Obie, the obese Dachshund.

Update: 4/14/13: Obie's success!!! https://www.facebook.com/BiggestLoserDoxieEdition

Poor Obie. 77 lbs.

Update 1/24/13: The custody battle over Obie, an obese Dachshund from Oregon made famous on NBC's "Today Show" has ended after months of legal disputes. The woman who originally took the dog in for temporary foster care (Vanatta, a veterinary technician) is now officially his permanent owner. As for Obie, Vanatta said he has lost 28 pounds since she took him in about six months ago. 

Obie's 28-lb. weight loss!!

Update 10/29/12 p.m.: At a court hearing Monday morning, a judge decided that the dog will stay with Vanatta, at least for now. The judge said at this point it is unclear who owns Obie. Oregon Daschund Rescue was asking that the dog be turned over to them until ownership is decided, but the judge declined. http://www.katu.com/news/local/Obie-the-overweight-dog-isnt-going-anywhere-at-least-for-now-176307171.html.

Update 10/29/12: Obie, I pray today that you win. No matter what that means, only God knows that. Breaks my heart to see this fight, all the money spent and redirected that could be saving babies that will lose their life today because no one came to save them. This is a day for tears. Take Obie out of the spotlight, and go do your rescue work. This is not it. - by Annie Craig, a friend.

This is monstrous!!!! Obie's elderly owners overfed him. He should weigh 30-40 lbs., but he weighs 77! How, how, how could somebody feed a dog until he can barely walk?! Or, breathe. There's a video on the website of Obie's eating. His breathing sounds terrible. Obie wears a harness to protect his chest and underbelly from dragging on the ground.

He was rescued by Oregon Dachshund Rescue. But, they put Obie in foster care with Nora Vanatta, who has a degree in animal science and is a certified veterinary technician. Vanatta put Obie on a strict diet, and he has lost 15 lbs. That's good.

However, Vanatta went on national television and raised thousands of dollars for Obie's care. The Oregon Dachshund Rescue says Vanatta is exploiting the dog and want Obie back. Neither of these women should get Obie. He should stay at the vet's office until he's in shape and then found a loving, caring home. All money collected should be transferred to the vet for Obie's medical care.

A judge will decide next week who gets custody of Obie. Either way, the money should go the vet's office or a true rescue group that will help many, many others. Pray for his poor baby!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2223610/Nora-Vanatta-Obie-obese-dachshund-centre-custody-battle.html

The Truth About Butchie

Butchie - vetted, neutered,
microchipped, house-trained,
escape artist if left alone in yard.

I have been trying to help Claudia help find a home for Butchie since last fall. Not one person has called on him. Maybe it is his brindle coloring that makes him look a little scary, but he is a loving dog with lots of energy. She rescued him from being tied by his back legs to a tree. She can't keep him any longer as he doesn't do well in the house alone and she works very long hours. Please can everyone rally for Butch! Read his biographical sketch below. He is a character. 
-- 
Kathy
My Animals Rock, Inc., 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation
PO BOX 630729 MIAMI,FL 33163
305 401 4693
www.myanimalsrock.org
klcremer@aol.com  
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/22092877

While walking my two dogs last fall I came across this strange hyena-looking puppy inexplicably tied to a fence by his back legs. Naturally I couldn’t leave him there, so when I liberated him, surprise, surprise, he trotted home after me. The rest is history.
I figure he’s a little over a year old now. Bigger than a pure-breed, he weighs about 38 lbs. – all muscle. He has been neutered, micro-chipped, and is up-to-date on his shots.

Basenji Mix: An adoptable dog
in Hollywood, FL

It took many a Google search to figure out his primary breed, but when I discovered the Basenji sites, the images and temperament descriptions struck me as uncannily accurate. Except that Butch barks occasionally but not too often, generally it is if someone unfamiliar comes onto the property, or if he spots a small furry animal – his bark can be pretty intimidating. To be fair, he also balances it with some cute and funny sounds for different needs. I think he’s one of the smartest dogs I’ve known. He is also quite the non-conformist, following basic commands insofar as it gets him treats, but he’s really not that into it. He’d rather be off exploring. He’s a hunter through and through – and a climber, a digger and a chewer. I’ll venture to say the worst is over, he has mellowed considerably as he continues to outgrow puppyhood.

Butch is also a very loyal and affectionate guy. When I’m settled at home he’s usually pretty angelic, contented to snooze at my feet or play endlessly with his siblings or squeaky toys. At the risk of anthropomorphizing, I would definitely say he has a high emotional IQ. He’s sensitive to moods, and empathetic. He’s actually quite the people-pleaser.

Butch is good with other dogs, bad with cats. I haven’t seen him with small children. I think his ideal home would be with someone who can spend a lot of time with him, perhaps (a) retiree(s) or someone who works at home. I’d say he really needs a secure yard to romp in, as he’s very curious and has lots of energy. He also needs an owner who is able to set boundaries for him and be consistent.

If I were not gone so much of the time, didn’t have two other dogs, a tiny house, 3 cats that Butch terrorizes such that I’ve had to keep them incarcerated in my bedroom since he came, and if my neighbors weren’t angry at me for the times he’s escaped from the yard, I’d keep Butch in a heartbeat. If you think this wonderful companion may be a fit with your lifestyle, please contact Claudia at 305-742-7277 or cewald@bellsouth.net.