This post is sponsored by Wellness CORE Natural Pet Food. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
Let me set the stage: fall is in the air in Colorado! The temps are dropping, leaves are turning color, and we even saw a bit of snow in the high country this past weekend. It’s prime leaf peeping season and since the color dies so quickly here thanks to the elevation, Will and I try our best to maximize quality time with the yellow-leaved beauties. We didn’t have time last weekend for a full-weekend assault, so instead, we grabbed Tals and headed up to nearby Silverthorne for an easy day hike.
We were returning from our four-mile jaunt, basking in the sunshine and reveling in the golden hillsides. Tals was hot and tired, but doing well. She had on her lovable puppy grin that tells me she is having the BEST DAY EVER. She was visiting with random hikers on the trail, sniffing their pant legs to say hello, when another hiker bent down to give her pets. While scratching on her ears, he looked at me and said, “Pretty fat dog. You hiking her to work off some of those pounds?”
PC: Will Rochfort
Y’all, I was angry. You see, we’ve been working hard on Tally’s fitness. I touched base with y’all back in July on the topic, but Tals has put on some weight. The proper glucosamine and arthritis medication {Rimadyl} has been incredibly helpful, but I was concerned about the effect on her liver and kidneys. Rimadyl is known to be hard on the organs, so I took her in for some blood work last week to make sure it wasn’t affecting her. Luckily, her readings came back “disgustingly normal” so she is good to go! I’m super thankful since the Rimadyl has made an incredibly difference in how she moves. No more creaks and hobbling around after walks; I’m beginning to see the old Tals return!
This is what happens when you try to have a photoshoot: Tiger, my parents’ dog, gets involved!
I’ve also spent a lot of time dialing in her diet. She is still a happy sponsored pup and regularly enjoys her Wellness CORE Natural Pet Food. I’ve actually used a FitBark to figure out how many calories she specifically needs per day, and she gets her Wellness CORE allotments split between breakfast and dinner. The 34% protein keeps her full and–I imagine!–tastes good. She gobbles the meals up crazy fast but always shows her happy face once done eating. The food has been great since she is a finicky eater; she isn’t so finicky anymore!
Note: CORE dry dog food was recently named a “Best Dog Food” by Dog Food Advisor!
To top it all off, she gets two walks every single day: one morning and one night. Ever since her blood work came back normal, we’ve also begun incorporating easy hikes and jog-walks back into her routine. Her new food combined with the meds and uptick of exercise has been incredible for her. Will and I both notice a happier and more energetic dog returning. And while she is still chubby, the weight is slowly coming off. She has lost two pounds since late July; it’s not all of the weight, but it’s a start.
So you see, it bothered me when Mr. Rude Hiker comment on her appearance. To me, it was unnecessary, especially since we were already out there hiking….clearly doing something about the problem. I mulled over it for awhile and finally decided to chock it up to a concerned citizen. Regardless of that, I’m happy about her progress and am psyched we found a routine that seems to be working for Tals.
And our new goal? Now that she is down to 70 lbs from 72 lbs, we’re working our way back into the 60s. Will and I are shooting to get her weight in the 65-67 lbs by Christmas!
Tally’s Wellness CORE Natural Pet Food has been a huge part of getting Tals back on track. Not only is the food tasty {or she seems to think so anyway!}, but it’s good for her. It’s grain free with the first ingredient being deboned turkey. But, you don’t have to believe me; want to try it for yourself?
Wellness CORE is offering one reader a care pack to try the doggy products out! Included in the starter set will be some CORE dry food, CORE wet food, and some Air Dried toppers {which Tals LOVES.}
Want to win? Leave a comment below and let me know why your pup needs to try out some new food!
Giveaway closes Friday, September 30 at midnight.
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