You remember Obie, don’t you?

Obie made his debut as a 71-pound Dachshund. Now, I’m all for body acceptance and believe lots of different body types can be healthy at lots of different weights. Yet little Obie displayed health issues related to his weight because — after all — he’s a Dachshund, and Doxies normally weigh about 30 pounds. Obie’s atypical weight earned him guest spots on television shows, and the question on everyone’s mind was, “How did Obie get so big?“

Obie had once belonged to an elderly couple who couldn’t care for him properly, and they tried to make up for it with food and snacks, causing Obie’s weight to balloon. That’s when a family member stepped in and Obie ended up with a foster family who dedicated themselves to helping him lose weight with a strict diet and exercise regimen.

Obie started losing weight and seemed headed toward a new, healthy life. Then he became embroiled in a legal custody battle between the folks who had come to his rescue, with Oregon Dachshund Rescue claiming that Nora Vanatta had agreed only to temporary care and was exploiting Obie’s weight for publicity. Obie ultimately ended up staying in Vanatta’s care, and, after losing a significant amount of weight, underwent surgery to remove his excess skin.

I wanted to check in on the little Dachshund to see how he’s doing. I almost can’t believe it’s the same dog!

Obie is now down to about 30 pounds and he looks great. He lives with two other dog friends and goes on walks and hikes with them to stay fit. It’s pretty obvious that Vanatta really cares for him, and while a lot of publicity has surrounded Obie, his human friend is using his visibility to bring awareness to the importance of getting exercise and eating well. Obie has lost 54 pounds in about a year and a half and that’s no small feat! His perseverance and resulting success are an inspiration to all of us.

All photos via Obie’s Facebook page, which you aren’t already a fan of, you should go check out!

Read more about the bond between humans and dogs on Dogster:

• Leo the Puppy Mill Rescue Boxer Always Has His Mouth Full
• 3 Things My Senior Dog Has Taught Me About Aging Gracefully
• I Have a Baby AND a Pit Bull, and People Are Supportive

About Liz Acosta: Dogster’s former Cuteness Correspondent, Liz still manages the site’s daily “Awws,” only now she also wrangles Dogster’s social media. That’s why she wants you to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and — her personal favorite — Instagram. See ya there!