Nathan Pettrey just graduated from Owensboro High School in May, so it may seem strange that he says most people don’t recognize him when they see him. At age 17, Pettrey weighed 415 lbs. Now, at age 19, he weighs just 258 lbs. Where a lot of people may attribute their significant weight loss to Weight Watchers or a ketogenic diet, Pettrey said there is only one reason for his success, his dog Cooper.
Last year, Pettrey’s family brought home a 2-year-old basset hound named Cooper who Pettrey says was uncharacteristically energetic. In his quest to take care of Cooper and ensure that his dog stayed healthy, Pettrey soon found himself taking Cooper for walks each day.
“I simply started walking him,” Pettrey said. “After the first week or so I could already tell a difference in the both of us. We started off with half-mile walks, that turned into mile walks, that are now two mile walks or just about.”
Pettrey said he didn’t start walking and exercising “hard core” until August of last year. Now, just over a year later, he is a member of Owensboro Gym and Fitness and has changed his eating habits for the better.
“I have changed my diet completely,” Pettrey said. “No liquid calories. I do not miss soda. I am a water drinker now and do not miss my old habits.”
Pettrey said he eats a lot of fresh foods now, but “the one food that will always have a place in my heart is crab rangoon.” He said he still treats himself once every few months.
When asked if people ever made fun of him for his size or gave him a hard time at school, Pettrey was very gracious and appreciative for the time he spent at OHS.
“I actually am so thankful to have went to OHS,” Pettrey said. “Everyone there is so accepting and viewed me as a person rather just making fun of me.”
As far as things he missed out on because of his size that he could now enjoy, he was quick to answer.
“There are many things I can do now. Go to an amusement park and ride the rides is a big one,” Pettrey said. “I couldn’t ride the rides before because of my size.”
Pettrey said there were times it was difficult just getting around all day without getting fatigued. He said he used to have very little energy, but “now I have vast amounts and it makes me a better person.”
Rather than having taunters, Pettrey has found that he has had incredible supporters, one of which is at is job at Target. His team leader, Cassie Fleming, said she loves working with Pettrey and has been one of his biggest fans.
“I am so proud of that kid,” Fleming said. “I even bought him a Fitbit.”
Fleming said it’s not just Pettrey’s weight loss that is impressive, but also his way with people. As he approaches his one-year anniversary with Target, his hard work is again being rewarded with a promotion to GSA (Guest Service Attendant).
While it has obviously taken a great amount of willpower and determination on Pettrey’s part to lose 157 lbs. in just over a year, and maintain it, he takes very little of the credit.
“He (Cooper) was my motivation, and just something as simple as our walks a year ago, has changed my life forever,” Pettrey said. “He’s absolutely changed my life for the best. I just can’t thank him enough.”
