More than six years ago, Kai, a 10-year-old mixed breed dog – half golden retriever and half Siberian husky, was a happy and playful pup. However, weighing a staggering 173 pounds, Kai was in desperate need of a foster home to help with his weight loss journey.
At that time, Pam Heggie, a 57-year-old nurse and animal caregiver, received a call from her friend Brittany, one of the founders of the Misfits of Alberta Animal Rescue organization. Brittany briefly explained Kai’s situation to Pam.
Kai’s obesity made it almost unable to walk like many other dogs. When Brittany asked Pam if she would be willing to take care of Kai, Pam agreed, although later she admitted to Epoch Times she had no idea why she decided to adopt Kai back then. She pledged to care for the severely overweight dog and help him reach a healthy weight.
Pam recounted the day when Kai’s previous owner took him to the vet intending to euthanize him due to his excess weight. The vet examined Kai and confirmed that besides being overweight, he had no other health issues. The vet, perhaps charmed by Kai’s sunny disposition, asked the owner if they would consider surrendering him to a rescue organization. Thankfully, they agreed. And so, Kai was taken to the Misfits of Alberta Animal Rescue center, which is currently temporarily closed.
“Pam said, “Kai may have been overweight, but he was indeed in good health. The vet checked his thyroid and basic indicators of overall health, everything was normal.”
Two days later, Pam fetched Kai from the rescue center. It took three people 20 minutes to get Kai into her house. Throughout the process, Kai remained spirited and joyful. Pam dubbed Kai as “the happiest dog you will ever meet. No dog is as joyful as Kai.”
Pam listened to the rescue center vet’s advice and found the best way to help Kai lose weight. Due to Kai’s limited mobility, urgent assistance was needed to slim him down. He couldn’t climb stairs and often needed to be lifted.
Initially, Kai underwent a hydrotherapy program so he could burn calories without stressing his joints. After the hydrotherapy sessions, Pam shifted focus to outdoor activities.
Pam revealed that she would take Kai for walks every day in the harsh winters of Edmonton. As the weather warmed up, Kai began swimming.
“Once there was some improvement in Kai’s condition, he was able to use a ramp to get into the car, changing everything because now I could take him to many places,” said Pam.
Soon, she bought knee supports online, further helping Kai’s mobility.
Pam shared that she had never fed Kai commercial dog food like his previous owner did. Instead, Kai enjoyed snacks like broccoli and bananas. With time, Kai was able to visit the dog park. Initially, other dog owners would look down on Pam, thinking Kai’s obesity was her fault. However, soon, Kai gained more and more fans, and everyone cheered for his weight loss journey.
Kai’s weight loss journey was not without its challenges. Due to his limited mobility, Pam worried about his health and even his life at times. She would sometimes dwell on thoughts like “Would he pass away in the middle of the night from a heart attack or other illnesses?”
But both Pam and Kai persevered. To stay accountable and share Kai’s weight loss journey, Pam created a Facebook page called @YouCanDoThisKai. It quickly garnered a considerable following.
Kai’s weight loss progress was slow and steady, with weighing every one to two weeks. In less than a year, Kai’s weight dropped to 69 pounds. The vet could hardly believe his eyes.
Initially, Pam only aimed to help Kai reach a healthy weight and then send him for adoption. However, things took an unexpected turn. Simply put, Pam decided to keep Kai. This mischievous dog was soon trained as a therapy dog, providing assistance to students and others in need.
“Pam said, “Kai is a very kind dog, his soul is gentle.”
Pam never imagined Kai’s weight would improve so dramatically. Her initial goal was simply to help Kai reach a level where he could live independently. But his weight dropped by 100 pounds, which was truly incredible!
If Kai proved anything, it’s that with effort, everything is possible.
When asked why she rescued Kai and cared for him to regain health, Pam’s answer was simple. She said, “Because that’s what our rescue work is about. If you saw Kai, you would do anything for him too.”
Five years after achieving a healthy weight, 16-year-old Kai lives a happy life on a 40-acre farm in Alberta, Canada. He’s quite famous on Facebook, and many recognize him when he’s out. Kai has even been a guest on Good Morning America and has inspired people as far as Germany and Japan.
Pam said Kai now enjoys playing and spending time with loved ones. He’s easygoing and friendly, truly full of personality.
Clearly, Kai lives a fulfilling life, loved immensely by his loyal owner. Pam said, “He’s the best dog.”