Many stray and neglected dogs go without proper grooming, causing them distress as their fur becomes tangled and matted. But a haircut can make all the difference. That was exactly the case for one dog who recently got a makeover that has given him a new lease on life.

On July 16, the South Plains SPCA shared a post about the “worst case of dog neglect we have ever encountered.” This poor 6-year-old dog was covered in severely matted and thick fur and was in terrible shape. His skin was rotting and the fur was so matted that it had grown into his skin. In addition, his nails were two inches long.

According to Kim Moyers, president of the South Plains SPCA, this dog’s hair had been matting for about five years. It is shocking that he had been overlooked and seen in this condition without anyone taking action. “I’ve never seen anything like him. It was shocking,” Moyers said.

The South Plains SPCA took him in and named him Matt, after his matted fur. Despite his terrible condition, they were determined to fix him up and give him a second chance at a better life.

When they tried to cut his hair, Matt yelped in pain, so they had to sedate him. They discovered that a collar and leash were embedded in his hair and had to be cut through. In total, they shaved off a staggering three pounds of fur – the result of five years of neglect.

The SPCA reported that Matt’s fur was filled with thousands of goathead stickers, sticks, grass, and even beetles. His fur was so tight against his skin that he had severe bruises all over his body. Thankfully, Matt was found to be anemic but not heartworm positive and free of tick disease, as ticks couldn’t have gotten through his thick fur.

Although Matt still has a long road to recovery ahead of him and needs dental work, his life has already changed dramatically since having all that gross fur removed. After being groomed by a professional with the SPCA, he looks completely different. Tori Houston, the SPCA foster who also happens to be a professional groomer, said, “He is the most gorgeous-looking dog I’ve ever seen. He’s just drop-dead gorgeous.”

Matt is now experiencing a taste of a happy and normal life. He recently went for his first walk without the weight of his bulky fur in years, and he was incredibly happy. His little bottom wiggled back and forth, his tail wagged uncontrollably, and he couldn’t have been more thrilled.

Currently being fostered by Tori Houston, Matt will soon be available for adoption once he has fully recovered. His transformation is truly remarkable, and it breaks our hearts to think that he was neglected for so long. However, we are grateful that he is now safe, groomed, and on his way to a new and better life.

Please share this incredible story of Matt’s journey to inspire others and shed light on the importance of proper pet care and grooming!