Once Described As A Prehistoric Creature, This Kansas Dog Looks Unrecognizable Today
Simon, a dog from Kansas City, holds the record for one of the worst cases of matting ever seen by the KC Pet Project, a local non-profit animal shelter.
His tiny frame was burdened with thick mats of fur, making it nearly impossible for him to even move properly.
The matted fur was so overwhelming that the shelter staff said it made him look like he had six legs.
Someone even went so far as to describe him as a “prehistoric creature.”
Tori, the chief communication officer at KC Pet Project, shared her emotional reaction to Simon’s condition in an interview, saying:
“Seeing him trying to move with all that hair… it was absolutely heartbreaking!”
It was clear – Simon was in desperate need of the shelter’s urgent help!
The matted fur that restricted Simon’s movements and made it difficult for him to regulate his body temperature was causing serious harm, so it was essential to remove it.
The shelter staff carefully sedated Simon and got straight to work.
With patience and precision, the team shaved off all the mats, making sure not to hurt him during the process.
It was a tedious and time-consuming task, but the KC Pet Project team was determined to relieve Simon of the heavy burden he’d been carrying for who knows how long.
As they peeled away the matted layers, it seemed as though they were uncovering an entirely new dog – the sheer amount of extra fur Simon had been carrying was astounding.
After nearly two hours of careful work, the team was finished, and Simon was transformed – he looked like a completely different dog.
The shelter staff weighed the matted fur they had shaved off, which amounted to an incredible 6.5 pounds of hair.
Can you imagine? As Tori said:
“That’s a significant amount for a dog his size!”
Once Simon woke up, feeling like a new dog, he was treated to a much-needed bath.
And the best part? He couldn’t stop wagging his tail the entire time – clearly happy to be free from the weight of all that matted fur!
The shelter decided to place Simon on medical hold during his stay, ensuring that all his needs were met as he continued to recover.
As Simon settled in, he quickly won over everyone’s hearts, with his sweet and endearing personality making it impossible not to fall in love with him.
Speaking about his time at the shelter, Tori said:
“Every day that he was here, he was healing! It took him a long time just to learn how to really walk again normally.”
But despite the challenges, Simon proved to be a fighter. He overcame every obstacle, showing everyone just how special he truly was.
An adventurous spirit, Simon loved to explore – he’d stick his muzzle into everything he could find, curious about the world around him.
He also cherished the time spent with the shelter staff, showering them with affection and reminding them of the unconditional love dogs are known for.
Simon even got the chance to spend some weekends with one of the shelter staff, where his true personality really began to shine.
After a few weeks, potential adopters visited KC Pet Project, eager to find a new furry friend.
It didn’t take long for them to fall head over heels for Simon’s charming nature, and the feeling was absolutely mutual.
Simon was equally enchanted by them, and it became clear to everyone that this sweet pup had found his forever home.
And just like that, the couple took Simon home, marking the end of his short stay at the KC Pet Project.
Reflecting on his journey, Tori shared:
“It was just a wonderful experience to be able to see him leaving the shelter and knowing the journey that it took to get him to that spot. Knowing all that he went through before he came to KC Pet Project, for him to just go and live out the rest of his days in a home is wonderful!”
From a matted mess on the streets of Kansas City to an adorable pup with a forever home, Simon’s transformation is nothing short of miraculous.
I wish him many years of joy and health with his new family.
