Chunky Labrador Charlie is on a mission to lose weight as he is adopted from the Dogs Trust rehoming centre in Snetterton
Chunky Charlie, who needs to lose some weight, and his new adopters Maureen and Michael Briggs. Picture: Dogs Trust - Credit: Archant
Humans are not the only ones prone to overindulging over the Christmas period.
Meet overweight Labrador 'chunky Charlie', as he has been affectionately nicknamed by staff at the Dogs Trust rehoming centre in Snetterton.
Having arrived at the centre weighing a whopping 52kg - that's 23kg over his ideal weight - the six-year-old was put on a strict calorie-controlled diet and exercise plan to help him shift the extra pounds.
Charlie needs to lose the equivalent weight of a female deer, a fully-grown sea otter or three bowling balls before he reaches his ideal weight.
But the determined pooch has already lost 1.5kg since starting his New Year regime, so the scales are going in the right direction.
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And staff at the centre are delighted the lovable Labrador has also found a new home with Maureen and Michael Briggs, from Lowestoft.
Mrs Briggs said: 'We are over the moon to take Charlie home. He will make such a wonderful addition to our family.
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'My husband and I plan to take him on plenty of walks once he's settled. We're committed to helping him get fit and healthy.'
Although he's already shed some pounds since arriving at Dogs Trust, Charlie has a long way to go and will need the continued support of Mr and Mrs Briggs to make sure he reaches his weight loss goal.
Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden said that while the temptation might be to treat your pooch to a doggy delicacy: 'It's important not to over-feed dogs as the excess weight puts strain on their bodies, particularly the heart and joints.
'Human food is not an ideal balanced diet for your dog.
'Dog treats and special meals, for example dog-friendly cakes, should be occasional and certainly not a replacement for a regular diet.
'Such treats are often highly calorific so, if you are giving them to your dog, reduce their daily meal portions accordingly.'
If you would like to give any other Dogs Trust Snetterton residents a happy, healthy home, you can call the centre directly on 0300 303 0292.
More information is also available at www.dogstrust.org.uk
