Greedy Dundee Pup Slims Down
A dog from Dundee whose monster appetite led him to steal picnics has been named runner-up in a national pet slimming contest after losing over 16% of his bodyweight.
A dog from Dundee whose monster appetite led him to steal picnics has been named runner-up in a national pet slimming contest after losing over 16% of his bodyweight.
Bobby the chocolate Labrador weighed a whopping 9st 13lbs, making him double his ideal weight, when he enrolled in the Pet Fit Club competition, run by vet charity PDSA.
Six months later and he’s lost 1st 9lb -16.5% of his total body weight, leaving him well on his way to reaching his target.
His owner Marilyn Neave said Bobby has always been big but his desire for food has grown over the years and even resulted in him stealing people’s picnics in the summer time.
She added: “The hardest part of the competition has been trying to stop Bobby eating things off the streets. He has a built-in radar when it comes to food.
“I found it very hard at the start of the diet to ignore his pleading puppy dog eyes when I was eating. Being more active has also been good for both of us and we’ve enjoyed a lot more exercise. He can go further on walks and he’s got lots more energy. It’s not just the physical benefits either, taking part in Pet Fit Club has been good for my mental health and for his.”
Bobby’s weight-loss has been supervised by PDSA vet Fiona McLeod, from Dundee PDSA Pet Hospital.
She said: “Bobby has done incredibly well on Pet Fit Club. Marilyn stuck to the diet and exercise plan we devised and they’re now seeing the rewards for all their hard work. It’s wonderful to see how much happier and livelier he is now he’s shed a few of the extra pounds. Hopefully in a few months he’ll hit his ideal weight and live a longer, healthier life.”