A former bulging Bulldog – who was so lazy she had to be bribed with ham to exercise – has been crowned ‘pet slimmer of the year’ after shedding over a quarter of her bodyweight.
Diet queen Daisy, from Middlesbrough, beat off competition from huge hounds, fat cats and round rabbits, who were all battling the bulge in a bid to become PDSA’s Pet Fit Club champ.
Daisy’s amazing transformation made her the top loser, according to judges of Pet Fit Club – a six month diet and fitness competition run by leading veterinary charity PDSA. The new slim-line pooch was one of 11 obese pets selected to embark on the pet slimming regime.
In total, the pets have lost a combined weight of 30kg (4 stone 7 pounds) – the weight of a typical nine-year-old child. The winner of the fat fighting contest was revealed in a new TV show on ITV1 earlier this month, called Fat Pets: Slimmer of the Year, presented by Angela Griffin and Kian Egan.
When PDSA Pet Fit Club began in May last year, Daisy (6) had ballooned to over 28kg (4st 6lbs), making her more than 40 per cent overweight. Daisy’s passion for extra portions had caused her waistline to expand, along with her preference of hitching a ride to pounding the pavement.
Owner, Gillian Turrell, (60) had tried to help her beloved pooch to slim down – even encouraging her to go on a treadmill under her close supervision, plus walks to gradually increase Daisy’s exercise levels. But exercise wasn’t Daisy’s thing – when out walking she’d been known to jump into any available car to catch a ride home when she’s had enough – hence her family nickname ‘Lazy Daisy’.
Gillian said: “Daisy always begged for food, and has even been known to steal things out of the fridge. I also got into the habit of spoiling her with treats and titbits. The weight crept up slowly, and I didn’t notice how big she’d got.
“When I couldn’t get the car harness around her, and she was struggling to get up the stairs, I knew things had to change. I love Daisy to bits, and I want the best for her, so when I heard about PDSA’s Pet Fit Club, it was the perfect solution to helping her lose the weight.”
Daisy started the competition weighing in at a hefty 28.3kg but with PDSA’s help and Gillian’s determination, she was able to lose around 8kg in weight – meaning that she’s shed an impressive 27% of her bodyweight.
PDSA Senior Vet Elaine Pendlebury said: “Daisy looks absolutely amazing since shedding the pounds in Pet Fit Club. The weight loss means Daisy will feel much fitter and happier, and her life expectancy may well be improved now than she’s shed the excess weight.”
Daisy’s remarkable achievement saw her beat off heavyweight competition from other overweight pets across the UK. But they are all enjoying significant benefits to their health and wellbeing, thanks to losing weight.
Gillian adds: “The difference in Daisy is amazing. Losing the weight has really improved her mobility. Before she struggled to climb the stairs – now she sprints up them! And she has a waist again! I’m so grateful to the vet staff at Middlesbrough PDSA Pet Hospital for their help and guidance, and for how they’ve helped to transform Daisy’s life.”
Elaine Pendlebury concludes: “I’d encourage any owner who has concerns about their own pet’s weight to discuss it with their vet. Vets and nurses are there to help and can provide lots of guidance on pet feeding and exercise.”
Pictured: Daisy before and after her diet, with PDSA Head Nurse Steph Williams
