Weighty Matters

Gracie weighs 20 pounds.  I knew she had put on a little weight over the winter; don’t we all?  My suspicions were confirmed during a recent trip to PetSmart.  They have a clinic in the back of the store.  Beside the counter is a scale which the staff let me use. 

While it was difficult to get a precise weight, the average was about 20 pounds.  Gracie weighed 16 pounds when she joined our little furry family almost four years ago.  I prefer her weight to be in the 17 to 18 pound range.

Obesity is a problem for everyone in this country.  We all need to keep a close eye on our weight so that we can live long, active lives.  Unfortunately, our pets are only here for a short time.  Don’t you want to spend as many years with them as you can?

I would like for Gracie to lose two pounds.  That may not sound like a lot of weight.  It is 10 percent of her body weight.  Imagine how much weight you would lose if you lost 10 percent!

How will I accomplish this?  For starters, I have reduced the size of the treats I make her.  They are now about one-third of the original size.  I am also reducing her wet food intake.  I suspect the new “grain free” food has some extra fillers that are fattening.  The pounds seem to creep on after she began eating grain-free wet food.

The next step is the hardest:  exercise.  This was not an issue until recently.  The zap from the electric fence has left Gracie totally frazzled.  She still refuses to take the usual route for our walkies, preferring to stay on our property.  It is not enough exercise for her.  In the coming weeks, I will try harder to help her overcome her fear so we can resume our long walkies.

Yes, it is hard to help your pet lose weight.  It is not easy for us humans to do it.  We must try, though.  While I am helping Gracie get more exercise, I will help myself in the process.  I want to be here for every moment of Gracie’s life too. 

If you have been a little slack with your or your pet’s health, take this opportunity to put on your sneakers and go for a walk.  You do not have to take a 10-mile walk.  Just start with a few steps.   You can do it!

Rescue Mommy

*Breaking News* Two Big Events This Weekend

I wanted to share the news in case you were looking for something to do on Saturday and/or Sunday.

Saturday, May 11.  Brother Wolf’s “Thrifty Paws at the Bywater” event is tomorrow from noon until 4:00 p.m.  BWAR’s Second Chance Thrift Store will have items for sale, and the shelter will bring dogs for adoption. 

The Bywater is located on 796 Riverside Drive in Asheville.  When “The Hunger Games” was filmed here, the director and some of the cast frequented the place.  It has picnic tables and outdoor grills if you would like to bring a picnic or have a cookout.  You can also enjoy food from food trucks that will be onsite. 

Since the Bywater is a private club, a $5 membership fee is required.  All new membership fees from that day will be donated to BWAR.

Sunday, May 12 – Mother’s Day.  In honor of Mother’s Day, Brother Wolf will offer discounted adoption fees to any mother who adopts adult dogs (6 months or older) and cats.  The reduced fee is $75 for dogs and $40 for cats.

The regular rate is great deal.  The reduced fee is even better!  All animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.  Believe me, the cost for those services would be MUCH more expensive through your local vet.

Brother Wolf’s adoption center is located at 31 Glendale Avenue in Asheville.  The shelter hours are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  For more information, call 828-505-3440. 

You can also see pictures of available pets at www.bwar.org.  Keep in mind that newly-arrived pets may be at the shelter, yet not on the site yet.  You could be the first to know about a fabulous pet.  Your true love could be waiting for you!

Rescue Mommy

Interesting Conversation

While at Brother Wolf’s Re-Tail Store last Saturday, I met a woman who was adopting a dog.  She spotted Gracie and immediately came over to pet her.  (Standard reaction – Gracie is super cute.)  She told me her 15-year old JRT had just passed away. 

She ruefully admitted she bought the dog from a breeder.  I mentioned that times were different 15 years ago.  Adopting a rescue was not “the thing” that it is today.

I have thought a lot about that conversation.  Affordable opportunities to spay or neuter your pet are readily available in more communities.   Shelters across the country are trying hard to become no kill or partner with local rescue groups to save more lives.  Most importantly, it is very common to hear someone say about their dog or cat that he/she “is a rescue.”  It is cool to adopt, not shop.

Yes, more work is needed to save the millions of animals who do not find homes.  Let’s take a moment to focus on the positive, though.  Tremendous strides have been made in animal care and rescue.  Just imagine what more we can do in another 15 years.

Rescue Mommy

Progress Report

Last week, I mentioned that Gracie’s zap from the electric fence caused a setback in training.  While things are not back to normal, she is acting better.

She has taken a full walkie on the usual route a handful of times.  The last time, she walked at a brisk pace on the return trip but was not totally freaked out.  Believe it or not, that is progress.

What was the trick?  Patience.  I encouraged Gracie to take a few steps down the road, past the safety of our property.  I offered her treats.  When she came to me, I coaxed her to take a few more steps.  I could tell when she reached her limit and gave her lots of affection.  I then turned toward the house, much to her pleasure.

I also took her to my parents’ house.  She ran around their yard and played in the woods.  I knew nothing was physically wrong with her as I watched her race around the property.  As usual, it was all psychological.

She is still nervous, yet I can see the trust returning.  The last jolt has made quite an impression on her so I fear I have more work to do.  I am encouraged by her progress, though.

Oh – one more thing.  I also mentioned last week that I wanted to find a different wet food for her.  The Blue Buffalo food was even greasier than the Castor and Pollux food I usually buy.  The search continues.  Let me know if you have any recommendations.

Rescue Mommy

Spay-Ghetti and No Balls Dinner

The annual Spay-Ghetti and No Balls Dinner will be held tomorrow evening from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Mayfel’s Restaurant at 22 College Street in Asheville.  The event raises money for Brother Wolf.  As you probably gathered from the name, the focus is usually spay/neuter.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for children ages 5 to 13, and free for kids under 5.  There will be a silent auction, cash bar, and raffle.

For more information, call 828-505-3440.

Cinco de Mayo Adoption Event

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue and over 15 other rescue groups are holding a “Cinco de Mayo Fiesta” adoption event this weekend.  The event will take place on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at PetSmart at 150 Bleachery Boulevard in Asheville. 

Banfield will provide discounted $20 microchipping for your pets.  At the event, you can also learn a lot about the organizations in our area who help animals.

For more information, call Brother Wolf at 828-575-2699.

Rescue Mommy

The Great Debate

Gracie has eaten Castor and Pollux organic dog food for some time now.  She had skin issues when we adopted her, and the food helped clear them.  Like most manufacturers, though, the company has on the “grain free” bandwagon.  While you can buy the dry food in the regular formula, I can only find the grain-free version in the wet food. 

This is a problem.  The grain-free version seems to be oilier than the regular formula.  Gracie’s stomach has been bothering her more frequently than normal.  I decided to investigate other brands.  As usual, I turned to the Internet for information.

Oh my goodness!  If you want to worry about every little thing, go to the Internet.  I read about chemical exposure and saw pictures of rotting meat used in pet food.  Some folks recommended Brand X while others said it was horrible.  A lot of people like grain-free food for animals with sensitive stomachs, yet Gracie’s stomach would disagree.

I even read a lot of opinions that the best diet is a homemade diet.  People talked about using organic chicken and vegetables to make delicious food for their pets.  If you can afford to do that and are willing to consult with your vet about the nutritional composition, that is fantastic.  Unfortunately, we do not have unlimited financial resources.  We will buy her the best commercial food we can afford.

In the end, I decided to go with Blue Buffalo Basic.  It contains ingredients you can actually pronounce.  It is not cheap, but she is a small dog.  A can will last several days in the fridge.  I will keep you posted on the results.

The Internet is a great resource.  Keep in mind that it is filled with opinions, including this blog!  Sort through the information and make the best decision you can.  Good luck!

Rescue Mommy