Obese dachshund Fat Vincent sheds 21 pounds

HOUSTON, April 8 (UPI) -- A dachshund named Fat Vincent that weighed in at an obese 38 pounds when he was surrendered to a rescue has slimmed down to a healthy 17 pounds.

Veterinarian Sharon Anderson said 7-year-old Fat Vincent was depressed and in poor health eight months ago when he was surrendered to the K-9 Angels Rescue in Houston following the death of his owner.

"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," Anderson told CNN. "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."

Fat Vincent spent the next several months shedding weight with the help of a water aerobics regimen overseen by his foster owner, Melissa Anderson, and a sponsorship from specialized food company Royal Canin.

Melissa Anderson said Vincent's mood and energy levels have been boosted by his weight loss.

"He is the sweetest, funniest, happiest guy now," she said. "He loves his walks. He waits by the door after breakfast every morning."

Melissa Anderson said Vincent will be made available for adoption as soon as he reaches his goal weight -- losing one more half a pound.

A similarly portly dachshund named Dennis made headlines last year when his yearlong weight loss regimen took him from 56 pounds to a svelte 13.