Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column
THE last time I went to my wonderful hairdresser, I felt such a mess, I said to him, please don’t even look at me until I’ve had my hair done.
ALWAYS quick off the mark, “That’s not going to work”, he said.
But it does mean I can identify, to some extent, with Arlo, an Old English sheepdog, who arrived at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home with fur so long and matted it covered his eyes, meaning he’d regularly walk into walls and doors as he couldn’t see where he was going. Fancy arriving at the famous Battersea for rehoming looking a mess – just when you want to look your best.
Arlo’s knots were so bad, Battersea staff had no choice but to clip all Arlo’s hair off to make him feel more comfortable. It took three people, two hours to clip the two year old from head to toe, removing 1.8 kilograms of hair while he was under sedation.
Battersea said they wouldn’t normally clip a dog with such long hair but as Arlo was in such discomfort, they thought it was best for his welfare.
Because Arlo’s mats were so severe, they pulled at his skin, leaving him feeling uncomfortable and anxious when he was being handled. This means he’s now having lots of positive training to help show him that grooming and handling can be enjoyable.
Grooming is vital for all dogs especially those with long hair. If a dog’s fur gets too matted or long, it can cause discomfort and lead to infections in their eyes and ears.
And, of course, Arlo now looks stunning.
His coat will eventually grow back which means he is looking for new owners who will help him to stay the well-groomed boy he has become.
He needs to be the only dog in his new home and would best suit a home without younger children. If you are interested, Arlo is waiting at the Battersea rehoming centre, Battersea Park Road or call 0800 001 4444.
Without a doubt, dogs taking part in this year’s Battersea Muddy Dog Challenge will need grooming afterwards.
Taking place on Saturday June 6 and Sunday June 7 in the historic parkland of Windsor Great Park, humans and dogs can take part in a 2.5km or 5km obstacle run.
Participants are asked to raise £100 for Battersea’s work plus there is a registration fee. This is a popular event and places are being snapped up fast. For details see battersea.org.uk.