Many stray and neglected dogs are left without proper grooming, causing their fur to become tangled and matted, which can lead to significant distress and health issues. A simple haircut can often transform their lives dramatically, providing both comfort and a fresh start. This was recently the case for a severely neglected dog whose makeover has given him a new lease on life.
On July 16, the South Plains SPCA shared a post detailing what they described as the “worst case of dog neglect we have ever encountered.” The dog, a 6-year-old, was found in terrible condition, covered in thick, matted fur. The SPCA described the situation as heartbreaking, noting the dog’s poor health and the extent of his neglect.
“The dog had rotten spots on his skin, and the fur was so matted that it had grown into his skin,” the SPCA explained. “His nails were also two inches long, making it painful for him to walk.” The dog’s fur had been neglected for about five years, resulting in the severe matting. Kim Moyers, president of the South Plains SPCA, expressed disbelief that the dog had not been noticed by anyone. “It’s shocking that no one saw him in this condition. I’ve never encountered anything like this before,” she told KLBK-TV.
The team at the South Plains SPCA named the dog Matt, after his severely matted fur, and quickly decided to help him recover. Despite his shocking condition, they were committed to giving Matt a second chance at life. However, Matt’s journey was not without difficulty. Each time they attempted to cut his fur, he yelped in pain, prompting the team to sedate him during the grooming process.
During the grooming session, the team cut away a collar and leash that had become embedded in his fur. They also shaved off an incredible three pounds of matted fur, which had accumulated over five years. “His fur was filled with goathead stickers, sticks, grass, and even beetles,” the SPCA shared. Matt’s body was bruised from the tightness of the matted fur pressing against his skin. While Matt was anemic, he was fortunately free of heartworm and tick disease, as ticks were unable to penetrate his thick coat.
Though Matt still has a long road to recovery, including dental work once his blood work stabilizes, his life has already taken a dramatic turn for the better. After shedding all that painful fur, Matt looked like an entirely different dog. “After one of our professional groomers, who also fosters for the SPCA, groomed him, he looked absolutely stunning,” said Tori Houston, Matt’s foster parent. “He’s the most gorgeous dog I’ve ever seen.”
Following his grooming session, Matt’s demeanor changed significantly. The SPCA noted that he became a “sweet boy” once he awoke, experiencing for the first time in years what it felt like to live without the weight of his matted fur. According to Houston, Matt was ecstatic after his transformation. “He went on his first walk without all that fur weighing him down. His little tail was wagging, and he was so happy,” she told KLBK.
Currently, Matt is being fostered by Tori Houston and will be available for adoption once he has fully recovered. His remarkable transformation is a reminder of how proper care can change an animal’s life. It’s tragic that Matt suffered for so long due to neglect, but thanks to the dedication of the South Plains SPCA, he is finally safe, groomed, and on his way to a much brighter future.
