In the heart of Chicago, a large brown dog named Sprout wandered the streets, barely recognizable beneath a suffocating mountain of matted fur. The mats—soaked with urine and feces—trailed behind her like an anchor, weighing her down and concealing the dog she truly was.
Chicago Animal Care and Control picked her up as a stray and immediately contacted One Tail at a Time, a local rescue organization, for urgent help.
“Sprout was in a horrific state when she was found as a stray. It was difficult to tell what breed she was, but we suspected that she was a mastiff,” said Alli Rooney, marketing manager of One Tail at a Time, in an interview with The Dodo.
A Life-Changing Grooming
When Sprout arrived at the rescue, she appeared shut down—overwhelmed by the unfamiliar surroundings and unsure of the people trying to help her. The veterinary team sedated her and began an hours-long grooming session that would completely change her life.
By the time they were done, 32.4 pounds of matted fur had been carefully removed.
For the first time in what must have been months, Sprout was able to lift her head without pain or strain. Beneath the thick mats was a beautiful dog finally free from the prison of her own coat.
Healing Begins with Trust
Though she’s currently being treated for a skin infection, Sprout was found to be otherwise healthy and not underweight for her large frame. Her spirit, however, showed signs of both sorrow and resilience.
“Although timid, she is trusting of her foster mom and has a sweet temperament,” Rooney said. “Since her grooming, she has been coming out of her shell more and more each day. She has started to trot in the yard and beg for pets, which is really cute!”
Over 100 Families Wanted Her—One Was the Perfect Match
One Tail at a Time posted her story and adoption reel, and the applications came pouring in. Over 100 families applied to give Sprout a home. After a careful review, the rescue arranged a meeting with Nicole and her family, including their Tibetan Mastiff, Wally.
The introduction was a perfect match. Sprout, once a forgotten stray weighed down by years of neglect, now had a soft bed, a loving family, and a new best friend.
“She is one heck of a special gal and we’re so glad she is doing so well in her adopted home,” the rescue team shared.
