From Chunk to Hunk -- Obese Dog Loses Half his Body Weight

(CNN)Humans aren't the only ones who can have successful weight loss stories.

Eight months ago, a 7-year-old obese dachshund appropriately named "Fat Vincent" tipped the scales at 38 pounds. He was very unhealthy and depressed. He had just been surrendered over to a county animal shelter after his owner had died.

He could barely walk, had high cholesterol and his back dipped from the extra weight, putting him at risk of nerve damage.

"He was friendly, but I could barely discern between his laying down and standing up positions; with his short little legs, there was very little clearance between the floor and his chest and abdomen," his veterinarian Sharon Anderson told CNN.

That's when K-9 Angels Rescue, an animal rescue group in Houston, stepped up to help "Fat Vincent" on his road to recovery.

"At his original BMI, he was at a severe risk for arthritis, diabetes, reduced mobility, increased physical injury that can lead to paralysis of the hind legs, cancer, respiratory disease, kidney disease, pancreatic and shortened life expectancy," said Anderson. She added that Vincent had a body mass index of 62.7% body fat when he weighed 36 pounds.

In 2014, an estimated 52.7% of U.S. dogs were overweight or obese, according to the National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Survey. The ideal weight for Vincent was calculated to 16.8 pounds, so he had a long way to go to hit that goal.

There were weekly weighs-in that didn't prove successful, and at one point he hit a plateau. But with the help of his foster mom, Melissa Anderson, and his vet, he was able to power through and lose the weight.

He even picked up a sponsor on his fitness journey. Sharon Anderson sells Royal Canin, a specialized dog food brand, at her clinic. When she called her sales representative and told them Vincent's story, they agreed to help him on his mission to get trim.

Trying to find out ways to help him exercise, Melissa Anderson used the pool to start him on a water aerobics regime. The water aerobics helps take pressure off Vincent's strained joints.

When the weight started melting off, his ability to participate in longer walks increased. Today, he walks about an hour five to six times a week.

"He loves his walks," said Melissa Anderson. "He waits by the door after breakfast every morning."

Besides losing weight, he has also lowered his cholesterol reading from 286 to 166. Average health range is from 125 to 270, according to Sharon Anderson.

His whole demeanor has changed as well. "He is the sweetest, funniest, happiest guy now," said Melissa Anderson.