Picture encountering a 30-pound Chihuahua for the very first time!
Surprising, isn’t it?
That’s exactly how the wonderful team at a San Francisco rescue felt upon meeting Sweet Tomato! Once neglected and poorly nourished, this charming Chi mix could hardly move.
Her diet had consisted solely of sausage and eggs, requiring her to use a stroller for more extended outings, and her overall health was quite concerning. But then, her caretakers decided to offer her a second chance. And she embraced it like a champion!
A Remarkable Transformation
Sweet Tomato was taken to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue from San Francisco, California, considered nearly a lost cause.
Her rescuers recognized that despite her irresistible sweetness and toy-like appearance, very few would consider adopting her because of her excessive weight.
As Patty Stanton, PR of MSDR noted, this chi girl struggled to walk and even to lift herself from a lying position. For most of her life, she had primarily consumed junk food, particularly a sausage and egg diet!
The rescue team was deeply worried about Sweet Tomato’s health. With her weight nearing three times what it should have been, they understood that it was only a matter of time before serious health problems arose.
Her heart, along with her overall well-being, was at risk. She spent most of her time lying down, and when she attempted to walk, she would soon collapse.
This prompted her caregivers to send her to one of their foster homes, marking the start of her weight-loss journey!
A Fresh Start
After just a few months with her wonderful foster, Sweet Tomato shed an astounding 10 pounds! With about a third of her excess weight gone, she began to move more freely, and her delightful smile returned!
She enjoyed playing in the backyard and running around, delightfully chasing her favorite toys and her furry companions. It was at this point that her caregivers truly recognized her charming personality!
“She’s fantastic with everyone and everything. Her house manners are superb, and she’s an absolute joy to have around,” remarked MSDR on their official website.
Sweet Tomato’s determination and the unwavering support from her foster were pivotal in her journey; she didn’t hold back! Just a couple of months after shedding the initial 10 pounds, she lost even more.
In her remarkable weight loss journey, Tomato managed to lose half of her body weight, emerging as a completely new dog. She was unrecognizable compared to the pup who first arrived at MSDR.
And soon enough, her dedication and vibrant spirit earned her a beautiful reward!
A woman named Amanda discovered Sweet Tomato’s inspiring story online and quickly stepped forward to provide this sweet girl with a forever home.
Immediately, the two formed a bond, bringing smiles to everyone at the rescue!
Her foster and the entire team were thrilled to see Sweet Tomato triumph over her struggles, and witnessing her enter a loving home where she would continue to flourish made it all the more rewarding.
Once a helpless Chihuahua mix unaware of a better life, Sweet Tomato is now happier than ever, thanks to a fantastic group of individuals who chose to believe in her!
