When we cover stray dogs — which is often, sadly — we usually see them as starving and emaciated before they’re rescued. Most, if not all, have spent their lives scrounging for food on the unforgiving streets. In some cases, though, they have the exact opposite problem — but are just as much at risk.
This is Bolinha. This senior stray lived near a gas station in western Brazil for 13 years, and was fed table scraps by the well-meaning, but misguided townspeople.
Dogs aren’t supposed to eat people food, and as a result of not getting the proper canine diet, Bolinha’s weight ballooned until he weighed 80 pounds. A dog his size should weigh about 35.
When rescuers found him, he could barely move from all the excess weight. His joints were under massive strain and he was having trouble breathing.
The first order of business was to give Bolinha a bath — his first ever. He seemed to enjoy it!
He settled right in.
Bolinha was put on a strict exercise regimen, walking on a submerged treadmill. The water helped alleviate the pressure on his joints.
His food intake was also obviously changed. It was reduced, and all those table scraps were replaced with healthy dog chow. He also made lots of new friends!
Over time and with a lot of hard work, Bolinha shed 30 pounds! He’s moving and breathing much more easily now.
His caretakers would like him to lose 15 more pounds, putting him at his ideal weight. He’s looking good!
(via Little Things)
Bolinha is currently living with his rescuers, the Brazilian organization PamPet, which rehabilitates and provides care for mistreated animals. You can see more of their good deeds for needy animals like Bolinha on their website and Facebook page.
