OBIE, a five-year-old, 35kg daschund whose owners loved him almost to death, is on a diet and exercise regimen to try to lose weight.


sorry, no video, just the photo's

Portland resident and dog-lover Nora Vanatta first heard of Obie when a relative of the dog's previous owners asked for help, Ms Vanatta explained.

"Ageing owners with failing health were simply loving him with food," she said. "They just couldn't say no to those big brown eyes."

Ms Vanatta said she had no idea what to expect, and was astonished when the obese daschund arrived.

"He is extremely sweet and loving and is a joy to work with," she said.

Ms Vanatta, who has a degree in animal science and worked for eight years as a vet, knew what to do.

Obie (renamed from his previous monicker AJ) was put on a special diet to lose about half his body weight. Once he trims down a bit he will begin swim therapy and go on the treadmill - he may also need to have his excess skin surgically removed.

Though Obie's teeth are bad, the good news is that a trip to the vet confirmed his blood appears to be normal, giving hope for a long and happy future.

"My hope is that he can be an inspiration to any person or animal trying to lose weight," Ms Vanatta said. "It is so important to introduce pups and kids to a healthy lifestyle."

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