A 40 Pound Cat, Patches, Down 15 Pounds One Year After Adoption

Nevena Nacic
by Nevena Nacic
Published:  April 30th, 2024
Sasha Chornyi/Shutterstock

Patches first grabbed media attention a year ago, when he arrived at Richmond Animal Care and Control weighing an astounding 40.3 pounds. The shelter’s largest feline resident was quickly adopted and has been on a weight loss journey ever since. 


Once a chubby feline, Patches has lost 15 pounds since his adoption and is enjoying the perks of having more mobility each and every day.


Once the Richmond Animal Care and Control posted a photo of Patches on their Facebook page, the news of a fat cat spread like wildfire, reaching Kay Ford, who was thinking about adopting an overweight pet. When her daughter sent her a photo of Patches, Ford immediately contacted the shelter to submit an adoption application. 


“I let them know that a special diet was nothing new to me. I had a Yorkie that was on chemo for three years and had a good quality of life,” Ford told PEOPLE. The shelter determined Ford would be able to meet the cat's needs and chose her as the adopter. 


Since his adoption, Patches has been living with Ford, her other cat Wellesley, and her senior Yorkie, Bella. Ford has even started a Facebook page for Patches shortly after his adoption, to keep others updated about his health. Little did she know that the page Patches’ Journey would have over 10,000 followers in a few days. Today, the page has nearly 50,000 followers who are eagerly expecting “Weigh-in Wednesdays.” 


Weigh-in Wednesdays are the day Ford weighs Patches on a scale and shares the results. On April 17, two days before his first adoption anniversary Patches weighed 25.4 pounds. That’s over 15 pounds less than he weighed when he arrived at Richmond Animal Care and Control. 


Ford celebrates her cat’s success daily, encouraging him as he accomplishes his weight loss goals. “He’s doing great. He really is. He is just a normal pet,” said Ford. 


Although Patches still can’t jump on the bed or fully groom himself, he has cleared almost all other obstacles thanks to the increased mobility he has gained after losing weight. 


“I couldn’t control my emotions the first time he jumped up on the radiator cover. It was a couple of days before Christmas, and I remember saying, ‘It’s a Christmas miracle,’” said Ford. 


Patches now jumps on the radiator cover regularly and uses the window perch to enjoy the views. Once the weight started to come off, Patches became more energetic and started to play with toys and his feline friend, Wellesley. 


“It just happened the way it was supposed to happen. He was able to achieve almost every milestone that he needed to achieve to become a real cat, not Macy’s Day Parade balloon,” Ford said. 


Patches made great progress thanks to his owner’s commitment to his diet. To owners who want to help their pets lose weight, Ford advises “patience, commitment, and diligence.”


“This would never have happened if I had given in to whining,” she added. “The hardest thing is not giving into the begging. What I say to people is ‘Get it in your head that instead of asking you for food, they’re asking you for attention and to help them become a healthier cat or dog.”


This duo is looking forward to another year of sharing Patches’ weight loss journey with his fans. The Facebook page took off more than Ford hoped for and the online community has been extremely supportive of Patches’ efforts to lose weight.


“We have been 100% positive from day one,” said Ford   


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Nevena Nacic
Nevena Nacic

Nevena is a freelance writer and a proud mom of Teo, a 17-year-old poodle, and Bob, a rescued grey tabby cat. Since childhood, she had a habit of picking up strays and bringing them home (luckily, her parents didn't know how to say NO). When she's not writing for her fellow pet parents, Nevena can be found watching Teo sleep. To her defense, that's not as creepy as it sounds!

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As dogs near their golden years, different health issues tend to pop up – sometimes completely out of the blue, and sometimes a little less unexpectedly. One of the more common health problems dogs experience as they age that can be predicted fairly easily and as such prevented on time are joint issues. Providing proper support for your dog while they are still young and agile can dramatically improve their quality of life later on, so it pays to start thinking ahead when it comes to joint health, especially if your pet is in a high-risk group for developing this type of problem (large breed dogs, working breeds, highly active dogs, etc). Here’s what you need to know to make sure your pet doesn’t suffer from joint pain in their senior years.5 Crucial Steps to Prevent Joint Pain in DogsWhile some factors contributing to joint pain are beyond our control, there are different proactive steps we can take to support our pet's joint health:#1 Maintain a Healthy WeightJust as in humans, obesity in dogs exacerbates joint strain and can accelerate the onset of joint problems. A balanced diet will go a long way in helping your pet maintain a healthy weight, so strive to ensure they are getting only quality food that is based mostly on protein and doesn’t contain unhealthy fats and too many fillers such as soy or corn.#2 Provide Regular ExerciseModerate, low-impact exercise helps keep joints limber and muscles strong. However, be mindful of your dog's limitations, as pushing them too far can end up being counterproductive. Activities like swimming and walks are excellent choices, just make sure to tailor the pace to your pet’s capabilities.#3 Quality Supplementation Providing a diet rich in essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin, supports joint health. However, even when feeding a good quality kibble, it’s not always feasible to rely on your pet’s diet alone to be enough to provide all of these joint-nurturing ingredients in the right ratio. This is where dog joint supplements come in to enrich your pet’s diet with specific nutrients. 

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Meet Finn, the Giant Cat Who is The Size of a 9-Year-Old Child!

The world of domestic cats is about to get a whole lot bigger if this cat has anything to say about it! Although wild cats are pretty big, I’m not talking about lions or tigers. Instead, I’m referring to a loved member of a California family.  Finn the cat was adopted by his loving owner, Natalie Bowman, in 2017 at just three and a half months old. Bowman knew he was going to be a little larger than most domestic cats being a Maine Coon, but she had no idea exactly what she was in for… Maine Coons are well known for their large, impressive size, standing approximately 10-16 inches tall when full-grown. Their long, busy coat and tufted feet are well-insulated and water-resistant, allowing them to survive even in harsh winter climates. After bringing the young kitten home, he started to grow quickly. It wasn’t long until Finn reached then surpassed the typical Maine Coon size. By the time he reached his full-grown adult size, he measured a shocking 51 inches long and weighed 22 pounds.

Is an Off-Leash Park Right for My Dog?

Off-leash dog parks offer a tempting playground for our furry friends to socialize and burn energy, especially if they live in a single dog home. However, not all dogs are suited for this environment.From reactive dogs triggered by the presence of dogs they’ve never met before to dogs that simply lack the etiquette to socialize with others respectfully, an off-leash dog park can quickly spiral into a dangerous and even life-threatening environment if you’re not fully prepared.In this article, we’ll outline the key factors to consider when deciding if an off-leash dog park is suitable for your dog, including their temperament, training, and your own comfort level. Let’s explore the pros and cons of off-leash parks to help you make an informed decision. What Types of Dog Parks Are Available? When people discuss dog parks, they often instantly picture a fenced open field. However, there are many different types of dog parks and exercise areas your pup may enjoy. A basic dog park is exactly as I just described. They are often found in urban areas where dogs may lack yards and other spaces to run around. Usually, these open spaces contain picnic tables for the dog parents who are also visiting to relax. Some dog parks, recognizing the added risks smaller dogs face when their larger counterparts run around the space, have created two separate penned spaces – one for small dogs and one for large dogs. Doggy playgrounds are dog parks that incorporate agility and other fun play elements for dogs to explore and experience. Some examples include teeter-totters, tunnels, playhouses, platforms, and more. These dog parks may also offer a selection of dog toys to enjoy during your visit. Finally, dog beaches perfectly combine an open dog park space and a beach/swimming spot. These are sometimes fenced off, but not always. Dog beaches may be off-leash, on-leash, or a combination of the two with designated sides depending on your dog’s (and your) comfort level. Most dog beaches aren’t fenced, but some will offer this added security feature, with fences leading up to and even extending slightly into the water. What are the Pros of Dog Parks? With so many dog parents getting excited each time a new dog park is announced, it’s safe to assume that these public pet-friendly spaces offer some benefits for us and our pups. Here are the pros you can look forward to when visiting your local off-leash dog park or exercise area: Socialization Opportunity One of the most popular reasons dog parents cite for using dog parks is the ability to socialize their dogs with other dogs and people. When walking our dogs down the street or through the local municipal park, we don’t often know which dogs or people are “dog-friendly,” leading most dog parents to steer clear of anyone else who may use the space. However, when you enter a dog park, the expectation is that everyone within that set boundary is open to interacting with one another. Chance to Meet New Dog ParentsOur dogs aren’t the only ones who struggle at times to meet dog-friendly friends. As dog parents, we all know the challenge of explaining to our non-dog-parent friends why we would prefer to include our dogs in everything we do. If you don’t share your heart and home with a dog, you don’t understand just how special that bond can be. When we walk into a dog park, we know that any people we interact with during our visit are there for the same purpose—to give their dogs the best possible experience. This allows us to meet and connect with other dog parents, which can lead to doggy play dates and other get-togethers. Enrichment and Exercise Our dogs need exercise and mental stimulation to lead happy, healthy lives. While this can be provided at home with the help of snuffle mats, interactive dog toys, puzzle feeders, and other activities, there is something to be said about the joy dogs feel when running with their canine friends. If you have a high-energy dog, this is a good opportunity to encourage them to run, play, and wear themselves out without requiring you to run alongside them. Training Opportunity Are you looking for opportunities to train your dog to interact safely and respectfully with other pups? This can be challenging if you have only one dog at home. However, when you walk into a dog park, your dog will only encounter other dog-friendly dogs (one assumes, more on that later). This is a great time to show them how to interact appropriately without fearing that coming on too strong could trigger a dog fight with a dog-selective or reactive pup. This is also an excellent opportunity to train your dog to interact with people appropriately. People who walk into a dog park are usually dog lovers, so you don’t have to worry about your dog walking up to someone who is afraid of dogs. While this doesn’t negate the need to keep your dog from jumping all over someone without permission, it is a good spot to address your concerns and train your dog on interacting respectfully. Introduction to New experiencesDog parks also offer a safe space for your dog to discover and interact with new experiences. Dog parents may arrive with items that may otherwise trigger your dog – like bicycles, wagons, strollers, children, or people of different ages and ethnicities. Allowing your dog to experience all these people and items in a safe space is a great way to set them up for success as you head out into other areas of the world. For example, if your dog learns that a stroller isn’t “scary” when seeing one regularly coming into their favorite dog park, they are less likely to react to one when walking down the street. Safe from Many Outside Risks We all want to keep our dogs safe when they are playing. Unfortunately, this can be challenging if we don’t have the benefit of a fenced yard for them to run and play. When your dog is playing in a fenced dog park, you can rest assured that you don’t have to worry about outside dangers like your dog being stuck by a car. This alone is reason enough for many dog owners to familiarize themselves with the dog parks at home and in the destinations they are traveling to.

Dog Gets Bitten in the Face to Save His Owner From a Venomous Snake

A dog from Colorado Springs is being called a hero after stepping between his owner and a rattlesnake, saving her from a venomous bite.The pup’s name is Rizzo. The loyal and brave lab-mix has a wonderful personality and has been an essential part of his owner’s life, bringing emotional support and company.On Monday morning, Rizzo and his owner, Carrisa Welch, were hiking when a rattlesnake, lying in wait in the middle of the hiking trail, struck. “I heard the rattle, turned around, and instantly yanked him,” Rizzo’s owner told KRDO. Unfortunately, she pulled Rizzo too late, and he was bitten in the face. The poor pooch ended up spending a day and a half in the emergency room.“I wasn’t wearing my boots. Those were my trail running shoes - if he had not taken the bite I feel like it would have been me,” said Welch.Welch’s brother-in-law, Joshua Randall, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the cost of Rizzo’s treatment, which has created substantial expenses for his owner. According to the GoFundMe page, Rizzo has been an integral part of his owner’s life, bringing joy and companionship into Welsh’s everyday life. “His bravery and loyalty deserve recognition, and your contribution will ensure he receives the care he needs to heal and thrive once again,” wrote Randall in the campaign. Speaking with the local news outlet, Welch explained how Rizzo was there for her when she was dealing with mental health struggles in the past and that there’s no amount of money she wouldn’t pay to save her pup’s life. Rizzo is now home after racking up a few thousand dollars in vet bills. He has bald spots on the legs where the treatment was administered but is expected to make a full recovery.“I’m grateful and blessed to have him,” Welch said.Although only a few snake bites prove fatal before the dog receives emergency veterinary help, Rizzo was lucky to survive after being bitten in the face. The severity of the snakebite depends on several factors including, the dog’s size, the type and size of the snake, the amount of venom delivered, and the location of the bite wound. American Kennel Club advises owners to call their veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately if a snake bites their dog. Owners should also inquire whether the vet or clinic carries the antivenom. Antivenom is the best treatment for snakebite and is the most effective when given immediately, but it will also work if administered hours or even days after a bite. Other possible treatments for snakebite in dogs include an opioid injection for the pain.Some veterinarians may attempt to treat snakebite on a dog using other methods, most of which are ineffective. Studies have shown that sucking out venom, antihistamines, ice, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and NSAIDs aren’t effective for treating venomous snakebites on dogs. Don’t take your dog to a vet who advocates the use of any of these methods for treating snakebites. This type of treatment won’t help your dog get better and you’ll also end up spending thousands of dollars for nothing. Eventually, when you decide to take your dog to another vet, you may not be able to afford the effective treatment your pooch needs to recover fully.If your dog gets bitten by a snake, try not to panic and always call the vet to ensure they have a proper treatment plan for venomous snakebites in place. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

UK Firefighters Get No Thanks from Rescued Cat

Trapped between brick walls, rescued feline's epic scowl captures readers attention.

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