AN overweight Jack Russell who loves roast dinners is going on a diet after reaching twice her ideal weight.

Rescue dog Pippa, who lives in Darlington with owners Paul and Gillian Kane, have entered her into PDSA’s Pet Fit Club competition to help her get back in shape.

Eight-year-old Pippa has ballooned to 12.5kg, which is 6.5kg above her ideal weight, after over indulging on her favourite roast dinner.

Mr Kane said: "Pippa is a rescue dog and when we first saw her in the kennels we just knew she should be part of the family. But I think it’s because she was a rescue dog that we spoil her so much. We don’t know what sort of life she had before we took her on so naturally we want to give her everything we can. Unfortunately, that’s been a lot of food too”

“We’ve tried lots of different diets for her, and even tried cooking her steamed chicken with vegetables instead of normal dog food, which made no difference to her waistline.

“We’re the first to say that we spoil her rotten, but her weight is spiralling out of control so we want to help her lose weight and become happier and healthier.”

She will be on a six-month diet and exercise challenge to help her lose weight.

Mr Kane added: “She suffers from a number of health issues, including an injury to her hip and knee ligaments, which makes walking difficult for her, and the extra weight is putting lots of additional strain on her joints. We’re hoping that losing the weight will make her more comfortable, mobile and change her life for the better.”