A DOG groomer has saved the life of a pooch who was going to be put to sleep because he was afraid of having his hair cut.

Sid, a two-year-old Shih Tzu, would attack anyone who came near him with a comb or scissors because he was so afraid of having his coat cleaned and clipped.

But thanks to a Facebook appeal Sid has found a new home and is slowly overcoming his fear of being pampered.

Sian Bennett from Stockton Heath took in the troubled pooch.

The 47-year-old said: “I couldn’t believe he was going to be put down – who in their right mind would do that?

“When he first came to us his coat was a matted mess and he went wild if you tried to do anything with it – biting, snarling and snapping – but with a lot of time, love and patience we managed to clip him back just by doing a little bit at a time.

“Initially we were just going to foster him and get him over his anxiety but we decided to keep him.”

Reformed Sid is now settling in well with Sian, her partner Sally and their spaniels Hugo and Lia.

Warrington Guardian:

Sian, who runs Well Groomed Dogs, added: “We wouldn’t be without him.

“He still doesn’t like being groomed but he’s a lot better and I’m just so glad I saw the appeal and was able to save him.”

Veterinary behaviourist Dr Huw Stacey explained Sid’s former bad attitude.

The director of clinical service at Vets4Pets said: “If they are being pushed into a groomers the dog is short of options and aggression is their way of saying they’re frightened and don’t want to be there.

“In cases like Sid’s try to desensitise them to the situation – go to the car park at the groomers and give them a treat or play with a toy then next time to the waiting room.

“Once they get used to going there with nothing bad happening you replace the scary thoughts with happy thoughts.

“It takes a lot of time, effort and dedication - I’m glad in this situation Sid found the ideal home and the ending is a happy one.”