In 2018, the RSPCA group was called to a home in England. Inside, there were 22 dogs living in terrible, filthy conditions. The dogs were stuck in small pens throughout the home and outside in the yard, covered in their own waste. Rescuers were aghast at the conditions: each of the dogs had severely matted coats and the smell in the home was overwhelming. All of the dogs were removed from the home and taken to different branches of the RSPCA’s shelters. The dogs were all matted with waste, but also suffering from a variety of illnesses. One of the most severe cases was a dog named Hobbit. She was underweight and absolutely terrified of people. Rescuers tried to brush out and clip down her coat, but she was so distressed that they had to stop and later sedated her so her coat could be shaved.
After her matted fur was removed and she had some time to heal from the experience, rescuers began working with her on her distrust of humans. It took months of work, but eventually Hobbit came out of her shell and emerged as a sweet, loving dog who adored her human rescuers. Her fur grew back too, helping her to heal both inside and out. Not long after, she was adopted by a couple who helped Hobbit continue her journey of healing. Her new parents say she has grown by leaps and bounds, trusting both humans and interacting with her fellow dogs, too.
Hobbit used to be a dog that was afraid of nearly everything and everyone, and now she loves to spend time with her family on the beach, on a hike, and even competing in a dog show! She won first place in her show, by the way. Her life has made a complete transformation from a sad, dirty dog to a fluffy, happy go lucky companion.