When Peggy Sue arrived at the RSPCA’s West Hatch Animal Centre in Somerset, England, in July, the bulldog weighed about 70 pounds. Her mobility was severely restricted: she would collapse after only a few steps and also struggled with infections and overheating. Staff had to transport her from the van to her kennel in a crate and physically help her move around. Deputy center manager Anita Clark described how distressing it was to see her struggle with everyday movement.
A foster caretaker gradually increased Peggy Sue’s exercise, allowing her condition to improve steadily. Her weight has since fallen to 23.5 kilograms, or about 52 pounds, and she continues to follow a strict diet and exercise routine. She was adopted during the charity’s October adoption campaign by Emmie and Andy, who live in Taunton. According to Emmie, the shelter and foster home had already helped Peggy Sue lose five kilograms, or 11 pounds, before the couple took over her care and continued that progress.
Initially capable of only brief bursts of energy in her new home, Peggy Sue has gradually built up her strength. She now enjoys walks, car trips, rock pools, and streams. She has also formed a close bond with the household’s Jack Russell mix, which had recently lost its 16-year-old brother, Mr Woo. Peggy Sue is the sixth rescue dog that Emmie and Andy have welcomed into their lives.
