Obese dachshund previously fed burgers and pizza drops 44 pounds

One jumbo pet who was fed White Castle burgers and junk food has become an internet sensation after losing over 75 percent of its body weight.

Dennis the Dachshund used to weigh a massive 56 pounds, about the size of four or five miniature dachshunds, according to AP. The dog couldn't take a few steps before running out of breath.

But then Brooke Burton, a 26-year-old nursing student from Columbus, Ohio, rescued Dennis from a relative after seeing the condition he was in. Burton recounted the first time she ever saw the overweight pooch in January 2013.

"Out comes Dennis, and I couldn't believe it," Burton told AP. "I wasn't even sure what breed of dog he was supposed to be because he was so large."

Since then, Burton put Dennis on a diet of dry dog food, as well as plenty of walks and love. Now Dennis weighs 12 pounds, and is able to do play fetch and boss around the other rescue dogs he lives with.

"In the beginning, you could tell he was very depressed, that he really didn't feel good at all," Burton told AP. "He didn't have much of a personality. After he lost weight, this bossy little demanding man popped out. He's into everything, he wants to play with everybody."

While Dennis' weight loss has been impressive, it has created the issue of excess skin. Dennis started tripping over the folds of excess skin, and has undergone three surgeries to get rid of it.

Burton says, however, that she hopes Dennis' weight loss will spread awareness on the issue of pet obesity.

"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," Burton wrote on Dennis' Facebook page.

You can follow Dennis' weight loss journey at his link below.

Dennis' Odyssey: Health, Wellness, Awareness & Education Facebook page

The Associated Press contributed to this story.