A nervous stray dog who was taken in by Battersea Old Windsor has been given a second chance at life.

The 11-month-old Cockapoo was brought into Battersea in what the centre described as a "tangle of fur".

Now named Zelda, the team worked to deal with her heavily overgrown, matted fur which caused her to have lots of sores around her ears.

Due to the condition of her coat, Zelda was very uncomfortable and had difficulty seeing the world around her. 

It was decided that Zelda would undergo a "dramatic makeover" which included a grooming and bathing session to ease her discomfort.

The team carefully clipped down her coat and gave her a fresh start, removing almost a kilo of hair to help her feel lighter and brighter.

The once nervous Zelda has since begun to show off her "affectionate personality" as her confidence grows.

Described as an "adventurous" young dog who follows her nose and loves walks and interacting with canine friends - Zelda quickly found her forever home.

Zelda caught the attention of her new owners who fell in love with her lively personality and whisked her off to start a new life in London.

Clare Penman, Groomer at Battersea Old Windsor, said: “After Zelda had a much-needed groom, her demeanour changed and she was instantly more relaxed, which is why regular grooming is so important to keep your dog happy and healthy.

"When a dog's fur mats it causes discomfort and can also trap moisture, leading to irritation and sores on their skin, as well as hiding bacteria, fleas and ticks. 

"Grooming helps to ensure your dog’s coat is clean, free of knots and can even help to keep them cool. 

“To look after your dog's fur, brush them regularly with the right brush for their coat and make sure to wash out any dirt after muddy walks. If you’re unsure of what’s best for your dog or if you notice any sores, speak to your vet first for advice.”