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Morbidly Obese Shelter Dog Gets Foster Family To Help Her Slim Down

Written by: Dina Fantegrossi

April 30, 2016

The details of Daisy’s past are hazy at best. The Texas-based animal rescue group, The Forgotten Pet Advocates took in the morbidly obese Labrador mix from the operator of an independent sanctuary where Daisy lived for the past 5 years. The woman reached out to local rescues, asking them to take in the animals under her care after she was diagnosed with cancer. It took several volunteers to lift and carry Daisy off of the property.

Experienced FPA foster pawrents Amy Beasley and her husband have stepped up and welcomed Daisy into their home. They are dedicated and determined to getting her down to a healthy weight before finding her a forever home. Depending on the results of a house call from a veterinarian this week, it could be a very long time before Daisy is ready for adoption.

daisy rescue

She has not been weighed yet, but Beasley measured her waist at more than 44 inches. Daisy’s ears were repeatedly ravaged by flies during her years at the outdoor sanctuary. Her coat is dull and unhealthy.

No one knows what the exam and blood tests will reveal about her overall health. There may be an underlying cause that has led to her obesity, like a thyroid condition. Or, she may have developed additional issues as a result of her tremendous weight, like diabetes.

daisy

Daisy is understandably stressed from all the recent upheaval in her life. She was taken from the only home she’d known for several years, into The FPA shelter, and then moved again into the Beasley home. The emotional strain caused Daisy to initially stop eating, and she was having trouble adjusting to life outside of her small pen. FPA ordered a large crate for Daisy to seek shelter in when she is feeling overwhelmed.

daisy crate

During her time at the sanctuary, Daisy had been housed with two other dogs, and she seems to take some comfort from the presence of the Beasleys’ two dogs. Hunter and Mikey are former shelter rescues themselves. Hunter has already begun to bond with Daisy, and Mikey- who was known for comforting frightened dogs during his time as a shelter pup – has dedicated himself to protecting her.

Beasley told The Dodo:

He always looked out for scared dogs so he latched onto Daisy immediately. He is always checking on her.

daisy outside

At this point, Daisy can only walk a few steps before needing to lay down and rest. She enjoys perching her head on the windowsill and sniffing the fresh Spring air from the safety of her new foster home. Beasley reported to The Dodo that Daisy is settling in and slowly growing more comfortable with her new situation.

She insisted on sleeping with the other dogs last night, and in the morning she was already standing and waiting to go outside, which is a big event.

daisy brother

The Forgotten Pet Advocates Facebook page will be providing frequent updates on Daisy’s progress. They have vowed to assist the Beasleys throughout the long process of returning this sweet pup to health and happiness. If you would like to make a donation to this dedicated group of rescuers and the animals they save, you may do so on their website.

H/T to The Dodo

Featured Image via Gayle Therese Photography & Forgotten Pet Advocates

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Written by: Dina Fantegrossi

April 30, 2016

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