Every day, animal rescuers encounter situations that can leave them speechless, but some stories stand out for their sheer heartache. Imagine finding an abandoned dog so neglected that it’s impossible to distinguish where its head ends and its tail begins.
This was the reality for a rescue organization in Lubbock, Texas, when they discovered a dog in desperate need of help.
They knew they were in for a tough but rewarding challenge, and they were determined to give this pup a chance at a new life.
A Disturbing Discovery
Tori Houston, a dedicated volunteer with the South Plains SPCA, received a call from her supervisor, Kim Moyers, about an abandoned dog found roaming the streets. When Tori arrived on the scene, she was struck by the dire condition of the dog.
“This was probably the worst I had ever seen,” she recalled. “He was so matted that you couldn’t tell which end was which. He was covered in burrs and had such a foul odor.”
President Kim Moyers described the situation as heartbreaking. “The dog had five years’ worth of matted fur. It was a shocking sight,” she said.
“This is the worst case of neglect we’ve ever encountered. We found rotten skin, matted fur so tightly attached that it was ingrown, and nails that were two inches long. There were even goat head stickers embedded in the mats.”
What shocked them the most was that a leash was tangled in the fur, causing the collar to fuse to the dog’s neck—something they had rarely seen before.
It was hard to believe that this six-year-old dog had managed to survive in such an awful state. Thankfully, the right people were there to help him finally start living the life he deserved.
A New Beginning for Matt
After assessing Matt’s condition, the SPCA reached out to the community for donations to cover the expensive treatment he would need.
Touchingly, many people were moved by Matt’s story, and donations poured in, allowing for his recovery.
Matt was taken to Ark Hospital for Pets, where he underwent treatment and an extensive grooming session by Kayla’s Grooming Service.
Kayla Thurmon, a volunteer groomer, worked wonders, removing nearly three pounds of matted fur from Matt’s 14-pound frame. “Once he was groomed, he looked amazing,” Tori said. “He’s the most beautiful dog I’ve ever seen.”
Unfortunately, the grooming revealed that Matt was anemic and suffering from an eye infection, likely due to all the dust and grime embedded in his fur.
Despite these health challenges, Tori couldn’t help but fall in love with his adorable face and decided to foster him for a few months until he was ready for adoption.
The Road to Recovery
As Tori began fostering him, she shared updates on Matt’s progress on social media. “He loves going for walks in the park! He barks at people, cars, and other dogs,” she wrote.
“He’s not a fan of taking his iron pills and eye medication, but it’s all helping him become the best dog he can be.”
Each passing day saw Matt improving both physically and emotionally. Without the burden of matted fur, life became much easier for him, and he flourished under Tori’s care.
After just a month and a half, the SPCA announced that Matt was ready for adoption.
A Happy Ending
When the SPCA posted on Facebook about Matt’s long-awaited adoption debut, the excitement was palpable.
They shared all the important details about this incredible dog, but it didn’t take long for someone to recognize his potential.
The moment came when Matt was officially adopted that month. For him, everything finally fell into place.
No longer matted and unhealthy, he was thriving with his new family. His fur grew back beautifully, just as it should, and he was finally living the life he had always dreamed of.