Stray Dog Rescued With Five Pounds of Matted Fur Wins $10,000 in Makeover Contest
Since its existence, the Española Humane Shelter in Northern New Mexico has taken in all kinds of dogs, each with a varying level of neglect. However, when one particular dog arrived at their shelter late last year, he would turn out to be the worst case of neglect they’d ever seen or handled.
Joey — who previously went by the name Giuseppe — was brought to the Española Humane Shelter covered in severely matted fur. It was so bad to the extent that shelter staff couldn’t see his eyes, paws, and legs or even determine what breed he was. On top of the heaps of matted fur — which the shelter estimated to be over five pounds — Joey was in extreme pain, so much so that he couldn’t walk on his own.
Joey’s Dramatic Transformation
According to the Española Humane Society, Joey was also in a terrible state health-wise, as he was suffering from Hypothyroidism, had fluid in his lungs, and numerous dental issues. In addition, he was emotionally damaged, which manifested in how wary he was of humans.
Thankfully, Joey’s arrival at the shelter would transform him into a whole new dog inside and out. The shelter’s dedicated veterinarian team and staff tended to his medical needs and gave him much-needed grooming, removing the pounds of matted fur off him. After giving him all the care and support he needed, the shelter enrolled him in the Dirty Dogs Contest 2024, a national makeover contest that shines a light on drastic shelter dog makeovers.
Joey defied all odds to become among the top ten shortlisted contestants (out of nearly 400 dogs) to vie for the coveted title of the top shelter dog makeover, a title that would see the winner earn a grand prize of $10,000.
And the Winner Goes to…..
Joey was recently crowned winner of the Dirty Dog’s Contest 2024 after bagging over 27,000 votes. His deserving victory and transformation are a true testament to what second chances can do to neglected dogs. Thanks to his win, the Española Humane Society is now the lucky beneficiary of the grand prize, which will come in handy as they continue to carry out their purpose: saving the lives of more needy dogs, who unlike us, have no voice to stand up against abuse and neglect.
