Labradoodle rescued story, In one of the most heartbreaking yet inspiring rescue stories of the year, a severely neglected Labradoodle named Crawfish went from being completely unrecognizable to flashing a big, unforgettable smile.
A Shocking Rescue From a Hoarding Case
Last year, 17 dogs were rescued from a horrific hoarding situation and brought to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. Many of the dogs had been suffering for years, weighed down by painfully matted fur and severe neglect.
“This is definitely the worst case of matting I have seen,” said Jenny Dolan, senior lifesaving care specialist at the sanctuary, in an interview with The Dodo. “We often get dogs with mats, but this was so severe it affected their ability to even walk.”
Crawfish’s Condition Was Among the Worst
One dog, in particular, stood out—Crawfish, a sweet Labradoodle whose entire face was hidden beneath thick, tangled fur. His mats were so extreme, he could barely move or even see. But what made Crawfish remarkable wasn’t just his condition—it was his calm, affectionate spirit.
While many severely neglected dogs struggle to trust humans again, Crawfish bonded with Dolan right away.
A Life-Changing Makeover
Determined to give Crawfish a new beginning, the team spent hours carefully shaving off his matted coat. Beneath all that fur was a beautiful, light brown dog with eyes full of hope.
“He finally felt like he could breathe again,” Dolan said.
Miraculously, despite the years of neglect, Crawfish had no serious health issues. Instead, he quickly began to show his playful, goofy personality—thrilled by every new experience life had to offer.
Learning the Basics—and Loving It
Crawfish had to start from scratch, learning how to walk on a leash, get into cars, and enjoy the comfort of a bed. Even simple pleasures, like eating a dog biscuit, were completely new to him.
“I would hand him a treat, and most of it would fall on the floor,” Dolan laughed. “But he didn’t care—he was just happy he got a treat.”
Every Day Was His Best Day Ever
As the days went by, Crawfish greeted every challenge with curiosity and joy. “He was this happy-go-lucky guy,” Dolan recalled. “He didn’t know what he was doing, but he was just excited to do it.”
A Forever Home at Last
After a few healing months at the sanctuary, Crawfish experienced another major milestone—adoption. A loving family welcomed him home, ready to give him the life he always deserved.
“[He] has spent the last five months coming into his own,” said Gavin, Crawfish’s adopter.
Now, Crawfish spends his days indulging in his favorite activities: eating treats and lounging in bed—living proof of the resilience of rescue dogs and the joy that comes with a second chance.
Trending Now: Related Pet Rescue Stories
- How One Stray Dog Became a Therapy Pet
- Before and After: Amazing Dog Grooming Transformations
- Why Adopting a Rescue Dog Might Change Your Life
Discover more from Trending at
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
