“There were thousands of goathead stickers, sticks, grass and even beetles matted in his fur. He has severe bruises on his body from his fur being tight on his skin,” the SPCA wrote. The dog was anemic and placed on medication, though he was found to be heartworm negative and free of tick disease (as ticks couldn’t have gotten through his thick fur.)

Matt still has a lengthy road of recovery ahead, and he will need dental work once his blood work indicates that it’s safe.

But after removing all that gross fur, Matt’s life has already changed in a huge way and he’s looking like a whole new dog:

“After we had one of our professional groomers — who’s also an SPCA foster — groom him, he looked amazing,” Houston told People. “He is the most gorgeous-looking dog I’ve ever seen. He’s just drop-dead gorgeous.”

The SPCA said Matt was a “sweet boy” after waking up from his grooming, and since then he’s been getting a taste of a happy, normal life.

“He went for his very first walk without his bulk of hair in probably five years,” Houston told KLBK. “His little bottom was just going back and forth, his tail was wagging and he was so happy.”

Matt is currently being fostered by Tori Houston, and will be placed up for adoption once he has recovered.

What a stunning transformation! It’s heartbreaking that Matt was neglected for so long and suffered with all that matted fur on him, but we’re glad he’s finally safe, groomed and on his way to a new life!

Please share this incredible story!