MEADOW LAND WEEK 2: THE RETURN OF "CRAZY DOG"

WEEK 2

Another week has passed and not much seems to have changed for the people in my world; they keep getting up, feeding me, going out the door and then coming back home again.  But this new breakfast they’re serving me is quite delectable.  Each morning as they scoop the tasty morsels into my bowl, the intoxicating aroma wafts past my nose and I’m overcome with the urge to speak.  I must tell them to hurry, so I bark.  I bark incessantly, knowing that it will make them move faster.  They oblige me because, of course, I rule the household and they must obey my every command.  I dive into my bowl with the speed of a race horse, tempted to swallow it all in an instant, but wanting to savor every bite.  Mmmmmmmmm!  A yummy way to start my day.

I don’t know what my people do with their days, but mine are very productive.  After my morning meal, I usually saunter over to the deck door where I can sit and watch the birds and squirrels go merrily about their day.  Sometimes I can find just the right spot on the floor where the sun is shining and that’s where I’ll settle in.  After an exhilarating morning watching the wonders of nature, it’s time for a nap.  After all, a girl needs her beauty rest!  Usually I sneak into the girl’s room and get myself up into her bed where I bury myself deep into her downy covers and stay there until the family comes back home.

And then all of a sudden last night I felt the urge to do “Crazy Dog.”  Are you familiar with the game of Crazy Dog?  It’s the one where you gather up all the energy you can, take a deep breath and run in circles throughout the house.  I was impressive this time; reminiscent of Secretariat leading the pack in the Kentucky Derby!  I made about five circles on my chosen path…and then reversed it, all the while making a low growly sound that I think my people really like because they laugh at me when I do it.  Hey, it’s been a long time since I’ve done Crazy Dog.  I really feel good; could it be that the new food in my bowl has given me this renewed sense of vim and vigor?  

MEADOW LAND

Meadow, pictured with her owner, the General Manager, Patti Kreitler, begins the Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge. Meadow would like to see what all the hype is about!

It’s 6am and another day is dawning here in “Meadow Land.”  As I gently lift my head from my snuggly slumber in my little dog bed, I hear the Dad going out the door, so it must be time for me to wake somebody. Who will it be today?  The Dad is already on his way to work, the big tall boy could sleep through a nuclear attack, the Mom is a little bit on the slow side, so I think I’ll wake the girl since she usually gets up quickly without too much grumbling.  Up I spring (well, my springing up days may be over, but I’ve still got some gusto!) and dash into her room.  “Arf,” I deliver right in her face.  “Arf!” again.  “Arf!” again.  I NEED FOOD, PEOPLE!  Is there a stir?  Is one eye starting to open?  Yes…here comes one eye, then another.  She gazes at the clock and then back again at me.  And then the pause…will she get up, or will she drift back to sleep?  I stare harder, knowing it just has to help.  I see her take a deep breath, and then no movement.  I must intervene.  Now with all my might, I lift my body up to her bed and give one more “Arf!” so close to her face that she could never resist my request.  AND SHE’S UP!  The day has begun!  Life is good!

Before going any further, let me tell you a little bit about Meadow Kreitler, Princess of Morristown, New Jersey.  My earliest recollection is being in this thing called an animal shelter.  I was confused about why I was there and when I’m concerned or nervous, I have a tendency to spin.  Now this is not subtle spinning.  When stressed, I turn into a virtual whirling dervish!  The nice shelter people recognized this interesting trait of mine and secretly named me Dizzy, but openly referred to me as Daisy which they felt sounded nicer.  They labeled me a Pomeranian, but anyone who looks at me can easily tell that I’m really a Volpino Italiano, a breed from the same family as the Pomeranian, but a much more prestigious pedigree!  When my mom laid eyes on me, it was love at first sight…for me and for her.  She took me home, renamed me Meadow after a character she watched on the Sopranos and I joined their family.  I watched as the boy and the girl turned from children into grownups and joined them in all of life’s milestones.

Oh, and by the way, did I mention that I like to eat?  No, actually, I love to eat!  I live to eat!  I think food time might just be my favorite part of the day.  So after my quick trip to the backyard where I nicely take care of business, I slide across the kitchen floor to my usual spot.  But what do I see?  A bag I’ve never seen before, what can it be?  I’m nervous.  I feel a spin coming on…I’m not sure what’s happening …. spinning has begun!  The girl scoops deep into the pretty bag with the long name on it and I hear the food drop into my dish.  It sounds good, it smells good, I sure hope it tastes good, too!  I’m not sure about this….change is not my favorite thing…oh well, here goes….

HOORAY!  I like it!  It’s good!  No, not just good, it’s absolutely yummy-licious!  A veritable party in my mouth!  I know it’s going to be a GREAT day!

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

 We are at the end of the 28-Day Eukanuba Challenge. It was a positive experience for both Tori and I.  We are noticing a slimmer, more active version of Tori.  My daughter’s friends were over the other day and hadn’t seen Tori in a while and they both asked, “Did she get her hair cut or lose weight?”   We know she didn’t have a haircut, so to our delight others are noticing a difference as well!  

Regardless of changing Eukanuba formulas, Tori’s enthusiasm for food has not altered or waned one iota as breakfast and dinner continues to be one of her favorite activities. The best thing about Eukanuba food is the quality and Tori’s willingness to eat it. It makes you feel good when you can provide the best for your pet.We will definitely continue to feed Tori Eukanuba and test the different formulas as she moves through life and her nutritional needs change. 

The best part of this challenge was that it made me stop and think about my dog’s nutritional needs.  I slowed down to notice some of her eating habits and it challenged me to think about her overall health and fitness moving forward so she that can the healthiest, happiest pet possible.

P.S.  Tori finally got the hang of the treat toy.  She is now running all over the house swinging it around to get her kibble as a reward for all her hard play.  Mission accomplished!