Dennis the dog: Obese dachshund loses 75% of his bodyweight
New owner says the dog is no longer depressed and is enjoying life
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An obese dachshund that was overfed by its abusive former owner has been nursed back to health and happiness.
Dennis the dog has lost more than 75 per cent of his body weight, after being put on a strict exercise and diet regime by new owner Brooke Burton.
Less than two years ago the miniature dachshund weighed the equivalent of four animals of his breed and could barely move without becoming out-of-breath.
Ms Burton, a 26-year-old nursing student from Columbus in Ohio, adopted then four-year-old Dennis after persuading her relative - reportedly a hoarder, who had been feeding the animal human food - to give the pet up two years ago.
"In the beginning, you could tell he was very depressed, that he really didn't feel good at all," Ms Burton says.
Over the course of two years, the nursing student says that Dennis lost so much weight he had to undergo multiple surgeries to remove excess skin that he was tripping over.
Veterinary surgeon Kathleen Ham, who treated the abused animal, said his was a cautionary tale for pet owners. "We have an expression: food is not love," Dr Ham says.
Ms Burton added: “After he lost weight, this bossy little demanding man popped out. He's into everything, he wants to play with everybody."
Additional reporting by Associated Press
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments