Rescue Dog’s Dramatic Weight Gain Goes Viral—Is It Love or Overfeeding?
A TikTok video is igniting debate across the platform after user Sydney (@sydneyeileenm) shared her heartwarming yet surprising rescue story. Sydney explained how she saved a severely emaciated dog from the streets and showered it with immense love and care. (Watch the TikTok below)
But within a year, the fragile stray underwent an unexpected transformation—not only regaining its health but becoming overweight. The dramatic shift in the dog’s weight has sparked thousands of reactions and discussions in the comments section. (Watch video below)
@sydneyeileenm Shes on a controlled diet now, & on her healthy weightloss journey.. my girl deserved every treat 😅🫶🏼 #rescuedog #dogsoftiktok #pittiesoftiktok #fatdog ♬ sonido original – joseph – me
The Controversy Over This Dog’s Weight Gain
The rescue dog’s dramatic weight gain was so unexpected that her owner addressed it in the video’s overlay text, stating, “No, she’s not pregnant.”
In the caption, Sydney explained that the pup, after gaining weight rapidly, is now on a controlled diet and has started a weight loss journey. Despite this, many viewers remain critical, accusing the pet parent of overfeeding and neglecting the dog’s health.
A user named Zane Parley commented, “She was safer on the streets,” implying the dog was better off before being rescued when she was malnourished. With over 50,000 likes, the comment highlights how many people share concerns about the dog’s condition.
However, countless others have come to Sydney’s defense. One user wrote, “Weight balance is hard for everyone! And she deserved every damn treat she got ❤️” Paige Garcia added, “She’s healthier & happier, that’s all that matters 🥺”
Another user explained the dog’s transformation, offering a more balanced perspective: “After severe malnutrition, becoming overweight for a period of time while refeeding is completely normal ❤️ A strict diet of lots of love, and I’m sure she’ll be just fine 🥰.”
Complexities of Caring for a Rescued Dog
The video, though divisive among dog lovers, has become a viral sensation on TikTok, amassing nearly 15 million views and over 2 million likes.
The debate surrounding the dog’s transformation has sparked conversations about responsible pet care, particularly for animals recovering from critical starvation and malnutrition. Veterinarians often warn that overfeeding animals, while well-intentioned, can lead to health complications.
Despite the criticism, many viewers praised Sydney for giving the dog a second chance at life. They highlighted the emotional toll of rescuing an animal in such poor condition and the challenges of balancing their physical recovery with emotional healing.
“When a rescue dog goes through extreme changes, like rapid weight gain, it’s often a sign of the drastic shift in their environment and care. What’s important is finding a healthy balance and ensuring the dog’s long-term well-being,” says Rocky Kanaka, pet rescue advocate.
This heartwarming yet polarizing story serves as a reminder of the complexities of animal rescue and the importance of education on post-rescue care.
