Dieting With My Dog, and Peggy Frezon

Peggy’s two children had grown, moved on to their own lives. Kelly, her spaniel-dachsund, helped to fill the empty-nest void that she and her husband must now adjust to. It was still a difficult transition, though, especially for a mother who works from home as a writer.

When Peggy realized that both she and Kelly were overweight, and the resulting potential health implications for them, she set out to create a healthier lifestyle – for both her dog and herself. Along the way, not only did she lose 40 pounds and Kelly 6 pounds, Peggy discovered much about our relationship with our pets. She shares it all with us in her book.

Dieting with My Dog is Peggy’s first book, detailing that wonderful journey. The full title, Dieting With My Dog; One Busy Life, Two Full Figures…and Unconditional Love, says it all on what the book is about. Peggy’s favorite saying, “If your dog is overweight, you’re not getting enough exercise”, says a lot about Peggy. She is a down-to-earth woman you would want to get to know.

Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with Peggy, about the book and about what it took both her and Kelly to lose weight. Now, I’ve never been a person who needed to be concerned about dieting – unless you consider the reverse, needing to gain weight – so I wasn’t even sure what would be involved. My friend Deanne, however, was full of questions for Peggy! Deanne is more like the average person, so she knows the struggles you face when attempting weight loss. I was happy to pass on her questions to Peggy.

I wondered how difficult it was to attempt a diet with a dog. Chester tends to be overweight, and quite frankly, CindyLu’s been getting a little pudgy lately. I’ve changed Chester’s food in the past to one of those weight-loss formulas, but it never really did the trick. Then again, I’m quick to offer treats, and don’t measure his food. Peggy told me that “For Kelly, the weight came off easily as long as I stuck to the plan. But it isn’t always easy.”

That I can relate to!

I asked her a few more questions…

Did you find that cutting back portions or changing the food itself worked better for losing weight? Was this the same for Kelly as you?
We did some of both. If I had to pick, I’d say portion control is most important. I was feeding Kelly “one scoop” but it turned out that my scoop was four times the amount she needed. Now I measure her food. We also have learned to substitute healthy snacks like baby carrots for high-calorie cookies.

We have multiple pets at our house; the dogs tend to help themselves to the cats’ litter box “snack bar” (yuck).  It would seem to be simpler without other pets around – did you find you had unique challenges restricting Kelly?
When we first got Kelly, we also had a yellow lab. Kelly would eat all her food, then clean our lab’s food bowl, too. So I understand your predicament. Our biggest challenge is late-night snacking! Kelly starts pestering me for a snack around 11pm! She gets quite persistent, too. (Boy, do I understand that one, having CindyLu here!)

Please, please help us with suggestions for treats. I think I’m more addicted to giving them than the dogs are in getting them! Is it okay to still give them treats while they’re dieting? If so, what?
Oh, yes! We must still have treats! After all, I still want treats, too. Okay, here are some ideas for healthy dog treats: bananas, pumpkin, apple slices (no seeds), popcorn, rice cakes, frozen green beans. And also, we buy mini teeny-weeny dog cookies that are made with wholesome ingredients. It’s fun to browse the pet shop shelves, there are many good options and the ingredients crack me up. I just got some small treats made with turkey and cranberries for Kelly!

(Between Chester’s food allergies and CindyLu’s “particular taste”, I’m often at a loss for what to give them for treats – even with most of what Peggy suggested. She told me about a recipe that is absolutely  perfect. The dogs love it! “Tuna Tasties”, from Jodi at Kol’s Notes. Jodi, by the way, offers many fabulous recipes. This one is great for me – minimal effort in the kitchen, maximum results. And Peggy was right, they’re great treats, the dogs will indeed bug you for more!)

My friend, Deanne, would like to ask –
“Typically, a good way to train dogs, retain their attention is with treats. Same thing with husbands 😉 How does this change with dieting with your dog? What is the major motivator for training?”
lol, so true, food is a wonderful motivator. The key with treats is to count them into your dog’s total calorie intake for the day. Of course, I’m not suggesting that you count calories for your dog, that is no fun even for people. But just be aware. Maybe you can use turkey for a training reward instead of something more fattening, like cheese. I’m not sure what would work for your husband.

“I would love to lose at least 10-15 pounds (both me and our dog, Snickers). Is there an easy way to do this?”
Easy? Nope. Especially if you are no longer under 30 or 40 years old. The most difficult part about dieting is that it is never “done”. Even if you are lucky enough to reach your goal. You have to keep dieting or the weight will come back. The good habits of eating healthier foods, smaller portions, and exercising are a lifestyle change. And I struggle with that. 

“Walking our dogs, especially active ones, can really be a good workout in itself. With winter coming on, walks will be shortened or completely curtailed for many of us. Have you found other activities that would be good substitutes, for both us and our dogs?”
Yes! I like to chase her down the hall and around the house! My other favorite activity, and this works for dogs but not so well for people…is to throw a tennis ball up the stairs. She runs up and retrieves it and runs back down, where I grab the ball and throw it again. She thinks this is great fun. Then, after, you can use the treadmill or go to the gym for an hour for your own workout. (I like the gym because once I get there I have to do something. Whereas, I can ignore the treadmill or elliptical machine in my house.)

I also was wondering…
When people face a challenge, perhaps particularly in changing their habits, they often find it easier to do it with another person – friend, relative, coach, etc. Would you say that Kelly filled that position for you in your dieting?
Without a doubt. Kelly and I became diet buddies. And, Kelly’s enthusiasm for taking walks motivates me to get out and get active.

I have to ask – who had a harder time dieting, you or Kelly? Why?
Me. Definitely. Kelly hasn’t learned how to open the refrigerator or scoop ice cream yet. 

Peggy’s inspirational book is on sale now – pick up your copy at Amazon, Amazon, UK or Barnes and Noble!
You can find her at Peggy’s Pet Place, Facebook and Twitter.

Dieting With My Dog is uplifting, insightful, fascinating…a story unique, yet universal, in how our pets play such important roles in our lives.
Congratulations, Peggy and Kelly, for achieving your goals – and becoming healthier in the process!

Now…about the kids coming home for Thanksgiving….