An overweight bulldog who could barely walk a few steps without collapsing has shed 9kg and found a new home. Peggy-Sue weighed 32.5kg when she arrived at the RSPCA’s West Hatch Animal Centre in Somerset, a weight comparable to a newborn hippo.
Staff had to carry her from the van to her kennel in a crate, while a fan was kept running to prevent overheating. The dog’s health issues included an ingrowing claw, infected skin folds and a very low tolerance for summer heat.
Weight-loss journey with foster carer
Peggy-Sue began her weight-loss programme with a foster carer, losing the first 5kg. She was then rehomed with Emmie and Andy from Taunton during the charity’s 2025 Adoptober campaign. Now weighing 23.5kg, she enjoys walks, car trips and splashing in rock pools and streams.
RSPCA Animal Deputy Centre Manager Anita Clark said: “Peggy-Sue arrived at the centre 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.”
New family and a companion dog
The couple had been looking for a companion for their dog Mr Woo after losing his brother Jack-Jack, a 16-year-old rescue Staffie-cross Jack Russell. 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.”
She added: “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 advice on pet obesity
RSPCA Scientific and Policy Manager Ashleigh Brown said: “Obesity can affect many types of pets. Whilst 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.”
The couple urged others to “adopt not shop” this Adoptober and encouraged experienced owners to consider giving a rescue animal a home or becoming a foster carer. The RSPCA’s annual Adoptober campaign highlights animals waiting for homes in its centres and branches after being rescued from cruelty and neglect.
