A New Lease on Life: How One Caregiver’s Compassion Transformed an Obese Dachshund
When Tegan Strickland began caring for an elderly woman with dementia, she never expected to find a new four-legged family member in the process. On her first visit to the patient’s home, the daughter casually mentioned that her mother “has a very fat dog” who was frequently overfed. Strickland was mentally prepared to meet a pet perhaps 10 pounds overweight, but nothing could have prepared her for the reality of Daisy—a sweet-faced Dachshund who had ballooned to a shocking 55 pounds, more than triple the healthy weight for her breed. “I laid eyes on Daisy for the first time, and there are no words to describe what it is like to see Daisy in person,” Strickland told PEOPLE. “I was very shocked. She’s very heavyset.” That moment of shock quickly transformed into concern for the dangerously obese pup, whose health was clearly at serious risk.
As Strickland continued caring for her patient, she attempted to help establish healthier feeding habits for Daisy, but the challenges of her patient’s dementia made consistent care nearly impossible. Anyone familiar with dementia understands the difficulty—the elderly woman simply couldn’t remember feeding instructions from one moment to the next, and Daisy’s condition continued to worsen. Recognizing that the situation had become untenable, Strickland approached the family with a compassionate proposal: “Can you surrender Daisy to me so that I can attempt to rehabilitate her health?” The family agreed, visibly relieved to no longer shoulder the responsibility of a pet they couldn’t properly care for while managing their mother’s condition. With that decision made in late May, Daisy’s journey toward recovery began, though the road ahead would prove challenging for both dog and new owner.
Immediately after taking custody of Daisy, Strickland rushed her to a veterinarian to develop a comprehensive weight loss plan. The severity of Daisy’s condition became even more apparent when Strickland brought her home and discovered the dog could barely walk under her own power. “We didn’t take her anywhere. She sat in the corner of my house. We’d carry her outside to go potty and then carry her back to her corner,” Strickland explained. The once-active Dachshund had been rendered nearly immobile by her extreme weight, confined to a sedentary existence that further threatened her health. But under Strickland’s dedicated care and following the vet’s guidance, Daisy slowly began to show progress. Three months into her new diet and lifestyle, she had shed approximately 10 pounds—a significant achievement, though still far from her ultimate goal weight.
Daisy’s journey toward health hasn’t been without complications. Beyond her mobility issues, veterinarians diagnosed her with hypothyroidism and gallbladder sludge—conditions likely exacerbated by her obesity. Her dental health had also deteriorated significantly, with many teeth rotting and requiring extraction once she reaches a weight that can safely tolerate anesthesia. These mounting health concerns brought with them substantial veterinary bills, prompting Strickland’s vet to suggest creating social media accounts to document Daisy’s progress and potentially gather support from animal lovers. While many followers have enthusiastically cheered on Daisy’s weight loss journey, Strickland has also faced misplaced criticism from those assuming she was responsible for the dog’s condition in the first place. Rather than responding with defensiveness, Strickland approaches these misconceptions with empathy: “I am well aware Daisy is a shocking sight. I relate to the anger that they felt, and I felt the same emotions when I first laid eyes on her. How did she get this far into this condition? People are concerned. People love animals.”
Beyond the immediate goal of returning Daisy to a healthy weight, Strickland sees an opportunity to combine the Dachshund’s recovery story with broader educational content about human health issues, particularly dementia. The parallel between Daisy’s physical rehabilitation and the challenges of caring for someone with cognitive decline offers a unique perspective on compassionate caregiving across species. Through social media, Strickland hopes to raise awareness about both animal welfare and the complex realities faced by families caring for loved ones with dementia, creating a platform that celebrates progress while acknowledging the difficulties inherent in both journeys.
For now, Strickland remains committed to Daisy’s transformation, celebrating each small victory along the way. With her vaccinations updated and increasing mobility, Daisy has finally been able to visit the park—an ordinary activity for most dogs, but a significant milestone in her recovery. The formerly sedentary pup is discovering simple joys that were previously impossible: exploring new environments, playing with Strickland’s three Corgis, and simply basking in the sunshine. “She loves to explore new things. She loves to play with my three corgis. She loves to sit outside in the sunshine. She’ll dig a little area and sit in the sun. She has so much fun,” Strickland shared, her voice filled with the pride of someone witnessing a remarkable transformation. What began as an act of compassion toward both an elderly patient and her neglected pet has blossomed into something beautiful—a second chance for Daisy and a reminder that it’s never too late for a fresh start. “She’s got a brand new life for sure,” Strickland affirms, and thanks to one caregiver’s intervention, that life promises to be longer, healthier, and infinitely more joyful than seemed possible just months ago.
