Rizzo's Green New Deal

The Riz Man

A few days ago, Allissa -- who is visiting with us for the week -- and I took Rizzo to Pet Supplies Plus for his routine bath and nail grooming session.

There was a new face behind the counter, belonging to a kind person named Olivia. Although she was not acquainted with Rizzo, Olivia greeted him warmly and did her best to comfort him (he is most anxious at such times).

Having dropped Rizzo off, we made a trip to the dentist where I was scheduled for a cleaning which should have taken place in March but was postponed.

Allissa was shown to a spa room where she sat in a big massage chair and was given a cozy blanket. How I wish I could have changed places with her.

That chore done, we returned to PSP and retrieved my beloved canine unit, whose coat was newly glossy and whose claws were now professionally ground down to active length.

Not that he's active.

Chow Down

And therein lies our tail tale.

You see, Rizzo has gained weight.

Last summer, he and I walked every day. Until the day he refused to take another step.

Now, if I put his harness and leash on him, he balks in the kitchen, before we even get out of the door.

Don't get me wrong: Rizzo loves to go outside. He'd stay out there all day. He just hates to walk.

I suspect he may have some hip pain, which cannot be helped by the extra pounds he's carrying.

The Luck of the Green Bean

So, many months ago, I switched him to a weight-management kibble.

It has not had the desired effect.

As we were chatting with Olivia and preparing to go on our way with a deliriously happy Rizzo sporting an apple-green party scarf, she mentioned that he could stand to lose a pound or two.

I agreed and explained our dilemma.

She advised cutting his kibble ration by half, and filling in with green beans.

I was astonished; I'd never heard of such a thing.

Floor Exercises

Olivia assured me that it was perfectly safe -- carrots are a good option too -- and that, in the absence of his full ration of dry food, the green beans would help Riz to feel full.

Later that day, having deposited Rizzo back at home for a nap and made spaghetti sauce for the evening meal, Allissa and I went to the grocery store to fill in a few blanks on that front.

I bought Rizzo several cans of cut green beans. I hadn't researched Olivia's advice yet, but I figured that if Google wisdom revealed green beans to be toxic for dogs, we could always eat the Double Luck Mixture of Short Cut and Cut Blue Lake green beans ourselves.

(It's double lucky that I love green beans.)

Later that evening, after we had spaghetti, I researched green beans for dogs as a means toward weight loss.

Olivia was one hundred percent correct. 

Lean and Green

As long as you take care not to give the dog too many green beans at a time, and to be aware of his sodium intake, the vegetable is a good substitute for missing rations in a reducing program.

I couldn't wait to put a fourth-cup of green beans into Rizzo's bowl the next morning, along with a third-cup of his kibble.

Do you want to guess what his reaction was?

Let's just say, green beans are Rizzo's new favorite thing.

As in, he scarfed up every last green bean and left kibble in his bowl to enjoy later.

I'll keep you posted on how successful we are at making Rizzo more svelte. I think you'll agree that we can hardly make him any handsomer.

In other news -- and speaking of handsome -- here is a picture of our Andrew with baby Ember, who is now six months old.

Daddy's Little Girl

Because Andrew and Brittany moved to Knoxville in February (Andrew is preparing to go to pilot school for two years, after which he'll fly the KC-135 tanker for his unit based at McGhee-Tyson Air National Guard Base), we haven't seen much of them in recent months.

But last weekend they were finally able to visit.

We had a few sunny days lounging by the pool and playing with our baby, who is actively teething but was a pretty good sport about it, all things considered.

And then there is Dagny, who used to be six months old -- yesterday? -- but on Sunday will turn six years old.

Dagny Clare

If that doesn't make you feel as though we're hurtling through time at a faster clip than ever before, I don't know what would.

We're having a party for her on Saturday, with a blanc-noir theme and cookout food and cake and popcorn and cotton candy and balloons and swimming and presents and everything.

All of the guests have been asked to wear black and white. The birthday girl will be the one in the pink poodle skirt.

I'll be sure to share some pictures next week.

Meanwhile, keep your chin up. Eat your greens.

God is in control and no matter what else changes, He never will.

And that is all for now.

=0=0=0=

Happy Wednesday

Comments

[Mari]

Oh Rizzo, I feel your pain! I don't like to walk either and I could also stand to lose several pounds! I should substitute green beans for my kibble too.
The picture of Andrew and Ember is just the best. He's always handsome, but don't you think he looks even better holding a baby? Ember is adorable!
How can Dagny be turning 6? It was just last month that we were waiting for her to arrive. What a joy she is! Happy Birthday sweet Dagny!

[Jennifer]

@Mari ... haaahahaa me too on the green bean front! If only I substituted them every time I wanted a slice of cake. Yes the boy is handsomer than ever as a dad. He sure is proud of that little one. Brittany is glowing too, loving motherhood. And Dagny is ... well, she's Dagny. What else can I say? xoxo

[sally]

Pretty Rizzo, pretty baby, pretty Dagny, handsome Andrew. :)

Six years old already? Well, I shouldn't be surprised, my great grand Hunter Emilee is FOURTEEN already! :)

xoxo

[Jennifer]

@Sally ... Whaaaaat? Hunter is 14? That truly is hard for me to believe. I think she was six when I began reading your blog! Amazing. Love you friend xoxo

[Barb]

I'm catching up with you. I used this veggie strategy for my Golden because she was a food hound and as she got older and couldn't exercise as much, she needed less food (but wanted more). Actually, kind of like me... I hope Rizzo is still enjoying his veggies. You can also use some mashed, canned sweet potatoes (low sodium). I loved seeing baby Ember with Daddy and 6 year old Dagny. They grow so fast - glad you're enjoying them and spending time with them. Now I'm wondering why my dentist doesn't have a spa room. I'm also behind on my teeth cleaning because of the virus. I'm going to delay a little longer. I sent your "Chatter" video to Bob. Did you listen to the Candace Owens video right after it? An interesting one, too. Our town is full of tourists again, so Bob and I are keeping a low profile. Snow is melted (finally), my perennials are coming up, and wildflowers are starting to bloom. I hope you aren't battling the heat. Stay well. Hugs from CO.

[Jennifer]

@Barb ... Yes, Rizzo is still chowing down on the green beans! He has lost an ounce or two, I can tell. I will have to try the sweet potatoes next, to give him some variety. I was behind on my teeth cleaning schedule too so I was glad to get that chore done. No I did not notice the Candace Owens vid after the one I posted but I will for sure watch it now. Love me some Candace. I'm glad the tourists are back and that the weather is lovely. We have had the most beautiful spring and summer weather in anyone's memory. It has been a blessing during these strange times. Hugs back to you my friend. xoxo