It’s safe to say food might just be the greatest thing on earth.
From sugary treats to savory bites, there’s something to suit every craving. I’m certain our furry pals would back me up on that.
They’re always eager for something tasty, even the simplest of snacks. But sometimes they don’t know when to stop. Even with full bellies, they’ll keep munching as long as their bowls aren’t empty.
While that can be adorable, it can also bring on some real problems.
Big And Round
Doug Bishop is a remarkable man living his best life in Virginia alongside his loving wife and daughters. The Bishop family has a deep affection for animals and a touching record of giving them a second chance.
Since 2015, the Bishops have opened their home to nearly 35 foster dogs.
Their spacious 10-acre countryside property provides a haven for these animals. Among their furry residents are six rescued dogs, a rescued mule, and three rescued horses.
Their most recent arrival is an adorable Beagle Foxhound mix named Rosco, who needs a bit of extra care.
After losing his previous owners, Rosco was left alone for several days. But more than a new home, this pup needed a major health intervention—he weighed in at 103 pounds.
Time To Get Moving*
Before Rosco can find a permanent family and enjoy better health, he needs to drop some pounds.
As soon as they brought him home, the Bishop family made a plan to help him meet his fitness goals. That included daily walks that gradually became longer.
“He spent the first few days and nights just sleeping and adjusting. Since then, he’s been much more active and greets us at the door and happily wobbles around the house,” Bishop said in an interview.
Although Rosco’s extra fluff is endearing, carrying that much weight is dangerous, and he’s already facing health concerns.
“We do know he has a heart murmur and elevated liver values that we hope will get better with weight loss,” he added.
Their top priority is helping Rosco reach 65 pounds through a consistent but upbeat routine of exercise and healthy eating. So far, they’re seeing encouraging signs of progress.
Keeping Pets Fit And Healthy
To keep our pets lively and content, it’s important they maintain a healthy weight.
Extra weight can cause a number of issues—joint pain, limited movement, and even a shorter life span.
When we help our pets stay in the right weight range, we not only protect their physical health, but we also help them enjoy life fully by running, playing, and just being happy.
That’s why exercise, good nutrition, and regular vet visits are vital for keeping them in shape.
“If anything I post saves another dog’s life, then mission accomplished. The end goal is empty shelters, and we try our hardest to help that! At the end of day, I enjoy making people laugh and that’s all I ever try to do. If I can be someone’s joy in a tough moment, great,” he concluded.