Diesel off the pace as dog’s weight balloons

Animal welfare: Owner admits grieving led to spoiling pooch

A cocker spaniel with a liking for cheese on toast has ballooned to nearly six stones in weight.

Four- year- old Diesel piled on the pounds after his owner Marie Shacklady, from Blackpool, Lancashire, admitted she handed out toomany treats to him when she was grieving for her mother.

Although Diesel was the largest pup in the litter when he was adopted by Mrs Shacklady, vets from PDSA (The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) warned her he was carrying more than double his ideal weight.

Mrs Shacklady, 52, said

“I used to give him a bit of sandwich if I was having one”

her wake- up call came when Diesel bounded off her sofa and hurt his back paw.

She said: “My mother died in August 2011 and I was feeling very down. In the New Year, I went to look around some kennels and e nded up t aking on Diesel.

“My mum used to watch the TV programme Send in the Dogs and her favourite dog was a Spaniel called Diesel, so that’s how I picked his name.

“I admit I used to give him too many treats. He loves toast, with butter or cheese, and I used to give him a bit of sandwich if I was having one.

“I would look at him, especially when I was still grieving my mother, and would just give him a treat because he was helping me through everything.”

Vet Vicki Larkham-Jones said: “Our research shows that vets are reporting increasing numbers of obese pets. Just like in humans, obesity can lead to serious complications for our pets and it’s important to recognise if your animals are carrying too many pounds.”

HUGE: Six stone dog Diesel, also pictured below, with owner Marie Shacklady, left, and vet nurse Rosie Daniels