A happier, healthier hound
Finally, following a second surgery, and more than a year after Brooke took Dennis home, the balance began to shift. “One day Dennis was at the top of the stairs while I played with Riley, my chocolate Lab, in the yard. When I threw the ball, Dennis—who hadn’t yet managed the stairs on his own—suddenly flew down the steps and darted after the ball, giving Riley a run for her money! I couldn’t believe it. It wasn’t until then that I realized how far he’d come, and that he was only going to keep getting better.”
Today, Dennis is 10 pounds, the ideal weight for a miniature dachshund. “Helping him taught me perseverance. If I had given up, Dennis would still be living an unhappy life—or none at all,” Brooke says. She also formed Dennis’s Legacy, a foundation that helps owners of obese animals aid their pets in losing weight. “I was so grateful for all the support Dennis and I had received along the way, I wanted to repay the kindness. If Dennis could do it, I know we can help other pets get healthy too.”
SLIM DOWN YOUR PET
Fifty-three percent of U.S. dogs are overweight or obese, but it’s never too late for them to slim down. These tips from Brooke will help you help your animal.
1. REMEMBER: FOOD IS NOT LOVE
“It’s hard to say no when your dog is giving you sad eyes, but using food to show love isn’t healthy. Dogs are like kids: They’ll always ask for junk food, but they’ll still love you if they don’t get it. Share a cuddle, rub his belly or throw a ball.”
2. QUALITY MATTERS
“The secret is simple: a controlled diet of high-quality food. You can get it on a budget—just look for lots of protein and no added fillers or sugar, like processed corn and cornmeal, on the ingredients label. Avoid processed treats: Dennis gets carrots, green beans and frozen bananas.”
3. DON’T GIVE UP
“Sometimes we saw no progress for two months. That’s when you have to hold on to the big picture. The great news is, if you keep going, you will see results.”
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Source: Womansday.com
