Bopper the Whopper finds forever home By Millicent Cooke

Broadcast Journalist Published duration 6 June 2019

image caption Bopper the Whopper shocked staff at the shelter when he waddled in weighing 50kg (8st)

A border collie who was once "too fat for his kennel" has shed the pounds and found a forever home.

"Bopper the Whopper" weighed a staggering 50kg (8st) when he waddled into Gables Farm Dogs and Cats Home in Plymouth in November last year.

Dubbed "Britain's fattest dog", the 12-year-old pooch won fans around the world including Radio 1 DJ Greg James.

The chunky canine has since slimmed to 33kg (5st) and has been rehomed by local couple Mike and Jan.

image caption Bopper (left) with his new owner Mike and dogs Honey and Sadie

The shelter's deputy manager Ruth Rickard approached the pair as they had already rehomed five older dogs, including labradors Honey and Sadie, from the shelter.

Mike said: "He is a very friendly dog - he is very outgoing and gets on so well with the girls. We're delighted with him."

A statement from the shelter said: "He has settled in very well and is enjoying plenty of short walks on the moors to help him shed the last of his weight and everyone is thrilled for him."

image caption Bopper has almost reached his target weight of 27kg (4st)

The shelter has earned a reputation for helping hefty hounds shed the pounds.

Bopper was about 10kg heavier than the shelter's other hefty hound, "Hattie the Fatty", who also made headlines for her huge frame

Hattie has since been rehomed by Mrs Rickard after shedding half her body weight.

In April, the shelter took in its biggest dog yet - 70kg (11st) Georgie Porgie

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image caption Georgie Porgie, Bopper the Whopper and Hattie the Fatty were all rescued by Gables Farm