severely tangled and matted fur, received a life-changing haircut after years of suffering.
On July 16, South Plains SPCA posted about this heartbreaking case, describing it as the worst neglect they had ever seen. The poor dog was discovered with thick, matted fur, skin infections, and overgrown nails.
“The matting had grown into his skin, and his nails were two inches long,” shared the SPCA.
According to Kim Moyers, president of South Plains SPCA, the dog’s fur had likely been growing for five years, leaving him in terrible condition. “It’s unimaginable that this dog hadn’t been spotted or helped sooner.
I’ve never encountered a case like this,” Moyers told KLBK-TV. The SPCA named him Matt, referencing his matted coat, and immediately began work on his recovery. Since his fur was so matted that any touch caused him pain, Matt had to be sedated for the grooming process.
They carefully removed a collar and leash that had become embedded in his fur, along with three pounds of hair, accumulated over years of neglect. Hidden within the fur were grass, beetles, sticks, and thousands of stickers. The tightness of the fur had caused bruising, and he was placed on medication due to anemia, though thankfully he tested negative for heartworm and tick disease. While Matt still requires ongoing care and dental work, his transformation has already begun. His coat is now clean and trimmed, revealing a much happier dog underneath.
“He looks incredible,” said SPCA foster Tori Houston. “After his grooming, he’s like a completely new dog. It’s amazing to see how far he’s come.”
Matt is now experiencing life free of his bulky fur, enjoying his first walks in years. “He was so excited, his tail couldn’t stop wagging,” Houston told KLBK.
Currently, Matt is being fostered by Houston, and once fully recovered, he will be ready for adoption.
This dog’s transformation is a powerful reminder of how essential proper grooming and care are for a dog’s well-being.
Share Matt’s story and celebrate the second chance he’s been given. ❤️🐾
