A three-legged dog in Bradford is a shadow of her former self after losing a stone on a diet.

Podgy Poppie weighed 4st 10lbs when she started the PDSA Pet Fit Club slimming regime.

Now the Golden Retriever, who was born with three legs, is a slimmer 3st 10lbs after shedding 21 per cent of her bodyweight.

Owner Robert McEntee, 44, said: “When our son William was born with a genetic condition, we didn’t have much spare time to walk Poppie. We also got into the habit of giving her regular dog treats and she gradually started piling on the pounds.”

Poppie also suffered several ear infections and was put on steroids, which may have contributed to her weight gain.

But her efforts led to her finishing second in the PDSA Pet Fit Club national pet slimming competition, which Mr McEntee entered her in once he realised how overweight she had become.

Mr McEntee said: “The transformation in Poppie is amazing. Before losing the weight she could only walk about 50 yards and would then need to stop to catch her breath, but now she enjoys long walks.”

Poppie still has a small amount of weight to lose to reach her ideal size, so Mr McEntee will be continuing with her diet for a little longer.

PDSA vet nurse Miriam Wilson, said: “Poppie is certainly much fitter and happier now, plus the risks to her health will continue to reduce as she slims down to her ideal weight. It just goes to show that it’s never too late to improve a pet’s diet.”