Animal rescuers encounter countless difficult scenes, but some linger in memory long after the rescue is over. Their work demands patience, empathy, and perseverance in equal measure.
When a dog is abandoned and neglected to the point that the head and tail are indistinguishable, even experienced rescuers are taken aback. Images like that remain with those who witness them.
A rescue team in Lubbock, Texas, came across such a dog and immediately recognized the challenging task ahead. The timid pup shuffled along, avoiding eye contact, uncertain of what awaited him. Yet the team was determined to offer him a true second chance at life.
A Condition They Had Never Seen Before
Tori Houston, a volunteer with the South Plains SPCA, received an urgent call from her supervisor, Kim Moyers, regarding an abandoned dog roaming the streets of Lubbock.
“When I arrived, the condition of this dog was probably the worst I had ever seen any dog, ever; he had so much hair you didn’t know which was the front, which was the back. He was covered in goat heads. He stunk so bad,” Houston said for PEOPLE, “You couldn’t see any part of his body. He looked like a pile of sheep wool.”
President Kim Moyers revealed that the dog’s coat contained roughly five years of matted hair, and the first sight at the rescue facility was shocking.
“This dog is the worst case of dog neglect we have ever encountered. We have tried to clean it up some today but the hair is extremely matted and thick and we are unable to do anything at this time. The dog has rotten skin spots, hair matted to the skin so bad it is ingrown into the skin, the nails are 2 inches long. There are thousands of goat head stickers throughout the mats and stuck inside the skin.” SPCA posted on their official Facebook page the next day.
The team also discovered a leash embedded within the hair, fusing the collar to his neck, a scenario rarely seen.
It was unimaginable that this six-year-old dog survived in such conditions, and heartbreaking that no one had intervened earlier.
Thankfully, the right hands arrived at the right time, and the pup finally had a chance to experience life the way it was meant to be. Patient voices and slow, gentle movements gradually helped rebuild his trust.
A Beautiful Dog Emerges From Beneath The Mats
The SPCA requested donations from anyone able to contribute, as Matt’s full treatment would be costly. Supporters were moved by his story, and funds were raised quickly to cover his care.
Matt was soon taken to Ark Hospital for Pets for medical treatment and a thorough grooming session courtesy of Kayla’s Grooming Service.
Kayla Thurmon, a volunteer and groomer, shaved nearly three pounds of fur from the 14-pound dog, revealing the handsome pup hidden beneath years of wool.
“After we had one of our professional groomers — who’s also an SPCA foster — groom him, he looked amazing,” Houston said and added. “He is the most gorgeous-looking dog I’ve ever seen. He’s just drop-dead gorgeous.”
Medically, Matt was diagnosed with anemia and prescribed iron supplements. He also had an eye infection, likely caused by dust and grime trapped in his fur, which required treatment.
“I’m sure that’s because he wasn’t able to see with all the dust and grime that was embedded in his fur,” Houston said.
Despite these challenges, Houston couldn’t resist his sweet face and decided to foster him for the following months until he was ready for adoption.
Finally Receiving The Care And Love He Deserved
Tori shared on Facebook that Matt was making excellent progress.
“This morning and this evening we went walking around the park. He just loves to go walking. He barked at a few people, cars driving by, and other dogs. He hates taking his Iron, and eye meds, but what he doesn’t know this is actually helping him to be the best dog he can.” she wrote.
Day by day, Matt flourished physically, medically, and emotionally. With the extra three pounds of fur gone, life became far easier, and his recovery advanced rapidly.
After roughly six weeks, the SPCA announced on Facebook that Matt was ready to begin a new chapter.
“Making his Long Awaited Adoption Debut – It’s MATT!!,” they wrote, providing all the details about this beautiful dog.
Soon after, Matt was adopted among several dogs, finally finding the forever home he deserved.
His health fully rebounded, and his coat grew back naturally, perfectly suited to showcase his handsome appearance.