Transformation: 2 Neglected Dogs With Matted Fur Were Groomed for Adoption

The good Samaritan who found the dogs at first glance thought they were mounds of trash

Two Southern California pups who were found with severely matted fur after living in what Riverside County Animal Services called "uncomfortable" and "neglectful" conditions were given a makeover, officials said Tuesday.

The dogs arrived at the Riverside shelter Monday with bloodshot eyes and heavily matted fur in what authorities called one of the worst cases they'd seen.

"These two dogs illustrated the worst matted condition I've seen in my almost 10 years working for the county," Rachel Schafer-Young, who groomed the dogs, said. "It almost seemed that they were suffocating in their own fur."

A good Samaritan found the grimy canines after witnessing someone dump trash in a remote area of the Coachella Valley. Then the man saw the trash move.

"These dogs were a complete mess," the shelter said in a statement.

The dogs, both male and about 5 years old, were shaved down and all of the heavy fur removed.

Schafer-Young said the dogs are believed to be purebred Shih Tzu, though she said she can't tell for sure.

The dogs may soon have a new "leash" on life: A special adoption will be planned, shelter workers said.

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