Ian McClelland/PDSA/Community Newswire 
Daisy after losing her weight
A former bulging bulldog - who was so lazy she had to be bribed with ham to exercise - is inspiring other pets to shed the pounds.
Daisy, from Middlesbrough, was last year crowned pet slimmer of the year with the help of the veterinary charity PDSA’s annual Pet Fit Club.
The bulldog shed more than a quarter of her body weight.
When the Pet Fit Club began in May last year, Daisy, aged six, had ballooned to more than 4st 6lbs, making her more than 40% overweight. She managed to lose 17lbs in weight through the fit club.
Daisy’s achievement saw her beat off competition from 11 other obese pets who were selected to embark on the six-month diet and fitness plan run by the veterinary charity.
And now the PDSA has launched this year’s Pet Fit Club - giving pets the chance to follow in Daisy’s pawprints.
Daisy’s owner, Gillian Turrell, from Middlesbrough, said: “The difference in Daisy is amazing.
“Losing the weight has really improved her mobility. Before she struggled to climb the stairs - now she sprints up them.
“I’m so grateful to the vet staff at Middlesbrough PDSA Pet Hospital for their help and guidance, and for how they’ve helped to transform Daisy’s life.
“I’d encourage any pet owner worried about their pet’s weight to enter Pet Fit Club.”
Ian McClelland/PDSA/Community Newswir 
Daisy started the competition weighing in at 28.3kg
Nicola Martin, PDSA head of pet health and welfare, added: “PDSA’s research has shown that pet obesity is a growing problem and that too many people are continuing to feed their pets inappropriate foods including takeaways, cake, cheese and chips and sadly many pets aren’t getting enough exercise.
“Pet obesity is entirely preventable and we’re trying to help owners understand that while their pets may beg for food, and giving a treat is seen as a way of showing affection, ultimately it could be killing them with kindness.
“Over the past decade, Pet Fit Club has transformed the lives of some of the UK’s most obese pets, having helped nearly 100 animals shed over 60 stone, so we are welcoming entries again and offering our expertise.”
Pet Fit Club participants will take part in a tailored diet and exercise programme, overseen by vets and nurses over a six-month period. Owners can enter their pets at http://bit.ly/1H0dgIT . The deadline for entries is April 26.
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