Sometimes, all it takes is a little push to get back on the right path – and for Reggie, that push came just in time!
After being surrendered by his family to an Arizona shelter, this six-year-old Maltese was in heartbreaking shape. His coat was so matted that it caused painful wounds across his body. He was barely recognizable, a shadow of the happy pup he once had been.
But after a two-and-a-half-hour grooming marathon, his entire life changed in the most incredible way.
It Took Several People To Groom Him
When Reggie was dropped off at the Arizona Humane Society in December 2024, it was clear he had been neglected for far too long. He missed his people dearly, but the real battle was against his severely matted coat.
The tangles and dirt were so extensive that regular scissors couldn’t even make a dent. What he needed was a full-scale grooming effort – and the AHS team was ready to step in.
Amitie Davis, one of the groomers, remembers just how tough the process was.
The mats were thick, heavy, and full of feces, making each cut a challenge. But the worst spot was his neck, which was completely sealed in matting.
“It took a very long time, multiple people going back to it, and then moving on to something else, and then going back to the neck. My scissors couldn’t even cut through the matting,” David said in a Facebook video.
Reggie had to be sedated to endure the entire grooming process. Finally, after more than two hours of concentrated work, a team of groomers managed to free him from the painful prison of hair.
The transformation was overwhelming – suddenly, Reggie was himself again. Free of mats, his quality of life instantly skyrocketed, and staff couldn’t help but shed a few tears of relief.
The Transformation That Left People Speechless
The new Reggie was nothing short of astonishing. He lost an entire pound of matted hair, which left many stunned at his “before and after.” To everyone who saw him, it seemed like a completely different dog had emerged.
Once cleaned up, Reggie’s confidence bloomed. He quickly became the star of the shelter.
But his healing journey wasn’t over. He still needed treatment for his wounds, neutering, and ongoing veterinary care.
His rescuers also treated him to a soothing bubble bath and pampering spa session, and he proudly sported a stylish sweater afterwards.
Not long after his incredible makeover went viral online, Reggie’s happy ending arrived. A family stepped forward to adopt him, giving him the forever home he deserved.
“Thanks to the amazing work from our groomer and team in our Lazin Animal Trauma Hospital, he’s now a confident cutie in his forever home with a fresh haircut and a cozy sweater,” stated on Facebook.
Today, Reggie enjoys the simple joys of life like cuddling, playing, and soaking up love from people who see his true worth. His painful past is finally behind him, and every day is now filled with new adventures and endless affection.