PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) [—] After thousands of dollars began to pour into the donation coffers for an obese and famous Dachsund, the Oregon Attorney General’s Office took notice.
The Oregonian reports the attorney general’s charitable activities office in January began to scrutinize how Nora Vanatta, who adopted the 77-pound Dachshund named Obie, spent the donations.
Spokeswoman Kristina Edmunson says the inquiry began when the office received complaints. Officials were concerned that donors could be misled to believe she was associated with a nonprofit, Vanatta.
The plight of Obie’s weight loss captivated dog lovers. From a penny to $1,000, donations came in from around the world. The donations also covered $15,000 in legal fees spurred from a custody battle over the fat dog. Vanatta says that the attorney general’s inquiries have cost an additional $11,800.
In the end, the attorney general’s office found no wrongdoing, but Vanatta contends with their directive to give the money away to established nonprofits by a deadline.
Meanwhile, Obie is down to 22 pounds.
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