Irie was a small bunch of matted fur just when a local animal shelter helpfully took her in. Knots coated the scared Maltese mix’s face and whole body, making her unrecognizable. Irie needed a complete makeover to feel much more like herself again – and probably find a forever home, too.
So, right before Rhode Home Rescue, a non-profit organization that helps countless dogs find their forever home, took over Irie’s care, the local animal shelter shaved her. What they saw underneath the matted hair shocked them all.
According to Irie’s foster, Hillary Gillinder, the animal control did a great job with the dog’s shave. Irie let them cut her matted fur for more or less 45 minutes before she began getting stressed. And the rest needed to be done in brief bursts there and at Gillinder’s house once Irie came home.
Nobody knew so much about Irie’s history or how her hair became highly matted. However, they did their best to remove the mess until the dog’s cute face was revealed.
After the big clumps of fur were gone, Irie still had some mats that needed to be trimmed with scissors. Her fur is growing back, and she will need one more trim soon. Meanwhile, the dog is still learning to trust those caring for her.
Gillinder said that Irie is frightened of boy dogs and is particularly afraid of men. They aren’t sure what exactly happened to the scared dog before she came to them. However, they could only help Irie grow and make up for it with kindness and love.
The 11-pound pup mostly stays quiet but does love some stuffed toys or the occasional car ride. Gillinder also plays beautiful music to ease Irie’s anxiety.
She said she is very proud of how far Irie has come since she first had her. Irie began not wanting to be close to Gillinder and even barking at her through her dog crate. Now, Irie follows Gillinder everywhere and loves jumping on the sofa and rolling around in their soft blankets.
Eventually, Irie will let her true personality shine through. But now, at least, she will not have thick mats weighing her down.
According to Gillinder, imagining everything Irie must have gone through is heartbreaking. Her dog is going to have a more difficult life than most dogs. However, she’s looking to be finally adopted into her real forever home.
Source: Facebook via I Love My Dogs So Much