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Hernando Today

Killing Your Pet With Kindness

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 8, 2008

"The World's Fattest Pets and Me." That was the name of a recent television broadcast by the English comedian and broadcaster, Mark Dolan. Dolan literally traveled to several cities around the world in search of the world's fattest pet. I was dismayed to learn that his first stops were here in America. Not that I am unaware of the fact that many American pets are grossly overweight, but this brought home how prevalent it is.

Dolan's first visit was to Mr. John Flynn of Peabody, Mass., whose dog Hercules (a Mastiff) held the Guinness Book of Records as the Largest Dog in the World at 282 pounds when he was only 3 years old. Granted a Mastiff is a BIG dog, but the standard is a 200 pound limit for Mastiffs. That's 82 extra pounds of dog!

The excitement displayed by Dolan at the anticipation of meeting this over-weight dog was quite apparent. He arrived to meet Hercules, only to discover that he had died 18 months previous. I found this very sad, but not surprising. The dog was only 4 years old when he died. Flynn explained it as a 'back problem.' I would have a back problem, too, with 82 extra pounds! Rather than grief, Flynn was puffed out and proud of himself at having had the 'record breaking' dog and being 'famous.' Poor Hercules never had a chance.

The next visit on Dolan's list was to a Pet Fest in Phoenix, Ariz where low and behold, they actually have the "Fattest Dog Contest" among others. Several dogs participated; most of them just larger breed dogs of normal weight, but then along waddled Sammy, a beautiful Beagle who weighed a whopping 88.9 pounds. His owner was quite proud as they admitted that Sammy is under veterinary care for health problems as a result of being obese. According to the veterinarian Sammy is three times the size he should be.

While our pets love to eat and love us for all those special treats we provide, they will love us even more for the time shared on a long walk through our neighborhood or a fun game of chase the ball in our yard. Cats are more sedentary in our homes and their diet is a key factor in controlling their weight.

Pets are not meant to be overweight any more than we are. They are smaller than we are and it is a terrible strain on their bone structure, their lungs and their hearts. According to The Pet Center over 40 percent of the pets in America are overweight. Our pets count on us for their well-being and we have an obligation to monitor them for a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. We grieve when we lose them too early in life, but what are we doing to ensure a prolonged and healthy life?

Do not kill your pet with kindness. The next time they turn those big brown eyes on you for a tasty treat, grab the leash and go for a walk instead. You will both be happier and healthier for it.

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