Obie (dog)

Obie (born February 17, 2006) is a male Dachshund who weighed as much as 77 lb, more than twice a normal-weight standard dachshund. Like Meow, Obie was rescued from overfeeding at the hands of his elderly owners. Oregon Dachshund Rescue networked Obie out of his Seattle, Washington home to Portland, Oregon, the home of Nora Vanatta. Vanatta learned of Obie from Oregon Dachshund Rescue's Facebook page. Obie has his own Facebook page was named after The Biggest Loser with over 185,000 Likes. Obie reached his goal weight in July 2013 and is 28 lb as of July 30, 2013.

Weight loss regimen
A full-grown standard dachshund weighs 16 lb to 32 lb. Obie weighed more than twice as much at 77 lb. Obie's weight was so extreme that before meeting him Vanatta assumed he was actually a basset hound. Obie's weight may exacerbate dachshund's propensity for spine and joint problems. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 53% of adult dogs and 55% of adult cats are overweight or obese. Obie wears a harness to protect his distended chest from rubbing against the ground. Kelly Ripa called it a "bosom." On December 12, 2012, Obie had a consult for skin reduction surgery. Vanatta elected to delay surgery to avoid a possible later surgery. Obie had surgery on April 30. Dr. Alon Kramer of Oregon Expert Vets removed "about two-and-a-half pounds of tissue."

Vanatta is a certified veterinary technician with 8 years of experience. She consulted with Purina to create a diet high in protein and fiber and low in fat with isoflavones, Purina Veterinary Diet OM Overweight Management Canine Formula. As of September 12, Obie eats two cups of food, about 500 calories and walks outside to eliminate. Obie will exercise with canine hydrotherapy and a treadmill. Obie was not interested in fresh fruits or vegetables but began eating carrots seasoned with chicken broth after coaxing. Vanatta estimates that Obie's rehabiliation will take a year. Obie received a treadmill donated by Legacy Boxer Rescue. As of January 26, 2013, Obie was too overweight to exercise and his weight loss is due to diet only. On February 9, 2013, Obie tried out the treadmill.

Until June 2013 Vanatta weighed Obie every week on Tuesday morning. Obie reached his goal weight in July 2013 and is 28 lb as of July 30, 2013. On June 28, 2013, Obie and Vanatta returned to AM Northwest on KATU.

Education
In April 2013 Obie visited The Northwest Academy, Purina Veterinary Symposium and Sanford-Brown College.

Custody dispute
On October 23, 2012, Oregon Dachshund Rescue sued for custody of Obie in Washington County Circuit Court. ODR founder and president Jenell Rangan accused Vanatta of exploiting the media attention for financial gain and not providing adequate medical care. Fans of Obie have donated thousands of dollars towards his care, according to Vanatta. Vanatta posted on November 3, 2012 that she had spent $987 on Obie's vet bills.

The tensions began when Vanatta, Obie and Patricia Malone, an ODR volunteer traveled to New York City in September 2012. Obie appeared on Today with Al Roker on September 12 and Live! with Kelly and Michael on September 14 and Good Morning America. Rangan objected to the stresses of flying six hours in cargo and four days of media appearances, telling the New York Daily News "I was told that Obie was being flown first class. But then I found out he was on a six-hour flight to New York in cargo." Malone said an emotional connection was missing between Vanatta and Obie.

Vanatta claims that she took Obie to three visits at two different veterinarians but Malone says she withheld records and refused evaluation by an ODR veterinarian.

On October 29, 2012, Judge D. Charles Bailey ruled that neither side could prove ownership. Obie will stay with Vanatta pending non-binding arbitration and possibly jury trial.

Rangan sent a message pointing out ODR can accept tax deductible donations as a 501c3 and criticizing Vanatta's care, especially the New York City trip. On November 24, 2012, Vanatta reposted it with the title "More lies."

On December 16, 2012 Senior Wiener posted 12 Frequently Answered Questions written by Obie supporters. These "Fast Facts" were updated on January 26, 2013.

On January 23, 2013 both sides confirmed a settlement was reached and Vanatta would keep Obie. Vanatta estimated her legal costs at $40,000.