This wiener dog had a wee bit too many wieners. Meet Obie, a 70-pound five-year-old dachshund who weighed twice the normal weight of its breed. He was fed nearly to death by his elderly owners, who had to give him up because of their deteriorating health.
Now, vet Nora Vanetta is putting the fat dog on a diet and logging his progress on this Facebook page: Biggest Loser, Doxie Edition. Nora wrote:
Our story began when a relative of this boy's family stepped in and asked for help. Aging owners with failing health were simply loving him with food. They just couldn't say "no" to those big brown eyes. Through many tears, the owners relinquished him. It is very frustrating and sad but we are thrilled to be able to help him, and now moving on with his new life.
Wonderful Patricia volunteered to pick him up in WA and deliver him to me in Portland, OR. I had no idea what to expect. I thought a basset hound would show up or that he didn't really weigh 70 lbs. Well, he arrived Sat. Aug. 18th and to my astonishment he IS a dachshund and he actually weighs 77lbs. He is extremely sweet and loving. He was obviously loved and is a joy to work with. I applaud anyone who takes on the task of rehabilitating an emotionally or physically abused dog.
He is a 5 year old standard dachshund. He is on a special diet to lose the weight and get back to being a happy dog. We think that he should weigh about 30 to 40 pounds. I immediately took him to the vet for blood work and it miraculously came back normal. I plan to do swim therapy with him and treadmill work once he starts to lose a little. He will need a dental and may eventually need to have excess skin surgically removed.
Link - via Animal Nation