When Helen Smith adopted Alfie three years ago, “he was skin and bone … you could see every one of his ribs.”
Appalled at the neglect the 4-year-old GSD had suffered, Smith made the same mistake as so many loving parents.
She overcompensated.
Alfie got to munch on biscuits, toast, cheese, and family leftovers — all on top of his own big daily serving of dog food.
Now 7 years old, Alfie, who lives in Edinburgh, weighs more than 125 pounds.
Alfie and Helen Smith
Vets say he should weigh about 80 pounds.
Smith says, “I want my Alfie to have a long and happy life. I know German Shepherds are prone to joint problems and carrying excess weight will only make that worse.”
So Alfie is doing the animal version of “The Biggest Loser.” He’ll compete against 7 other obese pets in a contest to raise money for a veterinary charity.
Good luck to all the pets and their owners in getting, and staying, healthy together.
