Shelter Dog With The Saddest Eyes Sheds 45 Pounds To Find A Happy Ending
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When Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) welcomed a pit bull mix named Squishapotamus, or Squish, they knew he wasn’t like any other resident in the shelter. While most dogs shared stories of neglect, what made Squish stand out was his stature—he weighed a little over 100 pounds.
As Jess Prosser, dog care lead at APA!, explained to The Dodo, “He was extremely overweight.” From the start, the staff worried that Squish’s weight was putting him in pain. His unpredictable response to being touched confirmed their fears. He would become defensive when pet, not out of aggression, but because he was uncomfortable.
The Early Struggles
At first, Squish struggled to accept love from his caregivers. The APA team didn’t give up. They believed this sweet boy had a chance at a happy life if he could lose the weight that was holding him back.
They designed a meal plan that included eliminating treats, managing his diet carefully, and controlling his portion sizes. Along with that, Squish started exercising—though only in short walks of about five minutes at a time.
To help with his poor skin condition, Jess gave him coconut massages, soothing the patches of dry skin that came from years of neglect. I’ve seen firsthand how something as small as moisturizing or massage can boost a dog’s confidence, and for Squish, it became a ritual of care that made him feel seen.
Transformation Through Routine
Within weeks of sticking to his strict routine, Squish began to slim down, and his personality started to blossom. What impressed the team most was his transformation—not just physically, but behaviorally too.
He gained energy, and instead of struggling after a few steps, he could now walk further, even hitting the trail near APA!. With progress came confidence. Squish also expanded his handler pool, welcoming more people into his circle of trust.
One of the most touching changes? His fear of men. In the beginning, Squish seemed especially fearful and defensive around them. But as his health improved and the extra pounds melted away, his demeanor softened. According to Jess, “We have not seen any defensiveness since his weight loss—he looks so much happier too.”
Five Months Later
After five months of determination, Squish had lost 45 pounds. For the APA team, it was nothing short of inspiring. His caregivers knew the journey wasn’t just about weight—it was about finding his joy. Now, Squish was finally ready for adoption.
As his case manager and closest friend, Jess reflected on what type of family Squish needed. “An adult household would be best,” she explained. “And he should probably be the only dog. While he does fine in our dog playgroup sessions, he truly enjoys people time more than anything.”
A New Chapter Ahead
Today, Squish is embracing every moment. He’s feeling better, enjoying each day to the fullest, and comforting his APA friends with the knowledge that the best is yet to come.
Once a neglected, obese, unhappy pup, Squish now spends his time wanting to snuggle and get pets. For Jess, it’s a daily reminder of why rescue work matters: “He is a great companion. This might sound cheesy, but every time I see him, he makes me smile.”
Why Squish’s Story Matters
I’ve followed countless rescue stories, but Squish’s stands out because it highlights how patience, routine, and love can transform not just a dog’s body, but also his heart. His journey from neglected, obese, and defensive to happy, snuggly, and trusting proves that no dog is ever too far gone to heal.
Every companion deserves the chance to smile again—sometimes it just takes a structured plan, gentle caregivers, and time.
