Ruff Start Rescue took in the surrendered dog and helped her regain mobility by shaving off a pound of matted fur
Credit: Ruff Start Rescue (2)
NEED TO KNOW
• Gracie Mae arrived at Ruff Start Rescue with severely matted fur, overgrown nails, and no recent medical records
• The rescue team shaved off a pound of matted fur, revealing a healthy, social, and gentle dog underneath
• After fostering, Gracie Mae found a loving forever home where she enjoys snuggling next to her family on the couch
Gracie Mae has a brand-new look after being freed from years of severely matted fur.
The adult dog arrived at Ruff Start Rescue in Princeton, Minn., after being surrendered by her elderly owner, who could no longer care for the canine. Gracie Mae entered the rescue with "severely matted" fur, overgrown nails, and no medical records since she was a puppy. Ruff Start says it was told that Gracie Mae is 8 years old, but based on a veterinary exam and the condition of the dog's teeth, vets think the pup is 4 years old.
"When we first saw Gracie Mae, she was severely matted over her entire body. The matting was so extensive that it limited her movement, and she almost had to be carried around like a little stuffed animal at first because she couldn't move comfortably on her own," Meg Larson, the intake manager at Ruff Start Rescue, tells PEOPLE, adding that the dog had mats partially covering her eyes.
Ruff Start's veterinary team began Gracie Mae's initial treatment with an in-depth grooming session to remove the piles of dirty fur she was carrying. The dog, believed to be a poodle terrier mix, was sedated and carefully shaved by the vet team.
Credit: Ruff Start Rescue
"In cases like this, sedation is often the best option because it keeps the dog calm and helps reduce stress while the team works to remove the tight mats, which can be uncomfortable and time-consuming to shave," Larson says.
The Ruff Start staff member adds, "Gracie Mae needed a full shave down from nose to tail rather than just spot removal of mats, which is not something we see in most cases."
"Our veterinary team did an incredible job. They worked gently and carefully to remove the matting without pulling, tearing, or nicking her skin. Thankfully, once the mats were removed, we were relieved to see that her skin underneath was healthy. She was even a little chunky, which was a great sign that she had been getting enough to eat."
While the dog's coat was neglected, it was clear that the pet was socialized and friendly with people. After her hour-long grooming was complete, Gracie Maw awoke free of a pound of uncomfortable, tangled fur.
Credit: Ruff Start Rescue
Gracie Mae was "tolerant and gentle" throughout her treatment. "She allowed our team to hold her and handle her, and she was cooperative while our veterinary staff examined her," Larson notes. "She was understandably a bit nervous given the situation, but she remained calm and didn't show signs of aggression or distress."
The sweet dog also received her distemper and rabies vaccines, a heartworm test, a nail trim, a thorough overall health exam, and a new wardrobe.
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"Once the matting was removed, she could finally see and move more comfortably. Our team fitted her with sweaters and a jacket right away because we knew she would be cold without all of that fur, especially in Minnesota," Larson shares.
After the veterinary team's compassion and teamwork got Gracie Mae ready for her next chapter, Ruff Start Rescue placed the pup in an emergency foster home, where the dog was "able to relax and decompress for a few days, and that's when her personality really started to shine."
Credit: Ruff Start Rescue
The dog revealed herself to be a true cuddly bug, "who is happiest being close to her people," ideally curled up next to them on the couch.
"She's done well with both dogs and cats. Overall, she's just a loving little companion who enjoys being near her people," Larson adds.
Not long after getting used to having full mobility again, Gracie Mae found a forever home where "she's become quite the 'daddy's girl,'" sticking by her pet parent's side as they snuggle and watch TV together.
Credit: Ruff Start Rescue
"She's still sporting her little sweaters while her fur grows back, and her family is absolutely in love with her. We couldn't be happier for her," Larson says.
Ruff Start Rescue is grateful to the community of animal lovers who stepped up to help this dog and find her home.
"Animal rescue truly takes a village, and Gracie Mae is a perfect example of what can happen when people work together to help an animal in need," Larson notes, adding, "We also want people to know that rescue organizations like Ruff Start Rescue are here to help. If someone is struggling or facing a difficult situation with their pet, reaching out early can make a huge difference."
To learn more about Ruff Start Rescue and how to support their life-saving work, visit the organization's website.
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