Obie, a formerly obese dachshund, is recovering after surgery that removed 2.5 lbs. of loose skin on Tuesday night. Fans of Obie have been following his weight loss on his Facebook page, Biggest Loser, Doxie Edition, which boasts 89,631 "likes."

The surgery, performed at the Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Tualatin, was successful, reported his owner Nora Vanatta who is a veterinary technician. She was able to bring Obie home yesterday after an overnight stay.

The history of the photogenic dog has moved many. Obie was surrendered to a rescue group by an elderly couple that could no longer keep him. "His owners truly believed they were showing him that they loved him by feeding him," said the administrator of his Facebook page.

"No one is to blame and Obie's supporters ask that you not try to assign any."

Previously, Obie weighed 77 lbs. After losing 40 of those pounds on an eight-month diet, his loose skin began to drag along the ground. Before surgery, Obie was down to 37 lbs. and 4 oz., and now he weighs in at a sleek 35 lbs.

But owner Vanatta is not yet pleased. She is insistent that he lose about five more pounds.

"I figure his healthy weight is between 28 and 30 lbs.," said Vanatta.

According to his Facebook page, Vanatta fed Obie a diet consisting of Purina OM Overweight Management Canine Formula, a high protein-to-calorie ratio diet that helps a dog maintain lean muscle mass while burning excess fat as energy. Vanatta noted that the increased dietary protein helps Obie "feel full."

Obie's story continues to be spread through his Facebook page, helping collect donations for his rehabilitation. Vanatta believes that she and Obie can be an inspiration to "any person or animal trying to lose weight" and a story to demonstrate that prevention is the key to that effort.