Abandoned dogs given a makeover

Two abandoned dogs have been given the makeover they deserve, in the hope of finding them new forever homes.

Gandalf and Daisy were only two of the 700 lost dogs and puppies the Merseyside Dogs’ Home received in 2016, for whom they needed to find forever homes.

The Groom Room at Pets at Home in St. Helen’s teamed up with Merseyside Dogs’ Home in Liverpool to give two abandoned dogs a full groom so they looked and felt their best for potential new owners.

Gandalf, a six-year old Shih Tzu, was found after living out of bins on the streets for months. His claws were horribly long and ingrowing while his coat was a smelly, matted mess.

Daisy, a nine-year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, had been abandoned on the verge of a busy road. Her nails and coat were in a terrible state and two of her teeth had been cracked in half.

Both dogs received a full groom: a bath followed by a comforting and warm blow-dry and brush; full body clipping to get rid of matted clumps; their ears and faces cleaned and tidied and all their claws clipped.

Natasha Slennett, grooming operations manager at Pets at Home St. Helen’s, said: “Both Daisy and Gandalf were unrecognisable after their Groom Room pamper session and were like different dogs – tails wagging and kisses for everyone. Gandalf’s behaviour especially was totally transformed; he proceeded to prance around the room and lick every hand going to him, before finally rolling over to enjoy a lengthy tummy tickle!

“It just goes to show how important grooming can be for dogs. Not only is it important for their physical health and appearance, but also for their mental wellbeing too.”

Since their makeover, both Gandalf and Daisy have since been rehomed and continue to enjoy their grooming sessions.