Snarly at the roots might mean matted. Gracielove gave you some great advice. You need to comb to the skin. Tangles can start deep into the hair close to skin. And yes, a mat is a tangle that is so knotted up that it can't be combed through. If you wet it with something slippery, like water mixed with conditioner, it makes it easier to untangle. It's pretty amazing how much easier it is to comb through when it's wet. Sometimes you need to work the comb through many times, put it will eventually slide through. If the hair is so tangled that it's "matted", you can even cut it out with a little pair of scissors. If she has many little mats, you can try to work them out or cut them out. That way, she won't need to be shaved. I wish I could brush her out for you! I feel for you, being a first time Yorkie mom. I went through the same thing. A LOT of us have.
I looked on Angie's list to try to find some groomers for you.
Best Old Town, ME Pet Groomers | Angie's List I'm not at all familiar with your area, but I'm hoping it might help. I would visit the ones that you think you may be interested in - without Ellie. Just talk to them & tell them what you need done, the thing about the mats & how you REALLY want to avoid shaving. Ask if they offer a de-matting service. You'll probably be able to get a good vibe from at least one of them. It took me over a year to find a groomer I felt comfortable with. I just groomed them myself until I found "the one".
That mustache comb I was telling you about is great for mats & tangles. Any metal comb will work. Just make sure it's metal, so that it's strong & slippery enough to glide through a tangle. It also helps to spray the comb with your conditioner/water mix.
Good luck!!!! Keep us posted, okay? I'm sure you'll have little Ellie fixed up & looking like a princess in no time
