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Get Ship-Shape With Gabe!
"I wanted to a go on a cruise, but they said I was too heavy to walk up the gangway. DFW Dachshund Rescue is going to get me into ship-shape!" Gabriel is a handsome black and tan dachshund who was surrendered to our program in late June, 2007. Gabe should ideally weigh about 16 pounds -- he currently tips the scale at a whopping 24 pounds! Obesity in pets causes many problems including arthritis, diabetes, disc disease, respiratory difficulties, high blood pressure and heart disease. Excessive weight is especially dangerous for dachshunds, as they are prone to develop intervertebral disc disease ('slipped disc'). Carrying extra weight increases the probability that they will develop this painful and often debilitating condition. Gabe needs to lose one-third of his current body weight - it's quite an aggressive goal. The first step is a consultation with the veterinarian. Always begin any weight loss program with a consultation with your vet. They will be able to evaluate your dog and recommend an appropriate diet and exercise plan. For more information on the health risks for overweight dogs, click here. For information on how to initiate a weight reduction program for your dog, click here. Gabe tips the scale at 24 pounds. He has a chest measurement of 22 inches and a waist measurement of 18 inches.   Gabe realizes he has a rough road ahead of him... but he has dreams of being slim and trim.  There's not much daylight under Gabe's belly at the moment, but just wait until he's finished his diet and exercise program. He'll be courting the ladies on that cruise ship in no time! Here are a few more "before" photos of Gabe.    Ideally, Gabe should be just slightly larger than his friend, Lacy.  After discussing Gabe's situation with the veterinarian, his DFW Dachshund Rescue foster Mom is feeding Gabe a reduced amount of his current food. He is fed twice a day and is NOT allowed to "free-feed". Gabe gets only a few tiny treats during the day to reinforce good behaviors. He gets NO table scraps. Gabe takes walks around the neighborhood twice a day and plays in the yard with his foster siblings. Gabe's weight loss program - Day 7 - June 30, 2007 Gabe has lost 2 pounds so far! He's down to 22 pounds, and has the beginnings of a tiny waistline. Hooray, Gabe!  Gabe's energy level is higher and he is able to go on half-mile walks now without panting. He's able to play with his foster siblings and is now able to trot after the ball when it's thrown.  "WOW - I think I might be able to fit into the life preserver now. Maybe that cruise will be a possibility after all! I hear they have a FABULOUS midnight buffet... uh, and state-of-the-art exercise facilites." Gabe's weight loss program - Day 14 - July 7, 2007 Gabe has lost another pound and now weighs 21 pounds, and he has lost two inches off his waist! We expect him to continue losing about a pound a week - that's a safe weight loss rate.  Gabe is becoming much more active and really enjoys playing with his foster siblings, now that he's able to run to keep up with them. He played chase with a bouncing Kong toy for 10 minutes. He would have played longer but his exercise is limited to short periods as his cardiovascular system strengthens. Keep it up Gabe. Gabe's weight loss program - Day 25 - July 18, 2007 Say "Hello, Handsome!" Look at that dapper dachshund! Could it possibly be the same Gabe we've all grown to love? YES IT IS!  Gabe now weighs less than 20 pounds. He has a little farther to go on his diet but the results so far are amazing. His foster family can see a huge difference in the way he feels and acts. Gabe is much more active and joins in whenever his foster siblings start to play. He's going for longer, more frequent walks around the neighborhood, plays ball for a longer period of time, and can actually RUN. Keep it up, Gabe - your goal is in sight. And could you please pass the carrot sticks? Thanks. Gabe's weight loss program - Day 32 - July 25, 2007 Breaking news - Gabe was adopted in late July! He's almost down to his ideal weight and anxious for his forever home. Gabe will have another dog as his "exercise buddy" so he should have no trouble maintaining his new physique. Congratulations, Gabe! |