Bolinha was abandoned at a gas station when he was just a puppy. He lived the next 13 years alone, wandering the rural streets nearby and existing off the food scraps that he was given by the gas station’s employees and motorists who stopped by.
The unhealthy diet led Bolinha to become morbidly obese. He weighed 80 pounds and was nearly immobile, suffering breathing issues and other medical ailments. Most people treated him like a sideshow rather than identifying he was a living creature in need of urgent medical assistance and loving care. Until one rescuer stepped in and changed Bolinha’s life forever.
The dog was brought to the Animal Protection Organization this past September after he was discovered amidst piles of garbage. He was showered with the love and affection he had missed out on his entire life, and was also started on a proper diet and exercise plan. Some of the workouts included walking on an aquatic treadmill to reduce any strain on his old and aching joints. The process was slow and at times difficult, as Bolinha’s old age compiled with his various health issues prolonged the much-needed weight loss.
However, shelter workers never gave up and nearly a year later, Bolinha has lost 30 pounds and is steadily working toward a healthy weight. He only has 15 pounds to go before he will be at his target weight, and in the interim continues to receive plenty of cuddles and kisses from the staff members at the Animal Protection Organization who have grown to love him.
