Caregiver Adopts Overweight Dachshund to Restore Health
In late May, a caregiver took in an overweight dachshund from a patient suffering from dementia, aiming to help the dog reach a healthier weight and find a loving home.
Tegan Strickland was visiting a new patient when she encountered Daisy, the dachshund. The patient’s daughter informed Strickland that her mother often exaggerates about having “a very fat dog.”
Strickland had expected to meet “Havises’ dog,” but instead, she met the charming Daisy.
“Seeing Daisy for the first time was overwhelming. I can’t really express how surprising it was; she’s very heavy,” Strickland remarked.
During her sessions with the patient, Strickland tried to help the elderly woman adjust Daisy’s diet. However, the patient’s dementia made it difficult to implement consistent feeding changes.
“Dealing with dementia is tough, and despite my efforts, it just didn’t work out. I talked to my family about whether I could take Daisy to help her become healthier,” Strickland shared.
After discussing it, the family agreed to surrender Daisy, which Strickland felt relieved about since it meant they wouldn’t have to care for her anymore.
As soon as Daisy was in Strickland’s care, she rushed her to the vet. Together, they crafted a weight loss plan, only to discover that Daisy, the hefty dachshund, struggled to walk.
“We hadn’t ventured out much. She would just sit in a corner at my place. We had to carry her outside for bathroom breaks,” Strickland explained.
Fast forward three months; Daisy has shed about 10 pounds.
However, Daisy continues to face health problems linked to her obesity, including issues like hypothyroidism. Additionally, her teeth are in poor condition and might need removal after she loses more weight.
In light of medical bills, Strickland mentioned that veterinarians advised creating a social media presence to support other ailing pets.
Daisy’s weight loss journey attracted many dog enthusiasts, though some criticized Strickland, mistakenly believing she was responsible for Daisy’s previous condition.
Despite the backlash, Strickland empathizes with those who expressed concern. “I completely understand the shock. When I first saw her, I had similar feelings. It’s hard not to worry when it comes to animals,” she stated.
Strickland envisions merging Daisy’s story with educational content about dementia on social media.
For now, she’s focused on Daisy, who recently received vaccinations and is finally able to visit the park.
“Daisy loves discovering new things. She enjoys playing with my three Corgis and soaking up the sun. Watching her dig around and relax outside brings so much joy,” Strickland added.
