Obese Texas Dog Overcomes All Odds And Loses Half His Body Weight

Stories of dramatic weight loss aren't just exclusive to humans, as 'Fat Vincent' the dachshund who's shed half his body fat, has proved.

In fact, we should treat animals going on diets more seriously. We know when we're overweight and we make the choice to change ourselves. Dogs don't look in mirrors, so they have no idea when they're in physical trouble.

Big props to Vinnie, then. He's come a long way. Overcome the hurdles life has thrown at him, looked society straight in the face and said "Ruff!"

Vincent was 38 pounds when he was dropped off at the Texas Animal Shelter called K-9 Angels Rescue of Houston, following the death of his owner.

Veterinarian Sharon Anderson told CNN "He was friendly, but I could barely discern between his laying down and standing up positions; with his short little legs, there was very little clearance between the floor and his chest and abdomen,

"At his original BMI, he was at a severe risk for arthritis, diabetes, reduced mobility, increased physical injury that can lead to paralysis of the hind legs, cancer, respiratory disease, kidney disease, pancreatic and shortened life expectancy,"

Now he's the "sweetest, funniest, happiest guy," running around, going on walks, doing all the stuff other dogs do. Now weighing 17 pounds.

Good work, guys.

Words by Josh Teal

Topics: Dogs

Josh Teal

Josh Teal is a journalist at LADbible. He has contributed to the 'Knowing Me, Knowing EU' and 'UOKM8?' campaigns interviewing everyone from student drug dealers to climate change activists.

@tealioni