Ernie: Fat dog slim
By HANNAH NORTON - Manukau Courier
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Fox terrier Ernie is one big loser. The now-slender dog has shed a whopping 14.5kg since he was handed into the SPCA Animal Village in Mangere in June last year.
SPCA operations manager Tracy Dunn says Ernie is recuperating from knee surgery on both his hind legs after being diagnosed with luxating patellas, which meant his knees slipped out of joint often.
"He is doing extremely well and is a lot more comfortable because he is lighter," she says.
Ernie was surrendered with his equally obese friend Bert after their elderly owners could no longer care for them.
"They had been greatly loved by their owners but had been fed completely unsuitable diets and had not been given sufficient exercise," Ms Dunn says.
"They are now a normal, healthy weight for their breed and size."
Ernie originally weighed 23kg and now weighs 8.5kg. Bert has been rehomed and Ernie is waiting to fully recover before he meets his new family. Ms Dunn says it’s important to prevent pets from becoming obese.
