In a heartwarming tale of transformation, a severely neglected dog has been given a second chance at life. The 6-year-old canine, named Matt, was rescued by the South Plains SPCA after being found with extremely matted, thick fur that had caused him immense distress.
The dog’s condition was described as the “worst case of dog neglect” the SPCA had ever encountered. His fur was so severely matted that it had grown into his skin, causing rotten skin spots and ingrown fur. His nails were also over two inches long, adding to his overall poor health.
According to Kim Moyers, president of the South Plains SPCA, Matt’s hair growth was estimated to be around five years of matting. “It’s just awful that he was probably seen in different places and overlooked,” Moyers said. “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 SPCA took Matt in and began the painstaking process of removing the matted fur. Due to the severity of the matting, Matt had to be sedated to prevent him from experiencing pain. The process of cutting through the matted fur was a delicate one, with the team having to carefully remove a collar and leash that had become embedded in the fur.
In total, a staggering three pounds of fur was removed from Matt’s body, revealing a multitude of goathead stickers, sticks, grass, and even beetles that had become trapped in the matted fur. Despite the ordeal, Matt was found to be heartworm negative and free of tick disease, likely due to the thickness of his fur preventing ticks from penetrating it.
Matt’s road to recovery is still a long one, with dental work and further medical care needed. However, since his grooming, Matt has been getting a taste of a happy, normal life. He has been fostered by Tori Houston and will be placed up for adoption once he has fully recovered.
As Matt settles into his new life, he is already showing signs of a happy and carefree spirit. According to Houston, Matt’s first walk without his matted fur was a joyous occasion, with his “little bottom” wagging back and forth as he explored the world around him.
Matt’s transformation is a testament to the power of compassion and care. From a life of neglect and suffering to one of happiness and freedom, Matt’s story is a heartwarming reminder of the importance of treating all living beings with kindness and respect.
