Your Best New Workout Buddy...Your Dog!

Compared to their scavenging ancestors, most dogs today are couch potatoes! They get their food for free and are often home alone and inactive for most of the day. This lack of purpose leaves dogs no outlet for their naturally active tendencies—physical and mental—and it can contribute to the development of behavior problems.

Problems that may result from lack of exercise and play:

• Destructive chewing, digging or scratching
• Investigative behaviors, like garbage raiding
• Hyperactivity, excitability and night-time activity
• Unruliness, knocking over furniture and jumping up on people
• Excessive predatory and social play
• Play biting and rough play
• Attention-getting behaviors like barking and whining

Daily exercise will:

• Help to reduce or eliminate the common behavior problems listed above, such as digging, excessive barking, chewing and hyperactivity
• Help to keep dogs healthy, agile and limber
• Help to reduce digestive problems and constipation
• Help timid or fearful dogs build confidence and trust
• Help dogs feel sleepy, rather than restless, at bedtime or when you’re relaxing

Exercise has so many benefits for you and your dog! Looking to be more active this summer? Your dog can be your best work-out buddy. It's a win-win for the both of you! Unlike a friend who might bail at the last second, you pup is always eager to get outside and be active with you. Studies show that dog owners are almost 40% more active than non-dog owners. Just be sure to not push your work-out buddy too hard, especially in the summer heat!

To honor the Women's World Cup, Morris Animal Inn will be hosting a FIFA Fit Camp June 8-12,2015 for dogs who are looking to increase their fitness endurance or just looking to burn off that extra energy during the work week. Activities will include warm-up cardio activities like stair work-outs, treadmill trots and trail runs, a championship soccer game in group or private dog play, and cool-down activities like swimming or a nice massage. Find out more information here. 

Lastly, PetMD offers many ways to be active summer and have fun with your dog! Whether your dog prefers a nice long walk or splashing and swimming, there are endless options to enjoy together. Be sure to consult your veterinarian for more ways to keep your pup safe and in shape. Happy exercising!

Source: ASPCA

Take a Hike! Tips for Hitting the Trails with Your Dog

There’s nothing like a nice, long hike with your dog. Cooler fall days make for perfect hiking weather, meaning there is no better time than now to take to the trails. There are, however, some precautions that you should take in order to make sure you and your pup are safe. Here are some essential tips that you should follow whenever you bring your pooch hiking or on a long outdoor adventure.

Make sure that your dog is wearing an ID tag: If your pooch runs off, proper contact information is crucial. All ID tags should list the following things:

• Pets name
• Your cell phone number
• Additional contact number 
• Hometown: This way, if your dog is lost, anyone who finds them will know how far your dog is from home.
• Medical issues and/or medicines: If they are lost and no one can contact you, this is vital information for whoever found them to know.

Make sure your dog is in good physical condition, and respect your dog’s limits: Start small and work up to bigger hikes..

Find a good, dog friendly trail: Some hiking trails aren’t dog friendly, including a good amount of trails in National Parks, so do your research before you go.

Hike during the cool parts of the day: Morning and late afternoon or evening are the coolest times of day. Your best bet is to get on the trail as early as possible so you aren’t walking during the midday heat. 

Pack plenty of water: Dogs don’t sweat, so they will need water to keep them hydrated throughout your hike. Stop frequently to give your dog water breaks and remember not to let your dog drink from ponds, lakes, streams or any natural bodies of water you may come across. These are breeding grounds for bacteria that could make your dog sick.

Bring a properly packed hiking kit: It’s always good to carry items that your dog may need while on a hike, including:

• Treats: Always have rewards for your dog easily accessible. Whether you’re passing an aggressive dog, a person who doesn’t like dogs or another animal or stimuli in the woods, treats are an easy way to get your dog’s attention and distract them.
• Water: So important, it’s worth mentioning twice! Make sure your pooch stays hydrated throughout the hike.
• First Aid Kit: First aid kits aren't only for humans! Trails are full of sharp rocks and sticks that your dog may not be used to walking on.  A kit will help provide temporary care in case of emergency.
• Air Horn: Should you get injured or need assistance on your hike, an air horn is always good to have on hand to get the attention of nearby hikers or rescue teams. There is also research that shows air horns may ward off curious bears, so especially for hiking in New Jersey, which has a high black bear population, carrying an airhorn is always a safe bet.
• Cell Phone: Your phone is essential on a hike not only for safety, but for a lot of great apps with the ability to show you trail maps and track your hike. 

Ask permission before letting your dog approach anyone, humans or dogs: Not all people or dogs are friendly, so it is always better to be safe than sorry. Even if your dog loves everyone, it doesn’t mean that everyone will love your dog.

Make sure your dog isn’t eating plants along the trail: Keep an eye on your dog at all times! There are plants in the area that can be poisonous to pets if ingested. To prevent any issues, it’s best if your dog doesn’t eat anything found in the woods on your hike.

Prepare yourself for ticks and fleas, and check your dog after your walk: Make sure you thoroughly check your dog after every walk in order to make sure they are free of tick and fleas. If you do find them make sure you treat the problem right away.

Pick up after your dog! Just because you are in the woods doesn’t mean you don’t have to clean up after your dog. If your dog eliminates, pick it up. Leave a clean environment for future hikers and their pets; many dog diseases are spread through feces, so it’s best not to leave anything behind.

Following these simple tips can mean a safe fun hike for both you and your pooch. Remember to use your best judgment on the trail and to always pay close attention to what your dog is trying to tell you. Safe hiking!

Source: ASPCA & REI 

Fit & Spa Retreat: A New Year's Resolution for Pets

Losing weight and getting in shape are popular New Year’s resolutions for humans, but what about for your pet? With pet obesity rates on the rise in the United States, at Morris Animal Inn we believe now is as good a time as any to get your pet active and moving. Help your dog start 2014 off right with our Canine Cardio Fit & Spa Retreat!

From January 13-17, your dog can join us for a day, a few days or a week of fun, fitness and healthy eating. From treadmill trots to nature trail hikes, our fit camp is designed to help promote active lifestyles, plus a bit of relaxation.

After a swim in our indoor pool or a run on the “stair-muttster” with our staff, pets will participate in Doga, or dog yoga, sessions to stretch out tired muscles. We will also offer group and private playtimes, agility courses, canine massage sessions, healthy homemade treats and much more to kickstart 2014 as a happy, healthy year.

Our fit camps are specifically tailored to each and every pet participant. We make it our goal to help pets who might need to lose a few pounds on their way to a healthier weight by offering fun activities to get them motivated and moving.

Each day participants will be sent home with a healthy snack recipe and fitness-themed gift so owners can continue the healthy routine at home. Pets who attend all five days of fit camp will receive a full report card at the end of the week with starting weight, ending weight and other statistics about their week of fitness and fun.

Whether you have a pudgy pooch or your pet is fit and full of energy, this year’s Canine Cardio Fit & Spa Retreat is a can’t miss event for 2014. Call us at 973-539-0377 to reserve a spot for your furry friend today.

October is National Pet Wellness Month

October may be filled with fall festivities and Halloween costumes, but this month also celebrates pets with more than just the image of a dog howling at the moon. As National Pet Wellness Month, October is a time for reevaluating your pet’s health and preventing disease. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) offers tips for considering your pet’s wellness this month in order to keep them healthy all year round.

Make sure your home is safe for your pet. Pet-proofing your home is important whether you have a new pet or have had pets for years. There are many everyday objects (medicines, pesticides and some household plants) that can prove poisonous to our pets. Go through your home to be sure that all potentially harmful objects are out of your pet’s reach.

Schedule a veterinary check-up. Just like with humans, it’s important that you pet visit the vet more than just when they are ill or injured. Having a regular physical can help ward of diseases by getting routine vaccinations and allowing your vet to look for any signs of potential health problems.

Consider your pet’s diet and exercise routine. Dog and cat obesity can lead to extensive health problems as your pet ages. Speak with your vet about what specific foods and physical activities are best for your pet to help extend and increase the quality of their life.

We are excited to encourage pet wellness this month at Morris Animal Inn, where the wellness of our pets is a priority every month! You can take steps towards giving your pet a long and healthy life by taking these safety precautions and bringing your pet to Morris Animal Inn for daily activities and healthy treats. Our Canine Fitness Program, which was recently featured in The New York Times, offers healthy snack options like yogurt and vegetable parfaits and high levels of physical activity like dog treadmills, swimming sessions and stair climbs. Call us at 973-539-0377 to join us in recognizing National Pet Wellness Month today!

Belle's Final Days of Canine Fit Camp at Morris Animal Inn

What a wonderful journey it has been at Morris Animal Inn! It was a commitment I made to be healthy and fit and I did it. Now I need to continue this journey even after my last day of fitness camp.

I have to admit that I was a little sad to leave the program because I had one-on-one counseling, support, new friends, great workouts, met my Valentine named Leo...hmmm... but at the same time, I think I am ready to continue this on my own. Being at Morris Animal Inn gave me a jumpstart to good health. I recommend that if you need to get healthy and fit that you give their doggie fit camp a try. Definitely worth it. If you see me running outside and rolling over, I am doing this purposely so everyone can see my new physique from my front end to my back end. :)

In case this is the first time you are checking in, my name is Belle, I am a fiesty two-year-old Bloodhound who came to Morris Animal Inn from Eleventh Hour Rescue three times a week for a month to get healthy and fit. I was at 124.8lbs but have lost more than 10lbs.

A huge thank you to all who have supported and followed me on my journey. I appreciated it so much. If I get a chance, I will stop in to let you know how I am doing. For now, wish me luck...Yeah!

   

Belle's One Month Anniversary!

It's my one month anniversary. It feels like yesterday when I walked into the Morris Animal Inn lobby feeling like my life was about to change. And it really has in a good way! Working on my fitness has been the best thing to ever happen to me! I've met so many new companions – both human and canine.  Let me tell you all about the busy week I had!


With last week being the ‘Week of Love’ leading up to Valentine’s Day, everyone has been very cheerful. The word around the Group Play Yard was that a certain canine thought I was dog-gone cute! I was super surprised when my buddy, Leo asked me to be his Valentine! I was so happy, I couldn't wait to run and tell my girlfriends! 

By the way, did I tell you that I love snow? Check out this video to see how much fun I had in the snow last week!

My training is going great! You should see how fast I am now on the treadmill! I'm still getting used to the Aqua Center but I'm sure I'll be swimming laps with Beckett in no time. 

I had a really good feeling this week when I stepped on that scale. When my Fit Camp Trainer, Lisa said that my weight was down to 118lbs, I couldn’t help but let out an energized bark! I lost 3lbs in one week! That’s a total of almost 7lbs I have lost since I first came to Morris Animal Inn! I knew I was feeling great but knowing that I was able to lose that much, makes me even more motivated for next week! I've been losing about an inch a week around my belly too; at this rate, I’ll have a beach-ready body in no time!

Are you interested in adopting me?

Contact Eleventh Hour Rescue at (973) 664-0865!

A New Year a New Furry Figure!

Alright pups the holidays are over and it’s time to hop off those beds and sweat off the pounds - or just simply stay active and healthy! With the start of every New Year come endless resolutions from people looking to try and better themselves. But why stop at just yourself when you can also help your loveable dog accomplish some goals of their own. Year after year, shedding some holiday weight ranks at the top of everyone’s resolution list and with the rise in canine obesity, it should be just as important for your dog. A huge health concern, canine obesity affects millions in the United States, but is something that can be controlled if action is taken. 

Exercise is not only beneficial to your dog’s health, but it can also be tons of fun. If you are looking for help on how to whip your dog back into shape or keep your dog moving so they are happy and healthy, look no further than your local doggy gym at Morris Animal Inn.  Canine Cardio Fit & Spa Retreat begins next week. Morris Animal Inn is taking the initiative in helping your dog stay healthy in the New Year. With highlights like doga, agility, stair muttster, swim sessions, canine massage, nature trail walks, canine treadmill sessions and group or individual play sessions, your dog will come home feeling grrrrrrrrrreat!

This program will be offered from January 7 – January 11, 2013 and is $49 per day or $199 for the week. So when you go off to hit the gym, send your dog to do the same at the Morris Animal Inn. By keeping active, you will see your dog’s behavior change for the better. With just a little work, help your dog live a happy and healthier life.

We are pleased to have Vin, as a contributing writer for If They Could Talk. Vin is a passionate dog owner. We look forward to sharing his contribution on interesting and educational pet topics.

Update on our Favorite Catahoula Mix!

Recently, Morris Animal Inn had a visit from a very special friend, Ginger. In the spirit of National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, we'd like to spotlight Ginger's inspiring journey.

When Ginger came to Morris Animal Inn in early June, she had endured a rough few months. In her home state of West Virginia, she was dumped at a shelter with one of her four month old pups. After watching her puppy be adopted, this Catahoula Boxer Mix waited for when it would be her turn to leave the shelter. Eleventh Hour Rescue came to help, bringing Ginger to New Jersey to begin her new life.

She came to Morris Animal Inn weighing a husky 91.6 pounds and measuring 30 inches around her waist. When Ginger began our Health and Fitness Program on June 4th, she loved it! Working closely with trainers Lisa and Michelle, she began to shed those extra pounds through healthy dietary changes and fun exercise activities such as agility, swim and treadmill sessions. Becoming a fast favorite of those here at Morris Animal Inn, Ginger was never too far from a reassuring back scratch which she enthusiastically returned with kisses.

On August 15, Ginger left Morris Animal Inn to stay at the Eleventh Hour location in Mount Olive to meet new potential adopters. We were sad to see Ginger leave but we knew that she would be able to meet new people that would love her as much as everyone at Morris Animal Inn does. Upon leaving, she had lost a significant 12.2 pounds and 5 inches from around her waist.

Ginger's visit in Mount Olive was brief as she was soon brought to a caring foster home. Her foster mom keeps up with Ginger's weight loss efforts and a nutritious diet. During Ginger's visit in October, she was looking slim and trim and weighing only 71 pounds. Ginger was able to safely lose 20 pounds since first coming to Morris Animal Inn! We are so proud of her success and how far she has come!

Adopting from a shelter can change a dog's life as well as your own so contact your local shelter today.

If you're interested in adopting Ginger, contact Eleventh Hour Rescue at 973-664-0865 or visit the Eleventh Hour Rescue website for more information.

Does Your Dog Like to Swim?

Did you introduce your dog to water and he or she absolutely loves the water? Or maybe the opposite...you introduced them to water and your dog just does not want anything to do with it.

Animal Planet writes that when it comes to swimming, canines generally fall into one of three categories. There are those that can swim, those that can be taught to swim and those that should steer clear of all aqueous environments.

Animal Planet explains that the low and lovable sturdy breeds like bulldogs, dachshunds and boxers do not have enough thrust from their short legs to keep them afloat in aquatic environments. Breeds that have short faces, such as the pug, also have a very hard time swimming since they fatigue easily. Small dogs such as the Maltese and Chihuahua are sometimes good swimmers, but may become easily chilled or frightened in the water, which can increase the risk of drowning.

Dogtime lists 10 dog breeds that love the water. 

Here are some ideas on how to try to make your dog like water.

Here are a few tips on how to teach your dog how to swim.

Does your dog like to swim and they are missing from the list of 10 dog breeds that love the water? I know some Jack Russell Terriers that can't get enough of the water. Tell us about others that are missing.

I'm Still Here...But a Slim, Trim, More Active Ginger

It's me, Ginger and I have some good news.... I began the fitness program at Morris Animal Inn on June 4 at 91.6 lbs and 30 inches around the waist. As of today, I am at 82 lbs and a slim 26 inches around my waist. Whoo hoo! Look at me now...

I have so much energy. If you adopt me, I will run with you, play with you, give you kisses and make sure that you know I appreciate you. If you are interested in adopting me, please contact Eleventh Hour Rescue at (973) 664-0865 or visit the Eleventh Hour Rescue website for more information. 

MY JOURNEY IS NOT OVER

My journey is far from over, in fact it's just beginning. My time at Morris Animal Inn has been wonderful. I've been fortunate enough to live in the lap of luxury with friends to exercise me everyday. I've learned the importance of fitness for canines. Yes, we can become overfed or inactive and no, that is not good! Even if it's only one walk a day for 30 minutes, it is essential to get off one's furry hindquarters and be active! If your owner doesn't have time, (we know how busy life can get) Morris Animal Inn will gladly do the work! With a canine treadmill, play yards to romp in, a nature trail, aqua center, and more, there is no shortage of physical activity here, trust me, I know! I lived it all for a month! 

Remember that healthy eating goes hand in hand! I enjoyed low-fat snacks that were surprisingly scrumptious like green beans, rice cakes, and pumpkin puree. I ate a dry Eukanuba blend for sensitive stomachs and the staff made sure to feed me the appropriate portion size (check with your vet on that one).

Overall, I lost 5 pounds and 3.5 inches from my waist line!! To put that in human terms, losing 5 pounds for a dog like me is equivalent to a human losing around 20 pounds!!  I'm extremely proud of myself!!

Last night I made my debut at Eleventh Hour Rescue's Muttini Mixer. It was really fun and I was able to get dressed up!

I'm very lucky because Morris Animal Inn is going let me stay a while longer with them. I'm still looking for that special owner to bring me home and love me furever! I promise to shower you in kisses, walk with you, play with you, protect you and love you till I'm old and grey. I promise I won't give up on you, so please don't give up on me. Will you give me a chance?

If you are interested in adopting me, please contact Eleventh Hour Rescue.

THE END OF THE BEGINNING

This week is my last week of weight loss camp at Morris Animal Inn. My, how quickly this month has blown by! 

Yesterday was a triumphant day! I went into the pool, on my own, without the help of flexi-leashes! Now that I'm used to swimming and have gotten really good at it, it has become an activity I eagerly await! I'm proud of my new-found aquatic skills! I'm a very calm swimmer, I cut through the water smooth as a fish. I feel as light and weightless as those skinny poodles I see prancing around.

Today, I started working on some basic manners training skills. You see, this Southern gal is about to make her debut this Thursday, June 28 at Eleventh Hour Rescue's 2nd Annual Muttini Mixer Yappy Hour! The Manners Program Leaders, Michelle and Lisa, are teaching me to be a well-behaved lady! I feel like Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady! I'm very excited because the theme of the Muttini Mixer is a luau so I get to wear a cute Hawaian outfit! Ooo la lei!

I'm keeping the toes on all my paws crossed that I meet my forever family at the mixer. Wish on a star for me tonight!

NOT TOO HOT TO TROT!

I'm not sure if any of you have noticed but it's been REALLY HOT lately!! Being from the south, I'm used to high temps, but I thought that by moving up north, I wouldn't have to deal with that anymore. WRONG!  The summer's are just as hot and the humidity...yuck...don't even get me started!! While I'm still going on nature walks since the path is shady and cooler, I've been spending a lot more time indoors working out.

Yesterday, Zeke and I played together in one of the indoor play suites. We jumped and danced around, chasing toys and playing tug of war! Best of all, it was nice and cool the whole time!

I'm slimming and trimming my waist-line! So far, I have lost 3.2 pounds and 3 inches from my waist line. To some, that may not seem like a lot but I'm doing it in a slow and healthy way. To put it in perspective, we can refer to an example from Dr. Ernie Ward, veterinarian and founder of The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. He says, "Every excess pound on a female Lab is equal to 4 to 5 pounds on a 5’ 4” female or 5’ 9” male."  (Check out Dr. Ernie Ward at Morris Animal Inn).

Since I'm almost the size of a female Lab, for me to lose 3 pounds is equivalent in human weight to me losing between 12 and 15 pounds. Smaller portions of healthy food and regular exercise, much like in the human world can also work wonders in our doggie world of weight loss. Three weeks down, one more to go!

Stay cool everyone and have a safe and wonderful weekend!

GINGER'S TREADMILL WORKOUT

Check me out on the treadmill! I sure can move! (And I look pretty good too!) Even when it's too hot outside, I can still get my workout on the treadmill inside their nice cool, air conditioned building.

I like exercising on the treadmill but I like giving free kisses to my awesome trainer even more! She's the best!!

Don't forget, if you are interested in adopting me, contact Eleventh Hour Rescue and please take the time to view my adoption page. I would truly appreciate that. :)

GINGER TRIES AGILITY

Today starts my third week at Morris Animal Inn. We decided to begin the week a little differently. Zeke and I went outside and tried some simple agility. With Lisa and Michelle guiding me (and some low-cal treats for enticement) I jumped over my first agility jump! It was thrilling!

With the right encouragement, I might be a natural! Zeke and I even jumped together!

After jumping back and forth, I got a little tired so I tried to sneak some treats out of Michelle by begging. I do this by putting my two front paws together while I sit on my back legs. Michelle was impressed and was not expecting that from me. I know how to get a thing or two! I'm crafty and learn things very quickly.

Next, Zeke and I cooled off our little dog feet in the kiddie wading pool and sipped from the cool refreshing water to wet our whistles. Later on, I will tackle the canine treadmill and go for a long walk on the nature trail.

Toodles friends! Till next time!

GINGER'S NEW FRIEND

This week, I made a new friend. He's a black Lab, named Zeke! He is a very sweet guy who's athletic and sporty but calm. I like his gentle nature and I immediately felt comfortable around him. He gives me my space and I give him his but we also have a lot of fun chasing each other around. We've been playing together in the outdoor play yards, running in and out of the kiddie pools getting our paws wet. The two of us enjoy going on long nature walks together and we chat about how much we want to catch the chipmunks and squirrels that dart by!

Zeke is younger than me and has always lived in New Jersey so he likes listening to my stories about West Virginia and all the experiences I've been through, having puppies, living in a shelter, traveling across state lines. Zeke tells me that he respects me as an older woman (as best he should) and that makes me happy! He tells me that he can help show me how to workout and get a fit bod like his!

Don't worry everyone, I'm no cougar! Zeke and I are just pals! Sheesh! (Don't forget, I'm spayed now!)

It's splish splash time! Aqua center, here I come!! Cowabunga!

NEW WEEK, NEW GINGER!

My second week has started off with a bang! I feel lighter and more rejuvenated than I've felt in a long time! Yesterday, I frolicked and ran around the large front yard on a long lead. We brought some of my favorite toys, stuffed pig included, and played chase.

I dipped my paws in the kiddie pool for the first time and then jumped out and rolled around on the lawn. It felt so good to wiggle on my back on the soft, warm grass! That's my version of pure bliss and happiness! What a life!

This morning I went for another swim. I'm getting very good at it! It's also nice to know that I have a life vest and two of my human friends supporting me with Flexi Leashes.

Even though it's drizzling a little bit today, I still had fun racing around the front yard again! When I get tired, I like to lay down under the shady pine trees. Ahh yes....

I'm about to hit the treadmill, catch ya' later!

1 WEEK DOWN! 3 MORE TO GO!

It's just about the end of my first week here at Morris Animal Inn and I'm happy but exhausted! I think this fitness camp is starting to work!

The weather today has been sunny, warm and beautiful! I've been relishing all my free time outside in the play yards and on the nature trail. This morning, I went outside and played tug of war with a rope toy and I ran around with my new favorite squeaker, a blue stuffed pig! Now that I'm losing some weight, I'm discovering all this extra energy! It's fun to chase and run after toys!

I had my usual morning run on the treadmill and I'm getting really good.

This afternoon was my first group play session! I'm a little bit bossy in the play yard. Next week I'm going to meet some more dogs!

My snack today was cottage cheese!! I gobbled up every last bit of it! I loved it! I will let you know more about my weight-loss journey on Monday! Happy Friday everyone! I'm pooped! (No pun intended)!

GENTLE GINGER

Don't tell anyone...but I think I'm starting to win over all the hearts of the people working at Morris Animal Inn! They always stop by to say hi to me and scratch my back. Naturally, I reward them with kisses!

My exercises have continued. After breakfast, I had my treadmill session and then I played outside with my buddy Jess again. I like running after the balls she squeaks and throws for me but for some reason after I retrieve the ball, she wants me to bring it back to her. That just doesn't make sense to me! She gives such encouragement though so I guess I'll do this a few times.  I like playing with the squeaky toys out in the yard and shaking them around, it gives me a sense of purpose.

After my treadmill and play session, I spent some time resting in my suite and snacking on my healthy treat. Today it was pumpkin puree. I'm glad they switch things up! I love being surprised by food and discovering that healthy food can be yummy too!

This afternoon I spent more time gallivanting in the play yard, exploring the play equipment and the comfortable, soft K9 grass. Right now I'm off to the treadmill for another workout! Let's see who I can kiss this time while still moving... XOXO!

WORK IT OUT!

Getting up this morning was not easy! The Kuranda bed and lambswool mat make for a very comfortable night's sleep. I could have slept in all morning! At the light of day I was brought a healthy breakfast by one of my new friends! If anything could wake me from my peaceful slumber it would be food. (I suppose that's how I got to this full figure in the first place.)
Then, another one of my friends, came to my suite and took me outside for a quick potty break. Michelle is going to be working closely with me along with Lisa and Jess to help me lose this extra weight I waddle around in. I'm so happy they will all be helping me!

First off, we started with some simple stretches to loosen up my muscles which aren't very limber. They tell me I will limber up soon the more I work with the fitness team! I can't wait! Next, I strutted my stuff on the treadmill. It took some getting used to but I caught on pretty quickly. The trick is to keep moving! But I have to say, my favorite part was when Michelle bent down next to me and I could lick her face while simultaneously walking. If I can lose weight while continuously giving kisses, I will be one happy camper. Giving kisses is my favorite thing to do! Afterwards, I got to rest in my suite with a healthy snack of green beans. For the record, green beans are quite delicious! They're no collard greens, but this northern variety will do!

This afternoon, I took my first swim ever with Michelle and Jess guiding me. The pool is heated so the water is nice and warm but refreshing at the same time. Since it was my first swim, they suited me up in a doggie life jacket which I thought really brought out the dark tones of my fur, if I do say so myself. For an extra safety precaution they attached two flexi-leashes to the strap on my lifevest. I splashed furiously for the first minute or so until I got the hang of it and then my instincts kicked in - I was doing the doggie paddle! Awesome!

Right now I'm relaxing in my suite. Swimming took a lot out of me! Later today, Jess told me she would let me run around in the play yard all by myself with her. She said we might even play ball! I'm loving this undivided attention. Well, gotta go! I'm going to nap until it's time to play. I need to get my beauty rest!