Animal rescue work often involves dealing with heartbreaking situations, but some stories leave a lasting mark on the rescuers’ hearts. Their role requires immense patience, empathy, and determination.
In Lubbock, Texas, a rescue team faced one of these unforgettable cases when they encountered a dog so neglected that his head and tail were indistinguishable.
The matted fur left him looking like a heap of sheep wool, an image that shocked even the most seasoned rescuers.
This particular dog, later named Matt, was found wandering the streets, fearful and avoiding eye contact. Tori Houston, a volunteer with South Plains SPCA, was urgently contacted by her supervisor, Kim Moyers, about the dire situation.
“When I arrived, it was the worst condition I had ever seen a dog in,” Houston told PEOPLE. The dog’s coat was so overgrown with hair and debris that his body was completely obscured, exuding a strong stench from the mats of hair and embedded goat head stickers.
Kim Moyers, the SPCA president, explained that Matt’s fur had become so matted over approximately five years that it had fused with his skin and even trapped a leash around his neck.
The rescue team posted on Facebook that even with initial attempts to clean him, the thick mats were nearly impenetrable.
Despite these dire conditions, Matt’s rescuers were committed to giving him a fresh start. They called for donations to help cover the expensive treatment he required, and the community’s compassion turned into a swift outpouring of support.
Matt was admitted to Ark Hospital for Pets where he received necessary medical care, and Kayla’s Grooming Service took on the task of shaving nearly three pounds of matted fur from his 14-pound frame, unveiling the charming dog beneath the years of neglect. “After grooming, he looked amazing,” said Houston. “He’s gorgeous.”
Medical assessments showed Matt had anemia for which he started iron supplements, and an eye infection likely caused by dust trapped in his fur, receiving treatment for both.
Tori Houston couldn’t resist his endearing nature and decided to foster Matt during his recovery until he could be adopted.
Houston shared Matt’s encouraging progress on Facebook, highlighting his love for walks and his playful spirit, despite his aversion for his prescribed treatments.
As the extra fur was removed, Matt’s health and temperament flourished, accelerating his path to recovery.
After about six weeks, the SPCA declared him ready for adoption through a heartfelt announcement on social media. “Making his Long Awaited Adoption Debut – It’s MATT!!” they celebrated.
Matt didn’t have to wait long for a new beginning. He was adopted, joining several other dogs, finally landing in a forever home that would offer him the love and care he had missed.
With his coat growing back beautifully and his health fully restored, Matt now enjoys the life every dog deserves.
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