Pet Groomer Works On Most Neglected Dog She Has Ever Seen

Vanessa, from Girl With The Dogs, recently received a call from her local humane society asking for help with a dog named Angel. When Vanessa met her, she was heartbroken. Angel was the most neglected dog Vanessa had seen in her 13 years as a pet groomer. The humane society staff echoed her shock, describing Angel as the worst case of neglect they’d encountered in 15 years.

Although Angel was found as a stray, Vanessa observed that her fur lacked any outdoor debris. This suggested that Angel had been confined indoors, lying in her own waste for an extended period—possibly years. The feces and urine had hardened to the point where Angel lost all muscle mass in her legs and was unable to stand.

As Vanessa began the painstaking process of grooming, she explained that sedating Angel was a last resort due to her unknown health condition. To make matters more challenging, the shelter didn’t have warm running water at the time to help soften the matted fur.

Despite the discomfort and pain, Angel let out only a few whimpers and remained incredibly brave throughout. It was as if she understood that she was finally being freed from her prison of fur and neglect, beginning her journey toward a better life.

As Vanessa continued her methodical work, she discovered that Angel’s nails had grown so long they had curled completely into themselves, adding to the poor dog’s suffering. After hours of painstaking grooming, Angel was finally able to enjoy a warm bath to help soften the hardened clumps of dirt and filth.

With her fur loosened, it was time for part two: a complete shave. As the layers of matted fur fell away, Vanessa made sad discovery – she could see there is a tumor on Angel’s side. But, much to everyone’s relief Angel could move her back legs!

After her groom, Angel got to rest and eat some yummy food. She got fully checked over and veterinarians determined Angel has dental disease, an ulcer in her eye, ear infections and mammary gland tumors. A few days later, Niagara SPCA and Humane Society shared a heartwarming video with Vanessa, showing Angel taking her first steps on the path to recovery (see the video above). Despite her health setbacks, Angel remains resilient, her gentle bravery shining through.

If you would like to support the Niagara SPCA and Humane Society with its care of Angel please consider making a donation.