It’s fair to say food might be the most beloved thing in the world.
From sweet desserts to savory bites, there is always something to satisfy a craving. And if dogs could cast a vote, they would no doubt agree.
Our furry companions are almost always ready for a snack, no matter how small. The problem is, many of them do not know when to stop. Even after polishing off a full bowl, they’ll gladly keep eating if more is offered.
While that behavior may come across as funny or even endearing, too much of it can create serious health risks.
A Family With A Big Heart
Doug Bishop lives in Virginia with his wife and daughters, and together they have made caring for animals a central part of their lives. The Bishop family has a long history of opening their home to dogs in need, offering them love and safety.
So far, they have welcomed nearly 35 foster dogs into their care. Their 10-acre property in the Virginia countryside provides plenty of space for rescues to run and heal.
Among their current companions are six adopted dogs, a mule, and three horses, all rescued. Their latest arrival is Rosco, a Beagle Foxhound mix who required a little extra attention.
After losing his previous owners, Rosco spent several days alone. But beyond simply needing a home, he needed urgent help with his health. He tipped the scale at a staggering 103 pounds.
Putting A Plan In Place
Before Rosco could be matched with a forever family and enjoy a better quality of life, he needed to lose weight.
As soon as the Bishops brought him home, they set out a plan to help him. Daily walks became part of his new routine, starting short and then gradually getting 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 his extra roundness might appear cute, the weight was putting his health at risk.
“We do know he has a heart murmur and elevated liver values that we hope will get better with weight loss,” Bishop added.
The family’s goal is clear: help Rosco slim down to around 65 pounds through a combination of gentle exercise and healthier eating habits. Encouragingly, they are already noticing improvements.
Helping Pets Stay Healthy
Making sure pets remain at a healthy weight is one of the best things owners can do to keep them both happy and active. Carrying too many pounds can lead to joint pain, mobility issues, and even shorten their lives.
When dogs maintain a proper weight, they not only feel better physically but also get to enjoy life more: running, playing, and simply being joyful.
That’s why regular vet visits, proper nutrition, and daily activity are all essential.
As Bishop summed it up: “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.”