Mattie is an adorable 3-year old female Labrador Retriever mix who was found on State Route 7 in New Matamoras Ohio and brought to the safety of our shelter on July 26th 2026. Mattie was not wearing a collar, and she was not microchipped.
This little sweetheart has a shiny black coat, a large patch of white with black freckles on her chest/belly, white paws, a long tail, and a beautiful face with the most innocent trusting brown eyes, a slender muzzle, a small patch of white on her chin, and short floppy ears.
Mattie was terribly thin and weighed just 22 lbs when HSOV Volunteer Angel Grosklos spent time with her for outdoor pictures on July 26th. One of the HSOV mascot kitties (Arthur) was enamored with Mattie and was in several of her photos .. Mattie paid no attention to Arthur and had no reaction to him or other cats nearby. This little dollbaby had the sweetest, most gentle disposition. She was the kind of dog that you wanted to hold close and whisper in her ear that everything would be ok and that she was in good hands with new friends who already loved her.
Angel quickly discovered that Mattie knew how to 'sit pretty' and to 'shake paws' and that she loved attention (and good girl treats).
Mattie went home with a foster family on September 2nd 2026 who planned to adopt her after she was spayed, but she was returned by her foster family on September 23rd 2026. Mattie was bullying/not getting along with the resident dog in the home and was jealous of him when he received attention. Mattie would happily go into a crate on her own, but she did not like to be confined. It broke her foster mother's heart to return Mattie since Mattie dearly loved her foster mom and wanted to be her favorite.
Mattie was still terribly thin/emaciated when she came back to HSOV on September 23rd. She was taken to one of our compassionate local veterinarians where she was tested for Trypsin-Like Immunoreactivity (TLI) and was diagnosed with EPI [Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency] which is caused by the failure of her pancreas to produce the enzymes she needs for proper food digestion.
Mattie is being listed as a 'Special Needs Dog' for that reason. Mattie is being given a prescription dietary supplement (Viokase-V .. a pancreatic enzymatic concentrated powder which is mixed with her wet food). Mattie will always be required to take this medication.
Mattie has gained some much-needed weight thanks to the daily Viokase-V supplement, and she looks (and feels) much healthier these days. Mattie's ribs are no longer showing, and she weighs approximately 30-35 lbs or so.
These updated photos of Mattie were taken on October 4th 2026 when HSOV Kennel Tech Emma Dahlgren spent time with her for glamour pictures. Mattie looks like a totally different little dog than the one we met in late July 2026 since she is now a healthy weight. Mattie was also very timid/shy at that time. She has found her 'voice' and has a lot to talk about these days (Smile).
Mattie gave Emma many nice hugs (and kisses) during her photo session and loved being the center of attention with Emma by her side.
Mattie loves her people friends, but she tends to be selective about which dogs she accepts into her friendship circle.
Mattie will be spayed before being officially adopted. She is available to foster/foster-to-adopt with an approved HSOV foster/adoption application. We know the perfect home is waiting for Mattie ... Please help us find that fabulous home and special person for Mattie to share her life with.
SUSHI (PHOTOS SEPTEMBER 6TH 2026)
Tortoiseshell
🇺🇸
Marietta, Ohio
female, medium, baby
Tortoiseshell
Marietta, Ohio
