Neglected dog has 5kg of matted fur cut off in dramatic makeover

Telegraph reporters

Fri, 26 May 2023 at 10:02 am BST

An old English sheepdog that had not been walked for five years has undergone a dramatic transformation after 11lbs of matted fur was removed by groomers.

With overgrown fur covering his eyes, Barney was struggling to eat and drink. But now, the animal is now thriving following a makeover while under RSPCA care.

Barney was taken into RSPCA care from a home in south London, where he had not been exercised, socialised or groomed for five years, said the animal charity.

‘He was so matted he had to be sedated’

Chloe Wilson, an animal rescue officer, said: “He was so matted that he had to be sedated by a vet to be clipped.

“It was so bad that the matted fur was covering his eyes and it affected his eating and drinking. The total weight of his matted fur was 5kg (11lb). Thankfully he had no ongoing health concerns as a result of the matting.

“He looked like a completely different dog after his extensive grooming.”

Barney is now available for rehoming through the RSPCA’s Millbrook Animal Centre in Woking, Surrey.

‘Barney has been through a hard time’

Sue Walters, from Millbrook, said: “When Barney came into us, he was so shut down and scared, but our team gave him lots of time to trust them and now he has come on leaps and bounds. He now really enjoys his walks with the people he knows and trusts.”

The charity is looking to rehome Barney to an adult-only home and owners with experience of Old English Sheepdogs.

Ms Walters added: “Barney needs a home that will go slow with him and give him time to settle and adjust to a new family and home environment.

“He needs an understanding home where his new family realise that it may take a bit of time for him to bond with them.

“Barney has been through a hard time and he is becoming such a loving dog and really does deserve the best.”

Anyone interested in applying to adopt Barney can do so on the RSPCA website.