No One Body Shames My Pug!

As a health promoter I am very well versed in all the ways my profession body shames people through the messages of weight loss, "healthy" eating, and exercise.  I'm ashamed of my profession because of this.  However, I didn't expect that this public shaming would transfer to the dog world.

A pic of Pete enjoying some thinking time in a field of flowers with his many friends.

Over the course of the last six months, I have experienced strangers body shaming my dear sweet dog in public! The first came from what I can only describe as a crazy pug lady who felt Pete was so overweight "I was killing my dog" (direct quote from Crazy Pug Lady).  It didn't take me long to explain health and fat were not causal, Pete's diet was whole and limited, and his exercise regime active and off leash.  The next came from a woman at the dog park and the final one came from a man that Pete took a disliking to anyway.

Now I realize Pete may enjoy the odd snake in between meals (i.e. a bit of salmon, pork, or veggie) but he certainly doesn't eat processed junk food.  I also realize that even a tiny portion can add pounds on a pug...that's why we see so many "overweight"pugs around.  I just find it interesting that not only do people feel it's okay to body shame a person, but this shame is now moving into the dog world.

At any rate, I know Pete eats the healthiest meals, gets 2-3 walks per day and time to run in the forest.  He is loved, massaged, praised, cuddled, and adored by me and my family....so all you body shamers out there can stick that in your reduced calorie, fat free, sugar free, gluten free dog treat and suck it!

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Pete hanging with his peeps (and dog walker) in the van.  He gets three pack walks a week and a lot of time to socialize with his buddies.  His dog walker, Scott, is a true dog whisperer!

The Morning Ritual

Like all dogs, and many humans, schedules (a.k.a. rituals) maintain a health balance and piece of mind.  Pete and I have a definite ritual that includes getting up before any human should get up (5am), go for a morning walk, sit on the porch after returning and proceeding to give Pete a back massage before going into the house for breakfast.  After his meal, we head upstairs and Pete gets up on the bed and messes up all the pillows before settling into place and watching me get ready for the workday.

There are many pictures I have of Pete in the pillows, but this one takes the cake.  It's an award winner and makes it so hard to go to work.

Poster boy for staying at home under the covers.

This one is a "pre walk" pic.  Sometimes it takes Pete a bit of coaxing before he actually gets up.

To Wear a Sweater or Not Wear a Sweater?

When I was dreaming of become a caregiver to a pug, I have to admit that the thought of dressing him in cute little outfits was exciting.  From his Halloween customs to down filled jackets, the options were endless when I finally met the pug of my dreams, Pete.  It didn't occur to me that he wouldn't be as excited as I was when I bought him his first sweater.  It was a hand knitted grey pull over with a huge heart in the middle with the word "Mom" in it.  I was near tears when I first squeezed him in it, and so was he. He didn't look too happy to say the least.  So ended my dreams of dressing him like the real baby I never hand *(don't feel sorry for me...I am self-defined as "childless by choice"...I'm just saying').

That didn't stop me from trying new outfits as I came across them.  Maybe this one would be the one he liked or that one.  I stopped once I saw that he had more of a wardrobe than I did.  So now it is snowing like a son-of-a-bitch outside and the temperature is dropping below zero (this is traumatic for those living on Vancouver Island...we aren't used to this extreme cold).  As I prepare to walk him I wonder...should I force him to use his sweater or not?

Many vets suggest that if the breed of dog has an undercoat and a layer of protective fat he should be fine. Pete definitely has an undercoat and, not to body shame him, he has that layer of fat to keep him warm.  But when I go walking I notice many other dogs wearing their parkas or their booties and I get a little concerned....am I not taking into account the needs of my beloved Pete? Am I torturing the poor guy by allowing him to go out into the snow naked? These are questions that remained unanswered and will hopefully work themselves out as we go out this afternoon in the snow for another walk.

In the meantime...check out his cute outfit!

Although you can't really get the true beauty of this sweater by looking at this pic, you may be able to note a hint of anxiety in Pete's little face.  He was in and out of this one in no time.