Almost everyone struggles with weight loss at some point in their life. Whether it's a a few extra pounds, excess baby weight, or life-saving amounts, we all have stepped on a scale and realized we needed to change something.
Any amount — big or small — can really change a life. Just ask this 17-year-old who lost 80 pounds. There are a ton of diet tips and tricks out there for us to take advantage of, but what about our four-legged friends?
It's easy to want to spoil our pets by giving them every treat and piece of meat they desire, but when they don't get enough exercise, they start to pack on the pounds.
Sometimes, when I see a really fat cat or dog, I can't help but think that it's adorable, just like a chubby baby, but the truth is that extra weight on a dog is just as dangerous for them as it is for humans.
When 27-year-old nursing student Brooke Burton saw Dennis the dachshund in 2013, she knew she had to save his life. He weighed a whopping 56 pounds and could barely take a few steps without running out of breath.
Now? Dennis's miraculous transformation is an inspiring must-see.
Please SHARE this adorable, strong dog with friends to show them anyone can lose weight with a little discipline.
Dennis's previous owners fed him a diet of almost only human food. He ate pizzas, burgers, ramen noodles, and other foods that add pounds even on humans. He would lose breath quickly and seemed depressed.
Brooke took control of the dog and started him on a strict diet of healthy, dry food, and she began playing games with him to help him lose weight. It turns out that playing fetch was the best way for him to get exercise.
As he lost weight, he also became more outgoing. He started to enjoy walks and was less skittish around people.
As the months went on, he lost more and more weight, but unfortunately his skin did not shrink. The folds began to get infected, and he would step on the loose skin with his paws. He was in so much pain, he couldn't withstand his physical exams.
Dennis underwent a "tummy tuck" and three skin-resection surgeries. Brooke was only able to afford the $2,800 worth of surgeries through donations from generous individuals.
The journey has been long and rough, but worth it. At only twelve pounds, he has lost an amazing 75 percent of his body weight, and he now has endless energy to romp and play.
Dennis lives a much happier life now that he has lost the weight. Brooke wants to set up a fund in Dennis's honor to draw more attention to the problems of pet obesity.
Please SHARE this dog's incredible transformation to inspire others.
