Starting a New Week

So this past week, a LOT happened!

On Tuesday Mom had a test so we decided to try something different. Atom, Zoya, and I went with a nice lady that let us play all day with some other dogs! Usually, I don't like being around other dogs... just my family... but I think it's okay when I go to see that lady. Mom says I always behave when she's not around, but I'm not so sure.

I also got mail last week. First, my scale came! Dad was surprised the box was so big but he said it wasn't heavy. Mom set the scale up and let me try it, but I wasn't sure if I should stand or sit, so I sat... standing is a lot of work. But the thing is... I'm a little round. And When I sat down on the scale I slipped right over the edge! So Zoya tried it out first...

Mom said she will get the sticky things that make the bathtub safer so you don't slip, and she will put them on my scale so I have some traction.

On Friday, Dad came home at lunchtime and brought me a big box that had my food. FINALLY! It was shipped on 21 August and didn't arrive for over 4 weeks! But Mom said that's ridiculous because she ordered jeans online last week and they arrived in a week. I guess the mail is slow for some things...

Anyway, Dad already ordered my food through the vet here on the base, so I can now start transitioning from the other food to the new food and keep going with it. I tried it out for the first time Saturday (yesterday). Zoya and Atom tried it out too. Atom struggled a little but he always struggles because he's tiny. He gets his own small food anyway so it's not like he'll starve. He acts like it sometimes though!

I loved the food! I tastes good and it's crunchy... not too big but big enough to get some good chewing in. When you have to chew the food, it's more satisfying. When was the last time someone said "Oh, I'm so full from this Jello!" lol

So I started yesterday with the food but since Sunday is the start of a new week, let's call today the new Day #1 :-)

I'll share some more soon, about my walks, my adventure (or misadventure) at a local farmer's market, and my official weight and measurements which Mom said she will take today.

Visiting the Vet and Weightloss Update

After my walk yesterday, Dad took me to the vet on the base. This was my first trip to the vet here. When we first got here, Dad just had to bring them paperwork; no visit required.

Anyway, Mom learned that she can order the Hill's Metabolic Diet Dog Food through the vet, since it's a prescription dog food and they checked to see that they could actually get it. Since it was on the list for their distributors, they just needed to see me in order to give me the new prescription for the food.

So yesterday, I went for a walk with Mom then Dad took me to the vet before he went to work. It was cool going in the car with just me and Dad... usually it's not just me.

At the appointment I had a check-up and they weighed me....

BAM!

I am down to 44.6 pounds!

Mom was so happy because she was sure I was over 52-55 pounds a month ago. Comparing my weight to a fully-loaded BowFlex SelectTech Weight which holds 55.2 lbs. I was definitely heavier a month ago. So this is GREAT NEWS!

Dad placed an order for my food, getting me the BIG bag. The one Mom ordered in late August still hasn't arrived yet, but I'd like to think it'll arrive any day now. That one's only the medium-sized bag though, so it won't last long. Probably just long enough to transition use from the food we're eating now to the Hill's Metabolic Diet completely.

I'm still waiting on my scale too.... but I'm glad to know my weight is going down and I'm pleased with my progress so far.

Week 8 Day 2 - Diet Progress

     I'm sorry that I haven't been updating my blog as regularly as I was. I have to use the computer when Mom isn't working or studying since all the web browsers are telling me I can't update my blog unless I use Chrome. Today I am attempting to update my blog using my Mom's iPad though.

     I didn't go for a walk on Tuesday because Mom was out in the morning and it was too hot when she got back. I did go today and yesterday, though, for 30 minutes each time. I also have some pictures from last week I haven't shared yet so I will include them here.

     I haven't taken new weight and body measurements yet, but I think I will do mine when Mom and Dad take their measurements next weekend after their detox is over. I'll post my progress measurements then :-)

Should I Exercise if I Have Pain? 

     My leg started bothering me. Well, my hip, I guess. Mom said she got a video of my walking funny with my leg clearly hurting, but she hasn't loaded it to YouTube yet. When she does I'll add it to my blog so you can see too. When we got home I did not feel like going up the stairs. Mom had to come back down and get me. Sometimes you just have an off day.... But that's okay!

     Here's the thing - I know my hip is going to bother me sometimes because I have hip dysplasia and arthritis. But that doesn't mean I have to sit around and do nothing. If I don't exercise my hip and leg, even when it hurts, I will eventually be unable to use it and I will always have pain then. The muscles like to tighten up and grow lazy so even though the joint hurts, the muscles can hurt too. It's important to exercise within your limits even if you have pain. I know exercise isn't going to fix arthritis or my hip dysplasia, but exercise WILL help me deal with the pain when it comes and a little weightless will take pressure off my back, hips, and joints which will ultimately reduce the pain too.

     So I push myself a little. Not to the point of causing damage or injury, but enough to work the hip joint a little, get some fluid moving through the joint to help with mobility, relieve some of the muscle tightness, and work out some energy so I feel better through the day.

Beagle Diet Accountability Pictures


Week 6 Day 7:

My hip started bothering me a little, I just wanted to relax when we came in the door.

But Atom had other plans! 

Zoya didn't see that Mom and I turned, she just kept going the wrong way.

When she finally realized she was all by herself, she looked around and ran after us haha 

Smelling stuff...

 My workout buddy - Zoya

Week 7 Random Pics:

Sunny in the morning...

Sometimes I get sidetracked with smelling everything...

Just walking with Mom and Zoya...

I don't mind if the grass is wet from the sprinklers!

This is funny!

Zoya saw that the ground was all wet and the sprinkler was on but a little clogged or broken. 

She walked AROUND the wet spot on the pavement so she wouldn't have to touch it!

Zoya's a prima donna haha!

I walked right over the wet grass and right up to inspect the sprinkler!

It sprayed my belly and my face when I tried to take a drink!

I got a drink, though, so I won!

Jake 1, sprinkler 0! 

After the walk, there were lots of knocks on our door. We had lots of packages delivered.

I like to race to the door, just in case it's for me.

But I hurt my leg while trying to race Atom and Zoya.

So Atom was all excited about packages, but I just sat under the table because my leg hurt.

Week 8 Day 1 and 2:

Pictures from yesterday morning...

Not too sunny actually, I thought it might rain.

It was very humid... Zoya heard my panting and thought I might die haha

Not today, Zoya... Not today! 

Sniffing around...

I was so tired that it took me a long time to walk up the stairs after our walk.

Testing out some other Apps.

From this morning - Week 8 Day 2

While I was waiting for Zoya to do her business....

 

It was sunny and warm but not too hot this morning...

Sprinklers!

Even Beagles stop to smell the flowers sometimes!

Squinty eyes! Too sunny!

When I get tired, I walk closer with Zoya in case I need help to continue going haha

Exploring a bit, smelling stuff Beagle-style...

But after my walk, I could barely climb the stairs...

Mom had to come back down and walk up with me at a slower pace. 

Mom helped me write in my blog while she ate breakfast...

I want fruit too, but I don't really like it. I think I need to get used to it.

Although - I should point out that citrus fruit and berries really aren't good for dogs, and grapes and raisins are a definitely "no!" for dogs.

Accountability Pic for today!

 A little collection from my poses under this pink tree...