Love truly has the power to heal all wounds.
Frannie was once on the brink of euthanasia due to neglect and significant weight issues, making her seem hopeless. Weighing 125 pounds, this Golden Retriever was unable to move or even stand on her own.
Then came Annika, a kind-hearted girl who became the miracle Frannie desperately needed. And just like that, Frannie’s life began to transform.
Frannie Was Dull and Lifeless
Annika Bram, a veterinary medicine student from California, felt an instant bond with Frannie upon seeing her. An Instagram clip from Rover’s Retreat, a rescue organization in Los Angeles, prompted her decision to foster Frannie.
Before Annika entered the scene, Frannie had spent her entire life outdoors, and her owners were considering euthanasia due to her obesity.
“An 8 year-old, 125-pound golden retriever who was about to be euthanized due to her weight. She could barely sit up and seemed completely defeated. Her life outdoors on a concrete surface resulted in severe callouses on her legs,” her foster explained on Instagram.
Fortunately for Frannie, she was given a second chance by Rover’s Retreat, and Annika stepped up to foster her.
In her initial weeks at home, Frannie was utterly inactive. Refusing to walk, stand, or play, there was no glimmer of hope in her eyes.
“She was completely unable to stand. There was no light in her eyes. She looked at us as if saying, ‘I’ve reached my limit, folks’,” Annika shared with The Dodo.
Having owned a dog that also battled obesity, Annika understood what it would take for Frannie to succeed. She began gently introducing physical activity into Frannie’s routine, ultimately discovering her enthusiasm for one specific toy: tennis balls!
Annika made it a point to weave tennis balls into Frannie’s activities. Slowly but surely, they started playing together and going on short walks—each time with a ball in tow!
After several weeks, Frannie’s eyes started to shimmer again with the joy she had long lost, indicating that she was ready for a significant transformation. Together, they went through a journey filled with effort and emotion, ultimately causing Frannie to shed an impressive amount of weight.
Here’s How She Looks Now
Just four months made all the difference. This time was enough for Annika to fall head over heels for her foster dog, which meant one thing: Frannie was here to stay!
Annika’s home in California became Frannie’s sanctuary, a loving environment she immediately embraced.
“After 4 months, now healthier than ever, as we all predicted (and which we knew deep down 😂), Frannie is OFFICIALLY a foster fail and has been adopted by her foster mom,” Rover’s Retreat announced in an Instagram post.
With her mom’s unwavering dedication, Frannie managed to lose a remarkable 70 pounds!
She transformed so dramatically that her past struggles with obesity seemed like a distant memory. Frannie’s incredible journey captured headlines across the nation, and she became a beloved local figure, thanks to Annika and her own perseverance.
Frannie and Annika are now thriving together, bringing each other immense happiness.
Frannie has completely overcome her previous lethargy, and now adventures through life and has the time of her life.
While her inspiring story circulates around the globe, she revels in every moment alongside her devoted mom.
