Dennis the Dachshund lost 43 pounds after skipping out on the unhealthy food his previous owner used to feed him. Back with his former owner, Dennis enjoyed a generous serving of pizza and burgers on a daily basis. While this kind of love may be a bit on the good side, too much of it caused Dennis to be obese.

Now, Dennis the Dachshund has lost 43 pounds soon after his new owner put him on a healthier diet. Brooke Burton, Dennis' owner, had helped Dennis shimmy down from his weight of 56 pounds to 12 pounds. Rather than feed the Dachshund his usual pizza and burgers, Brooke had fed Dennis dry dog food.

In addition to the healthy diet, Dennis the Dachshund lost 43 pounds thanks to daily exercise. Despite losing the weight, Dennis had to undergo three surgeries to remove the excess skin. Brooke had taken him to the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center to have the excess folds removed.

"We have an expression: food is not love," says the veterinary surgeon, Dr. Kathleen Ham, who treated Dennis, adding, "Most of what your pet wants from you is affection and attention."

After Dennis the Dachshund lost 43 pounds, he has managed to become an Internet sensation overnight. His owner, Brooke, on the other hand hopes that Dennis' story becomes an inspiration to pet owners across the globe.

"If we can spread awareness of pet obesity, and what to be aware of, so that we can recognize the signs within our own family circles, we can perhaps make a difference in the lives of other pets ... be it now ... or in the future," says Burton on Dennis the Dachshund official Facebook page. If Dennis the Dachshund lost 43 pounds with the right food and proper diet, any pet - or pet owner for that matter - can do it too.