A bulldog in England, once so heavy she was likened to a newborn hippopotamus and could manage only a few steps before collapsing, has since been adopted into a permanent home.
After arriving at an RSPCA center in Somerset in such an overweight condition that staff had to carry her in a crate, Peggy-Sue has dropped 20 pounds (9 kilograms).
Here's what to know
According to Talker News, when Peggy-Sue arrived at the RSPCA's West Hatch Animal Centre in Somerset, England, the bulldog weighed 71.7 pounds (32.5 kilograms) and could barely handle even brief walks. She was also suffering from infections and overheating, and would collapse after only a few steps.
"Peggy-Sue arrived at the center back in July 2025 and really needed some care and attention," RSPCA animal deputy center manager Anita Clark said, per Talker News.
"It was awful to see her struggle with everyday movement, and we had to carry her in a crate from the van to her kennel," Clark added.
Alongside her weight problems, Clark said the dog was also suffering from "an ingrowing claw, infected skin folds, and an extremely low tolerance for the summer heat."
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Clark added, "To keep her comfortable and prevent overheating, a fan was kept blowing into her kennel at all times."
Her weight is now down to 51.8 pounds (23.5 kilograms), and after a foster carer helped turn things around, she was eventually rehomed through the charity's 2025 Adoptober scheme.
More background
At her heaviest, 71.7 pounds (32.5 kilograms) put Peggy-Sue in the range of what a 10-year-old child might weigh.
Because she was still fragile, her foster carer increased Peggy-Sue's exercise only in small increments, helping her improve little by little.
Infected skin folds, an ingrown claw, and sensitivity to summer heat meant her care had to address pain, comfort, and mobility at once.
Peggy-Sue's new owners, Emmie and Andy, who live in Taunton, brought Peggy-Sue home after Jack-Jack, their 16-year-old rescue Staffie-cross Jack Russell, died and left his brother, Mr. Woo, needing company.
What's being done?
By the time the couple adopted Peggy-Sue through Adoptober 2025, Emmie said the RSPCA and the dog's foster carer had already helped her shed 11 pounds (5 kilograms), Talker News reported. Her new family then built on that progress until she reached 51.8 pounds (23.5 kilograms).
According to Emmie and Andy, Peggy-Sue now enjoys walks, car rides, and water. They described her as "quite a water-baby" who likes exploring rock pools and streams, Talker News reported.
They are also sharing her story to encourage more rescue placements, particularly with people experienced in caring for dogs. They urged others to consider rehoming or fostering if possible.
As Emmie put it, "When she first came home she only showed small bursts of energy — but little by little she has built up her strength and now she is utterly amazing and loves her walks and trips in the car."
Where can I learn more?
Like Peggy-Sue's story, these articles follow rescue dogs through their journeys.
• In Scotland, a rescue dog spent 1,055 days in care before his foster family made him theirs.
• In Harlingen, a neglected German Shepherd with severe facial injuries was finally up for adoption.
• In Utah, a senior shelter dog's desperate plea ended in a miracle reunion with its owner.
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