18 pooches go from matted to magnificent

Crawfish is learning that the world is an ocean of fun — full of new friends, exciting discoveries, and adventures waiting around every corner. With his soft, creamy fur and an ever-growing sense of curiosity, he’s becoming a confident, happy pup who knows how to have a good time. But life wasn’t always this carefree for Crawfish and the other dogs who arrived with him — an entire wave of pups all named after aquatic creatures.

Crawfish was one of 18 large poodles and small dogs who arrived at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary after animal services removed them from an overcrowded home. Large-scale cases such as this can strain animal shelters’ efforts to reach or maintain no-kill, and it takes organizations working together to share the effort and to place those pets in homes.

When the dogs arrived at the Sanctuary, it was clear they had a long journey ahead of them — not just physically but emotionally as well. They had matted coats, limited socialization, and other unmet needs.

"They were all in pretty rough shape," recalls caregiver Anabel Kirk. "Some were more social than others, but they all needed grooming, medical attention, and a lot of patience to help them feel safe again."

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Each dog had varying levels of matting, with Crawfish being one of the more challenging cases. His sweet face was hidden beneath a mountain of tangled fur, and it took several hours of careful work to shave off the mats. The transformation was immediate and stunning. Who knew there was a creamy latte-colored dog beneath all that dark, knotted fur? Once freed from the heavy coat that had weighed him down for so long, Crawfish began to show glimpses of his gentle, curious personality.

As the mats fell away, so did some of his fear. His posture became less guarded, and his eyes, once uncertain, began to sparkle with curiosity. Slowly but surely, Crawfish started to trust the caregivers who patiently sat with him, spoke softly to him, and encouraged his bravery with tasty treats.

“All the dogs had varying levels of shyness,” says Anabel. “Some ran right up to us, excited for attention, while others, like Crawfish, would sit in the corner and hide. But they've all made incredible progress. It's been so rewarding to watch them come out of their shells.”

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With consistent love, patience, and positive experiences, Crawfish blossomed. He began to join his canine friends in playgroups, tentatively at first, then with increasing confidence. He discovered the joy of chasing toys, the thrill of wrestling with a buddy, and the pure bliss of flopping down, tongue lolling, after a good play session.

And the best news? All of the pups, including Crawfish, have since been adopted into loving homes where they can continue to grow, play, and feel safe. Crawfish’s journey has been one of transformation — from a timid, matted dog hidden beneath layers of fur to a joyful, playful companion who knows the world is not only an ocean of fun but also a sea of second chances.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill in 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.