Meet Vincent, the Overweight Dachshund Who's Getting a New Leash on Life

Let's get #SkinnieVinnie going, shall we?

By Lindsey Caldwell Sep 02, 2015 2:11 AMTags
Vincent the DogFacebook

Meet Vincent.

The sweet 7-year-old dachshund tipped the scales at 38 pounds just a few weeks ago. His owner had passed away and he was taken to a Houston animal shelter because there was no longer anyone to care for him. He was alone in the world and in poor health due to his weight.

But before you jump ship (and possibly out a window) on this story, know that it gets better from here on out.

According to CNN, Mary Tipton of K-9 Angels Rescue group was at the shelter one day for a meeting when she spotted Vincent and decided that something must be done for the ailing pup. So she posted the adorable dog's picture on Facebook in hopes of finding a foster parent—and dachshund rescuer Melissa Anderson stepped up!

Now, happily, this spunky dog has a new leash on life.

With a whole new diet and fitness plan in place, Vincent's health is said to be improving daily and he has discovered a new love: swimming!

Also per CNN, Vincent has a workout regimen that includes water aerobics five times a week!

And he is proving to be the little engine that could: The dog that once could barely paddle in a life jacket is now paddling for 15 to 20 minutes in the pool. He's also slowly but surely been able to start jogging with Anderson's other dogs.

"He is really happier now than he was," she told CNN.

While Anderson helps Vincent get fit for adoption, K-9 Angels isn't opposed to someone taking Vincent mid-journey, so long as his new owner could continue to help him get healthy. Tipton explained, "We take adoptions case by case. If there was a perfect home that wanted to take over his weight loss journey we may take that into consideration." 

In just two weeks, he's gone from 38 pounds to 35.2 pounds! Let's hear it for #SkinnyVinnie!

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