Dog found abandoned in the woods is making recovery

Animal welfare officials have issued an appeal for information after a dog with heavily matted fur and in desperate condition was found in Burford, southwestern Ontario, Canada. The dog, who is now being called Shrek because he looked liked a swamp creature when he was discovered last Wednesday, is healing and finally receiving the love that he needs.

But officials at the Brant County SPCA want to know where he came from and how it is that he came to be in a wooded area to fend for himself. “We're appealing to anyone who may know anything about this dog to give us a call,” Brandon James of the Brant County SPCA, said. “He was in terrible condition when he was found - his fur was badly matted and it's obvious that he had been outdoors for quite some time.”

Shrek is being cared for by Dr. Brenda Gough, of the Park Road Veterinary Clinic and the Southern Cross Equestrian Facility. It was through the clinic that Shrek has received the care he needs. “I think he is a puppy mill dog and I'll bet he has spent most, if not all of his life, in a cage,” Gough said. “He was anaemic, had very low protein and he could barely walk because his legs were hurting from all of that hair and mud caked on him for so long.”

She and others who saw Shrek's condition can't believe that anyone would let something like this happen to an animal. They're outraged by what has happened. Still, Shrek cleaned up really well and looks wonderful after all the matted fur was shaved off. “The biggest issue for him is behavioural,” Gough said. “He's afraid of his own shadow. He isn't mean or aggressive but it's obvious that he doesn't know what love is.”

There's a news video here and a photo gallery showing Shrek's transformation here.