Harvey and I got our feelings hurt.
Last week when I posted my list of favorite projects of 2010, I posted this photo.
Under which I said that Harvey was the cutest, fattest dog ever.
Harvey was in this whole photo shoot eating constantly as he is known to do.
I had one comment from an anonymous reader that said:
"Loving your house and decor. Doggies so cute
but please don't keep them fat -
you're killing them with kindness".
I rarely get my feelings hurt and pretty much let everything go...but this stung.
I love my dogs more than anything in this world.
They are the VERY most important thing to me.
All my dogs are at a healthy weight except Harvey.
He over eats and he doesn't move very much.
That is who he is.
I do not feed him buckets of ice cream and donuts.
It's very hard to control the eating of one when all the others are doing fine.
That said, I did buy diet food this new year.
I feed my dogs the highest quality human grade dog food I can find.
They snack on things like kidney beans, green beans and carrots.
They do get the occasional hamburger but so did my last weenie dog who lived to be 17
and was thin her whole life.
Anyway...I am perfectly aware that Harvey is overweight just as I am aware that I am overweight.
We are working on it. I didn't need someone to act like I was a bad dog Mom...because I am not.
My comment that he is the cutest, fattest weenie ever did not mean that I think he should be this size.
I just love him no matter what size he is as I would hope someone would me too.
Harvey is not fat...he's FABULOUS!
We are both working on being less fabulous in the new year.
46 comments:
Ugh, fat shaming. It's no fun whether it's aimed at us or our beloved pooches. I'm sorry someone did a crappy comment drive-by. Your weenies are so clearly some of the best loved and cared for dogs I've seen in a long while!
My pooch is a total fatty, but she doesn't get all that much kibble, and pretty much zero people food. Our vet had us reduce her food, but she's still fat and now tries to eat everything (the sandpaper being the absolute weirdest. A nice medium grit, even.).
I'm gonna so try the kidney beans for her though, she's getting so so on green beans.
Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry you and your magnificent Harvey had your feelings hurt.
I say F'em!!!!!
Love,
S
xo
Oh Nita, reminds me of my Beagle, Happy, when I was a little girl she was a cutie pie and her few extra pounds did not keep us from adoring her!!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Harvey is luvin' life!
The vet told me Bailey is overweight because he can't feel her ribs easily when he pets her. He said the number doesn't matter, but you should be able to feel the ribs. I was told to put her food in her bowl, which is only half a cup to a cup a day and see if she leaves any in the bowl. A few times she has. I give her one greenie a day and half a chicken jerky for a treat, but that is it. I think she just doesn't have a good metabolism like me. I am over weight, too. Always have struggled with it and the older the more spreading there seems to be. Harvey may have a slow metabolism, too. All dogs are different. Give Harvey a hug!
my Bella is my other child since we weren't able to have a second. I love her so much, and she's getting on the overweight size (so my vet says) but I thought pugs weren't skinny little things anyway!
I get my feelings hurt more when someone says she's so ugly she's cute. :(
I purposely named her Bella- "beautiful"! Harvey is adorable, I'm glad you're a fellow furbaby mama.
My dog, like yours to you, is everything to me!! And just like with children, mama knows best. Don't frett abut it.
I feel your pain. Maybe I'm extra touchy about this subject because I was fat growing up and got all kinds of grief about it, but there is a time and place to MYOB and discussing someone's weight (human or canine) is at the top of that list. Honestly, in this day and age can't we assume that everyone knows the dangers of letting a pet get overweight? Too bad there's not always such a simple reason or fix for it. No need to leave chiding comments about it when you can assume it's something the owner's already aware of.
I am sorry some hurt you and Harvey's feelings. That is one thing that worries me about my blog. Most people are warm and friendly but...it is only human nature. You could be like me, my vet thought my dog was a little overweight so I hired a dog walker because I am sometimes gone 15 hrs day....now the vet thinks heidi is too skinny!! too bad I did not walk with her......have a great day with Harvey!!!
Oh Nita...I'm sorry about someone giving Harvey that comment. Harvey is cute no matter what size he is. My Maxx often gets called a fatty too, but I don't care, he's still cute to me. Some people (unlike dogs) just don't know when to shut up!
-marie
That is awful that someone said that to you, and anonymously too! My black lab is a little thick in the middle and people always have to say something about it too. I just tell them he takes after me, his mama! Harvey is wonderdul just the way he is and so are you!
~Trisha
Oh honey! Don't listen too much to that person. Only you can know how much you love your little sweetheart and how much you do for him.
I have a small dog which the vet says is in need of a little weight loss. He's a big eater also, I've switched to a diet mangement type food, he get plenty of fitness yet he still needs to lose weight. Which doesn't seem to be happening. It's a work in progress.
There is only so much you can do, his happiness is what's most important.
Well I am amazed that people leave personal comments like that. Geez. Just click and move on to the next blog please. You know I think you are fabulous and I know you are a wonderful mom to those dogs. Don't stop writing about them either or think of her comments the next time you go to snap Harvey, I want you to keep writing and thinking the way you have been. That person is out of the club!
My dog Gin Gin gets called fat all the time. People say her head does not go with her body. Harvey is well loved and cared for. Your a great doggy mama!
Nita, I've been there. You know that I work at a vet clinic and one day someone asked how much my Blue weighed because they thought he looked HUGE. I thought we had been really active, running around playing in the snow everyday. So I weighed him and his wt. was 174 lbs. I just started crying. Then they started in on me about his joints and how unhealthy all that weight was and..... long story short, the cup I was using to scoop up his food was actually a 2 1/4 cup so he was getting 10 cups a day plus treats. Now I measure carefully, he gets 6 cups, treats broken in half (and the occasional waffle) and he's down to 154 lbs. Right after all this, my little Ruby was growing into a roly poly but I was VERY careful with her food. No one believed that I wasn't over-feeding her. So I MADE them run a thyroid blood test on her and we found she had a thyroid problem! Now she takes her pills and has dropped weight and seems happier.
I'm sorry someone was so quick to judge and hurtful to you and if someone if going to be an ass, they should at least own up to it instead of being "anonymous".
I think that you are very in tune to your dog's health issues and you always do the best for them!
XOXO - Cindi
Just take a look at those eyes! My Bonnie, gone since last May, was overweight. Clyde is a stick. Genes, honey, genes. I know. Nothing wounds me faster than someone thinking I don't strive to be the best pet mom in the world. I know you are!
Brenda
harvey is flippin adorable. i hope that the diet food switcheroo goes well, but like you said, your other dog ate whatever she wanted and was thin. just like people (as unfair as that is!)
Harvey can't help his weight and you are doing the best you can to keep him healthy. Just like people, some have slower metabolism and it is much easier to gain and harder to lose. We have one dog who is a bit overweight and he eats the same as our other dogs. I don't know why she felt the need to admonish you without knowing any of the circumstances around Harvey's weight. She probably felt she was helping so I don't think any malice was meant. Poor Harvey. I hope the new food helps. Maybe I should try it for myself, hee hee.
I have a fabulous Chihuahua that cries at the pantry door. We finally had to turn a deaf ear to it. I love both my girls as much as you do all of your Weenies. You will do what ever it takes to take good care of your own dogs. So don't let other's judge you. Who's to say they even own a pet. Harvey is a doll baby. You are very lucky Weenie mom to have such sweet weenies! God Bless and a Big hug to you and Harvey!~Ames
*And for the person who so rudely insulted her, haven't you ever heard the old saying "if you don't have anything nice to say about someone don't say anything at all?" Those who cast stones live in glass houses!~Ames
Harvey is 'precious' and you are a 'great dog-Mum'! It's hard not to share the good food with our pups when they look up at us with their big, dreamy eyes. It's always one bite for me, two bites for you, and a wee nibble for you too! Don't let your feelings be hurt ... we can never please everyone! xox
Oh my! It is amazing what people say. I've had some hurtful comments but then had to check myself. Why would I focus on one negative comment out of 100's of positive ones? But we do that.
I don't get why anyone would care about Harvey's weight. What is his life expectancy anyway? That reminds me of when my hubby worked in a nursing home and had 90+ year old patients put on restrictive diets. If you live to be 90, who cares if you eat a slice of bacon? Put things in perspective and let Harvey have a life. He is who he is. Give him a cupcake and a hug from me!
A devoted reader of your blog here -- I know exactly what you mean when you say it's hard to control the diet of one animal when the others eat just enough. It's the same with my cats. I have to feed them in different rooms but they always find the other servings food. Every doggie is different, and that comment was rude and uncalled for!
Hey lady, you are not a bad doggy mom! Some dogs are prone to being overweight and it takes time and patience to get those extra pudgies off! I've worked around animals for some time and know it can be hard especially if you have more than one. Have you asked your vet for any further suggestions? Has he run tests to make sure it isn't a thyroid or diabetes issue? There are just a few things that can cause excessive weight gain. Just a thought!
I LOVE the pics of your Weenies! I LOVE ALL ANIMALS! I know how frustrated it can be! But know that we know you love your babies!
Hugs,
Tara
Seems like a lot of us are working on getting less fabulous (at least in that special way :)). Getting parenting advice, unsolicited, is one of the most annoying things ever and can be very hurtful. I say just keep up the good work with Harvey, he may lose some or stay the same but at least you know you've done your very best for him.
I've seen several blogs over the holidays that have had hurtful comments left for them. You know what's interesting, they always post under 'anonymous'!
Your dog isn't fat, he's just short for his weight:) Dogs don't have that many pleasures in life nor do they have outrageously long life expentencies at the best of times so let him eat, drink and be merry!
I have two dogs that are overweight. They have to be on a special diet because they get crystals in their urine. The food puts on weight. As much as I would love for them to be thinner, I have to weigh the risks from the crystals. One of my dogs has already had to have surgery stones in her bladder. I don't want her to go through that again.
I'm sure the commenter meant well, but I think that it was better left unsaid. It's really not anyone's business but yours. As someone who always has to explain why her dogs are overweight...I truly appreciate people keeping their comments to themselves.
So mean! Some animals are just fatties, and they can't help it. Our cat has always been overweight, and even the vet-recommended diet didn't do anything to change it. She was a fat little kitten, too. WE know you are a good doggie momma!!!
Your pup is a cutie and I don't know why someone would post that as a comment on a blog when they have no idea of the medical background or circumstances. My motto is if you don't have anything nice to say then you shouldn't say anything at all.
If there is ever a concern like this, then the reader should send a private email, with their name, of course and info on how they might help.
Sounds like you are doing the right thing with the diet food, that works wonders and helped my older golden(who lived to be 15!)
Green beans are great too--they fill them up without hardly any calories.
Hugs,
Mary
Nita,
We have a beagle in the same way. All dogs are different with metabolism, etc, just like us. Your a good dog momma. :)
xoxo
I think Harvey is adorable. I'm sorry his and your feelings were hurt.
Wow, how weird that I read your post just TODAY after receiving almost the exact same lecture from our vet about my lil rotund loveable JRT, Sissy. So sorry that both our feelings were hurt. Mine is also on a special diet that we adhere to strictly. I think we just do have a tendency to "spread" out as we age....sigh, wish it weren't so!
I think Harvey is adorable.
Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
hi nita,
you know everyone is an authority on something! your doggie is exactly what he is and he looks damn happy to me. i'd love to be one of your dogs! i've gotten a few mean comments too, but they are aimed at me so i know how it hurts. i know it comes with blogging but geeez some people never learned the old adage if you don't have something nice to say...
chill people.
xo
janet
I am sorry that both you and Harvey were hurt as a result of a thoughtless comment.
If you are not willing to put your name on something you write you probably should not be writing.
I love reading about the weenies. From the number of comments you have received I am not alone.
Traci
I love dogs but I was looking straight at the pottery in that little house like structure...fabulous colors. Love to Harvey and to you...positive thoughts...!!! Dawn Suitcase Vignettes
Oh, I'm so sorry your and Harvey's feelings were hurt! :( That is no fun at all.
It is evident that you care very deeply for your puppies and that they are well cared for.
Please don't let this stop you from being open about them and posting about them. What would Oliver do??
It's VERY OBVIOUS from your blog that you are a GREAT MOM to your "babies." Unsolicited, unthoughtful comments, meant to be helpful advice, should not make you feel this bad. You are a giving person (obvious from the way you share your life with us in blogland) who takes great care of her children. You should see my cat...he's ginormous...he makes the Harvey man look tiny...really, he does! Chin up...smile...tomorrow is another day...spent with your pup pups!
Awwww. He's adorable. Here's hoping there a little less Harvey in the coming months! LOL! Good luck, Harvey!
I can tell, Nita, that your puppies are your babies and that you absolutely adore them. I love hearing your stories and seeing photos of all of them. Harvey is a doll! I am so sorry someone's comment hurt your feelings. You are a great mother to them!
I feel so bad that this hurt your feelings. You always leave such nice comments on my blog and it makes me sad that you got hurt. Don't take the words of a hateful person and feel bad, it's hard I know. We all come in different shapes and sizes and I know because I have been them all. Chin up, positive thoughts.
It never fails to boggle my mind at what goes through someone's head before they leave a comment like that!
Glad to see you have so many devoted followers who can tell you not to listen to such mean spirited words.
Love your terminology about being "less fabulous"---makes me smile every time I think about it.....
Awww! Nita, I'm sooo sorry. I'm sure that the comment did hurt your feelings. It would have hurt mine. We should always think about how the other person will be affected by what we say. I'm sending you a great big, comforting hug - right through the screen! ;)
Blessings,
Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com
Hi there Nita,
She probably meant well and did not realise it would upset you- but I would find it a bit cheeky id someone would write this to me !! - you know best for your dogs and I am certain you are a lovely dog- mummy who is very caring.So forget it !!Don't even think about it twice!!
Oh my. I'm new to your blog and wandering around when I found this post. My feelings would have been hurt too. I have two dogs, which are by their nature very thin. Which, by the way, is the exact opposite of me. In my mind, one of them is too skinny and I'm trying to put some weight on her. It's almost impossible, given the multiple dog situation. I can so appreciate how hard it would be to try to get one to lose weight with multiple dogs. And by the way, I too struggle with the weight issue and I'm working on it.
I'm loving your blog!
- The Tablescaper
This post made me so mad! Harvey is just a sweetie...and I have one that guards the food bowl ALL DAY and would eat ALL DAY too. Luckily, she is not overweight, but if she was "fixed" I am sure she would look like Harvey.
Dachshunds usually in my experience do have weight issues. I am sorry someone was so rude, and did not even have the nerve to show their face.
Hugs to you and Harvey, hug that sweet pup for me!!!
I know this is an old post but I'd like to drop in my two cents.
I don't think that person was trying to hurt your feelings, she was concerned about the welfare of your dog. Dachshunds have enough back problems at a normal weight, being overweight puts his spine in a lot of danger. So it's a perfectly valid concern. Perhaps she didn't word it in a helpful way though, so let me try...
My cat was abandoned for a couple months before I adopted her and because of that would wolf down any and all food available. She ballooned up pretty fast and was rather lethargic and unhealthy. (not to mention was puking all the time from inhaling her food) Now I have a strict feeding schedule, 4 times a day, to make sure she's getting just the right amount of food for her size. She is healthier and happier and I'm more than willing to put in a little extra work to keep my fur baby in good shape. (and have a LOT less cat barf to clean up)
So perhaps a regimen like this could help your pooch!
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