Buried Beneath Pounds of Matted Fur—Watch This Tiny Dog’s Incredible Transformation
If staff at the Humane Society of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, FL, were to talk about some of the saddest cases they’ve ever handled, they’d definitely mention Elton, an 8-year-old Shih Tzu mix who arrived at the shelter in a heartbreakingly pitiful state. (Watch TikTok below)
As narrated on the shelter’s TikTok account @humanebroward, Elton was a victim of prolonged neglect. He had pounds of dirty, matted fur enveloping his small frame, causing him immense discomfort. Besides carrying the unbearable weight of matted fur for years, Elton had also developed painful skin infections as the dense, tangled fur pulled on his skin. The extent of his neglect prompted immediate intervention from the Humane Society in order to save him from further suffering.
A One-of-a-kind Grooming Session
Once at the shelter’s clinic, Elton underwent a thorough grooming session, setting him up for a dramatic transformation. Gently and carefully, the grooming team shaved the matted fur off Elton, allowing him to experience comfort and relief for the first time in a very long time. Staff at the shelter got to see him for who he really was: an adorable senior pup whose beauty had been buried underneath the heavily matted coat.
Unfortunately, the detailed shave also uncovered that Elton’s eyes — which could barely be recognized due to the dense fur surrounding his face — were damaged beyond repair. Despite this disheartening news, the shelter remained committed to improving Elton’s physical well-being and restoring his crushed spirits. After the much-session grooming, the Humane Society cared for Elton until he was fit enough health-wise to be adopted into a loving, forever home.
@humanebroward He didn’t deserve this 🙏🥺 When senior dog Elton was found at a “friend’s residence” and then brought into our shelter he was in deplorable shape 💔 We don’t know how it’s possible that he was neglected on this level, but this 8 year old Shih-tzu mix clearly has lived a terrible and painful life for years 🥺 He was suffering from severely overgrown and matted fur, to the point of infection. We could not even see his face 🙏 In fact, when our clinic was finally able to remove all of his matted hair, they discovered that his eyes had been damaged beyond repair and could not be saved 😔 This sweet soul did not deserve this 💔 Luckily, he was brought to us at the Humane Society of Broward County, where he is receiving medical treatment and tender loving care ❤️ We helped him become adoption ready and then found him a loving forever home! ❤️ Elton received a second chance at life and love, all because of the generous support we receive from animal lovers like yourself ❤️ You can help us continue to rescue and care for forgotten and neglected pets by donating today 🙏 Our sponsors at Tito’s Handmade Vodka have pledged to match every gift dollar-for-dollar, up to $15,000. Your gift today will provide twice the love, care, and hope for furry friends. The vision of @titosvodka for Dog People program is to better the lives of pets and the families who love them, near and far. Make a gift that has 2x the impact. #rescuedog #shelterdog #pleasehelp #adoptdontshop #yorkiesofinstagram #shihtzusofinstagram #dogsofinstagram #fortlauderdale #dogoftheday #dogrescue #help #reels #dog #dogs #instadog #instadaily #rescued #shihtzu #yorkie #yorkiemix #shorkie #give #givingtuesday #donate #grateful #gratitutde #give #maltese #shitzu #seniordog #frostedfaces ♬ original sound – Humane Society Broward County
A Beautiful End to a Sorrowful Beginning
Elton recently found a forever home, and staff at the Humane Society couldn’t be any happier. Even though he spent years feeling unloved and unwanted, he’s put all that behind him and embraced his new beginnings wholeheartedly. A once-neglected Elton no longer has to worry about experiencing suffering during his golden years, as he’s now part of a family that cherishes him and wants nothing but the best for him. Indeed, no dog, regardless of their dark past, is too far gone to experience true happiness.
“Elton’s journey from a severely neglected and emotionally wounded pet to a treasured, happy pup is enough proof that any dog’s life can turn around for the better,” said pet rescue advocate Rocky Kanaka.
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