Britain's porkiest pooch who weighed the same as a baby elephant has been named 'slimmer of the year' after shedding almost half his body weight.
Alaskan malamute Trojan is now looking for a new home after successfully shedding the pounds through a strict diet and exercise regime.
The chubby canine arrived into RSPCA care In Dorset in November 2020 topping the scales at 101kg (222 lb), but is now sitting at a much healthier 60.1kg (132 lb).
He was described as dirty, matted and "unbelievably obese" by carers when he first arrived.
“Poor Trojan was in a terrible way when he arrived here a year ago. He was dirty, matted and unbelievably obese," saidAshley Heath Animal Centre kennel supervisor Nicola Anthony.
But after his remarkable transformation, he is fighting fit and ready for a fresh start.
“It’s taken a year, a very special diet and an exercise regime to help him lose the weight slowly and safely; and he’s now almost half of his original weight," Nicola said.
"Thankfully, he hasn’t lost his big character!”
An older dog, ten-year-old Trojan is described as a "lovable bear" who needs a home that can keep his previous health and age in mind when taking him on.
“Trojan is arthritic and has thyroid problems so will need ongoing treatment in his new home. These conditions won’t be covered by any insurance so his new owners will need to be prepared to cover these costs," Nicola said.
“Although he’s in his twilight years, don’t let that fool you; he has no intention of ‘retiring’ any time soon! He is still strong and likes to go for short walks, plod around the garden and have a good sniff!
"He gets on really well with other dogs but doesn’t like being jumped all over so he’s best around calm, respectful doggy friends.
"We think he’d be best as the only dog in his new home so he can have all of the attention and affection; and he really deserves it!”
Always keen on a belly rub, and in need of good company from an owner who is around often, Trojan would be best suited for a home without any young children and where he can get lots of attention.
The RSPCA said he is happy to spend most of the day sleeping, and is generally quiet unless someone arrives or if it is dinner time. He can be left for short periods of time, and could live with older children, but needs owners who will not over-fuss him, they said.
“While the festive season may be a time to join together with family and friends, many animals, like Trojan, will be waiting patiently to find their new family in an RSPCA rescue centre," Nicola said.
"It will cost us £4,117 to run an animal centre for one day this winter so we’re asking animal lovers to Join the Rescue this Christmas to make sure animals get the care they need this winter.”
RSPCA chief veterinary officer Caroline Allen added: “Pet obesity is a serious welfare issue and recent studies have suggested that around half of all pet dogs are overweight.
"We are, quite literally, killing our pets with kindness.
"Obesity can affect all types of pets and the main causes are from eating too much or not exercising enough. As a rough guide (for cats and dogs), you should be able to see and feel the outline of their ribs without excess fat covering them.
"You should also be able to see and feel their waist and it should clearly ‘pinch in’ when you look down at them from above.
“Overweight pets can suffer from serious health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Carrying more body weight can also increase the chances of pets suffering from conditions such as arthritis and can even shorten their life expectancy.
"If you’re worried about your pet’s weight, we’d recommend speaking to your vet before making any significant diet or lifestyle changes and ruling out any health conditions that may be affecting their weight.”
To express interest in rehoming Trojan contact Ashley Heath at [email protected].
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