SHAKEROur Shaker was a real treat. I am not so sure that she enjoyed her big car ride and multi-dog snifferoo, but she came through it without much kvetching. Shaker had to be surrendered because the toddler in the family had developed a nasty allergy to her. Her owners were distraught at parting with their girl, but it had to be done. |
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When I met Shaker, I was on the road, with Jake in tow, who was enroute to his new home. Jake was as rude as could be to Shaker, but, eventually, he shut his mouth and went to sleep. Shaker, on the other hand, was huddled on the front seat floor -- squished into a tiny spot, because Shaker was a bit on the chubby side. |
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Shaker's owners had made the same mistake that so many other loving owners make. They loved Shaker right into a weight problem. At only five years old, she was about 10 to15 pounds overweight, and for her small frame that is dangerous. Her owners provided a boatload of dog food...a brand I had never heard of before...but, I think I can assume that the cheaper the dog food ...the more crap it has in it. Dog food is never, ever a good place to scrimp, because poor nutrition will bite you in the wallet when the dog reaches his/her senior years. Overweight dogs can develop the same diet-related health problems as people, from diabetes to arthritis, and you can shave years off of your dog's life by serving cheap dog food supplemented with table food. So, our mission with Shaker was to find her owners who would pay appropriate attention to her diet and exercise program and reduce her weight. I had been talking with Robin and Glen of New Hampshire, and they seemed to be perfect for Shaker. She went up to meet them recently, and she has settled in beautifully. Here are Robin's reports: |
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January 5, 2005 Denise, Wanted to touch base and let you know how Shaker did last night. She had a real good night. She slept on our bed at the foot of it. She stays very close to me, wherever I go. I am about to take her out for her morning walk. She is WONDERFUL... I spoke to my sister in NY last night and told her we had gotten Shaker through animal rescue and she was so excited. Thank you so much. We will be sending you pictures of Shaker in the near future. She does have a very wonderful personality. She is adorable. Thanks, Robin |
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January 6, 2005 Denise, Shaker is doing wonderfully. She is becoming more at home. Today she barked when she thought someone was coming in the door. She is more playful and happier. She is not crazy about the food. I guess she likes the old, canned food better. She has been having carrots today. We have taken any of the snacks that are high in fat and gotten rid of them. She does like her walks and being outside. Thanks, Robin |
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January 19, 2005 Denise, I wanted to touch base and let you know how Shaker is doing. She is doing wonderful. She seems very happy here. She is spoiled as far as getting attention. She has a new friend named Howie (my son's beagle). She has been groomed and will be done every 7 weeks or so. She is such a princess. She isn't crazy about being dirty(mud!!). She is wonderful. Thank you so much for allowing us to have her. Robin
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