Thanks for all your feed back. We do comb Koda a lot, but because we suspect that he was not combed before we rescued him, it was not always an easy venture. He has come so far in the last 5 months that we have had him, and now allows us to pet him when ever we want, and also to come and snuggle with us when he is in the mood. He is allowing us to brush him more in the last month. I guess it is all about trust. We were very careful not to laugh or make fun of Koda when he got home, as we were shocked as the way he looked too, but we all told him what a pretty boy he is. The groomer explained to us that he was matted, and it would be very hard for him to sit to have a light cut. She thought that he would be okay for the winter, as I was concerned when I picked him up that he would be freezing !! Well last night I bought him some of this favorite treats and we are all giving him some extra love. It is much warmer in Manitoba today, so on with his sweater and out for a walk should boost the spirits.