An inspirational dog in Oregon is winning the battle of the bulge while his owner is winning the battle of his custody.
Obie, a daschund, owes all his weight-loss success to his foster mom, Nora Vanatta, who has just won a court battle to keep him in her care.
When Vanatta began caring for him, Obie weighed a whopping 77 pounds, three times what a normal daschund should weigh.
After starting a rigorous diet plan, detailed in a Facebook page dedicated to Obie's weight-loss battle, donations to help with his medical bills began to arrive.
This fanfare caught the attention the Oregon Daschund Rescue Group, who sued Vanetta for exploiting Obie.
Vanatta said she didn't know she was adopting a famous dog, and after a court settlement has allowed her to keep her pudgy pet, she is relieved she and Obie can finally move on.
"It was just imperative that I fought for him. I think when they brought the lawsuit against me they thought I would just hand him over," the proud pet owner said.
Vanatta said she does not think Obie would have lived much longer had they not begun the diet plan. She said that Obie is happy now and people can tell he is doing well.
The now-49-pound Obie still has 10 more pounds to go before he reaches his weight goal.
Vanatta said she hopes to give Obie skin reduction surgery in the near future to make it easier for him to exercise.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:25 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:25:38 GMT
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night. "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night.
Monday, May 20 2013 12:14 PM EDT2013-05-20 16:14:40 GMT
Police are investigating an attempted robbery that occurred at 9:55 p.m. in Wilmington, Delaware near the Chateau Orleans Apartments.A 31-year old female was waling her dog along an unlit path when she
Police are investigating an attempted robbery that occurred at 9:55 p.m. in Wilmington, Delaware near the Chateau Orleans Apartments. A 31-year old female was walking her dog along an unlit path when she
Monday, May 20 2013 10:24 AM EDT2013-05-20 14:24:20 GMT
The person who bought a winning Mega Millions lottery ticket sold in New Jersey has yet to claim the prize. The winner matched all six numbers in Friday's drawing
The person who bought a winning Mega Millions lottery ticket sold in New Jersey has yet to claim the prize. The winner matched all six numbers in Friday's drawing
Monday, May 20 2013 7:48 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:48:34 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:40 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:40:41 GMT
It was a soupy start today. We can expect many clouds, some sun, lots of humidity, and a chance of pop up showers any time. At least it'll be warmer: High around 80-degrees today.
The weather remains unsettled through most of the work week. Warm temps stick around, too. And we do mean stick...because it'll be humid, too.
By Thursday a cold front moves by bringing more rain. It will also bring drier and cooler weather by Friday as we finally clear out.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
