“He’s 50 pounds overweight.” Those were the first words people used to describe Tony, a German Shepherd at the Sacramento SPCA who was struggling with his weight.
Lacking true companionship, Tony turned to food for comfort, and as a result, he became dangerously overweight. With no one to love or care for him, food was his only source of happiness.
But everything changed when Lee Asher entered Tony’s life. Lee saw something special in Tony and decided to take him on an incredible journey that would inspire people worldwide.
The Inspiring Story of “Tony Too-Tone”
Tony had a rough life. He had been adopted and returned multiple times and even lived on the streets before landing back in the shelter. All he ever wanted was love, but instead, he found himself lonely and depressed.
Weighing in at 150 pounds, Tony had lost his will to move or even hope for affection.
When Lee adopted Tony, it was an instant bond. Lee was determined to shower Tony with all the love and care he had been missing.
“I don’t think that he felt he’d ever really experience love. But, this time, he’s never going back”, said Lee.
Tony joined a new family—eight other rescue dogs who had their own stories of hardship and healing. Together, they helped Tony feel at home.
“He’d been so used to people not giving him affection. I didn’t want him to think that’s what would happen. I’m going to swarm this dog with so much love so that he knows he’s the most special dog.”
Tony’s Fitness Journey
When Tony first joined Lee’s pack, he couldn’t even walk upstairs or hold himself up. His excess weight was putting him at risk for heart, hip, and joint problems, and he needed to lose a third of his body weight.
With lighter meals, regular exercise, and love from his new family, Tony started to shed the pounds. After just two weeks, he lost three pounds, and in a month, he was down to 123 pounds.
“In this family of misfits, what we have is unconditional love.”
— The Asher House
The goal was to get him fit enough to join the family’s road trips—and he was well on his way.
A Love Story Along the Way
Tony’s transformation wasn’t just physical. Along the way, he met Lillie, a beautiful Saint Bernard, and the two quickly became inseparable. Lillie helped boost Tony’s confidence, and soon his personality began to shine.
Lee loved watching Tony thrive. “It doesn’t matter how much weight he gains or loses. Whatever he does, he’s always going to be perfect in my eyes,” said Lee.
Tony’s First Adventure
When Tony finally hit 115 pounds, he was healthy enough to embark on his first big adventure. He visited the beach for the first time, experienced new sights and smells, and ran alongside his family, losing even more weight.
To lose his final two pounds, Lee and Tony ran across the Brooklyn Bridge together.
“To make a life better, that’s what life is about. Rescuing is so beautiful because you save a life… actually, it is a pretty easy way to see what love and life are all about,” says Lee.
By the end of their journey, Tony had lost over 50 pounds. More than the weight loss, it was the unconditional love and support that helped Tony regain his zest for life.
A Heartwarming Legacy
Tony’s story isn’t just about weight loss—it’s about love, acceptance, and the joy of rescuing a dog in need.
Sadly, Tony passed away in August 2022, but his remarkable transformation and the love he found will be remembered forever.
Rest in peace, beautiful Tony.