When Portland resident Nora Vanatta agreed to foster an obese dog, she got more - about 40 pounds more, to be exact - than she bargained for.

A dog lover with a Dachshund and black Lab of her own, she follows Oregon Dachshund Rescue on Facebook.

The organization had posted a plea from a relative of the dog's previous owners, pleading for someone to help the five-year-old dog. The owners are elderly and in failing health, and, Vanatta says, offered him food as a way to demonstrate love.

The EMT and Certified Nursing Assistant offered to foster the dog if there was a way he could get to her. A volunteer from Seattle transported Obie (whose previous name was AJ), and delivered him to Vanatta.

She wasn’t expecting a 77-pound purebred Dachshund.

Turns out, Obie is one lucky dog. His new owner is equipped with a degree in animal science and eight years experience as a certified veterinary technician. She’s also an experienced dog owner and is ready to whip Obie – gently – into shape.

Vanatta is working with a Purina representative to feed Obie a low-fat, high-protein diet that also contains isoflavones, a natural bioactive compound designed to reduce oxidative stress in overweight dogs.

While he’s unable to do any actual exercise just yet, Vanatta will introduce him to hydrotherapy and perhaps a treadmill. Since his bones and joints are under so much stress, she’s waiting for him to slowly gain muscle mass as he begins to lose weight just by eating better.

She also points out that her two dogs are both fit and active and will serve as good role models.

Miraculously, despite Obie’s extra 40 pounds, he still received a clean bill of health. The dog is sweet, loving and a joy to work with, Vanatta says.

Vanatta, who plans to pursue a career in nursing or as a physician’s assistant, says she’s interested in all aspects of both human and animal medicine.

She welcomes the opportunity Obie offers to bring awareness to issues surrounding obesity in both pets and humans.

Read more about Obie on his Facebook page or donate here to contribute to his weight-loss fund.