When Tegan Strickland first met Daisy, she never expected the little dachshund to weigh as much as 55 pounds. An in-home caregiver, Strickland had been visiting a new client when she was warned, half-jokingly, about the family’s “very fat dog.” But seeing Daisy in person left her stunned.
The dog’s background was largely a mystery. The family only knew their mother had spoiled her with constant overfeeding, and with dementia setting in, it became impossible to maintain new feeding routines. Concerned for Daisy’s health, Strickland gently asked the family if they would consider surrendering the pup to her care. They agreed, and in May she officially adopted Daisy.
@day_by_daisy
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From the start, Daisy’s health issues were overwhelming—she barely moved, had thyroid problems, gallbladder complications, and rotting teeth. But Strickland was determined to give her a second chance. With a vet’s help, Daisy began a carefully monitored weight-loss plan, and within months, she had already shed 10 pounds.
To cover medical costs, Strickland shared Daisy’s journey online. While many were initially shocked and even angry at her condition, the page quickly grew into a community following Daisy’s progress. Strickland hopes to use the platform not only to document Daisy’s transformation but also to spread awareness about dementia and its often-overlooked impact.
Now, Daisy is slowly learning to live a new life. She goes on park walks, plays with Strickland’s three corgis, and loves basking in the sun. “She’s got a brand new life for sure,” Strickland says with pride.
