“He’s FIFTY pounds overweight.”
Those were the initial phrases everyone would utilize to characterize Tony — a German Shepherd at the Sacramento SPCA who was regrettably too heavy for his own well-being.
Devoid of genuine affection and belief in himself, Tony merely consumed food. He longed for a family… someone to trust in him and cherish him, but that person was absent. Unfortunately, sustenance was his sole source of joy.
However, everything transformed the moment Lee Asher stepped into the shelter and changed Tony’s fate. Tony yearned for an adventure, and he received an extraordinary one — one that motivated countless individuals around the globe.
The Astonishing Tale Of “Tony Too-Tone”
Tony’s existence was exceedingly tough. He transitioned from being a dog that was adopted and then returned to living on the streets, and finally back in the shelter. All he ever desired was to be cherished.
While resting in the animal shelter, he felt isolated, despondent, and urgently in need of assistance.
When Lee first spotted Tony, he instantly recognized that this canine had truly given up. He weighed 150 pounds, and showed no desire to do anything.
“I don’t think that he believed he’d ever truly know love. But, this time, he’s never going back”, remarked Lee.
It was affection at first glance. Since the moment Lee adopted Tony, they’ve shared a unique connection… a deep father-son relationship.
“He’d been so accustomed to individuals not giving him affection. I didn’t want him to assume that’s what would occur. I’m going to envelop this dog with so much love, so that he understands he’s the most exceptional dog.”
Tony’s new family was an extraordinary one filled with eight other rescue dogs akin to him. As a youngster, Lee visited a dog shelter daily. He would tell the dogs: “I’m going to rescue all of you”, and now, that’s precisely what he is accomplishing.
With his furry offspring, Lee journeys across the nation advocating for dog adoption. His singular true mission is to motivate individuals to adopt rather than shop.
“In this family of misfits, what we possess is unconditional love.”
— The Asher House
Each dog served as a remarkable role model for Tony, contributing to the sense of belonging.
Tony’s Path To Becoming Fit
Upon arriving at the Asher House, Tony didn’t really have faith in himself. He was withdrawn, and even attempted to avoid everyone. He couldn’t navigate the stairs, and couldn’t support himself or even capture a treat.
Given the significant risk of heart difficulties and hip and joint complications, he needed to shed a third of his body mass.
His journey toward fitness was about to initiate, with love and care as essential components, according to Lee.
Through lighter meals, diligent efforts, and training sessions, Tony gradually began to shed pounds. He had to adapt to keep pace with the group, but he became increasingly driven each day.
In the initial two weeks of training and exercise with the entire team, Tony dropped three pounds. After a month, he was recorded at 123 pounds, needing to lose 23 lbs more, which was a remarkable advancement.
He had to shed just a bit more weight to be ready for a family trip. However, now Tony had yet another incentive to motivate him — his Lillie.
The Most Beautiful Romance
Tony not only discovered his forever home, but he also found love along his journey. Lillie, a stunning Saint Bernard female, and Tony rapidly developed a strong bond. They cherished each other and enjoyed spending moments together.
Lillie became Tony’s partner. She aided in enhancing his self-esteem, allowing his personality to truly emerge.
“Tony is beginning to understand that it doesn’t matter how much weight he gains or loses… regardless of what he does, he will always be perfect in my perspective. He is home.”, stated Lee.
Tony’s Initial True Adventure
Upon reaching the 115-pound threshold, he was at last healthy enough to embark on his inaugural adventure with the entire group.
For the first time throughout his existence, he visited the beach, encountered fresh scents, engaged in new activities, and thoroughly enjoyed himself. He joyfully dashed around with his family and companions, shedding even more weight.
Final Two Pounds To Lose
To enable Tony to shed the remaining two pounds, Lee devised a fantastic idea involving a run across the Brooklyn Bridge.
With the support of his family, he accomplished the seemingly impossible. He succeeded in losing over 50 pounds and getting his life back on course. Lee genuinely believed in him, and that’s precisely what assisted Tony in restoring faith in himself.
“It doesn’t matter the size, what the breed is, we embrace each other unconditionally. A healthy family necessitates unconditional love. Love devoid of judgment.”
“To enhance a life, that’s what living is about. Rescuing is profoundly beautiful because you save a life… indeed, it’s a remarkably easy way to understand what love and life encompass,” concludes Lee.
Tony’s weight reduction is indeed motivational, but witnessing him finally learn to give and receive love is even more heartwarming. My heart swells knowing that throughout his journey, he was able to experience the affection he genuinely deserved.
He was an exquisite dog — faithful, affectionate, and gentle.
Sadly, Tony passed away in August 2022, yet the remembrance of him and his remarkable achievements will undoubtedly endure eternally. You have touched and motivated many… Rest in peace, beautiful boy.