Severely Matted Dog Finds Relief After Makeover

Ruff Start Rescue helps Gracie Mae regain mobility by shaving off a pound of built-up fur

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Gracie Mae, an adult dog, arrived at Ruff Start Rescue in Princeton, Minnesota with severely matted fur, overgrown nails, and no recent medical records. The rescue team carefully shaved off a pound of matted fur, revealing a healthy, social, and gentle dog underneath. After fostering, Gracie Mae found a loving forever home where she enjoys snuggling with her new family.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of animal rescue organizations like Ruff Start Rescue, which work to rehabilitate neglected pets and find them loving homes. Gracie Mae's story shows how even severely matted dogs can be transformed with proper care and grooming, regaining their health and mobility.

The details

When Gracie Mae first arrived at Ruff Start Rescue, her fur was so severely matted that it limited her movement, and she had to be carried around. The rescue's veterinary team carefully sedated Gracie Mae and spent an hour shaving off the pound of dirty, tangled fur covering her body. Underneath, they found healthy skin and a dog that was friendly and cooperative throughout the process.

  • Gracie Mae arrived at Ruff Start Rescue in Princeton, Minnesota.
  • Ruff Start Rescue's veterinary team spent an hour carefully shaving off Gracie Mae's severely matted fur.

The players

Ruff Start Rescue

A rescue organization in Princeton, Minnesota that took in Gracie Mae and helped rehabilitate her.

Gracie Mae

An adult dog surrendered to Ruff Start Rescue with severely matted fur, overgrown nails, and no recent medical records.

Meg Larson

The intake manager at Ruff Start Rescue who oversaw Gracie Mae's case.

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What they’re saying

“When we first saw Gracie Mae, she was severely matted over her entire body. The matting was so extensive that it limited her movement, and she almost had to be carried around like a little stuffed animal at first because she couldn't move comfortably on her own.”

— Meg Larson, Intake Manager, Ruff Start Rescue (people.com)

“Our veterinary team did an incredible job. They worked gently and carefully to remove the matting without pulling, tearing, or nicking her skin. Thankfully, once the mats were removed, we were relieved to see that her skin underneath was healthy. She was even a little chunky, which was a great sign that she had been getting enough to eat.”

— Meg Larson, Intake Manager, Ruff Start Rescue (people.com)

What’s next

After her successful grooming and rehabilitation, Gracie Mae was placed in a foster home to decompress before finding her forever family, where she has become a beloved 'daddy's girl'.

The takeaway

Gracie Mae's story highlights the life-changing work of animal rescue organizations like Ruff Start Rescue, which are dedicated to rehabilitating neglected pets and finding them loving homes. Even severely matted dogs can be transformed with proper care and grooming, regaining their health and mobility.