70-Pound bulldog who couldn’t walk finds new home after dramatic weight loss

Somerset: A bulldog who weighed as much as a baby hippo and couldn’t take a few steps without collapsing has shed the pounds and found a new family.

Peggy Sue, a massive bulldog, had swollen to 70 pounds (32.5 kg) when she was taken to the RSPCA’s West Hatch Animal Centre in Somerset in July. She was so large she struggled with walking, suffered from infections and overheating, and had to be carried in a crate from the van to her kennel.

“It was awful to see her struggle with every day movement,” said RSPCA Deputy Centre Manager Anita Clark. “She really needed some care and attention.”Staff said Peggy Sue had to be physically moved around the centre in her early days. Under the care of a dedicated foster caretaker, her exercise was increased gradually, leading to slow but steady improvement.

With a strict diet and daily exercise plan, Peggy Sue has now dropped to a much healthier 23.5 kg – down about 20 pounds from when she first arrived.

The transformation led to a happy ending during the charity’s ‘Adoptober’ adoption drive. Peggy Sue was re-homed by Emmie and Andy from Taunton.

Her new owners say the once-immobile dog is now a self-described “water-baby” who loves rock pools, streams, walks and car trips. She has also found a best friend in their Jack Russell-mix, who had recently lost his 16-year-old brother, Mr. Woo.

“Peggy-Sue is our sixth rescue and they have all turned out to be the most amazing dogs ever,” Emmie said. “The RSPCA and her foster home had already done a great job getting her weight down by five kilograms, so we just had to keep the progress going.”

“When she first came home she only showed small bursts of energy, but little by little she has built up her strength and now she is utterly amazing and loves her walks and trips in the car.””Rehoming a rescue dog is the best thing you could ever do!”