At One Tail at a Time Rescue in Chicago, a Tibetan Mastiff arrived on January 9, 2025 as an unrecognizable breed, nearly smothering under a coat of heavy matting, urine and filth all wrapped up into 32 extra pounds. It had been Chicago Animal Care and Control who found her wandering the streets.
Here she is:
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Within an hour of her arrival, Sprout was sedated, and the staff started to shave off the years of neglect. At first, no one even knew what breed she was. When she first arrived, Sprout had been in pain from her coat pulling on her raw and tender skin. The entire process took hours, but when she woke up, she was a new dog.

Sprout was even able to wag her tail!

After having 32.4 pounds of matted fur, urine, and feces shaved off, Sprout is working on her new wardrobe as she stays warm in her foster home.

Sprout is taking some time to decompress while figuring out what inside life is all about. The outpouring of support has meant so much!

Rescuers say Sprout is shy and not sure of what has happened to her. Surely her memory of feeling this good has her puzzled, but she’s slowly adjusting, and her new life promises lots of love, care, good food and for sure – daily brushings.

Several families have inquired about adopting Sprout, but for now she gets to push forward slowly and at her own pace.

What a wonderful future Sprout will have.
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