The Animal Angels Rescue Foundation (AARF), a charitable organization dedicated to animal rescue, received a report regarding a stray dog in Las Vegas suffering from severe matting.
This unfortunate dog was in such dire straits that even the rescuers admitted it was the most extreme case of neglect they had ever seen.
The mats were so tangled and filthy that they couldn’t identify the dog’s gender, prompting them to choose a gender-neutral name – thus, Blythe was born.
Blythe had clearly been alone for far too long, as evidenced by the thick, dirty, and matted fur covering its tiny body.
The situation was truly heartbreaking.
The Incredible Transformation
AARF acted swiftly to assist this little dog, although the sight of him shattered their hearts. How could anyone treat such a defenseless animal this way?
Despite the suffering he had endured, with the support of the dedicated rescue team, Blythe’s new journey was about to begin.
The rescuers took Blythe off the streets and rushed him to the vet.
“The vet was unsure if this little one even had two eyes, as the matting was so overwhelming,” shared the rescue in a Facebook post.
The vet promptly gave Blythe a shave, a medicated bath, and a necessary nail trim, finally revealing he was indeed a boy – and he now appeared to be an entirely different dog.
Blythe felt a surge of relief without the weight of the mats, but the vet uncovered several health complications. Living on the streets had exacted a heavy toll on this little dog’s well-being.
Blythe was severely dehydrated, malnourished, and itchy. Additionally, his skin had been burned and infected from trapped urine, and his back teeth were in ruins from chewing on stones for survival.
The Journey Towards a Brighter Future
After receiving initial care, Blythe’s smile was restored. He was such a delightful and cheerful dog – instantly adored by everyone.
The veterinarian estimated that he is around two years old or possibly younger, suggesting he was likely used for breeding.
Initially thought to be a white Shih Tzu, it became clear upon further inspection that Blythe is likelya mix between a Poodle and a Terrier.
“He was a bit frightened and disoriented leaving the vet today, but as soon as he arrived at his foster home and met the other dogs and kids, his grin became permanent. He is one very happy boy! I’m sure he’s relieved to never have to live outside like that again…,” the Nevada-based rescue reported in a Facebook update.
The following step in Blythe’s rehabilitation involved neutering him and undergoing extensive dental work at Park Animal Hospital.
The dental procedure was complex, requiring the extraction of 11 back teeth due to exposed roots. The items Blythe ingested for sustenance had utterly wrecked his teeth.
He is currently recuperating at his foster home and is expected to be pain-free soon.
“If he can survive what he’s been through for who knows how long, this is going to be a breeze for him,” stated Reegan Tabor, a member of the Animal Angels Rescue Foundation when speaking to KLAS-TV.
They are optimistic that after a period of adjustment, Blythe will be ready for his forever home where he’ll experience safety, love, joy, and security for the remainder of his life.
