By James Connolly
A “morbidly obese” dog, which could barely walk after being fed pasta every night, has shed half his body weight after going on a diet.
Mixed-breed Patch tipped the scales at a shocking four-and-a-half stone (30kg) but now looks now almost unrecognizable after his six month diet.
The chubby pooch arrived at Oakwood Dog Rescue in Hull, East Yorks., last summer and his condition left some staff in tears.
The 10-year-old could barely stand and had skin problems, bald patches and a painful wound on his neck where his collar had been too tight.
His teeth were also rotten and his body so overloaded with fat that even walking risked damage.
Leanne Bottomley, who looked after Patch, said they discovered he’d been fed on cheap supermarket food and white pasta by his last owners.
She said: “They might as well have been feeding him a doner kebab every night.
“I’ll be honest, I cried when I saw him. It was overwhelming. He was so ridiculously overweight.
“He was barely able to stand up and walk. We were very worried when he was handed over.”
Patch was immediately started on flea treatment, steroids and antibiotics to tackle his skin issues.
The charity put him on a strict grain-free, meat-based diet.
He was fed four small meals a day, gradually reduced week by week, while his fragile joints were supported with months of hydrotherapy.
But his shocking dental state couldn’t be addressed until he had lost some weight.
Leanne said: “He had to have 28 teeth removed. He’s only got six left now.
“His breath smelled so bad that I was the only person who’d let him kiss me – and I still had to hold my breath.”
Despite his past, Patch’s personality quickly began to shine through as the weight dropped off.
Leanne said: “Straight away, we noticed a change in his mood.
“He’s the most adorable little dog I’ve ever met. He might be 10-years-old, but he acts like a puppy.”
In just six months, Patch, who is now looking for a new home, has lost around half his body weight – shedding more than 15kg (2.3 stone).
He now weighs just under 16kg (2.5kg) and looks like a completely different dog.
Leanne said: “I already have three dogs, but if I could, I’d take him in myself.
“He’s had a rough life, bless him, but he’s the sweetest, most gentle dog I’ve met in my life.
“He’d make the best companion for anybody. I’d say – don’t let his age put you off. He’s just like a puppy.”
