On the Mend, Making Healthy Changes Against My Will

Sometimes, it takes a team of healers to help you to feel better. As a result of the good care I received, I am happy to report that I am feeling much better and eating with gusto.

After two weeks of eating just dog food and no snacks, Doc is adding one thing at a time to see what was causing my stomach to get upset. This week it’s those yummy Milk Bones ( I sure hope those aren’t what was making me sick.). In addition to treat restrictions, both Doc and I were surprised when Dr. B told Doc I was a little too fat. We both looked at her with surprise when she said I had a little fat belly and that I no longer needed 4 cups of dog food a day since I am almost fully grown. I later told Doc we should get a second opinion on that, but she said no, we were going to follow doctor’s orders.

Now I understand why humans complain about changes their doctors tell them to make to improve their health. Our brains are kind of lazy and resistant to change and we all hate giving up on some of the things in life that bring us pleasure, even if it isn’t good for us.  Doc talks a lot about quality of life, and she says that is what keeps her motivated to make heathy choices the majority of the time. Even she has her moments when she chooses pleasure over health. Doc said her grandfather always used to say, “Everything in moderation.”  He lived to be 97, so he must have been on to something.

Since Doc controls my food intake, I really don’t get a vote, and she really doesn’t give in when I try to manipulate because she has good boundaries and wants the best for me, so I guess I’ll just go with the flow.

For now, I am thankful I am feeling better and Doc is no longer stressed about me being ill, so all’s well in our little world. Thank you to all of you that showed concern and checked in on us. Knowing that people care helps with the healing process.