Chubby Chihuahua Shedding Over Half His 35lb Weight To Get Back On His Paws

With each passing day, Cleatus grew stronger and more vibrant.

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• June 3, 2024

In a heartwarming tale of resilience and dedication, Cleatus, a once-obese chihuahua, has defied the odds and undergone a remarkable transformation. From being so overweight that he needed to be carried outside to now exuding vitality and joy, Cleatus' journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Cleatus, a 15-year-old purebred chihuahua from St. Augustine, Florida, struggled with obesity for years. His owner, Austin Lee, a VP-roofing contractor, recounts the challenges of managing Cleatus's weight.

Due to his excessive weight, Cleatus had little energy and would resist going outside, prompting Austin to push him around in a cart during walks.

However, a turning point came when Laura Norton, Austin's girlfriend and a veterinary technician, moved in with him. Recognizing the need for change, Laura and Austin embarked on a mission to improve Cleatus's quality of life.

Their journey began with addressing Cleatus's dental health, which revealed underlying issues such as dental disease and an underactive thyroid. With a diagnosis in hand, Cleatus was prescribed thyroid medication and put on a new diet plan.

Gone were the days of free-feeding, replaced with scheduled meal times and a carefully curated diet. The results were astonishing.

Within just four weeks, Cleatus showed signs of improvement, displaying increased energy and a newfound zest for life. As the weeks passed, Cleatus's progress continued to amaze.

He began to greet his owners eagerly and even joined them on walks with their golden retriever, Cooper. With each passing day, Cleatus grew stronger and more vibrant, shedding his excess weight and embracing a healthier lifestyle.

Today, Cleatus is virtually unrecognizable from his former self. Gone is the lethargy and discomfort, replaced by a lively spirit and radiant health.

When the dog was at its heaviest, it had really low energy and barely budged.

When Austin's girlfriend, Laura Norton,28, a vet tech, moved in, they decided to shake things up for Cleatus.

Since he was a pup, he has had unlimited access to dry kibble, which has caused him to pack some extra pounds. At times, his owner, Austin Lee, has had to wheel him around in a cart during their walks.

They began with a dental checkup, and it turned out Cleatus needed most of his teeth removed because of dental disease creeping in.

Cleatus got his blood test results back and it turns out he has an under-active thyroid, which was messing with his metabolism and energy levels. Now, he's on medication for it.

During Austin's weight loss journey, Laura noticed a significant improvement in Cleatus's mental and physical health since they switched up his lifestyle.

Cleatus, a Chihuahua from St. Augustine, Florida, shed over half his body weight in under a year, dropping from a hefty 35 pounds to a lean 16.8 pounds.

Laura and Austin expressed their pride in Cleatus' transformation, with Laura noting, "Cleatus seems like a different dog now, full of boundless energy."

Cleatus's journey from obesity to vitality is not just a heartwarming tale of transformation; it's a wake-up call on our responsibility as pet owners. In a world where pet obesity rates are rising, Cleatus's story underscores the importance of proper diet, exercise, and veterinary care.

It's easy to fall into the trap of overindulgence, whether it's through excessive treats or free-feeding. However, Cleatus's journey shows us that these habits can seriously affect our pets' health and well-being.

As pet owners, it's our duty to educate ourselves about proper nutrition and ensure that our furry friends lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Cleatus's remarkable turnaround proves the transformative power of love, commitment, and proactive care.

So, let Cleatus's story inspire us all to take better care of our pets and prioritize their health and happiness. In the end, there's no greater reward than seeing our beloved companions thrive.

Damjan