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Obie the dachshund loses almost 50 pounds

"One year ago and almost 50lbs heavier." Photo from Obie Dog Journey Facebook page.

Just over a year ago in Portland, Oregon, certified veterinary technician Nora Vanatta took in a 77-pound dachshund.

She named the dog Obie and helped him lose almost 50 pounds.

The seven-year-old dog had been overfed out of love by his elderly owners. Family members intervened and reached out for help.

"They just couldn't say 'no' to those big brown eyes," Vanatta wrote on the website chronicling the dog's weight loss journey.

"No one is to blame and Obie's supporters ask that you not try to assign any. His owners truly believed they were showing him that they loved him by feeding him," she added.

Vanatta introduced him to a prescription weight-loss plan. He needed to lose at least 40 pounds.

She outlined his food plan on Facebook.

"For severely overweight pets or pets not responding to small steps to lose weight need to work with a veterinarian to ensure safe weight loss (1% to 2% per week). Obie's extreme overweight condition required a thorough examination and assessment of current health to rule out any major issues that often result from being so overweight. Simply reducing a regular diet may deprive your pet of nutrients while reducing calories," she wrote.

"This is why a diet specially formulated for weight loss is important and I strongly believe in a high quality dry kibble as a maintenance diet. Obie is remarkably healthy considering his massive weight."

About eight months later, Obie reached his weight-loss goal and had surgery to remove the excess skin.

This Tuesday, Vanatta posted photos of Obie playing on the beach on the Facebook page, Obie Dog Journey. He is now down almost 50 pounds and is enjoying a new healthy, active lifestyle.

"My hope is that he can be an inspiration to any person or animal trying to lose weight. It is so important to introduce pups and kids to a healthy lifestyle and food choices as early as possible. Prevention is the key!" Vanatta wrote.

Follow Obie's story on Facebook and YouTube.