A severely overweight beagle, weighing a whopping 90 pounds when rescued from a shelter, has shed over 60 pounds thanks to the dedicated care of his new owners. Chad Schatz and Erin McManis, a couple from Phoenix, Arizona, have been chronicling Wolfgang’s amazing weight loss journey on Instagram ever since they adopted him from the Arizona Beagle Rescue in May 2019. Through a combination of a strict diet and regular exercise, including sessions on a special doggy water treadmill, Wolfgang has slimmed down to a healthier 27 pounds after three years of hard work. To mark National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, the couple shared a touching video showcasing Wolfgang’s remarkable transformation since becoming a part of their loving family.
Chad Schatz and Erin McManis, a couple from Phoenix, Arizona, welcomed their beloved beagle Wolfgang into their family in May 2019. When they adopted him, Wolfgang was tipping the scales at a hefty 90 pounds due to his morbid obesity.
After strict dieting and consistent daily exercise for three years, Wolfgang has successfully shed 63 pounds and now weighs a healthy 27 pounds. The transformation is evident in a montage that captures Wolfgang’s journey from a 90-pound beagle struggling to move around, to a speedy and agile pup zipping around the yard. In a heartfelt message penned from Wolfgang’s point of view, the lawyers express their gratitude for the support received and raise awareness about the dangers of canine obesity. Wolfgang reminisces about being called a unicorn by his parents from the moment they adopted him, despite the initial challenge of fitting him into their car.
To mark National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, the attorneys released an endearing video showcasing Wolfgang’s journey and transformation since being adopted.
The beagle was such a big pupper that he required a customized doggy entrance since he was too hefty to squeeze through the regular one they had.
During his first year with the couple, Wolfgang engaged in low-impact exercise on a canine water treadmill, giving him plenty of physical activity. In a post, they marveled, “I still can’t believe I’m considered an athlete now.”
According to People, Schatz and McManis have been fostering animals since 2009 and had successfully helped five obese dogs before welcoming Wolfgang into their home. Originally planning to just foster him, the couple was so taken by Wolfgang’s charm that they decided to adopt him.
Under the watchful eye of a vet, they designed a diet for Wolfgang consisting of high-protein, low-calorie meals like ground turkey meat mixed with vegetables.
Schatz and McManis also made sure to give their beagle some pool time for a relaxing swim.
His daily walks were gradually extended, and by the time February 2020 rolled around, he had shed almost half of his weight and scaled down to a mere 55 pounds.
The couple celebrated some of Wolfgang’s big achievements, such as squeezing through their doggy door, conquering his first mile walk, and finishing his first 5K race. Schatz dedicated time to improving Wolfgang’s endurance by taking him on walks early in the morning or late at night to avoid the sun. McManis shared that the vet had cautioned them about the strain on Wolfgang’s heart and organs due to his weight, and the risk of heatstroke from too much sun exposure. They gradually increased the length of his walks, and by February 2020, Wolfgang had shed almost half of his weight, reaching a healthier 55 pounds. With their ongoing support, Wolfgang continued to shed weight steadily over the next couple of years.
Schatz and McManis have been caring for animals in need since 2009, and have helped five overweight dogs lose weight and improve their health before welcoming Wolfgang into their home.
Initially, their intention was just to foster Wolfgang, but his charm won them over so much that they ultimately decided to make him a permanent member of their family by adopting him.
The heartwarming video of the couple ends with Wolfgang, their beagle, zooming around the yard at an impressive 27-pound weight. McManis shared that Wolfgang’s biggest accomplishment was fitting through their doggy door at last. As a special treat, they now let him enjoy a few licks of his favorite snack – a Starbucks Puppuccino. Achieving his goal weight this year, Wolfgang does have some extra skin, but McManis assures that it’s mainly a cosmetic concern, and they have no plans to have it removed. She passionately believes that allowing a dog to become morbidly obese is a form of neglect and abuse, advocating for proper education on the matter.
Wolfgang’s transformation is nothing short of incredible. When he first arrived at his new home, simple activities such as getting up from a resting position, walking a short distance, or even standing for extended periods were difficult. His joints bore the burden of his excessive weight, making even the smallest movements painful. But with unwavering commitment from his new parents, he began his weight loss journey step by step.
His first major breakthrough came when he was able to take short walks without excessive panting. The couple initially started with brief strolls around the block, ensuring Wolfgang did not overexert himself. The water treadmill was an essential part of his routine, providing low-impact exercise that helped him burn calories without putting undue strain on his joints. With each passing month, his endurance improved, and he was able to walk longer distances without showing signs of fatigue.
Schatz and McManis made a point to celebrate every milestone Wolfgang reached. The first time he managed to walk an entire mile without stopping was a moment of triumph. They documented his progress, taking photos and videos to share with their growing community of supporters online. Seeing Wolfgang’s transformation inspired many others who had overweight pets, encouraging them to take proactive steps toward healthier lifestyles for their furry companions.
As Wolfgang continued to shed pounds, his personality blossomed. From a sluggish, exhausted beagle to a lively, energetic dog, he began to engage more in playful activities. He would chase after toys, roll around on the grass, and even engage in short sprints across the yard. His energy levels skyrocketed, and he displayed a joy for life that had previously been dulled by his obesity. His eyes sparkled with excitement every time he went out for a walk, and he eagerly wagged his tail whenever his parents brought out his leash.
One of the biggest turning points in his journey was when he was finally able to run. What had once seemed like an impossible feat became a reality as Wolfgang galloped across the backyard, his ears flopping in the wind, his tongue hanging out in pure bliss. His parents watched with pride, knowing that their hard work and dedication had given Wolfgang a new lease on life.
His story resonated deeply with many pet owners, and his Instagram following grew rapidly. Followers cheered him on, offering words of encouragement and sharing their own pet weight loss success stories. Many thanked Schatz and McManis for spreading awareness about the dangers of obesity in pets and for proving that transformation was possible with patience and care.
Beyond his incredible weight loss, Wolfgang’s journey highlighted the emotional and psychological effects of obesity on pets. When he was overweight, he had been sluggish, unresponsive, and often seemed disinterested in his surroundings. But as the weight came off, his enthusiasm for life returned. He became affectionate, playful, and more social, forming deeper bonds with both his parents and other dogs.
One particularly touching moment in his journey was his first trip to the dog park. Before losing weight, Wolfgang had difficulty socializing because his movements were slow, and he often needed to rest. But on this particular day, he ran alongside other dogs, barking and playing without hesitation. It was a sight that brought tears to his parents’ eyes—they had given him not only a healthier body but also a happier life.
With each passing month, Wolfgang continued to maintain his ideal weight. His parents remained diligent in ensuring he adhered to his diet, avoiding unhealthy treats and sticking to nutrient-dense meals. Despite having excess skin from his significant weight loss, Wolfgang was in excellent health, and his vet was thrilled with his progress.
His parents frequently emphasized the importance of consistency in a pet’s weight loss journey. Many people asked them how they had managed to achieve such dramatic results, and they always stressed that there was no quick fix. It was all about persistence—maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and staying committed to their pet’s well-being.
To celebrate Wolfgang’s achievement, the couple organized a special outing for him. They took him to a dog-friendly café, where he was treated to his favorite Puppuccino. As he licked up the whipped cream, his tail wagging enthusiastically, it was clear that he was savoring the moment. His journey had been long and challenging, but he had emerged victorious.
Wolfgang’s success story has since become a source of inspiration for pet owners worldwide. His Instagram account continues to document his adventures, offering motivation to those struggling with overweight pets. His parents hope that his story will serve as a reminder that every pet deserves a chance at a healthy, happy life and that with patience and dedication, anything is possible.
As Wolfgang dashes across his yard, tail high and ears flapping, it is evident that he is living his best life. No longer weighed down by obesity, he embodies the spirit of resilience and transformation. His journey is a testament to the power of love, determination, and second chances—proving that even the most challenging battles can be won with the right support system. And for Wolfgang, the journey is far from over; it’s just the beginning of a long, joyful, and fulfilling life with the family that gave him a second chance.
