A rescue in Lubbock, Texas discovered a dog who was so matted it was impossible to know where his head ended and his tail started.
Tori Houston is a volunteer with the South Plains SPCA, and was contacted about this poor conclusion to their life. The state of this dog when I arrived with him has in my 35 years experience, probably been the worst condition for a dog that I have ever seen; so much hair you didn’t no which was front and which way was back.
He was covered in goat heads. Houston said, “He smelt like shit. SPCA president Kim Moyers said the dog had been homeless for approximately five years. She said, “This dog is the most extreme example of low-level cruelty we have ever seen.”
The conditions were horrible, with matted hair causing skin problems and nails two inches long.
They found an embedded leash and collar fused to his neck, a tragic sight—one that doesn’t happen often.
As amazing as it seemed that a six-year-old dog was able to survive seemingly alone, clearly no one had come across her until this point. THE SPCA then appealed to the public for donors to help pay for his rehabilitation, wanting him to get a second chance at life.
The public rallied and before long, Matt had his funds to start treatment.
A New Look
Matt was transported to Ark Hospital for Pets, where he would eventually receive medical treatment and grooming.
Kayla Thurmon of Kayla’s Grooming Service volunteered to lend a hand. At the appointment, about three pounds of matted hair were clipped from Matt’s body which only weighed 14.
Houston said, He looked amazing after one of our professional groomers — who’s also an SPCA foster — groomed him. Can you believe how good looking this dog is,he is the best I have ever seen in my life.
He is just so hot like, drop dead gorgeous.” With the fur gone, they could get a better picture of how this poor little creature was doing.
Unfortunately, they discovered the dog was anemic and had developed an eye infection probably due to all the dirt embedded in his coat.
A Loving Foster Home
Matt charmed Tori Houston so much that generous soul volunteered to foster Matt until he was ready for adoption despite Matt’s ongoing health issues.
She posted periodic updates on the progress he was making on social media. We have walked around the park this morning and this evening. He simply loves going for a walk,’ she wrote. As he started settling into his environment, Matt’s personality started to emerge.
With each passing day, Matt’s strength returned and he grew both physically as well as mentally. He felt a lot better without the weight of matted fur dragging him down. Tori was making sure to give him all the affection he should feel during this important recovery time.
With her, he went on daily walks, which were important for his physical well-being and also allowed him to see the outside world after a long time. Matt showed a playful side after meeting some other dogs in the park and sniffing around in the grass.
Every minor expedition slowly started peeling away the layers of his personality, and he was a sweet, loving dog that just wanted to be around someone.
A Happy Ending
It took a month and a half under Tori’s care, but Matt was ready for adoption. It was time to make him available for adoption as he would finally be ready, and the SPCA posted on Facebook about it.
IT’S MATT — Making His Long Awaited Adoption Debut All her beautiful photos and stats posted online for people to eat up by the dozens, ‘Read ALL about this doggo looking for a place to call home.
So, it didn’t take long until Matt was noticed by an affectionate family. The good news was that he had been adopted that month, as the SPCA said we all hoped to hear. It is a miracle that Matt, once a neglected mess of fur and bone, has blossomed into the picture of canine health and well-being.
His fur grew back beautifully and framed his cute face nicely. Matt ultimately got to enjoy more than a new wardrobe, but love and care that gave him a brand new lease on life—something he deserved all along.
As Matt wagged his tail at each step in his new home, it became palpable he had finally found the right space for him.