NEW YEAR'S REVOLUTION

This is more of an issue for pet lovers (including ME) than for their pets. It is far, far easier for me to lose a few pounds than to put my adorable cat, or dog, or horse on a diet.

As you can observe, Bubba is a big boy. We guess-timate (don't want to actually KNOW) that he must weigh in the mid-teens. Of course, we reason, he is very tall. And long, he is very long. Perhaps I should be more worried about how wide he is. I fear bringing him in to the vet. I know what he will say. I will get the verbal smack-down. He will tell me of how I am damaging Bubbie's life. Risking all kinds of problems. I will feel guilty and like a bad pet Mom. So what is my problem?

This lack of discipline is resting squarely on my shoulders. Bubba is so sweet, so cuddly, so persistent and so relentless in his pursuit of his favorite food, raw liver, that I eventually cave in. So, while there are very few good cat trainers, there is one VERY EFFECTIVE human trainer- Bubba. He has me trained to provide that which he craves when he craves it.

So the question is: Why is it so hard to put the pet on a diet? For me, it is a "quality of life" thing. I figure, all he really cares about is his food and his person petting him, and food (mentioned twice for a reason).

Perhaps I am living vicariously through him? I can't eat whatever I want, so maybe I am living "la Vida loco" through him.

Maybe my own discipline has left me none for the pets? This probably isn't true, as I was able to be disciplined with my kids.

Perhaps I am practicing up for Grand kids? I don't really want to be one of those Grandmas that completely ignores my own kids' wishes about what their kids eat or do. I want to be a cooperative and respectful Nana.

Well, whatever the reason, I am turning over a new leaf. Bubba is officially on a diet. We will help each other be more disciplined. I will think of his health first before looking into those lovely green eyes. I will weigh him and keep weighing him until he is at a reasonable weight. He is going to eat less and fewer times (after all, he can't open the fridge himself). He will "adapt and survive" and so will I. Summer is coming and he can watch birds out of the window. Maybe I'll get him some more catnip. He''l think of something else to do besides EATING.

I'll keep you posted- it takes a long, long time to lose weight. But the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Or one less bite, depending on your point of view.