One man and his dog: Robert’s four-legged personal trainer

Forfar man’s dogged determination helped him leave his old life behind

A pooch called Tiki has proved dogs really are man’s best friend.

Robert Fleming’s life was in turmoil as he battled depression, weight issues and struggled to cope with full-time care for his mum, who has learning difficulties.

But after his beloved pet labrador turned his life around and helped him lose an incredible nine stone, the 30-year-old is fit, contented and ready to take part in the Great Scottish Run in October.

Overweight and suffering from depression, Robert, 31, used to sit at home watching the London marathon on his TV. He felt inspired by the stories of the runners but struggled to get outside, never mind run.

Now a marathon runner himself, the Forfar man has his own inspiring story to tell.

“I had anxiety issues and I was struggling to cope,” he said.

“When my collie Max died something clicked inside. I was in a right mess at that point and I knew I had to make a change.”

Robert, who also has learning difficulties, started to get some help with his mum.

Then in 2013 he rehomed seven-yearold black labrador Tiki from another family.

“Being out and about with Tiki made me happy. Then people started commenting on how much weight I was losing. I noticed I wasn’t as out of breath and my clothes started getting bigger. I keep all my old photos and if I have had a bad day I look at them and think I’ve come too far to go back there.”

Robert also remembered the inspiration he felt from the London marathon runners and wondered if he could do it.

He completed his first half marathon run on his 30th birthday last year, and then, despite a hamstring injury, completed a marathon earlier this year.

Part of Forfar Road Runners, he is now training for the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run in Glasgow on October 2 when he is running the half marathon.

He hopes to become a personal trainer and says: “I’ve managed to sort my life out and getting Tiki was a huge part of that. I’d be lost without him.”

I look at my old photos if I have a bad day

Robert owes much of his new-found physical and mental health to his dog Tiki.