We got George, an 8 to 9 year old Black Lab, from Best Friends a couple of years ago. He was overweight when we got him. We got some off, but it was hard because he just was having trouble exercising. I’d actually given up taking him on walks because he couldn’t go very far, maybe 1/2 a mile. He looked to be in such pain, I didn’t think it was really doable. The Vet gave us medicine for him, but it seemed to do little good.
But this school break I decided to walk him, and me, twice a day. Going as far as either of us could manage. I’ve got lower back problems, walking hurts. And I’m taking medicine for pre-diabetes, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure. You wouldn’t know it to look at me, but I’m a wreck (largely due to an accident a couple years back).
But, I figured, we will just see what either of us can do. I had two goals… get George “frisky” again, and get me off my meds through diet and exercise.
This was George, this morning, about 3.5 miles into a river walk:
And once I took him off the leash, he led the way, ranging here and there. Like a dog. Two weeks ago, he would be on leash, 30’ behind, struggling just to move one foot in front of the other.
Congratulations George!
As to me…. well, the resting heart rate just before I wrote this was 101, the BP 190/87, and well… I’ve got a ways to go. I suspect, due to a broken pituitary gland (courtesy the afore mentioned accident) that my body chemistry is just screwed up and though I may be 45 years old, 6’, 180lbs, 13% body fat, my innards will not function well no matter what I do.
C’est le vie! I enjoy the walks and will continue to do them as long as I can. I think this afternoon we will strap on the leash again and walk to Chili’s (about 2 miles) for dinner.
BTW: Fritz, our 2 year old dauschund, easily ranges 3 miles for every mile we walk. His legs may be little, but he has abundant energy.