Two dogs prove anything is paw-sible with epic weight loss journey
If you need some health and fitness inspiration to get back on track with your weight loss goals, look no further than the “tails” of Pearl and Shorty, who each embarked on a remarkable weight loss journey.
When Pearl, a 12-year-old beagle, was surrendered to the Montana Humane Society, she had ballooned to 50 pounds. Due to her weight and a dislocated hip, she was uncomfortable and couldn’t walk. She was eventually diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease, a chronic condition that can cause weight gain.
She was adopted by Jessie Maclay, who put the beagle on a vet-prescribed diet of low fat kibble, baby carrots, frozen green beans and bananas. Maclay also turned to hydrotherapy to strengthen Pearl’s muscles.
Meanwhile, more than 1,000 miles away in Oklahoma, Shorty, an 8-year-old Chihuahua mix, was also trying to shed some weight.
At 18 pounds, Shorty had a thyroid condition and could barely move. But his owner, Carlie Cahill, helped him get back on his feet with medication and a new diet.
“I was not wanting to get another dog,” Cahill told “Good Morning America.” “But I saw Shorty at an adoption event when I went to pick up a foster dog, and thought he was the cutest thing ever. So old and fat and clearly needed help.”
Cahill ended up adopting him and helped slim Shorty down by putting him on a high-protein kibble and green bean diet.
With the help of their owners, Pearl and Shorty were able to drop the weight, proving anything is paw-sible. Pearl lost 30 pounds in 11 months and Shorty lost 9 pounds.
Today, Pearl is still swimming and Shorty loves running in the dog park.
The two dogs are featured in PEOPLE's "Half Their Size Pets" issue, out now.
