A dog described as 'morbidly obese' after years of being fed a diet heavy in pasta has undergone a staggering transformation, shedding half his body weight following a strict health regime.
From Pasta to Pitiable State
Patch, a ten-year-old black and white mixed breed, arrived at Oakwood Dog Rescue in Hull last summer in a shocking condition. He tipped the scales at a staggering 30kg, a weight so severe he could scarcely stand. His plight was so moving it brought some rescue staff to tears.
Leanne Bottomley, who cared for Patch, explained his previous owners had fed him cheap supermarket food and white pasta regularly. "They might as well have been feeding him a doner kebab every night," she remarked. The poor diet led to a host of severe health issues.
Patch suffered from painful skin problems, bald patches, and a wound on his neck caused by his collar digging in. His teeth were horribly rotten, and his joints were so fragile from carrying excess fat that simply walking risked causing him damage.
A Rigorous Road to Recovery
The rescue team immediately began medical treatment, including flea control, steroids, and antibiotics for his skin. The pasta was permanently taken off the menu, replaced with a strict, grain-free, meat-based diet.
He was fed four small meals daily, with portions gradually reduced. To support his fragile frame, Patch underwent months of hydrotherapy. However, his dental issues had to wait until he lost some weight. Eventually, he needed 28 teeth removed, leaving him with just six.
"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," Leanne recalled.
A New Lease on Life
As the pounds melted away, Patch's true personality emerged. In just six months, he lost around 15kg, bringing his weight down to just under 16kg. The change in his mood and energy was dramatic.
"He's the most adorable little dog I've ever met," Leanne said. "He might be 10-years-old, but he acts like a puppy. He's had a rough life, bless him, but he's the sweetest, most gentle dog I've met in my life."
Patch is now almost unrecognisable and is actively looking for a new, loving forever home. Leanne, who already has three dogs, admitted she would take him herself if she could. She urges potential adopters not to be put off by his age, assuring them he has the spirit of a young dog and would make a perfect companion.
