Severely neglected dog to star in tv show

Missy's fur was so matted RPSCA inspectors did not she was a dog Credit: RSPCA

A Shih Tzu who was so neglected RSPCA inspectors could not tell it was a dog, will be starring in a TV show.

Missy was found living in a garden in Ossett in West Yorkshire in March this year after complaints had been made to the animal charity.

RSPCA inspectors said she had been so badly mistreated her collar was embedded with fur and it took three pairs of clippers to determine she was a dog.

Inspector Walker said she was stunned to be confronted by a bundle of tangles and knots Credit: RSPCA

Inspector Kris Walker said she was stunned to be confronted by a bundle of tangles and knots.

Missy was taken to Abbey House Veterinary Hospital in Leeds where she was put under anaesthetic as her face and feet were too sensitive to shave while she was awake.

In total, 2kg - the same weight as two bags of sugar - of fur was removed from poor Missy. She spent a month recovering at the RSPCA in Halifax before finding a new home in Bradford with dog-loving couple Jeff Noad and Christine Morris and their rescue dog Poppy.

Missy fully recovered after her awful ordeal Credit: RSPCA

New owner Christine Morris, said: “Missy is really happy here. Although they started as strangers, she and my other dog Poppy who we’ve had for 18 months are made for each other.

Both of them came from the RSPCA. They get on so well, it’s as if they had been brought up together. They eat, sleep and play together, have the occasional tussle and cuddle up in the car.

Missy is the noisy one and Poppy is so laid back. They are the best things that have come into our lives.”

Missy will appear on the new series of Channel 5’s Dog Rescuers on Tuesday August 29 2017.