The Incredible Shrinking Canine

EDD and I both visited the dentist this week. My visit was fairly uneventful and included a cleaning with no additional work needed. I think maybe that's the first time in my life I've gone to the dentist after a couple of years and not needed additional work.

EDD went for a cleaning but hers was a little more involved. She was put under anesthesia and came home with pain pills and antibiotics. The vet's office even gave us "before and after" pictures so we could adequately appreciate the amount of plaque that was removed. Just the improvement in her breath alone made the procedure worthwhile.

The high point of EDD's visit to the doctor came when I asked them what her weight was. As you might recall, EDD was pronounced "obese" this past summer. She had ballooned from 46 lbs to 54 lbs in one year, no doubt due to her diet of weekly hot dogs and as much dog food as she could inhale. So I took on the task of limiting her intake. Sure, she cried every day to let me know she was hungry after she had eaten her doctor-approved 2 cups at breakfast and dinner and she wanted more. And yes, she gave me sorrowful looks from under the table when we ate hot dogs and she no longer received hers.

But I am happy to report that it was worth it. By November, she was down to 50 lbs and today she came in at a newly svelte 48lbs. Only two more pounds until she reaches her goal weight!

While I am happy at the new leaner EDD, I don't think she is. Probably because when you're a dog and you lose weight, your dog and cat friends in the neighborhood don't come up to you and ask "have you been working out?" and the prospect of going shopping for smaller clothes doesn't really excite you.