Found Lost Pomeranian

Question
My husband and I recently found a lost Pomeranian. We are posting signs and checking with the SPCA around our area to see if anyone is missing her. She is a wonderful dog and if we can't find the owner we are going to keep her. The only problem is that she is a mess. She is really stinky and she has horrible mattings all through her fur. Since she isn't ours and we have no records for her we can't take her to a groomer, and I don't intend to take her to a vet until we have given the proper amount of time for someone to claim her. I was wondering how to bath her and what to bath her with. Also, should I cut the mattings out or leave them for the groomer to deal with.  

Answer
You could still take her to a groomer.  Most groomers (all that I know of) do not require shot records or anything.  Poms are double coated and it would be hard to you to get her back in shape on your own. If she is that badly matted you do not want to be in there hacking around with scissors.  You can easily cut her skin.  If you insist on doing an "at home" job, bathe her and use conditioner. Work the conditioner into the mats and try and separate them with your fingers.  A professional would use a forced air dryer that would help blow that matted hair out. You will have to try and brush them out. A professional grooming would be much easier on both you and the dog...and if you do find her owner, just think how much more appreciative they would be to get a beautiful dog back.  If you do get her done by a groomer, insist that they DO NOT shave her down. Shaving a double coated breed many times turns the hair into dry frizzy looking hair and it is never the same again.  A good professional will be able to get the mats out. Good Luck to you.