AN old English sheepdog has had an amazing transformation and looks like a completely different dog after having 5kg (11lb) of severely matted fur removed.

Barney arrived in RSPCA care from a home in South London, where he hadn’t been exercised, socialised or groomed for five years. When RSPCA animal rescue officer Chloe Wilson saw him for the first time, she was shocked at his condition.

“He was so matted that he had to be sedated by a vet to be clipped,” said Chloe.“It was so bad that the matted fur was covering his eyes and it affected his eating and drinking.

“The total weight of his matted fur was 5kg (11lb). Thankfully he had no ongoing health concerns as a result of the matting.

“He looked like a completely different dog after his extensive grooming!”

Barney is now available for rehoming through the RSPCA’s Millbrook Animal Centre in Chobham, where staff have helped him build his confidence.

Sue Walters, from Millbrook, said: “When Barney came into us, he was so shut down and scared, but our team gave him lots of time to trust them and now he has come on leaps and bounds. He now really enjoys his walks with the people he knows and trusts.”

Barney is looking for an adult only home and owners with experience of old English sheepdogs that know about the breed and the grooming requirements that they regularly need. 

Sue added: “Barney needs a home that will go slow with him and give him time to settle and adjust to a new family and home environment. He needs an understanding home where his new family realise that it may take a bit of time for him to bond with them. Barney does like other dogs, and would benefit from living with a neutered dog, depending on introductions.

“Barney has been through a hard time and he is becoming such a loving dog and really does deserve the best.”

Anyone interested in applying to adopt Barney can apply via his online profile.

* MILLBROOK is staging its fun dog show this Saturday 27 May from 10am to 3pm to raise funds for the Millbrook Animal centre.  Classes include Lovable lad, Fabulous female, Best Rescue, Golden Oldie, Best Trick.

As well as the dog show there are plenty of other activities such as dog agility, fastest recall, and lots of stalls to browse.  For more details, visit https://www.rspca-millbrook.org.uk/