Neglected stray looks like 'completely different dog' after incredible makeover

31 May 2023 , 14:22

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You'll never believe what Barney the sheepdog looks like now (Image: RSPCA)

A gorgeous black and white sheepdog has had the mother of all transformations after a humongous haircut removed 5kg of matted and dirty fur.

Barney arrived at an RSPCA centre in South London after five years without a trim. His fur was so overgrown that his eyes were covered and his eating was affected.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Chloe Wilson said: "He was so matted that he had to be sedated by a vet to be clipped.

"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 was so matted that he had to be sedated for his haircut (RSPCA)

The adorable pooch looks unrecognisable after losing 5kg of fur (RSPCA)

Barney, who the team say also hadn't been exercised or socialised for five years, is now available for rehoming after the staff helped rebuild his confidence.

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Sue Walters, from the RSPCA's Millbrook Animal Centre, 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 a lovable family to take him home in London (RSPCA)

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

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."

Pet pic

Flash has good reason to look grumpy after 100 days in a rescue centre (Blue Cross / SWNS)

The moggy has had little interest from potential new owners at Blue Cross (Blue Cross / SWNS)

He's got a grumpy resting face, but animal rescue staff say nine-year-old Flash is simply misunderstood.

Dubbed the 'grumpiest cat in Oxfordshire', the black and white moggy has spent more than 100 days at a rescue centre as potential new owners overlook him.

Flash came to the Blue Cross' rehoming centre in Burford, Oxon, after being found on the streets, where it's thought he survived as a stray for seven years being fed by locals after his owner left the country.

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Flash isn't actually an angry cat - he is really a sweet and loving boy

Animal Welfare Assistant Elisha Webber, said: "He's a sweet boy and quite a character, and we've all fallen in love with him.

"He's coming on leaps and bounds. He's very inquisitive and enjoys watching and being around other cats.

"He still struggles to trust people and his temperament is 'I'm OK being in your presence, but don't touch me."

The team are looking for a new home for Flash, and say a farmyard with a heated outhouse would work best, with access to their home if he likes.

Rescue of the week

The owlet was put in a special bag and lifted up the tree to her nest (RSPCA)

This tiny tawny owl was rescued from the cold and returned to her parents' cosy nest with the help of animal-loving heroes.

The bird was spotted by a local businessman in woodlands he owned in Pett, near Hastings.

As a keen wildlife observer, he was concerned for the vulnerable creature, and took her to the Mallydams Wood Wildlife Centre.

Wildlife assistant Ash Peter said: "This poor little owlet - still a tiny ball of fluff - was very cold, quiet and unreactive.

"Luckily, she had no injuries and didn't appear to be sick, so we got some fluids into her and fed her with chopped-up meat.

"We then popped her in an incubator to warm up overnight."

She has now settled back into life with her family in the wild (RSPCA)

The next step was to find a way to reintroduce the little bird to her nest.

Being so knowledgeable about the local wildlife, the businessman was sure the nest was close to where he had found the owlet.

He was able to pinpoint the nest - a hole in a tree, 10 metres above the ground.

Luckily, a tree surgeon got involved, and within 24 hours, she was on her way back to the wild.

Ash added: "It was such a happy moment for all of us. We are confident that the owlet has settled back into the nest with her parents.

"There is nothing better than successfully returning a wild animal to where they belong.

"It was the perfect rescue but without the help of some local heroes, the outcome could have been very different."

Did you know?

With temperatures finally rising as summer arrives, it's time to look out for our pets in the heat.

Claire Turner, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at animal welfare charity Battersea, said: "With warmer weather comes dangers for our pets like heat exhaustion, so it's important to keep your pets safe with simple tricks like providing them with plenty of water options and shady spots.

"Many pets start to struggle when temperatures hit around the mid-twenties, but for popular Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as pugs and French bulldogs, breathing difficulties can become a problem at temperatures as low as 20C.

"Most importantly, if your pet seems unwell as a result of the heat, seek veterinary advice urgently."

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Here are some tips to keep in mind as the thermometer ticks up:

1. Avoid walking dogs if the weather is hot, opting for early morning or late evening walks when the temperature is lower.
2. Make sure your pet has access to water, especially on walks. Take a bottle of water and a bowl for them to drink from when you're out and about.
3. Never leave an animal alone in a hot car, as even in the shade with windows open, dogs can become distressed and uncomfortable and overheating can be fatal.
4. Keep your pet cool at home by staying in shaded areas and by putting a sprinkler or paddling pool in the shade to help them cool down.
5. Look out for signs of heat stroke, including heavy panting, drowsiness, vomiting or diarrhoea and excessive drooling from the mouth. If you think your dog has heat stroke contact your vet straight away.

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Nia Dalton