A cute dog gained a significant amount of weight by indulging in lots of sausages, but has managed to lose a third of her body weight after her new owners put her on a strict exercise routine and diet. Pearl, a three-year-old bulldog, had reached nearly 5 stone by snacking on Cumberland sausages on the sofa with her previous owners. After being adopted by Jessica and Sam McDonnell, Pearl was put on a diet and successfully shed a third of her weight. Concerned about Pearl’s future health, the couple from Prenton in the Wirral helped her slim down by increasing her daily walks and eliminating her sausage-snacking habits on the sofa. Now at a little over three stone, Pearl is considered to be a healthy weight for her breed and has been given a clean bill of health.
Pearl, the three-and-a-half-year-old bulldog from Wirral, Merseyside, gained a considerable amount of weight, almost reaching five stone, due to indulging in Cumberland sausages on the sofa with her previous owners. The photos show Pearl at her heaviest on the left and after shedding nearly a third of her weight on the right.
Pearl, the three-year-old dog, was enjoying a walk with her new owner Jessica McDonnell. When she was first rehomed, Pearl’s soft paws indicated that she wasn’t getting much exercise. Her weight gain from indulging in sausages everyday had led to arthritic problems, causing her pain.
Jessica, a 29-year-old working in financial services PR, expressed pride in Pearl’s progress. “She adapted well to her new diet and never seemed bored of it, even though it wasn’t as enticing as sausages,” Jessica said. “Initially, Pearl’s soft paw pads suggested she wasn’t getting enough walks. Although she doesn’t need long walks, she does benefit from them and really enjoys herself once we get her out the door.”
Living near the coast, Pearl has found a love for the beach and has become a joyful and energetic dog. Jessica added, “She’s such a happy and wonderful dog, and she has made tremendous progress.”
Pearl is captured at her heaviest, tipping the scales at almost five stone. She struggled to move around much after indulging in numerous sausages with her previous owners.
After committing to a rigorous fitness routine, Pearl appeared noticeably lean in the photos. She was following a carefully monitored diet plan by the Wirral Animal Welfare Association, in addition to sticking to a disciplined workout schedule.
Jessica and Sam McDonnell, residents of Prenton, Wirral, welcomed Pearl into their home after she was under the care of the Wirral Animal Welfare Association. Pearl underwent a diet regimen and enjoyed daily walks to help her stay active.
Thanks to the assistance of Sanderson Vets in Pensby, Merseyside, Pearl has made a full recovery from her previous lifestyle of lounging around and indulging in sausages. Renowned natural canine nutritionist Anna Webb, a graduate of the College of Integrated Veterinary Studies, emphasized the importance of a balanced diet for dogs. She highlighted that while sausages can be beneficial for dogs in moderation, excessive consumption can lead to weight gain. Dogs require a diet rich in animal fat and protein to thrive, but it’s crucial to ensure they are burning off the calories they consume.
In her peak weight, Pearl was visibly struggling with a slouched posture and limited mobility, weighing almost five stone. Additionally, she experienced significant discomfort due to arthritic issues.
Pearl is lounging on the sofa, looking svelte and sleek after shedding nearly one third of her body weight. She now tips the scales at just over three stone (20kg), which is deemed to be the ideal weight for her breed. On top of that, she has received a clean bill of health from the vet.
Thanks to Sanderson Vets in Pensby, Merseyside, Pearl has bounced back to her usual self after a life spent indulging in sausages on the sofa.
“Congratulations Pearl for winning the battle against the bulge!” Jessica and her husband Sam, who is a 37-year-old marketing manager, wanted to share Pearl’s weight loss journey to raise awareness about the dangers of overfeeding pets.
Jessica emphasized, “There are many things that people do out of love for their pets that can actually harm them. Especially for breeds like bulldogs that are prone to breathing issues, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. We often come across social media posts where overweight animals are portrayed as cute, but after witnessing the impact on Pearl, we feel compelled to speak up. We hope that sharing her story will make people think twice.”
Reflecting on Pearl’s importance in their lives, Jessica shared, “Pearl is a beloved member of our family. She has been a source of comfort for me, especially during the lockdown when I was working from home. Taking care of Pearl has been our first major responsibility as a couple, akin to caring for a baby. We take this responsibility very seriously.”
Jessica and her husband Sam, a 37-year-old marketing manager, decided to share Pearl’s weight loss journey to raise awareness about the importance of not overfeeding pets with treats.
Jessica remarked that many pet owners do things they think are loving but are actually harmful, especially with breeds prone to health issues like bulldogs. She emphasized the importance of keeping their weight in check to ensure their well-being.
