When he was just a puppy, Bolinha was abandoned at a gas station along a rural road in Brazil. For 13 years, Bolinha lived as a stray outside the station's cafe where he was fed food scraps from employees and motorists who stopped for gas.
By the time Bolinha was a senior dog, he was morbidly obese. At 80 pounds, he had breathing issues and was nearly immobile. Sadly, the town treated him more like a roadside attraction than a living creature who needed immediate care.
But this past September, a hero entered Bolinha's life and changed everything. An animal rescuer from a nearby town who heard about the dog found him amidst piles of garbage and debris. The rescuer brought him to the Animal Protection Organization who not only provided Bolinha with the love and affection he'd always wanted, but also the medical attention he desperately needed.
Slowly but surely, Bolinha started to lose the extra weight. In less than a year, Bolinha has lost over 30 pounds and is on his way to his healthy goal weight. God bless the heroes who stepped in and dedicated themselves to allowing this miracle pup to enjoy the rest of his life happy, healthy, and loved!
Check out Bolinha's transformation below, and please SHARE his story with your friends on Facebook!
For 13 years, a stray dog named Bolinha lived outside a gas station in western Brazil. The townspeople constantly fed him scraps of food, but failed to give him the proper medical attention he needed as his weight ballooned to 80 pounds.
The more frequent the feedings, the heavier Bolinha became. He was treated more like a roadside attraction than a living creature in need of love and care. He could barely walk on his own, and he had trouble breathing.
Last September, an animal rescuer from a nearby town came to rescue Bolinha. Finally, the dog's life was about to change for the better.
The man brought Bolihna to the Animal Protection Organization (OPA-MT). There, he was treated to his very first bath. As you can see, he found it rather heavenly!
Bolihna also found comfort in his new family who wanted nothing but the best for him. Now in capable hands, it was time to address his obesity, and the challenges they'd face on the road to recovery.
The rescue team placed Bolihna on an exercise regimen that involved walking on a treadmill in water to alleviate the stress on his aching joints.
His food intake was also greatly reduced -- but what he lacked in food he made up for cuddles and kisses.
Progress was slow, especially considering Bolihna's age and various medical conditions, but his extra weight started to come off.
In less than a year, Bolinha has lost more than 30 pounds. His transformation is absolutely incredible!
Bolinha's saviors are now helping him shed another 15 pounds. Pretty soon, he'll have reached his healthy goal weight. In the meantime, this incredible dog continues to be an inspiration to all of us.
If Bolihna inspires you too, please SHARE his story with your friends on Facebook!
