A south Essex lockdown dog has finally received a long‑awaited makeover after spending more than six months without a proper groom.
Chewie, a five‑year‑old Cockapoo from Grays, had become so anxious around grooming that he was left with a thick, matted coat covering his eyes.
The nervous dog’s appearance earned him comparisons to Star Wars character Chewbacca, with his fur making him look almost twice his size.
His owner, Natalie Catchpole, 43, said Chewie’s anxiety developed after missing vital socialisation during the Covid pandemic.
She said his behaviour worsened to the point where he barked constantly, refused to be handled and tried to bite anyone who attempted to groom him.
Natalie feared she may have to give him up after repeated failed attempts to manage his anxiety.
She said: “I honestly thought I might have to rehome him. He just couldn’t cope and grooming was traumatic for everyone involved.”
On one occasion, Chewie sat outside a grooming salon barking and crying for two hours, refusing to go inside.
Over time, his behaviour escalated further, with the dog guarding his body and lashing out when touched.
Despite working with three behaviourists and following structured training routines, little progress was made.
A turning point came when Chewie was referred to specialist behaviour groomer Nikki Pahlke in Hornchurch.
Nikki said: “There are a lot of dogs like Chewie now – Covid puppies who missed those early experiences.
"They’re extremely sensitive and can become reactive when they feel overwhelmed.
"It took nine sessions before I could even touch him. He would bark constantly and even bite."
After reaching a plateau, Ms Pahlke suggested introducing OxyPet, an oxygen‑infused water product designed to support hydration.
Natalie said: “I was extremely sceptical. I said to my mum, ‘I’m not falling for that.’ But I thought I’d try it for three months.”
Within weeks, Natalie noticed Chewie allowing sensitive areas to be groomed and remaining calmer on the table.
She said: “He seemed calmer in himself. His body language softened and he was more comfortable being handled.”
Changes were also seen at home, with Chewie relaxing around family members.
Six months on, Chewie is now able to tolerate full grooming sessions.
