Yahoo Movies Meet the Plus-Size Orphan Pets That Are Seeking New Homes and Healthier Routines in California
Courtesy of Helen Woodward Animal Center
Two special adoptable pets are searching for new homes and a new lifestyle to bring them forever happiness and health.
Helen Woodward Animal Center, located in Santa Fe, California, is on the hunt to find perfect matches for their two plus-size pets: a 5-year-old Collie/Corgi blend named Nalani and a 5-year-old domestic shorthair cat named Sebastian, both of whom weigh in at twice as much as their ideal body mass.
Nalani and Sebastian were both found wandering the streets alone in different areas of southern California. Upon arrival at the animal center, they weighed in at 74 pounds and 25 pounds, respectively.
According to the resue, Nalani and Sebastian are both sweet companions that suffer from mobility issues. The pets' size makes it uncomfortable for them to get up from a resting position, walk for long distances, and climb stairs.
Nalani struggles so much with walking that she is often moved in a cart to her medical appointments.
Courtesy of Helen Woodward Animal Center Nalani
Courtesy of Helen Woodward Animal Center Sebastian
"It's important to remember that overfeeding our pets is another form of mistreatment," said Helen Woodward Animal Health Manager Angelica Otero. "It sets them up for heart and joint problems and digestive diseases later in life, and robs them of the ability to do all the things dogs and cats enjoy so much. They love to play and explore and climb up beside their owners. Nalani and Sebastian both look sad when they realize they can't greet new people because they can't get up."
Courtesy of Helen Woodward Animal Center
To help both animals slim down, Helen Woodward Animal Center has placed Nalani and Sebastian on special diets and is encouraging the pets to get more active. To meet this goal, Nalani is currently taking swim classes twice a week with her foster family, who also take the pooch on short walks around the block.
The Helen Woodward Animal Center is looking for forever families interested in helping these animals stay active and healthy. Nalani is available for adoption now, and Sebastian will be available soon.
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Courtesy of Helen Woodward Animal Center
"Pets are truly the best friends humans can have," said PR Manager Fernanda Lopez. "They want to do everything we do. Maybe there is someone out there who wants to get into better shape themselves and they've been looking for a fitness buddy. Nalani and Sebastian would be happy to get healthy with you. And they'll love all over you to let you know you're doing a great job too."
For anyone interested in visiting or adopting Nalani or Sebastian from the Helen Woodward Animal Center, visit www.animalcenter.org or call (858) 756-4117 x 313.
