Obese Beagle that could barely walk has lost THREE STONE after a strict diet and exercise routine
Plump pooch Kale Chips was dangerously fat, but has now shed HALF his body weight in just one year
A MORBIDLY obese Beagle who shed half his body weight in a PAW-dropping transformation is now in shape for summer, after a year of strict doggy dieting.
A year ago, Kale Chips weighed more than SIX STONE and was taken in as a rescue dog because he was so fat he could barely walk.
Luckily dedicated staff at the Happy Dog Barkery, in Chicago, were on hand to monitor the 6st 2lb plump pooch’s diet and up his exercise – to include long walks and daily swims.
Kale Chips lost nearly half his body weight (2st 13lb) and now tips the scales at a healthy 3st 2lbs.
Happily, the eight-year-old mutt has reached his goal size, and improved his health, just in time for summer.
Beth Staley, who owns the small animal shelter, said: “When Kale Chips came to us he was morbidly obese.
“He was in a lot of pain and was such a grump because of it.
“There’s been such a change. He’s reached his target and he’s doing great.
“He’s able to enjoy life now. Now he loves to run and swim and chase squirrels. All things he couldn’t do before.”
The eight-year-old hound piled on the pounds because he was overfed by a previous owner, who had severe memory loss.
And because Kale Chips hasn’t yet been adopted, Beth is now looking to make him a permanent fixture at Happy Dog Barkery as well as her new pet.
She added: “We’ve been very fussy about who could adopt him because we wanted him to have the perfect home – he’s had such a hard time.
“We love Kale Chips here and are looking to make him a permanent foster.”
The Happy Dog Barkery is a family business run by pooch-loving sisters Cheryl and Beth Staley, who set up shop 12 years ago.
Beth has baked since childhood, and now creates allergy-free treats for dogs – whilst the pair also foster and occasionally adopt strays.
The Sun recently reported that 13 obese animals, with a combined weight of 46st 8lb, had been enrolled in a pet slimming contest.
Among the motley crew, which included cats and rabbits, were American bulldog Cilla, weighing 8st ½, and her pal Shyla, who weighed just under 8st.
Their owner thought the pair’s diet of crumpets, pasta and biscuits were probably to blame for their hefty size.