Arizona Dog Weighs 120 Pounds And Can Barely Walk, Then Her Foster Mom Reveals Her Day Job
When Margo arrived at the Arizona shelter, she was carrying a heavy burden. But with the help of a dedicated foster mom and a strict new routine, this sweet girl proved that it’s never too late for a fresh start.
A Shocking First Impression
When Margo first arrived at the county shelter, her size took everyone by surprise. She weighed a staggering 120 pounds, a burden so heavy that she could barely move.
Her foster mom, who volunteers at the shelter, recalled her initial shock upon meeting the large dog. “She was bigger than I expected,” she noted, observing how uncomfortable the sweet girl was just trying to navigate her surroundings.
It was clear that Margo’s situation was no fault of her own. Seeing this poor dog struggling so much, the volunteer knew she had to step in and help her find a better path.
A Life Confined
Before coming to the shelter, Margo had lived a very restricted life. It is believed she spent a long time living in a third-floor apartment.
In that environment, she likely didn’t get out much or have the opportunity to meet other people or dogs. Her world was small, and her activity level was practically nonexistent.
Eventually, a woman called Animal Control to come and get the dog, setting the stage for Margo’s life-changing journey.
The Margo Makeover Begins
Determined to help, the shelter volunteer offered to foster Margo. Within a week or two, the heavy dog was settled into her new foster home.
This wasn’t just any foster home, though. Her new caretaker happened to be a personal trainer by trade, making her uniquely qualified for the challenge ahead.
Together, they began what she fondly called the “Margo makeover process,” working closely with a veterinarian to ensure the weight loss plan was safe and effective.
A Simple But Challenging Plan
The strategy for Margo’s weight loss was straightforward, mirroring human fitness plans: a little more activity and a little less food.
However, Margo wasn’t exactly thrilled with her new routine. Her foster mom joked about the dog’s reluctance, imagining her thinking, “Oh no, here comes that lady again.”
Early morning walks, sometimes at 4:30 in the morning, became a regular part of their schedule. “Time for walkie-walkie,” her foster mom would say, encouraging the hesitant dog to get moving.
Moving Those Paws
Getting Margo to exercise required patience and persistence. “You got to move your paws, Margo,” her foster mom would coax during their walks.
At first, every step was a challenge for the heavy dog. But her foster mom refused to give up, providing gentle encouragement and celebrating small victories.
Slowly but surely, the consistency began to pay off. As Margo started to shed the excess weight, a noticeable change came over her.
Finding Her Stride
The turning point in Margo’s journey was a joyous moment for everyone involved. After months of hard work, she finally started running.
“That was like a huge thing,” her foster mom recalled. The dog who once could barely walk was now experiencing the freedom of movement.
Her newfound agility meant she no longer needed a ramp to get around. Instead, she could simply jump up, a testament to her incredible progress and determination.
A Sly Goofball Emerges
As the weight came off, Margo’s true personality began to shine through. She transformed from a sluggish, uncomfortable dog into a playful companion.
Her foster mom affectionately calls her “little Margie Marg” and describes her as a “sly goofball.” One of her favorite new hobbies is stealing socks.
“I take the socks off, and Margo seems to find them wherever I leave them,” her foster mom laughed, delighted by the dog’s cheeky antics.
Meeting Her Handsome Prince
While the foster plan was initially temporary, Margo’s heart had other ideas. She formed a deep bond with Barry, the other dog in the household.
Seeing the connection between the two dogs made the decision clear for her foster mom. “Honestly, when she fell in love with Barry… I was like, she needs to stay.”
Margo had found her “handsome prince,” and there was no reason for her to go anywhere else. The foster arrangement officially became a forever home.
A Smile Through It All
Reflecting on Margo’s journey, her adopter marvels at the dog’s resilience. Despite the numerous challenges she faced, Margo always managed to keep a positive spirit.
“If she were a person, it would be this person who has gone through numerous challenges and then continues to have a smile on their face,” she shared.
While there are still some challenging moments, the bond they share makes every step of the journey worthwhile. Margo is finally living the happy, healthy life she always deserved.
