April 26 - Amazing Blue
26th April 2019
January: 104.5 lb
End of April: 97.6 lb
Total weight lost: 6.9 lb
Percentage of body weight lost: 7.2%
Target weight: 85 lb
Pounds to go: 12.6
This. Is. Just. Fabulous.
Put your hands together for:
The adoption, behavior, and kennel staff who work with and care for Blue every day.
The volunteers and shelter employees who prepare Blue's meals and make sure he gets healthy treats. (And who had to listen to his whining at the beginning about his hot dogs and peanut butter going bye-bye.)
The remarkable folks from Dogs Playing for Life, who gave the shelter staff the knowledge and tools that allowed Blue to safely become part of an active play group, something he wasn't all that sure about just a few weeks ago. An hour romping with his canine pals gives Blue more exercise then I could hiking with him for a full day.
The Interpretive Ranger at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, who took the time to meet Blue, learn about the Pound of Cure program, and who is now working behind the scenes to help strengthen the partnership between HSSC and one of Ohio's great treasures.
Summit Metroparks, which made it possible for Blue to join the Metroparks' volunteer team, helping to monitor and care for the park system's many trails and other resources while getting plenty of exercise in the bargain.
My personal physician, who provided emotional and moral support when I wanted to put a forehead-shaped hole in my wall due to my own early lack of progress. (Again, and eerily, my own weight loss, as measured today and in terms of percentage, is tracking almost precisely with Blue's.)
And, of course, all of you who have been following Blue's journey and who have contributed to the Pound of Cure fundraiser.
Speaking of which: Blue and his team have worked very hard since the snow was deep and the air was cold to get to this point. Wouldn't it be great if, as a reward, I could let Blue know by next Sunday morning, when we really are going to put that 5-mile hike in the bag, that another $500 had been contributed? If you can help with that, please click the donate button. And thank you.
We'll be back in mid-May with news about dog nutrition courtesy of a local expert, some thoughts on hiking with dogs, and much more. Also, check out Facebook every Monday afternoon for an update on Blue's latest weekend adventure.
Thank you for following along, and see you next time!
Ted
