A rescue dog has had an incredible transformation after his fur was so matted he struggled to see or move.
Frankie, a four-year-old terrier cross, was rescued by the RSPCA last August. When the rescue team took him in, they found his coat was so matted, he could barely walk.
Frankie, along with terrier friend Benny - who was rescued at the same time in Sowerby Bridge, north Yorkshire - needed some serious TLC when he arrived at the RSPCA Leeds & Wakefield branch for urgent care.
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Staff immediately set about giving the boys a major haircut and groom to remove their matted fur, before searching for their forever homes.
And we cannot get over Frankie's transformation! He looks incredible...
Frankie was later adopted by Tracey Williamson, from Leeds. After heartbroken Tracey lost her Westie at 15, she vowed never to get another dog. But, when her daughter spotted Frankie on the RSPCA's website, it was love at first sight.
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Tracey said: "My heart melted when I saw his photo. He looked like our late dog and we completely fell in love with him. We submitted an application and kept our fingers crossed but weren't holding out much hope as we knew how much interest there had been in rescue dogs during lockdown."
In September 2020, Tracey and her family were asked to go and meet Frankie and to their delight they were matched!
"We were so excited when we were chosen to adopt him," Tracey said. "He's settled in really well. He can be a little nervous of new things but he's really growing in confidence. When we first got him he was quite anxious on the lead and going out and about but now he absolutely loves his walks.
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"It's such a huge transformation from the matted little dog who arrived at the RSPCA centre in such a state. It breaks our hearts to think how he was treated before and we hope, in time, that he'll forget about his past.
"Now he gets very spoiled and loves a bit of pampering! He goes to the groomer regularly and really enjoys the fuss and attention he gets. He's a little star when he has a haircut.
"He's such a lovely dog, he's so affectionate and we couldn't imagine our lives without him!"
Frankie's confidence is still growing and the family are working with a trainer to give him an extra helping hand.
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They've also started to introduce him to toys and teach him how to play - as heartbreakingly, they believe he was never played with previously.
"I don't think anyone has ever played with him before as he doesn't really understand what toys are," Tracey added. "But we're going to try to introduce him to games and teach him how to have fun!
"He's brought us so much joy and love, especially during lockdown, so we're determined to do the same for him."
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals as well as investigating animal cruelty, please visit their website or call their donation line on 0300 123 8181. To support the work of RSPCA Leeds, Wakefield & District branch - a separately funded charity - please donate online.
Featured Image Credit: RSPCATopics: RSPCA, Pets, Animals, Dogs