The sad and neglected little dog was rescued from cruel conditions with matted fur by Española Humane, an NGO that cares for abandoned animals. “It took my breath away when I saw it,” Matty Allen, EH’s communications director, told The Dodo.

The little dog had 2.5 kilograms of wool. – Photo: Española Humane/Disclosure/ND

The dog was locked in a small box

The puppy was rescued in the backyard, where he had been kept in a small box for a long time. The frightened animal had a thick layer of fur and was in pain.

“He was absolutely terrified because he couldn’t see anything and everything hurt,” Allen told The Dodo. “It was like every inch of his skin was screaming in pain,” he added.

The Española Humane team decided to take the puppy to the operating room and sedate him so he wouldn’t feel any pain. “I think it took about an hour to scrape it all off,” Allen said. “It was 2.5 kilograms of fur,” he added.

Later, when he woke up, the animal, named Giuseppe, became unrecognizable. After cutting his hair, the institute determined that he was obese and hypothyroid, which was slowing his metabolism.

The dog was in an abusive situation. – Española Humane/Disclosure/ND

The veterinary team discovered that the puppy was obese and hypothyroid. – Española Humane/Disclosure/ND

According to The Dodo, Giuseppe is undergoing treatment and is not yet ready to move into a permanent home. “He just needs time and love,” Allen commented. “And we’re very fortunate to be able to give him that.”