Oliver the Wonder Dog

Oliver the Wonder Dog

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Oliver's Weight Loss Plan of 2011



Happy New Year! We would like to introduce you to Oliver's Weight Loss Plan. Her name is Sugar Rae! Yes, we are insane! Sugar is our foster boxer mix puppy.

Austin Boxer Rescue put out a plea before Christmas that all the
foster homes were full and dogs were at risk to be euthanized. We have such a soft spot for boxer mixes. But this little one had been found in San Antonio and there was no foster room at the inn. So here she is. She is posted for adoption on Austin Boxer Rescue, but I worry because she is a mix, probably with a ......sigh.


So far she has been wonderful. It took a few days for the dogs to get to know each other--but Christmas eve, they were integrated and have been playing ever since! Christmas day, Sugar decided to chew on neighbor Mike's slipper--Oliver is in LOVE!!

Sugar gets spayed on Thursday--whew! She had some skin issues, but after a pricey trip to the vet today--she is on her way to wellness. She is such a snuggle bunny! The girls love her and now that she learned to jump on Libby's bed--ruh roh Scooby!

So, Why a weight loss plan for Oliver? He has become quite the couch potato with Leslie, and gained over 10 lbs this year (and no, the sofa is not missing). His hip dysplasia is aggravated by the extra weight--so let's cut down the food, add a puppy to play with and voila--He has started losing weight. But OH, what a sneaky devil he is!! The trash can is now up permanently--he keeps grazing in there (with Leslie right behind him), any stray paper towel or tissue--down the gullet. A recent backyard pickup discovered hair boingy's again in the yard. But the worst?? Jessica's dirty diapers! AAAUUGGHH! All 3 were involved--and after cleanup came the night from hell. Oliver didn't just lick diapers--He consumed them, the wipees, the blue pads--and how might I know this? 2 1/2 hours of it coming back up, and up and up! Instant weight loss plan! Between puppy pee & poo, Oliver vomit and multiple rolls of paper towels, carpert cleaner and tossed blankets--I lost my mind. All I wanted a margarita which is NOT on my weight loss plan. Boo Hoo!!

But yes, I brought it all on myself and at this point, Joe and I are just laughing so hard we cry! What a journey! It is actually been a good distraction from all the mess with Jessica's health right now. She went to geneticist before Christmas and the last test before a muscle biopsy came back negative. She had a really high blood pressure--that was a first. The bone density came back showing severe osteoporosis. Her sodium just won't stay up--we are up to 18 cc's of a 14 percent sodium chloride solution every day--That is a LOT! So now I am facing multiple specialist appts. and more tough decisions.

Who could blame me for wanting an entertaining Sugar and Oliver show? Leslie thinks this is all crazy! But we are smiling for the most part--and that will get us through the next Oliver moment!!