Abandoned dog with matted fur looked after by Dorset rescue centre

These incredible before and after pictures show the difference after Dorset-based animal rescue centre Margaret Green started caring for the dog which has since been named Possum.

Possum is being looked after at the charity’s Lincoln Farm rehoming centre in Blandford and her breed couldn't even be identified until her matted fur was removed. 

A spokesperson for Margaret Green said: "Another day, another stray.

"No time of year is acceptable for an animal to be abandoned, but especially in winter.

"On one of our recent bitterly cold and misty evenings, our Lincoln Farm team received a little dog who had been found wandering in and out of traffic.

"Lost and alone, this poor girl must have been very frightened.

Possum (Image: Margaret Green Animal Rescue)

Read more: Dogs, goats and rabbits that need rehoming in Dorset

“It was immediately obvious that her fur had been neglected for a long time – so matted together that she couldn’t fully open her mouth, move her legs or toilet properly.

“It was impossible to even guess at what breed of dog she might be underneath all the mess.

“We made her as comfortable as we could, and immediately started to work our way through the tightly-wound, filthy matts of fur that pulled on her skin.

“We had to do this in stages, to avoid overwhelming our new little friend.”

Possum during her fur removal (Image: Margaret Green Animal Rescue)

The charity said it spent an hour removing fur from the exhausted dog's face. 

The spokesperson added: “As we made progress with Possum’s coat over the next few days, we could start to see that she was a beautiful, dinky Cocker Spaniel.

“The matted fur we removed had accounted for nearly 15 per cent of Possum’s overall body weight, which must have been a terribly uncomfortable burden for her to carry around.

"Now that we have taken care of Possum’s health and welfare, her personality is starting to sparkle.

"We are amazed at what a sweet and cuddly little sweetheart she is.

"In spite of all that she must have been through, Possum likes nothing more than to receive affection from her carers.

"She’s even started to relax enough to show her cheeky, playful character."

Those interested in offering a forever home to Possum, can contact Lincoln Farm centre directly by calling 0330 400 6670 or emailing lincolnfarm@mgar.org.uk.

The charity is encouraging anyone who can make a donation and support their work to visit margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk/donate.