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Overweight Golden Retriever’s Owner Demanded Vet Put Him Down, Luckily, He Refused (21 Pics)
It’s no secret that dogs love food. They often beg for it at the table, and who can say “no” to an adorable stare from a puppy? Well, this golden retriever is no different. Kai was severely overfed by his previous owners. He ended up weighing about 173 lbs, which is way more than a golden retriever should weigh—about 100 pounds more. He couldn’t move normally, let alone do simple tasks every dog should be able to do, like run and play.
Kai’s old owners decided to put him down, but the vet refused and instead took him into the shelter. Soon he was adopted by a kind-hearted woman who changed his life for the better.
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This is Kai when he weighed 173 lbs
Image credits: youcandothiskai
“He was a rescue surrendered to Misfits of Alberta Animal Rescue. Misfits is a small local animal rescue that is based solely on fostering. At first, I fostered Kai, but on December 26, 2018, he officially joined our family. He was taken in to be put down by his previous owners due to obesity. He was 173 lbs when he was taken in, and his mobility was very limited. He now weighs 68 lbs and is healthy and active,” said his owner, Pam Heggie, to Bored Panda.
His owner thought he was too obese and took him to the vet to be put down
Image credits: youcandothiskai
“When I first met Kai, I honestly could not believe his size. He weighed 173 pounds (78.6 kg). He struggled to do everything and panted all the time. We often had to lift him using a big soaker pad to get him up the stairs. Getting him in and out of the car was so hard. Always took two of us and I took a seat out of the van so he could fit easily. Eventually, he got to where he could use a ramp and that gave us so much more freedom. I honestly was scared I would wake up and he would just be dead in his sleep. From the beginning, he seemed to understand we were trying to help. At first, he did water therapy because he limped so bad and I was worried about his joints with all that weight. A vet clinic here had a water treadmill and Kai did therapy there once a week for 6 weeks. It really helped with his stamina. Then we could go to the dog park. We walked every single day. Edmonton, Alberta has very cold winters, but we never missed a day. I started his Facebook page to keep us motivated and accountable. Plus I thought he was so amazing and that others would enjoy his determination and progress.”
The vet refused to fulfill the owner’s request and took him to a shelter instead
Image credits: youcandothiskai
The owner shared some of her favorite things about Kai: “My favorite thing about Kai is his laid-back personality. If I could pick the perfect dog for me, it would be Kai’s personality. He is funny, loving, and very easygoing. He just loves to be wherever I am. He’s truly my best friend.” Kai was supposedly 10 when he was surrendered in March 2018, so he is about 12 years old now.
He was soon adopted by a kind woman who decided to help him regain his health
Image credits: youcandothiskai
Golden retrievers are one of the most popular breeds. They are very tolerant of children, which makes them the perfect family pet. They are very intelligent and loving, which makes them great at being therapy dogs. They are also very good athletes and need lots of exercise. Golden retrievers are very easy to train and are known for their obedience and loyalty. Retrievers usually weigh from 55 to 75 pounds. So Kai used to be severely overweight. Good thing he found an owner that helped him get healthy again. Retrievers are known foodies. They will usually eat as much as you give them, so you have to be really careful while feeding them and measure their food.
Image credits: youcandothiskai
Kai’s owner shared some information about her other pets: “I have two other dogs. Abby is a 4-year-old black lab, and Eddie is a 14-year-old beagle cross rescue I adopted from the SPCA 12 years ago. He had been returned twice and is the naughtiest dog ever. Abby I have had since a pup. She is always at the park with Kai. Kai is more a people dog than other dogs, but he and Abby definitely have a big brother/little sister relationship. They compete for affection and she is who really encouraged him at the off-leash, especially in the beginning. If Abby is by me, Kai has to come to get closer and push his way in. She’s a more nervous dog than Kai, and if she is scared at the park, he’s there to be sure she is safe. He sleeps by the bed and every morning jumps up to cuddle once my husband goes to work.”
Image credits: youcandothiskai
“Our vet was very helpful for Kai. He recommended a prescription weight-loss food and that is what we fed. He was fed to his desired weight of 75 pounds. He actually weighs 68 pounds now and has maintained that weight for over a year now. Fruits and veggies are the only other snacks he gets. Kai did hydrotherapy and daily walks to lose weight. Just like people. At first, we did short walks (literally 5-10 steps) three times a day. As his stamina improved, we went longer and less often. Now we walk 30-60 minutes every day. Sometimes he plays with a ball, but he’s not much of a toy guy. When he was heavy, he loved the water. I think he was just so hot and his joints so sore, the water was easier. Now he likes water, but not like he used to,” shared Pam.
Image credits: youcandothiskai
“Kai’s favorite things to do are: go to the dog park and on road trips with me. He loves car rides and just being wherever I am. We have flown to New York City twice, he has been all over our home province of Alberta. He’s also been to two other provinces and a few other states in the USA.”
Then he started his weight loss program
Image credits: youcandothiskai
Kai’s owner Pam Heggie brought him to the vet to be closely monitored and to work out
Image credits: youcandothiskai
He walked in water baths and, step by step, lost his excess weight
Image credits: youcandothiskai
Soon Kai was healthy again and could do everything other dogs could
Image credits: youcandothiskai
After losing 100 pounds, Kai became a certified therapy dog and started doing hospital visits. He still has a lot of love to give to people, even after he was mistreated so badly. Wouldn’t you love to be visited by this amazing doggo when you’re not feeling well?
Image credits: youcandothiskai
Pam shared how Kai became a therapy dog: “Kai is now a ratified therapy dog. While we frequented the dog park during his weight loss, it was really the people he loved. So I decided to pursue having him become a therapy dog. That took us about 8 months—he had to pass temperament testing, obedience testing, and then do testing for ratification. He was a star. COVID interfered with that, but our plan is to have him at the airport as a therapy dog. We will finish the paperwork for that once COVID allows. Kai loves being a therapy dog and he loves going to the dog park. He is the best travel partner. He loves the car and has flown in a plane and been on a ferry. He loves to travel and we like to go to the national parks and Vancouver to visit family. He is amazing.”
Kai lost a whopping 100 lbs!
Image credits: youcandothiskai
“Kai loves fruits and veggies as his favorite snacks. I don’t feed processed dog treats. Only fruits and veggies (in addition to his dog food). He loves carrots, broccoli, blueberries, strawberries, pumpkin, watermelon, and is absolutely crazy over bananas. I cannot eat a banana without sharing. I never get a whole one to myself. Ever.”
He now weighs 68 lbs and is healthy and active
Image credits: youcandothiskai
“Kai knows the words ‘park’ and ‘supper.’ He jumps, barks, and gets so excited about his meals. It is next to impossible to get out the door without him. He recognizes my dog park clothes and knows when I get his knee braces out, something really fun is about to happen. At the dog park, he has to run up to greet every person. He’s not as excited about the other dogs, it’s the people he can’t wait to see.”
Image credits: youcandothiskai
“Kai is an excellent example of the joy that can come from fostering, and in particular fostering a dog with special needs and a senior dog. The people who have reached out to say Kai’s story motivated them has been overwhelming. He has motivated people with overweight dogs, and people who are overweight. Teachers have used his story to encourage inclusion, to exemplify determination and a positive attitude to help achieve big goals. Kai taught me so much about taking an overwhelmingly big goal and just doing it one small step at a time. He was always happy and in turn, makes others happy. I love him a ridiculous amount.”
What do you think of Kai’s journey? Tell us in the comments and send him and his wonderful owner love and support! If you’re ever considering getting a pet, please think about adoption. There are wonderful pups out there that need your love and a good home.
Here are some before and after pictures of Kai’s amazing transformation
Image credits: youcandothiskai
Image credits: youcandothiskai
Image credits: youcandothiskai
Image credits: youcandothiskai
Image credits: youcandothiskai
After losing 100 pounds, Kai became a certified therapy dog and started doing hospital visits. Such a happy turn of events for him!
Image credits: youcandothiskai
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What do you think ?
Scratch 4 years ago
So the owner overfed the dog until he was morbidly obese and just decided to have him killed. What an absolute waste of oxygen that person is.
Danger Noodle 4 years ago
I would like to have a word with the dog's original owner Why get a dog and cause it the poor boy to become obese and then demand the very put the poor boy down? What an absolute a*****e!
Livvy-Rose Richards 4 years ago
I sooooo agree. Then let's slap the sucker.
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Dorothy Parker 4 years ago
The vet who refused to euthanize Kai is a great example for other vets. Then the woman who adopted him and gave him the opportunity to get healthy was fantastic. Truly a labor of love.
Isa 4 years ago
The owner should be charged of animal cruelty and not be allowed to have any other animal ever! So he turn the animal in a morbidly obese and then when he is fed up he decided to kill him??? really? How about we do the same with the owner...you are too fat?then we kill you! And when I say that I sometimes hate people, I am pointed as a non social person....
Luna Lovegood 4 years ago
Aww the poor chonker. I'm so glad he's happy and healthy now!!!! (I also agree with all the comments about the previous owner)
Radek Suski 4 years ago
Would it be even legal for the vet to put the dog down without a valid reason? I mean I know in Germany it would be illegal
Tabitha L 4 years ago
This happened in Canada. I did a quick search, apparently an owner can euthanize a pet for any reason. https://womenspost.ca/lack-of-pet-euthanization-laws-in-canada-put-animals-in-danger/
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Rosie Hamilton 4 years ago
You gorgeous, gorgous boy! I will never understand people who could do that to a dog. I'm so glad you have a new life now! May it be long and very happy.
Raine Soo 4 years ago
This is wonderful news! I'm so happy that Kai was given a new lease on life. The previous owners were abusive and useless. They got him fat, and then decided it wasn't worth it to help him lose weight. They probably thought that putting him to sleep was the best thing that they could do for him. Oh, bless their kind hearts. UGH.
Big Blue Cat 4 years ago
Super cute dog and looks very young after the weight loss. Glad that he found responsible owner. Just a side observation, not that it matters anything, but Kai might not be a 100 % golden retriever (very close though). Ears are smaller and one of them is trying to stand up, slender muzzle and paws and tail fur is not as long and silky as a goldie would have. Anyway lovely, beautiful pupper no matter the breed(s). Retrievers need exercise to balance out their appetite, they should be able to run freely every day to keep the weight down. If you just walk them in leash, it's not enough.
PjandBolt 4 years ago
I volunteer at an animal shelter and there is three types of people that I see when it comes to adopting a pet. 1. I am an angel and I will dedicate my life to helping this poor animal be healthy and happy 2. Oh she likes me? Sure I'll adopt her! 3. Meh. I don't like its fur color. (I think you can tell which one is Kai's original owner and which one is Kai'a current owner
Cuddles 4 years ago
There's really no excuse for him being so heavy. :( Goldens and Labs are notorious food vacuums as are many kinds of hounds...I have a Basset Hound who wants all of the food in the world. He gets the amount of food he should have. It actually does get easier to say 'no' to giving a dog treats when you do it on a semi-regular basis. XD The hound still gets treats sometimes, but they're compensated for by him getting a little less food in his bowl at dinner time. He's one of the few Bassets who go into the vets office and is not morbidly obese. (To the point that people have said he -can't- be a Basset Hound because he's not fat. LOL) It's not easy to do, but it's right to do. But I'll tell ya...he can snuffle up any crumb from any crevice. (I give him bites of veggies instead of milk bones sometimes...he loves baby carrots. 1 carrot = 1 milk bone for him.)
Steve Cruz 4 years ago
One of my favorite bumper stickers: "If your dog is fat, YOU aren't getting enough exercise."
Kathleen Saenz 4 years ago
Kai is gorgeous!!! And, looks SO happy now! As a therapy dog he will touch the lives of many!!! Thank you so much for caring and taking the time to bring him back to health! You are amazing...much love and appreciation to one who cares in this strange world! Nurse Kathy
Sara 4 years ago
It is amazing what love and dedication can accomplish. I am so happy Kia lost all that weight and that someone else stepped in to help. Those people who did this to him should not be allowed to own anymore pets.
SirPatTheCat 4 years ago
I wonder if he is part lab or something. Lab ears I think have that fold at the top before they hang down, and golden ears just go straight down iirc
danielw 4 years ago
Golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers are very closely related breeds, to begin with, and are commonly interbred a little to keep the gene pool from getting too narrow. the AKC conformation cares more about the personality of both labs and goldies... basically being... well... golden. If you've ever met a Golden or a Lab... you know *exactly* what I mean.
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Jocelan Yeomans 4 years ago
What an amazing, inspirational story!!! What a beautiful dog. Bless you for taking him in and changing his life.
Gerard White 4 years ago
Very cool story. Too bad the original owner was such a douche to enable the dog to get obese and then decide to have such a sweet animal put down.
Lisa Pockat Bork 4 years ago
I'm so happy for Kai! Bless his new person for adopting him and getting him in shape. He's beautiful!
Terry Jensen 4 years ago
I am so thankful for animal lovers...and thank you for helping this beautiful boy...hopefully the other owner will never have another pet...God Bless You
Amy Cohen 4 years ago
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I was deeply touched!!!!!!!! I also have a rescue. They are the best!!!!!! Long live Kai and you.
Donald Holder 4 years ago
I wonder if the former "owner" is pro choice? Obviously life means nothing to him/her. I bet if they overfed their child, they would ask the pediatrician to kill the child. Same logic huh.
Trash Panda 4 years ago
It's sad that people even let their pets get into that condition. It's even more disturbing that the owner of this pup decided that, after making his dog morbidly obese, he decided to have him put down.
Trish Greene 4 years ago
Sad that because someone or something is obese, other people decide to put them out of their misery. God forbid their 2-legged kids become overweight. What happens then? So very happy this good boi found an amazing home!
Johnny 4 years ago
I hope it wasn't as cut and dry as this. I'd like to think that the owner took him to the vet and said "I'm sorry I let him get into this state, but I don't have the money or the time to help him get back into shape", and then the vet said "Let me take care of him for you". I really really hope the guy really didn't let the dog get fat then try to have him killed.
TheWitchNaru 4 years ago
Original owner is a fucktard piece of s**t. New owner is amazing. Ty for saving this dogs life.
Slave of Kitti 4 years ago
You want to put down a dog that is obese from your own fault? Shame on you
Billy The Kid 4 years ago (edited)
i wonder if the owner is over weight? If so we will put him down. down in a 6ft hole! fkn scumbag
Santino Marazzo 4 years ago
I'm not crying. Your crying. I am sooo happy for this dog and the people that saved Kai.You are heroes.
Donna Mayotte 4 years ago
5 gold stars to Pam for your wise vision, heart and dedication. To save a life of any kind is an heroic effort. thank you for your kindness..
Mingi Football 4 years ago
He looks so happy! I bet he feels so good. Thank you to all who helped this beauty!
Kathryn Brooks 4 years ago
I love this lady and thankful that there are people like her - there should be more. Bless them both and thank you Mr Vet too! xxx
Sandy Gilliland 4 years ago
Kudos to the vet. Karma to the previous owner. Prior owner was in insensitive moron. Thank God the veterinarian used good judgement and, obviously, has a soul and concience.
Nicole DePron-Heber 4 years ago
This story is beautiful. He was given a second chance and look at how happy this pup is. Terrible of the first owners to neglect him like that. But in the long run look where he ended up so loved and now he is helping others. Thank you for sharing.
Angie Kennedy 4 years ago (edited)
I just acquired an obese golden lab a few months ago (end of may 2020) , when we got him the SPCA said his weight was 168 pounds… he is slowly losing wight and is now down to 144 pounds in 3 months, he is on a good quality dog food (2 cups a day as per our vet) he gets 1 to 2 chicken feet a day for a treat but not to many of those as they are 315 calories each and the odd 5 calorie dog bone here and there, he is now a farm dog and is extremely active compared to where he came from..... He is a love bug, loyal, obedient and also a pain in the a*s when he thinks it's time to play.... The vet is very happy with his progress and so am I. Once he loses more weight I will be taking him to the dog park and to swim in the river but for now he will stay active on the farm as he gets winded fast as he is still obese..... I am just hoping that all his excess skin will shrink in time but the transformation from 3 months ago is amazing, he's more agile, fast, playful and just amazing
Julitta Nixon 4 years ago
I'm so happy for him to lose all that weight now he can be a fun and happy Golden
Drew Sauveur 4 years ago
What a beautiful story, hopefully the original owner never gets another dog.
T Marie 4 years ago
So glad the vet refused to put Kai down. What an absolute horrible reason to have a dog euthanized! Shame on the original owner for wanting euthanasia when he/she was the reason for Kai's weight!! And best of luck to Kai as he enjoys his new healthy and happy life:) He's a beautiful boy!!!! <3
deanna woods 4 years ago
This makes me extremely angry. I cannot believe that someone would allow their dog to end up in this condition and then blame the dog for being in this condition. I am glad that the vet did not go along with their plans to put the dog down and I am happy to know that the dog found loving and caring owners that will treat him right.
Caren Johnson 4 years ago
Who's at fault but that dog became overweight? Think about that. You gave him so much food and treats but yet you didn't wanna spend the time to get your beloved dog back to the normal size he was
Dónal Ó Murchadha 4 years ago (edited)
If you starved an animal to the point of death and took it to a vet and asked them to put the animal down, wouldn't they call the authorities? A fat dog is one thing but a dog that's twice it's recommended weight is simply animal cruelty. People like this should not be given a licence to own a dog again. I'm not saying it was malicious, but they were certainly negligent. There should be legislation in place so the new owner can sue the old owner for damages.
averageperson 4 years ago
And this is why you should look into adoption before you get a puppy. So many dogs are destined to be put down because no one can/will take care of them.
Anna Salerno 4 years ago
Wonderful story of love and acceptance after owner demanded dog be put to sleep!
Eulalie Grace 4 years ago
These a-hole former owners need to be charged with animal abuse. This is not happen overnight. I don't know what their story is, but there's absolutely no excuse for what they did to this poor pup. Thank you, Pam, for believing in Kai. And he is soooo worth sharing a banana with <3
sharron lynn parsons 4 years ago
An incredible story, a moron who should never, have had a dog, a cat or a dog, does not get their own food, or treats, some people make their pets sick, in the name of love, more food or treats, because the pet wants, they are no different than children, we must use common sense, do not over feed, children or pets !!!
Teri Campisi 4 years ago
It is awful that a person can do that to his dog! So very glad Kai was adopted by such a wonderful person! Kai looks absolutely great now a you can see he loves life!
Diana Hansen 4 years ago
he is beautiful and i am very grateful to this owner to help him lose and become a dog that can help others! wish i could see him in person!
Hollie Meyer 4 years ago
A puppy is born. There are so many circumstances that will determine the fate of this dog. Was he born in a puppy mill? Where he will be taken from his mom and siblings and sold to who knows who and for what? Was he born pitbull? Is he raised to be a fighting dog? And if he loses, his nearly lifeless or lifeless body will be tossed in the trash heap. Was he born to eventually be used for consumption? These animals suffer a horrible death. Was he born into a family that was cruel to him? Or dumped at the shelter? Or will he be one of the very lucky one, who will find himself in a loving home with his cherished and spoiled, every need is met? I watched this video and cried. All animals are subject to whatever we decide to do with them. I pray every night when I get into bed with my cats and dogs that one day all animals will be treated with dignity and humanely. The unconditional love and devotion and loyalty of a dog is indescribable.
Rachel Green 4 years ago
What an inspiration!! He should get certified as a dog fitness trainer ;)
Azure Adams 4 years ago
Hope that owner had their jaw shattered. If I were that vet, that is what I would have done after taking the dog. Shattered that owners jaw. Plenty of animals lovers out there in the justice system that would have turned the other way too.
Rissie 4 years ago
How on Earth do you get as dog to become so overweight? That's more than a few table scraps...
danielw 4 years ago
a giant, self-filling bowl, cuzz your too lazy to fill it more than once a week. most animals don't have the kind of self control around food that would prevent this. They're still wired to survival standards of eating everything they can, because it might not be around tomorrow. So those kinds of 'empty into a bowl' bowls actually cause a lot of overweight dogs.
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Heather Stubbs 4 years ago
I can relate. I have just adopted a 10-year-old mini-dachshund who was surrendered for euthanasia because the owners fed her until she weighed 39 pounds and they could no longer lift her. She should weigh about 15 pounds. Fortunately, a rescue organization scooped her, and now she's ours. She's down to 32 pounds and doing great. This is August. By Christmas, she'll feel like a new dog!
Candice Ravel 4 years ago
People like this should NEVER be allowed to have pets. Having worked in the vet industry, this happens more often than you'd think. Thankfully, the majority of vets are good people and do not euthanize an otherwise healthy pet.
Monica Phillips-Ray 4 years ago
Should have put the owner down. How dare them. I love you baby just the way you are.
Oskar vanZandt 4 years ago
So happy this poor abused canine got another chance at life... I agree with other BPs- the original owners should be 'put down' (in the case of human beings this would be 'active euthanasia').
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 4 years ago
I am appalled that the previous owners let this poor dog even reach this state and then had the gall to bring him into the vet to be euthanised- I really hope this is being looked into as an animal cruelty/abuse case. Thank you to the veterinarian for not giving into their wishes and realising that there was a loving dog with so much more life left to give. Also, I'm so glad he found a loving home and owner that cares for him and has helped him along in his weight lose journey.
Potatoisme 4 years ago
It's horrible that he was in this situation to begin with. It was his owners who overfed him and then they demanded to put him down? We don't deserve dogs
Shirley Taitran 4 years ago
What a great story. Bless the adopter. So relieved the dog gets a new life healthy and happy again.
reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 4 years ago
Why the hell did BP put my "Indeed" comment on Scratch's post, on everyone else's post?
Owen Purdy 4 years ago
Jeez so if people treated other people like dogs tho America’s population would go waaaaay down
Willow Miller 4 years ago
That’s still the cutest dog I’ve ever seen in my life. His owner didn’t deserve him
Mary 4 years ago
I would have put down the owner, unfortunately that is illegal; How can someone be so irresponsible? I mean why didn`t he take repairing action for the dog?! Like couldn`t the owner see that the poor beautiful creature ended up like that because of him?! Yeah, I usually don`t go ranting and judgmental like this but...I couldn`t restrain myself this time All in all I`m happy and grateful someone took care of Kai in the end
Alexis Garrett 4 years ago
That dude is an a*s you don't put a dog down for being fat only if their sick and they can't pee or pop. That lady did right thing and so did the vet
Jay Weigel 4 years ago
It was the stupid former owner's FAULT the dog was overweight to begin with. People who do this sort of thing should be charged with animal cruelty. I volunteer at a shelter and we get stuff like this all the time...people who want their animals put down for things THEY have done to them, or for other trivial reasons. It makes me so mad.....
autism genius 4 years ago (edited)
people who love animals are awesome as in inspiring awe. they are too rare
Clandestine 4 years ago
Why do we do this for animals but not people? Is it because people have a choice, but animals don't? I.e. if an animal is obese it is the owner's fault?
katboxjanitor 4 years ago
Many thanks to the veterinarian who so wisely took great care of this dear pup!
Verena Heisenberg 4 years ago
please put the former owner(s) down!! So lovely seeing him slimmed down, happy and healthy <3!!
Marcia Kiesel 4 years ago
Perfection does not exist, people should not judge, thank you to the new owner
Melina Pothier 4 years ago
What a horrible person :( But I must say, I can and do absolutely say no to my dog when he wants my food. He’s actually not allowed to be around me when I eat and no amount of puppy dog eyes will make me give in lol.
TheCutestDeer 4 years ago
**coughcoughcouldihavetheaddressandnameoftheoldownerforabsolutelynoreasoncoughcough** Oh sorry, that wasn't coronavirus cough, of course not. just clearing --cleaRING-- my throat.
John C 4 years ago
This feels too much like clickbait. Would like to see something backing up the claim the owner "demanded" the dog be put down. Why would such an a*****e provide so many "before" pics? Seems more likely somebidy decided to turn this pup's weight loss into some clickie clicks on the internet. But I'm willing to be wrong. Just playin the numbers.
Georgia Salvatore 4 years ago
The before pics are after the dog was adopted, but before he started losing weight...
Load More Replies... Scratch 4 years ago
So the owner overfed the dog until he was morbidly obese and just decided to have him killed. What an absolute waste of oxygen that person is.
Danger Noodle 4 years ago
I would like to have a word with the dog's original owner Why get a dog and cause it the poor boy to become obese and then demand the very put the poor boy down? What an absolute a*****e!
Livvy-Rose Richards 4 years ago
I sooooo agree. Then let's slap the sucker.
Load More Replies... Dorothy Parker 4 years ago
The vet who refused to euthanize Kai is a great example for other vets. Then the woman who adopted him and gave him the opportunity to get healthy was fantastic. Truly a labor of love.
Isa 4 years ago
The owner should be charged of animal cruelty and not be allowed to have any other animal ever! So he turn the animal in a morbidly obese and then when he is fed up he decided to kill him??? really? How about we do the same with the owner...you are too fat?then we kill you! And when I say that I sometimes hate people, I am pointed as a non social person....
Luna Lovegood 4 years ago
Aww the poor chonker. I'm so glad he's happy and healthy now!!!! (I also agree with all the comments about the previous owner)
Radek Suski 4 years ago
Would it be even legal for the vet to put the dog down without a valid reason? I mean I know in Germany it would be illegal
Tabitha L 4 years ago
This happened in Canada. I did a quick search, apparently an owner can euthanize a pet for any reason. https://womenspost.ca/lack-of-pet-euthanization-laws-in-canada-put-animals-in-danger/
Load More Replies... Rosie Hamilton 4 years ago
You gorgeous, gorgous boy! I will never understand people who could do that to a dog. I'm so glad you have a new life now! May it be long and very happy.
Raine Soo 4 years ago
This is wonderful news! I'm so happy that Kai was given a new lease on life. The previous owners were abusive and useless. They got him fat, and then decided it wasn't worth it to help him lose weight. They probably thought that putting him to sleep was the best thing that they could do for him. Oh, bless their kind hearts. UGH.
Big Blue Cat 4 years ago
Super cute dog and looks very young after the weight loss. Glad that he found responsible owner. Just a side observation, not that it matters anything, but Kai might not be a 100 % golden retriever (very close though). Ears are smaller and one of them is trying to stand up, slender muzzle and paws and tail fur is not as long and silky as a goldie would have. Anyway lovely, beautiful pupper no matter the breed(s). Retrievers need exercise to balance out their appetite, they should be able to run freely every day to keep the weight down. If you just walk them in leash, it's not enough.
PjandBolt 4 years ago
I volunteer at an animal shelter and there is three types of people that I see when it comes to adopting a pet. 1. I am an angel and I will dedicate my life to helping this poor animal be healthy and happy 2. Oh she likes me? Sure I'll adopt her! 3. Meh. I don't like its fur color. (I think you can tell which one is Kai's original owner and which one is Kai'a current owner
Cuddles 4 years ago
There's really no excuse for him being so heavy. :( Goldens and Labs are notorious food vacuums as are many kinds of hounds...I have a Basset Hound who wants all of the food in the world. He gets the amount of food he should have. It actually does get easier to say 'no' to giving a dog treats when you do it on a semi-regular basis. XD The hound still gets treats sometimes, but they're compensated for by him getting a little less food in his bowl at dinner time. He's one of the few Bassets who go into the vets office and is not morbidly obese. (To the point that people have said he -can't- be a Basset Hound because he's not fat. LOL) It's not easy to do, but it's right to do. But I'll tell ya...he can snuffle up any crumb from any crevice. (I give him bites of veggies instead of milk bones sometimes...he loves baby carrots. 1 carrot = 1 milk bone for him.)
Steve Cruz 4 years ago
One of my favorite bumper stickers: "If your dog is fat, YOU aren't getting enough exercise."
Kathleen Saenz 4 years ago
Kai is gorgeous!!! And, looks SO happy now! As a therapy dog he will touch the lives of many!!! Thank you so much for caring and taking the time to bring him back to health! You are amazing...much love and appreciation to one who cares in this strange world! Nurse Kathy
Sara 4 years ago
It is amazing what love and dedication can accomplish. I am so happy Kia lost all that weight and that someone else stepped in to help. Those people who did this to him should not be allowed to own anymore pets.
SirPatTheCat 4 years ago
I wonder if he is part lab or something. Lab ears I think have that fold at the top before they hang down, and golden ears just go straight down iirc
danielw 4 years ago
Golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers are very closely related breeds, to begin with, and are commonly interbred a little to keep the gene pool from getting too narrow. the AKC conformation cares more about the personality of both labs and goldies... basically being... well... golden. If you've ever met a Golden or a Lab... you know *exactly* what I mean.
Load More Replies... Jocelan Yeomans 4 years ago
What an amazing, inspirational story!!! What a beautiful dog. Bless you for taking him in and changing his life.
Gerard White 4 years ago
Very cool story. Too bad the original owner was such a douche to enable the dog to get obese and then decide to have such a sweet animal put down.
Lisa Pockat Bork 4 years ago
I'm so happy for Kai! Bless his new person for adopting him and getting him in shape. He's beautiful!
Terry Jensen 4 years ago
I am so thankful for animal lovers...and thank you for helping this beautiful boy...hopefully the other owner will never have another pet...God Bless You
Amy Cohen 4 years ago
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I was deeply touched!!!!!!!! I also have a rescue. They are the best!!!!!! Long live Kai and you.
Donald Holder 4 years ago
I wonder if the former "owner" is pro choice? Obviously life means nothing to him/her. I bet if they overfed their child, they would ask the pediatrician to kill the child. Same logic huh.
Trash Panda 4 years ago
It's sad that people even let their pets get into that condition. It's even more disturbing that the owner of this pup decided that, after making his dog morbidly obese, he decided to have him put down.
Trish Greene 4 years ago
Sad that because someone or something is obese, other people decide to put them out of their misery. God forbid their 2-legged kids become overweight. What happens then? So very happy this good boi found an amazing home!
Johnny 4 years ago
I hope it wasn't as cut and dry as this. I'd like to think that the owner took him to the vet and said "I'm sorry I let him get into this state, but I don't have the money or the time to help him get back into shape", and then the vet said "Let me take care of him for you". I really really hope the guy really didn't let the dog get fat then try to have him killed.
TheWitchNaru 4 years ago
Original owner is a fucktard piece of s**t. New owner is amazing. Ty for saving this dogs life.
Slave of Kitti 4 years ago
You want to put down a dog that is obese from your own fault? Shame on you
Billy The Kid 4 years ago (edited)
i wonder if the owner is over weight? If so we will put him down. down in a 6ft hole! fkn scumbag
Santino Marazzo 4 years ago
I'm not crying. Your crying. I am sooo happy for this dog and the people that saved Kai.You are heroes.
Donna Mayotte 4 years ago
5 gold stars to Pam for your wise vision, heart and dedication. To save a life of any kind is an heroic effort. thank you for your kindness..
Mingi Football 4 years ago
He looks so happy! I bet he feels so good. Thank you to all who helped this beauty!
Kathryn Brooks 4 years ago
I love this lady and thankful that there are people like her - there should be more. Bless them both and thank you Mr Vet too! xxx
Sandy Gilliland 4 years ago
Kudos to the vet. Karma to the previous owner. Prior owner was in insensitive moron. Thank God the veterinarian used good judgement and, obviously, has a soul and concience.
Nicole DePron-Heber 4 years ago
This story is beautiful. He was given a second chance and look at how happy this pup is. Terrible of the first owners to neglect him like that. But in the long run look where he ended up so loved and now he is helping others. Thank you for sharing.
Angie Kennedy 4 years ago (edited)
I just acquired an obese golden lab a few months ago (end of may 2020) , when we got him the SPCA said his weight was 168 pounds… he is slowly losing wight and is now down to 144 pounds in 3 months, he is on a good quality dog food (2 cups a day as per our vet) he gets 1 to 2 chicken feet a day for a treat but not to many of those as they are 315 calories each and the odd 5 calorie dog bone here and there, he is now a farm dog and is extremely active compared to where he came from..... He is a love bug, loyal, obedient and also a pain in the a*s when he thinks it's time to play.... The vet is very happy with his progress and so am I. Once he loses more weight I will be taking him to the dog park and to swim in the river but for now he will stay active on the farm as he gets winded fast as he is still obese..... I am just hoping that all his excess skin will shrink in time but the transformation from 3 months ago is amazing, he's more agile, fast, playful and just amazing
Julitta Nixon 4 years ago
I'm so happy for him to lose all that weight now he can be a fun and happy Golden
Drew Sauveur 4 years ago
What a beautiful story, hopefully the original owner never gets another dog.
T Marie 4 years ago
So glad the vet refused to put Kai down. What an absolute horrible reason to have a dog euthanized! Shame on the original owner for wanting euthanasia when he/she was the reason for Kai's weight!! And best of luck to Kai as he enjoys his new healthy and happy life:) He's a beautiful boy!!!! <3
deanna woods 4 years ago
This makes me extremely angry. I cannot believe that someone would allow their dog to end up in this condition and then blame the dog for being in this condition. I am glad that the vet did not go along with their plans to put the dog down and I am happy to know that the dog found loving and caring owners that will treat him right.
Caren Johnson 4 years ago
Who's at fault but that dog became overweight? Think about that. You gave him so much food and treats but yet you didn't wanna spend the time to get your beloved dog back to the normal size he was
Dónal Ó Murchadha 4 years ago (edited)
If you starved an animal to the point of death and took it to a vet and asked them to put the animal down, wouldn't they call the authorities? A fat dog is one thing but a dog that's twice it's recommended weight is simply animal cruelty. People like this should not be given a licence to own a dog again. I'm not saying it was malicious, but they were certainly negligent. There should be legislation in place so the new owner can sue the old owner for damages.
averageperson 4 years ago
And this is why you should look into adoption before you get a puppy. So many dogs are destined to be put down because no one can/will take care of them.
Anna Salerno 4 years ago
Wonderful story of love and acceptance after owner demanded dog be put to sleep!
Eulalie Grace 4 years ago
These a-hole former owners need to be charged with animal abuse. This is not happen overnight. I don't know what their story is, but there's absolutely no excuse for what they did to this poor pup. Thank you, Pam, for believing in Kai. And he is soooo worth sharing a banana with <3
sharron lynn parsons 4 years ago
An incredible story, a moron who should never, have had a dog, a cat or a dog, does not get their own food, or treats, some people make their pets sick, in the name of love, more food or treats, because the pet wants, they are no different than children, we must use common sense, do not over feed, children or pets !!!
Teri Campisi 4 years ago
It is awful that a person can do that to his dog! So very glad Kai was adopted by such a wonderful person! Kai looks absolutely great now a you can see he loves life!
Diana Hansen 4 years ago
he is beautiful and i am very grateful to this owner to help him lose and become a dog that can help others! wish i could see him in person!
Hollie Meyer 4 years ago
A puppy is born. There are so many circumstances that will determine the fate of this dog. Was he born in a puppy mill? Where he will be taken from his mom and siblings and sold to who knows who and for what? Was he born pitbull? Is he raised to be a fighting dog? And if he loses, his nearly lifeless or lifeless body will be tossed in the trash heap. Was he born to eventually be used for consumption? These animals suffer a horrible death. Was he born into a family that was cruel to him? Or dumped at the shelter? Or will he be one of the very lucky one, who will find himself in a loving home with his cherished and spoiled, every need is met? I watched this video and cried. All animals are subject to whatever we decide to do with them. I pray every night when I get into bed with my cats and dogs that one day all animals will be treated with dignity and humanely. The unconditional love and devotion and loyalty of a dog is indescribable.
Rachel Green 4 years ago
What an inspiration!! He should get certified as a dog fitness trainer ;)
Azure Adams 4 years ago
Hope that owner had their jaw shattered. If I were that vet, that is what I would have done after taking the dog. Shattered that owners jaw. Plenty of animals lovers out there in the justice system that would have turned the other way too.
Rissie 4 years ago
How on Earth do you get as dog to become so overweight? That's more than a few table scraps...
danielw 4 years ago
a giant, self-filling bowl, cuzz your too lazy to fill it more than once a week. most animals don't have the kind of self control around food that would prevent this. They're still wired to survival standards of eating everything they can, because it might not be around tomorrow. So those kinds of 'empty into a bowl' bowls actually cause a lot of overweight dogs.
Load More Replies... Heather Stubbs 4 years ago
I can relate. I have just adopted a 10-year-old mini-dachshund who was surrendered for euthanasia because the owners fed her until she weighed 39 pounds and they could no longer lift her. She should weigh about 15 pounds. Fortunately, a rescue organization scooped her, and now she's ours. She's down to 32 pounds and doing great. This is August. By Christmas, she'll feel like a new dog!
Candice Ravel 4 years ago
People like this should NEVER be allowed to have pets. Having worked in the vet industry, this happens more often than you'd think. Thankfully, the majority of vets are good people and do not euthanize an otherwise healthy pet.
Monica Phillips-Ray 4 years ago
Should have put the owner down. How dare them. I love you baby just the way you are.
Oskar vanZandt 4 years ago
So happy this poor abused canine got another chance at life... I agree with other BPs- the original owners should be 'put down' (in the case of human beings this would be 'active euthanasia').
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 4 years ago
I am appalled that the previous owners let this poor dog even reach this state and then had the gall to bring him into the vet to be euthanised- I really hope this is being looked into as an animal cruelty/abuse case. Thank you to the veterinarian for not giving into their wishes and realising that there was a loving dog with so much more life left to give. Also, I'm so glad he found a loving home and owner that cares for him and has helped him along in his weight lose journey.
Potatoisme 4 years ago
It's horrible that he was in this situation to begin with. It was his owners who overfed him and then they demanded to put him down? We don't deserve dogs
Shirley Taitran 4 years ago
What a great story. Bless the adopter. So relieved the dog gets a new life healthy and happy again.
reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 4 years ago
Why the hell did BP put my "Indeed" comment on Scratch's post, on everyone else's post?
Owen Purdy 4 years ago
Jeez so if people treated other people like dogs tho America’s population would go waaaaay down
Willow Miller 4 years ago
That’s still the cutest dog I’ve ever seen in my life. His owner didn’t deserve him
Mary 4 years ago
I would have put down the owner, unfortunately that is illegal; How can someone be so irresponsible? I mean why didn`t he take repairing action for the dog?! Like couldn`t the owner see that the poor beautiful creature ended up like that because of him?! Yeah, I usually don`t go ranting and judgmental like this but...I couldn`t restrain myself this time All in all I`m happy and grateful someone took care of Kai in the end
Alexis Garrett 4 years ago
That dude is an a*s you don't put a dog down for being fat only if their sick and they can't pee or pop. That lady did right thing and so did the vet
Jay Weigel 4 years ago
It was the stupid former owner's FAULT the dog was overweight to begin with. People who do this sort of thing should be charged with animal cruelty. I volunteer at a shelter and we get stuff like this all the time...people who want their animals put down for things THEY have done to them, or for other trivial reasons. It makes me so mad.....
autism genius 4 years ago (edited)
people who love animals are awesome as in inspiring awe. they are too rare
Clandestine 4 years ago
Why do we do this for animals but not people? Is it because people have a choice, but animals don't? I.e. if an animal is obese it is the owner's fault?
katboxjanitor 4 years ago
Many thanks to the veterinarian who so wisely took great care of this dear pup!
Verena Heisenberg 4 years ago
please put the former owner(s) down!! So lovely seeing him slimmed down, happy and healthy <3!!
Marcia Kiesel 4 years ago
Perfection does not exist, people should not judge, thank you to the new owner
Melina Pothier 4 years ago
What a horrible person :( But I must say, I can and do absolutely say no to my dog when he wants my food. He’s actually not allowed to be around me when I eat and no amount of puppy dog eyes will make me give in lol.
TheCutestDeer 4 years ago
**coughcoughcouldihavetheaddressandnameoftheoldownerforabsolutelynoreasoncoughcough** Oh sorry, that wasn't coronavirus cough, of course not. just clearing --cleaRING-- my throat.
John C 4 years ago
This feels too much like clickbait. Would like to see something backing up the claim the owner "demanded" the dog be put down. Why would such an a*****e provide so many "before" pics? Seems more likely somebidy decided to turn this pup's weight loss into some clickie clicks on the internet. But I'm willing to be wrong. Just playin the numbers.
Georgia Salvatore 4 years ago
The before pics are after the dog was adopted, but before he started losing weight...
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