thanks for the advice! i'm think i'm gonna offer to groom him and do all i can. i'm getting a truck here in just a couple weeks. i'll probably make him go "poof" and take him to the no-kill shelter in Terre Haute. we got Beanie from them and they are very good people. they take wonderful care of their animals. i hate to have to leave him there any longer, but help will come as soon as possible!