mytai
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So this was the first day I had Chelsea. She weighed in at a whopping 103.4lbs. Her previous owner fed her Doritos apparently. She was at least 30lbs overweight. She is a 10 year old lab.
It's cold so she has booties so her paws don't freeze to the ice. She was down to 100lbs here (after 1 week).
Down to 98.9lbs (after 2 weeks).
Getting her exercise at the dog park, walking the trails.
Snoozing away after play time at the park.
Found a coat that actually fits her, it's a 3X. It's a little tight, and pushes her rolls up, but she's still beautiful.
Last night after a huge walk with my friend's dog, she's snoozing on their couch like it's her own.
When I posted about a month ago Chelsea was sitting at 95.3lbs. That was a total weight loss of 8.1lbs in 4 weeks.
Just a recap. This is Chelsea, the 10y/o lab I adopted on January 21 this year. When I got her she was 103.4lbs (33lbs overweight).
Link back to original story: http://imgur.com/gallery/2OSc2
venster
woot! Such a good owner. =D
ACanadianPerson
That is one chubby puppy. Good to see you and her working at improving health and awareness.
strawberryroombarb
That coat is very slimming! Spanks for doggies!
kekerules
Why on earth haven't they done a biggest loser spin off for dogs. I would watch the shit out of that show.
mackobun
Good on you OP. Keep it up. She deserves it!
MutterVonKatzen
we hope she gets down to a healthy weight, OP!
DancingIMoo
Previous owner fed her Doritos? WTF? And good for you OP! +1
sumowoman
I got those results with Nutella. I suspect Nutella.
GarrettStopMotion
some times while I am gone my dog will get on the counter and steal the chips out of the bag.
ajizzle
I think it rude if I were to not share the cheesy bounty frito-lay has bestowed upon us
IAmAladeen
That dog is beautiful. Good work OP!
Sasht
Aww this must be THE. BEST. heat source to sleep next to when it's cold! Oh, and thanks for doing what you did! ;)
StrawBeriUnicornCat
Chelsea weighs more than I do
mytai
When I first got her she weighed the same as my co-worker.
Idontwanttochooseaname
Great work OP. I spent a few years getting my cat down from 25lbs to 14lbs. He is 16 now and full of life. It's definitely worth the work!
IveEmbiggenedThatRoleWithMyCromulentPerformance
Can we also talk about how awesome it is that you chose a 10-year-old dog? I wish more people were like you. Older dogs need love, too!
LurkingInStilettos
Mine was a senior who was over weight too. She's a spy bouncy and healthy (nearly) 14 yo now. Senior dogs can really be the best!
LurkingInStilettos
*spry
CyborgCatMaiden
Yay! Glad to see she's getting all the love and support she needs.
mytai
In honour of Chelsea's hard work, I will be up voting everyone on here. And I will try to respond if I can.
PositivelyClueless
Great job OP and Chelsea! :) What is her "ideal" weight?
mytai
The vet said 70lbs is ideal. But it would do her wonders to lose even 15lbs (bringing her to 88lbs)
StarStruckChaos
You can see her happiness slowly increase throughout the photos. I love this, good work OP!
Cerinna
As a future vet: I LOVE YOU.
GrowliePants
Also, props to you for adopting an older dog!
bumpnasty
Who in their right mind would do that? Doritos make dogs have the worst farts imaginable.
mytai
I went to bed and this was in user submitted, I wake up and it's on the front page. So happy Chelsea is being celebrated :D
seriousrequest
She looks much happier, keep it going!
cj179
The side effects of Doritos that they don't show you in the Superbowl commercials.
Coonninja
Beautiful job!! Keep going!! <3
JHuggans
You love the fuck out of that pretty girl.
mytai
I may be biased, but she IS a pretty girl isn't she?
Messarius
She's a very pretty old lady! I snuggle my 8y/o bernese mtn. dog whenever I can. :)
JHuggans
Just beautiful.
bigHugeLargeBig
SHE'S SO DAMN CUTE I'M GONNA EXPLODE.
sukiyaki
Well done! She's found a great home.
n7warrior
I'm glad she's found a good home. Sad that it took ten years though. =(
YouDontKnowMeSir
Couldn't of said it better
dariaeightyseven
awesome! and it's sad to think there are pet lovers out there who actually think the fatter, the better.
mytai
I don't doubt that her other owner loved her, but there's a difference between loving your dog and giving them treats, and making them obese
theinternetisascaryplace
There's even a huge difference between a dog who just gains & retains weight (we have one like that due to steroids) and GIVING IT DORITOS.
s1rweeze
Love this, way to go OP
katves
Well done OP for adopting an older dog and caring for her!
mytai
Hoping that by continuing to lose weight her breathing isn't so heavy. Breaks my heart to listen to her breathe like that :(
mainecoon
Layman opinion: less fat around her chest and neck may indeed ease respiration.
CatMarioIsOkayIGuess
you're doing a beautiful thing
Ihave6cats
You just put the biggest smile on my face! First, you adopt an elderly puppy, then you help her get healthy. I love you! =D
SanguineBlond
that's the worst :( my mid-30s brother-in-law breathes like that and it scares me to think what his health might do to his kids
penelope30
This worries me a bit, has a vet checked her heart and for laryngeal collapse?
mytai
He did. Other than being very overweight she is in good health. Just needs to lose the weight before it causes problems.
WhitePeoplePickles
I thought this story was going to end terribly. I liked it a lot and am glad the dog didn't die. +1
mytai
Me too. I'm VERY glad she didn't die. I would have lost my snoring sound track at night :(
SquirrellyWhirly
I know nothing about veterinary stuff, but how much/how fast is it safe for them to lose? Did the vet recommend a safe pace for weight loss?
mytai
We go in for weekly weigh ins so they can keep an eye on her and make sure she isn't losing it too fast for her age.
SquirrellyWhirly
Good, I'm glad to hear it. Good luck with the process, and thanks for taking care of such a sweet dog :)
GnRtattoo
As a vet tech: hit me up if you have any questions, there are a few chubby pup RX foods that work really well, esp as committed as you are
mytai
I've got her on Science Diet Metabolic formula. Expensive, but it works, and she doesn't need to be on it forever.
GnRtattoo
Its a good one, if she needs chub food long term Hills WD is a good one :)
mytai
I'm just so proud of my old girl that I have to show her off. For 10y/o she is energetic and working hard to get this weight off. (1/2)
izoazlion
I'm so very happy that you're improving this dogs life :D <3
justorderalargefarva
She knows it will make her feel much better!
Squiddy01
Thanks for being awesome OP!
EnigmaticAardvark
Last year our dogsitter overfed our dog for a month solid. She gained an obscene amount of weight. Hills Prescription Metabolic food FTW
DrHooksGirl
Keep at it, OP. Too many people fail to comprehend the impact of obesity on pets. No bueno.
Ilikeflufflyanimalpics
You should be proud of her, she's beautiful. Good job! I'd love to get more updates.
mytai
She is beautiful, and I am very proud of her. There will be more updates :D
andrewhedo
She is beautiful! Good on her and you to keep her healthy and kicking. I want to flop her ears about and snuggle/nom her. Beautiful dog :).
mytai
I flop her ears all the time. I love that they look like they were splashed with coffee. She's a great snuggle buddy.
sirenx8
You're dog has done more than I have. You're a great doggy parent OP :)
stopthatnowgobackandsitdown
I know the extra weight isn't good for her but I love when doggies have extra skin! So cute! GG OP. Saving the pup. +1.
xDownSetx
You my friend should own a Shar Pei! My favorite breed.
Grovite
I'm an RVT am curious as to what you are feeding her. Love helpin my patients lose weight. Please pm me if you see this
fffrozen
good on you.. some ppl think it's cute to have a fat animal but it really is better for their health and longevity.
kirst
swimming, when weather is warmer is a great doggie weight loss, especially for water loving labs. gentle on the joints too.
BaconWhore
my dog looks just like her but shes a mix we have to give her joint chews, the things you do for love.
CatsPitBullsAndBooksOhMy
you adopted an overweight, senior dog. YOU ARE AMAZING.
areola51
what happened to the snow boots?...
TheGirlWithTheHummingbirdTattoo
my name is Chelsea too :D
hilyarious
How is she doing?
mytai
:( She had to be put down in June last year. She got sick really fast. But the weight loss helped her enjoy her time. Plus she got a pizza.
DontHateMePlease
Sorry OP, you are still an amazing person for finally giving her that forever home, no matter how short.
SashaTheGray
Lets hope atleast this post prompts me to run.
Eamon27
This is the best kind of weight loss story
alpacawacka
(1/2) If she's really feeling like she's starving, you can try adding a handful of defrosted greenbeans to her kibble. The greens are good
alpacawacka
(2/2) for her and may loosen her stool a bit, but will help her still feel full. Good on you for helping her feel so much better!
mytai
She actually doesn't beg or whine for food. She doesn't even eat all of her food she is allowed.
alpacawacka
Wow! I can't imagine the crap she must have been eating! Poor baby! Good on YOU!
mytai
Doritos, that I know because the previous owner told me Chelsea loves them. 30lbs of Doritos on that poor old girl.
Jthechef
I have a Beagle he would eat until he exploded, we fight hard everyday to keep him trim
HeyPretty1
I seriously hope you're not limiting calories and are instead feeding her grain-free dog food. Carbs are responsible for insulin response, 1
HeyPretty1
2, not calories. And insulin is the hormone that causes us to store glucose as fat.
mytai
She is on a special vet food to help her lose weight. The amount of food is based on her current weight.
brianclementsvatua
Good job OP.
Skarlottt
People like you make my heart soar. People think that feeding their pets is love. Exercise is love. food is just to keep going.
batmanananana
So, where do you live and when can I come and play / exercise with her?
mytai
I live in south-west Ontario. Anytime :)
batmanananana
I'm in Michigan. So, it's possible! Summer?
mytai
When I lived in a border city I used to cross into Michigan all the time for groceries.
batmanananana
Yeah, I know people that do that. It's so awesome coz I lived in NC a while. I'm visiting London and Toronto in summer to see friends tho.
juedeas
My dad adopted a 120lb retired bloodhound once. I wish I'd had the chance to do this for him.
chemistrydoc
You need to start a personal training business for dogs OP.
mytai
It's more like personal training for their humans. The owner is typically the problem, overfeeding, not providing exercise, or giving (1/2)
mytai
human food in excessive quantities. Dogs will lose the weight if the owners enforce the diet. Labs are especially prone to obesity (2/2).
missbehavior
PREACH
whatbabe
She's beautiful! I'm studying abroad right now and I miss my dog so much! Thanks for sharing.
mackspower
Ummmh . . . I call GGG
rAwwAllTheThings
Proud of you!
saynt614
please post more updates :D
mytai
I will in another 3 to 4 weeks :)
mytai
I will post another update when she's lost another significant amount. Maybe in another 3 or 4 weeks.
HarryPotterGeek
I have a friend who rescued a lab that had been forced to have several litters in a row. Terribly overweight and lethargic. Now she's happy
HarryPotterGeek
healthy and full of energy. She couldn't have asked for a better family!
RobotCosmonaut
Is it healthy for her to lose weight that fast? Honest question, not judging. That would be a lot for a person, and especially for a dog
WesleyMoody
As a personal trainer, with a degree in health. Safe weight loss for a human is around 3.3 pounds per week.
Ilikeflufflyanimalpics
My god I have never been able to do this. I always feel headachy and fainty, even if I measure out my food and don't limit too much.
AbrahamLinksys
I was thinking the same thing, but rapid weight loss right at the beginning of a proper diet is common due to things like reduced water(1/2)
AbrahamLinksys
Weight and less food held up in your digestive system. Happened to me too. (2/2)
mytai
We go for weekly weigh ins at the vet to make sure it isn't too fast. The vet keeps a constant eye on her. :)
RobotCosmonaut
I see, that's great. Keep up the good work! You're doing a wonderful thing, helping her out!
mytai
She doesn't eat all the food she's offered either, but the more energetic she is getting the more of the food she eats.
shank
I've noticed dogs seem to lose weight a lot more easily than people. I had a foster golden go from 113lbs to 93 within a couple of months.
shank
All it took was feeding him an appropriate amount and a 20-30 min walk almost every day.
mytai
She's on her way to a healthier, longer life with me. (2/2)
jsktrogdor
I bet she was happier with the dorritos...
jsktrogdor
DOWNVOTE ALL YOU WANT BUT YOU ALL KNOW IT'S TRUE.
ourmrswashburne
Her joints thank you, OP
ThePrincessSolofap
Thank you.
Maggiemypet
You are a great OP, OP! Thank you for adopting an older dog. Old dogs are the reward you get for putting up with puppies.
stuckintheoffice
nice work on taking care of her and helping her lose weight, she's beautiful!
InboxMeYourGermanShepherds
Good on ya OP. Is it odd that this is more heart warming than human weight loss stories?
[deleted]
[deleted]
InboxMeYourGermanShepherds
Yeah, poor puppy didn't have a choice. I mean hell, even dogs can't say 'no' to Doritos...
SocietyOfSensation
please give us an update when she reached her goals
iRecommendBooks
& happier.
Scientificname
Way to be awesome to that dog. gmh
RamblingsOfAMadWoman
She looks absolutely miserable and defeated in the first two pictures - just like most people do in the first weeks of diets - and then ->
RamblingsOfAMadWoman
You can just see her getting happier and happier. Love her beatifull labby smile at the end :)
derkderk2010
Once its no longer as cold as a penguins ass out I would recommend taking her swimming. Labs love to swim and that's how mine lost weight.
TheMasterOfTheMechanicalStuff
labs are actually made for it :)
derkderk2010
Yeah they were bred as hunting dogs to mostly to help retrieve waterfowl
ImgurnariumOfDoctorGiraffus
With you melting hearts with adorable nurturing puppy photos I'm betting theres a line up of people wanting a healthier, long life with you.
mytai
Not a single one. I'm single and comfortable with that right now.
ImgurnariumOfDoctorGiraffus
Me as well, I'm taking a year off to be more job oriented instead of always worried about somebody else first!
mytai
Essentially the same here. I've been out of a serious relationship for a year this month, I need the time to focus on building my life.
DeadyBearr
so what about now? What does she look like now?
iliketokeepitsimplestupid
Just a question but does your dog whine lots that she's hungry all the time?
mytai
No she doesn't, she actually chooses not to eat all the food offered to her. I don't force her to eat, but I make sure the full amount (1/2)
aguyuno
Wait, what? I thought dogs automatically ate all the food in front of them, which was why you had to be careful about leaving bags open?
mytai
the vet tells me to feed her is available each day (2/2).
iliketokeepitsimplestupid
Hmm... I know I'm dieting and now I'm way hungry if I miss a meal... And dogs are usually gluttons. Well ours is.
mytai
Her food intake is based on her weight (hence weekly weigh ins). Dogs are usually gluttons, but not always for the right food (1/?)
mytai
she is eating healthy, nutritious food she isn't feeling hungry. (3/3)
mytai
If I offered her Doritos, or human food she would surely eat past being full. Like humans do when we eat something we love. But when (2/?)
ExconHD
I'm kind of curios since my lab could also lose 15lbs, are you just taking her for long walks everyday? What about food?
mytai
I walk her everyday. Because she is old, and it's pretty bitter outside right now they are short, frequent walks. For food she is on (1/2)
mytai
a special 60 day diet. It's not cheap, but neither are vet bills if she gets sick or injured from obesity. It's new from Science Diet (2/3)
mytai
It's called Science Diet Metabolic food for dogs. Google it. You can only get it through vets, and the weight loss has to be monitored (3/3)
ExconHD
Thanks for the info! Once things warm up I'm going to start with walking her a lot more see if that helps, if not I'll look into that food.
mytai
The food has a guarantee on it if you follow it properly. After the 60 days you can stay on it or change them to a maintenance food.
yawellfuckyouandyourgoddamnfeelings
You could always just not feed her as much instead of paying for some stupid diet that you don't need
bananabandanas
I think the point is that the Science Diet food makes the dog feel full too... so by feeding less, you're also being kind and not (1/2)
mytai
I could, yes, however she wouldn't lose the weight quick enough. Once she loses enough weight she can switch to a regular food.
GnRtattoo
I may have forgotten to mention: check hill website for coupons often and send them this + follow up pics. its free advertising + you 1/2
mytai
Thanks for the tip @GnRtattoo I will have to do that :)
GnRtattoo
may score free food or more coupons :) 2/2