Rescue who weighed same as baby hippo sheds pounds, finds home

By Georgia Cook

A massive rescue dog that weighed the same as a baby hippo has shed the pounds — and found a new home.

The huge bulldog called Peggy-Sue swelled to 32.5 kilograms when she was taken to the RSPCA’s West Hatch Animal Centre in Somerset, England.

She was so large she struggled with walking, infections and overheating and couldn’t take a few steps without collapsing.

The hound weighed a mighty 32.5 kilograms — approximately the same as a 10-year-old child or a newborn hippopotamus.

The West Hatch Animal Centre had to carry her in a crate from the van to her kennel to move her around.

She was rehomed during the charity’s 2025 Adoptober scheme after beginning her weight loss journey with a foster carer.

Peggy’s new weight sits at a much healthier 23.5 kilograms — 9 kilograms down from when she first went to the charity.

RSPCA animal deputy center manager Anita Clark said: “Peggy-Sue arrived at the center back in July 2025 and really needed some care and attention.

“It was awful to see her struggle with every day movement and we had to carry her in a crate from the van to her kennel.

“She was suffering from an ingrowing claw, infected skin folds, and an extremely low tolerance for the summer heat.

“To keep her comfortable and prevent overheating, a fan was kept blowing into her kennel at all times.”

Peggy’s exercise regime was increased gradually by a foster carer, slowly improving every day.

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She now continues to enjoy exercise and a strict diet plan.

Her new owners Emmie and Andy, from Taunton, say she is quite a water-baby and enjoys rock pools and streams.

The couple is urging others to “adopt not shop” this Adoptober, calling upon experienced pet owners to consider helping by rehoming or fostering.

After losing their 16-year-old rescue Staffie-cross Jack Russel, Jack-Jack, the couple knew they needed some company for his living brother, Mr. Woo.

Emmie said: “Peggy-Sue is our sixth rescue and they have all turned out to be the most amazing dogs ever.

“The RSPCA and her foster carer had already done a great job getting her weight down by five kilograms, so we just had to keep the progress going.

“When she first came home she only showed small bursts of energy — but little by little she has built up her strength and now she is utterly amazing and loves her walks and trips in the car.”

RSPCA scientific and policy manager Ashleigh Brown said: “Obesity can affect many types of pets.

“While it is mainly caused by consuming more calories than are needed for their activity levels and physiological functions, other physical and external factors — including age, breed, neutering status, medication and some health conditions — can also contribute to weight gain.

“We would always advocate people adopt and not shop for a pet but for those intending to buy, we encourage you never to buy pets who have been bred with harmful physical traits, which fuels this serious welfare problem.

“For those with your heart set on a particular breed, please be aware there are many in rescue centers, whose quality of life will have been assessed by experienced animal welfare professionals who can provide tailored advice for optimizing their welfare despite the harmful physical features they have been bred with.”

The RSPCA dedicates every October to raising awareness of the animals who are looking for homes in RSPCA centers and branches, after being rescued from heartbreaking cruelty and neglect.

Emmie said, “Rehoming a rescue dog is the best thing you could ever do!”