A severely overweight beagle, weighing a whopping 90 pounds when rescued from a shelter, has shed over 60 pounds thanks to the dedicated care of his new owners. Chad Schatz and Erin McManis, a couple from Phoenix, Arizona, have been chronicling Wolfgang’s amazing weight loss journey on Instagram ever since they adopted him from the Arizona Beagle Rescue in May 2019. Through a combination of a strict diet and regular exercise, including sessions on a special doggy water treadmill, Wolfgang has slimmed down to a healthier 27 pounds after three years of hard work. To mark National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, the couple shared a touching video showcasing Wolfgang’s remarkable transformation since becoming a part of their loving family.
Chad Schatz and Erin McManis, a couple from Phoenix, Arizona, welcomed their beloved beagle Wolfgang into their family in May 2019. When they adopted him, Wolfgang was tipping the scales at a hefty 90 pounds due to his morbid obesity.
After strict dieting and consistent daily exercise for three years, Wolfgang has successfully shed 63 pounds and now weighs a healthy 27 pounds. The transformation is evident in a montage that captures Wolfgang’s journey from a 90-pound beagle struggling to move around, to a speedy and agile pup zipping around the yard. In a heartfelt message penned from Wolfgang’s point of view, the lawyers express their gratitude for the support received and raise awareness about the dangers of canine obesity. Wolfgang reminisces about being called a unicorn by his parents from the moment they adopted him, despite the initial challenge of fitting him into their car.
To mark National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, the attorneys released an endearing video showcasing Wolfgang’s journey and transformation since being adopted.
The video montage begins with clips of the beagle struggling to move around when he weighed 90 pounds. The couple behind the footage emphasized the seriousness of extreme obesity in dogs, stating that it can be considered neglect or abuse. They highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy weight for dogs, as even a little extra weight can put a lot of strain on their joints. The couple expressed their belief that small and consistent efforts can lead to significant progress. They also shared some of Wolfgang’s notable achievements, such as being able to fit through the doggy door, walking his first mile, and completing his first 5K.
The vet closely monitored the couple as they transitioned Wolfgang to a diet packed with lean protein and low calories, including meals like ground turkey mixed with veggies.
The beagle was such a big pupper that he required a customized doggy entrance since he was too hefty to squeeze through the regular one they had.
During his first year with the couple, Wolfgang engaged in low-impact exercise on a canine water treadmill, giving him plenty of physical activity. In a post, they marveled, “I still can’t believe I’m considered an athlete now.”
According to People, Schatz and McManis have been fostering animals since 2009 and had successfully helped five obese dogs before welcoming Wolfgang into their home. Originally planning to just foster him, the couple was so taken by Wolfgang’s charm that they decided to adopt him.
Under the watchful eye of a vet, they designed a diet for Wolfgang consisting of high-protein, low-calorie meals like ground turkey meat mixed with vegetables.
Schatz and McManis also made sure to give their beagle some pool time for a relaxing swim.
His daily walks were gradually extended, and by the time February 2020 rolled around, he had shed almost half of his weight and scaled down to a mere 55 pounds.
The couple celebrated some of Wolfgang’s big achievements, such as squeezing through their doggy door, conquering his first mile walk, and finishing his first 5K race. Schatz dedicated time to improving Wolfgang’s endurance by taking him on walks early in the morning or late at night to avoid the sun. McManis shared that the vet had cautioned them about the strain on Wolfgang’s heart and organs due to his weight, and the risk of heatstroke from too much sun exposure. They gradually increased the length of his walks, and by February 2020, Wolfgang had shed almost half of his weight, reaching a healthier 55 pounds. With their ongoing support, Wolfgang continued to shed weight steadily over the next couple of years.
Schatz and McManis have been caring for animals in need since 2009, and have helped five overweight dogs lose weight and improve their health before welcoming Wolfgang into their home.
Initially, their intention was just to foster Wolfgang, but his charm won them over so much that they ultimately decided to make him a permanent member of their family by adopting him.
The heartwarming video of the couple ends with Wolfgang, their beagle, zooming around the yard at an impressive 27-pound weight. McManis shared that Wolfgang’s biggest accomplishment was fitting through their doggy door at last. As a special treat, they now let him enjoy a few licks of his favorite snack – a Starbucks Puppuccino. Achieving his goal weight this year, Wolfgang does have some extra skin, but McManis assures that it’s mainly a cosmetic concern, and they have no plans to have it removed. She passionately believes that allowing a dog to become morbidly obese is a form of neglect and abuse, advocating for proper education on the matter.