The poor dog had a family in the neighbourhood who never let him inside their home.
The Yorkshire Terrier had completely matted fur and wandered the streets looking for a meal.
He asks for help
A concerned neighbour watched the Yorkshire's behaviour for months, horrified to see him weaving between cars. He finally called AMA Animal Rescue (AMA) for help. When the rescuers arrived on the scene, the little dog was very wary. As soon as anyone tried to approach him, he would run away, growl and try to bite.
After several visits to the neighbourhood, during which the AMA team used food and a gentle approach to gain his trust, the rescuers finally managed to get close to the Yorkshire, later named Mickey.
Never groomed
It was clear that the little dog hadn't been groomed in years. He had an eye infection, and the fur had grown over his eyes to such an extent that he couldn't see anything at all. Mickey's condition clearly showed the team that he had spent most of his 13 years outside and alone. The AMA team urged his owner to surrender Mickey, which he eventually agreed to.
Mickey was sedated whilst the vet examined and groomed him. For a whole year, Mickey lived at the AMA shelter, learning to trust. It took patience and time, but he eventually softened!
Searching for his family
After a long search, a foster family agreed to welcome Mickey into their home. With his current foster family, he has completely changed. At 15, Mickey now sleeps on a cosy bed every night, enjoys the company of other small dogs and can't stop looking at himself in the mirror!
Mickey is available for adoption, but the AMA team wants to make it clear to anyone interested in the little dog that he will need time to get to know his new family, which is completely normal!
