A dog, originally named Faul, was found in the Pinedale neighborhood of Fresno, severely matted to the point that it was unable to move. The dog had three pounds of matted fur, which the rescuer compared to having toilet paper rolls wrapped around its arms.

The dog, about 15 years old according to its microchip, may have owners in San Leandro though the information gathered is no longer accurate.

Flea-Infested Fur Causing Dog to Go Blind

The fur had caused the dog to go blind, as it was unable to blink, preventing its eyes from being lubricated.

The dog was infested with fleas, and there were concerns it may have had maggots due to feces sticking to its skin.

A concerned Facebook follower reached out to Mell’s Mutts, a local non-profit in Fresno, fearing for the dog’s life.

The follower walked door-to-door in the neighborhood, where neighbors said they thought the dog was dead and left it alone.

Mell Garcia, founder of Mell’s Mutts, believes the dog had been in this condition for one to two years.

Garcia took the dog to the vet immediately, where it required oxygen and sedation for treatment.

Unable to move, the dog was easily placed in a box for transport.

Veterinarian Care Quickly Works to Keep Dog Alive

After veterinary care, the dog received blood work, flea treatment, and will likely stay at the vet for a few days to receive fluids and food to stabilize.

The dog will then go home with Garcia for monitoring before a search for a foster home begins.

Garcia noted that because the dog has been in this condition for so long, it will be highly sensitive to touch, making aftercare crucial. There are concerns that the dog could be injured if not closely monitored.

Garcia said finding animals in critical condition is becoming more common, with many people ignoring the animals because they are used to seeing them in such conditions. She urged people to contact Animal Control immediately when encountering an animal in critical condition, as they may be running out of time.

Garcia also warned that while shelters may be lowering adoption fees, the financial responsibilities of pet ownership remain significant.

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