Barn-Trapped Dog's Remarkable Transformation After Grooming

Assisted by six volunteers, the team worked tirelessly to shave off the 35 pounds of matted fur.

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• April 25, 2024

Animal neglect is a harsh reality that plagues many helpless creatures, leaving them in dire circumstances. Yet, the resilience and eventual recovery of these animals offer glimmers of hope and highlight the profound impact of human compassion and intervention.

One such tale of transformation and second chances is the story of Lazarus, a Great Pyrenees dog who endured years of neglect only to emerge as a symbol of survival and newfound joy. Lazarus spent the first six years of his life confined in a squalid barn, a victim of severe neglect.

His owners, unable to care for him due to terminal illness, left Lazarus in a pitiable state. His fur, matted and filthy, formed a heavy shell around him, concealing the vibrant life force waiting to be set free.

The turning point in Lazarus' life came when Candice Skelton, a dedicated groomer, learned of his plight. Determined to help, Candice faced the daunting task of removing years of neglect encapsulated in Lazarus' overgrown fur.

Assisted by six volunteers, the team worked tirelessly to shave off the 35 pounds of matted fur, a monumental task that revealed the majestic dog hidden underneath. Post-grooming, Lazarus experienced what could only be described as a rebirth.

The removal of his burdensome coat not only lightened his physical load but also restored his mobility. For the first time in years, Lazarus could walk and even run, each step away from his past a leap towards a new life. Although initially wary of human touch, Lazarus quickly warmed to the affection and care offered by his rescuers, responding well to their kindness and the treats they offered.

His journey of recovery led him to Big Fluffy Dog Rescue, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping dogs like him find their forever homes. In the safe confines of a foster home in Virginia, Lazarus began the slow process of adjusting to a normal, loving environment.

Jean Harrison, founder of Big Fluffy Dog Rescue, shared that Lazarus was still getting used to the simple pleasures of life, like enjoying a freshly grilled steak. This caution saddened the rescue team, as it underscored the extent of his previous deprivation.

Lazarus' story it's a g living proof of the human spirit's capacity to enact change and provide care to those who cannot ask for it. Each step Lazarus takes in his foster home, each wag of his tail, adds a stroke to the portrait of his ongoing recovery.

Lazarus, a Great Pyrenees dog.

Candice and her team shaved Lazarus, removing an incredible 35 pounds of fur.

Lazarus went from struggling to walk to being able to run after his recovery.

Lazarus is now staying with a foster family in Virginia.

After years of hiding, Lazarus finally revealed his true identity: a charming and stunning dog.

Happy-ending story.

"Lazarus was found trapped in a barn, covered in 35 pounds of overgrown hair. "

As Lazarus gets used to his new life, his caregivers are hopeful for a future where kindness like this is normal, not something special. His story pushes us to think about how much good we can do just by being kind and looking out for those who can't speak for themselves.

While it takes a long time for Lazarus and many others like him to heal, every success story, created by caring people, helps us move closer to a world where no animal has to suffer from neglect.

Damjan