Extremely Obese Dog Needs Help At NJ Shelter

HOPATCONG, NJ — The average fully grown shepherd mix dog should weigh around 60 pounds.

Freddy weighs 144 pounds.

This super obese dog was recently rescued by the Hopatcong Animal Shelter, and is already starting an intense diet and exercise program. Still, Freddy will have a long way to go.

Not only was Freddy super obese, he also came in with an upper respiratory infection from laying down for so long. He can't climb stairs. Thankfully, his blood work looks good.

"Freddy needs our help... he needs YOUR HELP. We have a long journey ahead of us and we will not give up on him," the municipal shelter said.

All of that therapy and special food will add up. So far, the shelter has raised $800 towards Freddy's care, and have received over 20 cans of veggies and hundreds of wee wee pads.

The pup began water therapy on Tuesday, and has finally begun eating his prescription diet dog food. Overall, a vet thinks it'll take about a year for Freddy to reach a healthy weight.

"Freddy has the drive.... he stands up on his own and will walk unassisted after he get up on his feet. 144lbs is a lot of weight for legs that should only hold 60lbs. It’s going to be a long road but I will be there for him ever step of the way to make sure he lives the best life possible," the shelter says.

Anyone who is interested in donating to Freddy's care may donate to the Hopatcong Municipal Animal Shelter through their Facebook page, or directly through the shelter in person. Interested in visiting Freddy? The shelter is posting visitation hours on their Facebook page.