Back in November 2018 Gables Dogs and Cats Home took in a morbidly obese collie who they named Big Bopper the Whopper.
Bopper waddled into Gables weighing a staggering 50kg (8 stone) and was too large to fit comfortably in their kennels.
“I absolutely loved, and still love, that big smiley boy”
Bopper’s plight touched the heart of the nation and his story spread far and wide resulting in plenty of well wishes and support from people around the World.
The one thing missing for him was a loving forever home, but he has now lost all but a few kilos of his excess weight and found a wonderful new home.
An appeal for funds to help Bopper resulted in donations of over £2,700 – smashing the target by a third.
Bopper became something of a media celebrity and his story was featured on TV and in national newspapers.
Bopper had been living on site at Gables in the home of the Deputy Manager, Ruth Rickard who had previously cared for, and subsequently re-homed, another over weight dog known at Hattie “the fattie”.
Despite the attachment that Ruth, and all the staff, felt for Bopper they could not give him the retirement home he deserved.
Ruth said:
“I absolutely loved, and still love, that big smiley boy. He was always so happy to see everyone and was never once fazed by all the publicity and attention he received, in fact I think he enjoyed it.
“I would have given anything to give him the home he needed but after taking on Hattie, who requires twice daily insulin injections, I knew in my heart my home was not quite right for him, and all we ever want is what is best for ours animals.”
Ruth reached out to a wonderful local couple who had previously adopted 5 older rescue dogs from Gables.
As they only had two older lady Labradors in the home, it was hoped that they would like a gentlemen friend and after a few visits it was clear that they would both welcome him with open paws.
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 at Gables is just thrilled for him.
