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Pierre the mini-poodle was discovered in Putnam County on Saturday, Aug. 5 after detectives from the county's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals responded to a residence in the town of Patterson on Lake Shore Drive.
According to the SPCA, the detectives found the 9-year-old Pierre inside the home suffering from extreme matting. He also could not see or walk properly because of his condition.
After the discovery, Pierre was taken to Guardian Veterinarian Specialists in Brewster for emergency care, where he had over eight pounds of feces and urine-soaked matted fur removed from his body. The operation took over two hours, the SPCA said.
After his surgery, the SPCA took Pierre to Poodle Rescue Connecticut, Inc. in the New Haven County town of Naugatuck, which took over his care and had him neutered.
Although Pierre was removed from his abusive home, he was still facing the effects of his nine years of abuse, the nonprofit said in a social media post.
"You can sometimes touch him. He will sometimes forget his fear and will jump on your leg and then he will be horrified that he did it," the organization wrote in the post, adding, "You can see the fear in his eyes."
The nonprofit knew finding a proper home for Pierre would be a challenge. Luckily though, a seasoned foster from another rescue organization named Marcella stepped up to take him in.
"Relax Pierre, you have a very kind Mom who is going to give you time," the organization wrote.
Pierre's former owner, Brian Edwards, was charged with animal cruelty by SPCA detectives following the dog's discovery. He was arranged in the Town of Patterson Justice Court on Wednesday, Aug. 30.
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