Obie the dachschund now under 60 pounds
Obie, the former 77-pound dachshund, reached another milestone this week, weighing in at under 60 pounds.
According to his Facebook page, “Biggest Loser – Doxie Edition,” Obie tipped the scales at 59.14 at his weekly weigh-in Tuesday.
That brings his total weight loss to 17 pounds in 12 weeks — an average of 1.5 pounds a week, according to his foster mom for now, Nora Vanatta.
Vanatta, a veterinary technician who volunteered to foster the dog for Oregon Dachshund Rescue, has also started an Obie store, selling, for now, Obie t-shirts.
Obie, formerly known as A.J., was surrendered by his elderly owners, who apparently didn’t know when to stop feeding him.
Vanatta immediately put him on a diet, detailing his progress on a Facebook page and getting some major media attention in the process.
After that, Oregon Dachshund Rescue owner Jenell Rangan filed a lawsuit, claiming Vanatta wasn’t properly caring for him and seeking to get Obie back.
The case has yet to be heard, but a judge ruled last month that Vanatta should maintain custody for now.
Vanatta has collected thousands of dollars in donations for Obie from supporters, and says the money is being used for his care. He still needs dental work and may eventually need to have excess skin surgically removed.
“Whatever is left over after his rehab will go to help other reputable rescues and continue to educate the public and bring awareness to obesity,” she says on his Facebook page. But, she adds, she will have to use some of the donations to pay legal fees in connection with the lawsuit.
“The saddest part is that legal fees for 2 weeks are already 5 times what Obie’s medical bills are in 3 months,” Vanatta wrote in a Facebook post.
That doesn’t seem to be a big issue, judging from those leaving comments on the page. Wrote one commenter, ”I donated through Paypal and I don’t care how you use the money. Take yourself out to dinner if you want.”
The far more common message is this: Go Obie!
Posted by jwoestendiek November 16th, 2012 under Muttsblog, videos.
Tags: 60 pounds, aj, animals, custody, dachshund, diet, dispute, dogs, donations, facebook, fat, foster, loss, nora vanatta, obese, obie, oregon dachshund rescue, overweight, pets, progress, store, weight
Comments
Comment from Virginia Booth
Time November 16, 2012 at 11:53 am
Nora is doing a great job with Obie. The lady at Oregon Rescue should be ashamed. It only makes them look money hungry! Not concerned for Obie.
Comment from CLT
Time November 16, 2012 at 12:45 pm
I also donated also through paypal and I also do not care how the money is spent. Go Obie, Go Nora, Go Hunter, Go Noggin!!
Comment from BC Gal
Time November 16, 2012 at 2:27 pm
Way to go, Obie! Nora and you are doing a great job. It is obvious for anyone to see how much smaller and healthier he looks and acts. I also donated through paypal and completely trust Nora to use the funds as she deems necessary including care for Obie, legal fees, and care for Noggin and Hunter, too. Anyone who doesn’t like this…tough…no one is forcing you to donate, ok?
Comment from Rhonda
Time November 18, 2012 at 12:52 pm
What a great walk for Obie this morning. Keep it up! He is improving leaps and bounds! Good Job Obie and Nora!
Comment from Tarina
Time November 24, 2012 at 3:25 pm
I too donated to Obie through PayPal. I could care less if Nora uses it to go out to dinner, she deserves it after all the stress she has been through because of the nonsense of ODR. Go Nora, Go Obie, Noggin and Hunter. You have our support 100%
Comment from Leslie
Time December 11, 2012 at 11:55 am
Good for Obie! Nora is doing a great job with his care.
Jenell Rangan has made me take a closer look at rescue organizations. Unfortunately I am less supportive of them now because of her. But I still donate….I do it for the dogs and not the tax return.
Hopefully he stays with Nora as long as she will have him.
Comment from Roger
Time February 8, 2013 at 3:06 pm
Jenell Rangan should be ashamed of herself for causing the wasting of funds that are to help Odie and what is left over to go to the care for other animals. Shame, Shame, Shame on your-selfishness!!!
Comment from Kristy
Time November 16, 2012 at 10:47 am
He seems to be getting along so much easier, and much more quickly — doesn’t seem to be nearly as “pooped” as he was in the beginning — LOOKING GOOD Mr. Obie! Keep it up!