As the founder of Logan’s Legacy 29, Suzette Hall has been involved in countless dog rescues, but a recent plea from her friend Sandra Viveros Jackson struck an urgent chord. Viveros Jackson had spotted a small dog with heavily matted fur wandering through a busy Los Angeles neighborhood, clearly lost and struggling in the intense heat. The dog was covered in a matted fur coat that turned into dreadlocks. It hindered his whole body as he moved about. It was heartbreaking and there was no time to waste. The dog needed help now!

Despite Hall already being on another rescue, time was critical. Thankfully, her dedicated team of friends and volunteers—Nuñez Aky, Yamileth, and Karla—rushed to help, joining Viveros Jackson to comb the area in search of the little dog.

After some searching, a glimpse of white fur caught their eyes beneath a parked car. To prevent another escape, the team surrounded the vehicle, gently coaxing him and praising him until Karla successfully looped a leash around him. The pup, safe at last, seemed uncertain but willing to trust.

Hall arrived shortly after, heartbroken by the sight before her. The dog’s fur was so tangled that it obscured his vision, leaving him anxious and unable to see. Gently, Hall reassured him, “[He] doesn’t know human touch or what it feels like to matter,” but promised him a new beginning.

Later that day, the compassionate staff at Camino Pet Hospital helped transform him. They carefully shaved away the tangled fur, uncovering an adorable face and a sweet underbite that had been hidden for so long. With his newfound freedom, the dog—now named Maurice—could finally see the world around him.

“Can you imagine not being able to see for years, with dreadlocks so tight and creepy crawling ticks all over you?” Hall shared in awe of his transformation. Just a week into his new life, Maurice is thriving in foster care, full of joy and anticipation for his future family.

Though he’s still awaiting adoption, Maurice is already enjoying the comfort of being loved and well-cared for. “Today is the beginning of a whole new life, a past stripped away…” Hall wrote. “Be still my heart.”