Losers are winners in animal weight loss program

One caper involved breaking into the freezer and dragging out about eight corn dogs. Flash pulled the corn dogs through his extra-wide doggie door to the backyard, where he ate all of them, leaving behind only sticks lying in the grass as proof of the crime.But for the past six weeks, Flash has been following a special diet and exercise program designed by Tara Lynn, a veterinary technician at Animal Medical Center. The Biggest Loser: Pet Edition includes special weight-loss food, an exercise regimen and bi-weekly weigh-ins.

Unfortunately for Flash, the program doesn't include any corn dogs, but it has helped him lose almost 16 pounds in six weeks.I'm so blown away by his progress," said Lynn at Flash's recent mid-program weigh-in.David Capps, whose son, Jacob, owns Flash, reported that the basset hound has more energy than ever before.

Before starting the program, Flash wouldn't even get up from his spot on the floor when people came to the door. But now, Flash is sometimes the first one out the door to greet visitors, Capps said.The weight loss is good news for Flash and his owner, who had been warned that if Flash didn't lose weight, he might not live to be 9 years old.

The weight-loss program hasn't been easy for either human or dog. Jacob must carefully measure out Flash's food each day, and he has to prevent Flash's clandestine trips to the refrigerator.