My dog was rescued by the authorities because his previous owners kept him tied on a chain for almost a year. He had plenty of dollar store kibble, but zero exercise. He was quite significantly overweight. When I adopted him, he was 9 months old and had never been allowed to run, play, or even walk on a leash. He went a little nuts during his first trip to the park and injured his knee and hip just from jumping to catch a ball. And he was still a puppy! Eveyone he net thought he was a senior from his full coat, limping walk, and low energy.

Because of the obesity affecting his joints, we had to take a slow and steady path towards making him a normal dog. Gentle exercise and carefully measured high quality food. Low calorie treats like baby carrots for training.

It took almost a full year before he could keep up with me on moderate hikes or play a round of tennis without lying down on the court, but he did it! In fact he can jump higher than any dog I've ever met. He's a natural athlete.

That said, the vet says that his hip joint may never fully recover from the stress of his extreme obesity and lack of exercise in puppyhood. He still gets stiff and limpy from time to time. How is that not animal abuse? They robbed him of his puppyhood and left him with permanent damage. It breaks my heart.

71lbs at adoption, 56lbs now.