When a worried community member caught a glimpse of unkempt Maisie, they alerted Oregon Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement team, who rushed to investigate.

 Humane Special Agent Mike Rowe checked on Maisie and met her elderly owner. It was clear that this was a case of a person who loved their animal but no longer had the physical or financial ability to provide for her.

Maisie’s matted fur was extremely painful, and continuing to leave it untreated could cause skin infections, restrict blood flow, and lead to open wounds or tears in the skin. Because of her overgrown, matted fur that covered her eyes, Maisie was living in darkness.

Her owner struggled to provide the daily care needed for her, and so Maisie was kept primarily inside—even for potty breaks—and rarely saw the light of day. Wanting a better future for Maisie, and with Officer Rowe’s empathetic support, Maisie’s owner decided to surrender the tiny dog to OHS. 

Back at our Portland shelter, the OHS team was immediately able to help Maisie—diligently shaving her tough matted shell, assessing her medical needs, providing her with nourishing food, and giving her a comfortable place to recover.

Today, Maisie has been adopted and has new, soft fur growing in. Because of animal lovers like you, Maisie can see the world again and has a bright future ahead.