by Jenni Horn

A pooch with a penchant for custard creams has been saved from a hip operation after shedding the pounds.

Alfie the German shepherd, pictured left with owner Maureen Parks, is much trimmer and fitter after taking part in PDSA Pet Fit Club, a national slimming competition for the nation’s porky pets.

The five-year-old dog was facing surgery because his weight was affecting his legs and hips. He used to limp badly and needed daily medication to ease his painful arthritis.

His owner Maureen Parks, 65, from Strood, used to fuel his problems by feeding him his favourite snack – custard cream biscuits.

But since starting his six-month diet and fitness programme in March, Alfie has shaved 2cm off his waist. At his heaviest he tipped the scales at 55.3kg which made him nearly 30% overweight. But after taking part in regular exercise and hydrotherapy sessions, where he walks on a treadmill in a water tank, he is now a much slimmer 51.6kg.

Alfie was first nominated for the fat-fighting competition by Maureen, who has had him since he was a puppy. She entered because she could not bear to see her "rock" in so much discomfort any longer.

Maureen said: "I’m so thrilled at how well Alfie has done. It’s helped him become a lot healthier and he’s built up a lot of muscle.

"He’s not limping anymore and he’s not in as much pain.

"The most rewarding part for me was that before all this he was probably going to have to have a hip replacement but at the moment things are looking good and he might not even need it. He no longer needs the medication he was taking, either."

Alfie’s successful diet and fitness programme was specially tailored by vets and nurses at Gillingham PDSA PetAid hospital.

Gemma Abbitt, PDSA vet nurse, pictured with Alfie, said: "The transformation in Alfie is fantastic. There’s not an ounce of fat left on this dog now. He’s got a perfect body shape and the diet and exercise has helped him build up muscle.

Alfie before his diet