Fat golden retriever who shed 7st in weight loss still slim and swimming at 14

2022-08-31

A golden retriever was so dangerously fat that his old owner saw a vet to put him out of his misery.

Despite Kai weighing in at 173pounds (12stone 3lbs) — the same as a Shetland pony — the vet saw the 10-year-old pooch had plenty of life in him yet and rejected the euthanasia route.

Under the care of an animal shelter, the over-fed and under-walked Kai was handed a strict diet and work out regime which saw him shed a massive 100lbs (7st) in 2020.

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Now two years on, the Daily Star has gone back to his foster carer-turned full time besotted owner, Pam Heggie, 55, to find out how the goldie is enjoying his new lease of life.

Pam explained that entering his twilight years has done little to slow Kai down, let alone see him pile the pounds back on.

Speaking from Edmonton, Alberta in Canada, Pam told the Daily Star: "It took Kai just under a year to lose 105lbs.

"Kai is doing great. He’s 14 now and has maintained his healthy weight for over three years. He’s busy and vibrant as ever."

Golden retrievers usually weigh between 4st to 5st but will eat as much as their owners give them.

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Kai was once so fat that he could barely stand unaided on his own four paws and once his owner had tried to have him destroyed, he was taken in by The Misfits of Alberta Animal Rescue who paired him with Pam.

Thanks to a no nonsense weight-loss plan, the over-indulged pet went from struggling to walk to playing fetch, leaping over woodland logs and swimming his heart out.

As a rehabilitated and fitter furry friend, he even took on a new role in the community as a certified therapy dog with hospital visits.

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For Kai right now however, nothing beats sniffing out his own fruit while on sun-drenched walks in Canada's stunning countryside.

Pam said: "Summer is his favourite because he picks all the raspberries from the bushes and the low hanging apples from the tree. We just got back from a week long holiday visiting family in Bainbridge Island, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia.

"He’s a really great travel companion. He’s has a membership at a local canine indoor swimming pool where he can enjoy the pool all to himself once a week.

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"This year he’s been able to do some pet therapy sessions as well. Covid put a damper on pet therapy for a while but he is delighted to be back doing visits. Kai is truly the best dog I have ever had. I love him a ridiculous amount.

"I love that people think Kai is as amazing as I do."

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