Our pets rely on us to keep them clean and fresh. While they handle some grooming on their own, regular baths and professional care make a big difference—especially for those with long, soft fur.
But without regular brushing, long, luscious fur can easily tangle and mat, making a dog uncomfortable and unhappy.
Sadly, that’s exactly what happened to Precious, the dog in today’s story.
Mystery Dog
Source: Pawsitively Precious
When someone arrived at the Central Missouri Humane Society (CMHS) with a tangled mass of fur, the staff was baffled—what kind of animal was underneath?
The person who brought her in explained that the dog had been found curled up in a small bed in a supermarket parking lot.
Without hesitation, the shelter team got to work, determined to free her from the thick, matted fur. The matting was so extreme—infested with fleas—that it even made walking impossible.
Road To Recovery
To ensure the dog wouldn’t experience any pain, the shelter’s veterinary team decided to anesthetize her before starting the grooming process. It took nearly three hours to carefully remove the thick, matted fur.
Beyond the severe matting—which was so bad it forced one of her eyes shut—she also had extremely overgrown toenails that had curled into her paw pads, causing even more pain.
Source: Pawsitively Precious
Once all the matting was shaved off, Precious was given a well-deserved bath.
She finally looked like herself again, but heartbreakingly, she still couldn’t walk.
X-rays revealed the extent of her suffering—her paws had been deformed from prolonged neglect, and she had multiple broken bones.
Hoping for a solution, the shelter consulted the orthopedic department at Missouri Vet Med. Unfortunately, the news wasn’t good. There were no viable treatment options, only symptomatic care to keep her as comfortable as possible.
However, the compassionate team at CMHS refused to give up on Precious just yet!
New Life
Source: Pawsitively Precious
As soon as her story was shared, Precious quickly found a loving foster home.
Her foster parents made sure she was comfortable, patiently helping her regain some strength.
With time, her fur grew back soft and healthy, and she was even able to sit up on her own.
And before long, thanks to all the love and care, Precious found her forever home!
Source: Pawsitively Precious
She finally received all the love and attention she had always deserved, living her best new life!
Be Kind
Brave and resilient, Precious became the face of an inspiring campaign called “Be Kind”!
She now travels across the country, visiting schools and colleges to share her story, reminding everyone that they have value. Her message is clear—it’s okay to be different, and kindness should extend to all animals and each other!
Source: Pawsitively Precious