Story
<p>Thanks for taking the time to visit Bobby's JustGiving page.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">You can sponsor Bobby on her weight loss journey here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All donations will help PDSA treat the thousands of sick and injured pets our vets and nurses see each day.</span></p>
<h2><a>Introducing Bobby</a></h2>
<p>Flabby rabbit Bobby, from Richmond in North Yorkshire, is taking on PDSA’s national slimming challenge with the help of Vets and Nurses at Middlesbrough PDSA PetAid hospital. A specially tailored programme has been put together to help the obese Mini Lop rabbit lose the pounds safely.</p>
<h2><a>Bobby’s story</a></h2>
<p>Bobby has gradually piled on the pounds over the last few years until her owner, Becky Magson, noticed that her large dewlap (the fold under her chin) was making it difficult for Bobby to groom herself properly.</p>
<p>Becky said: “When I noticed this I asked my vet about it, and she said that Bobby could do with losing a few pounds. I’m already quite careful with her food, making sure she has plenty of hay and very rarely giving her sugary treats like carrots, although I suspect she pinches some of her companion Huey’s food when I’m not looking.</p>
<p>Bobby’s very important to me and I’m determined to help her get to a more healthy weight, but I needed some help and advice so I entered her into Pet Fit Club.”</p>
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<div style="width: 265px;"><img title="Bobby the rabbit contestant in PDSA Pet Fit Club" src="http://www.pdsa.org.uk/resources/pc_18814.jpg" alt="Bobby the rabbit contestant in PDSA Pet Fit Club" width="265" height="176">
<div class="bold text_middle">The Ideal Size for Bobby</div>
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<h2><a>Weight loss in rabbits</a></h2>
<p>Weight loss in rabbits must be very carefully managed, as rapid weight loss or sudden changes to their diet can be very harmful. Bobby’s extra weight will already be having an adverse affect on her wellbeing, so it’s important that she reaches a more healthy weight. Bobby will be closely monitored by the staff at Middlesbrough PDSA, and Becky will be encouraging Bobby to be more active by playing with her and providing plenty of toys.</p>
<h2><a>Vital stats</a></h2>
<p><strong>Current weight: 2.39kg</strong></p>
<p><strong>Ideal weight: 1.6kg</strong></p>
<p><strong>% overweight: 49%</strong></p>
<h2><a>PDSA Vet Advice</a></h2>
<p>Sean Wensley, PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, said: “Excess pounds can contribute to a number of serious health conditions and, sadly, it does reduce life expectancy. But the good news is that it’s never too late to make positive changes to a pet’s diet and lifestyle.”</p>