My name is Sasha-3/2 Weigh In Update!

3/2/13 Update: Our Sasha has lost a total of 17 lbs. As of her most recent weigh in, she weighs 70lbs. Pics 1, 2 &3 are pics of Sash at her perfect weight. She'll be at that weight shortly! She has roughly 20-22 lbs. to go before she is the weight she should be. She is such a "diet trooper" taking this whole thing in stride! What a great gal she is! For more on Sash read below!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sasha is a 3 1/2- 4 year old Boxer mix. Sasha’s story begins a little over 2 years ago as a stray, roaming the North Carolina countryside until picked up by Animal Control. She had been fostered in NC by a family with children until Fassa’s Friends was able to transport her to NJ (pictured with 2 children shows Sasha at her original weight of 45 lbs.). At that time she was placed into a NJ foster, with another dog where she successfully underwent heart worm treatment. This early exposure to both children and other dogs was instrumental in Sasha’s well rounded temperament today. She adores children of any age and equally enjoys the company of other dogs, large and small. She enjoys “down time” with her people, being pet while watching a little TV or simply snuggling next to you. She has free roam when no one is home and doesn’t touch anything but her nylabone while you’re gone. Sasha would be happiest and certainly benefit tremendously, in a home with another dog. She loves to go for car rides and play with children of any age. She is potty trained and enjoys walking.

Sasha was adopted by a great family in January 2011. Her family had to make the painstakingly difficult decision to surrender her back to Fassa’s Friends, due to a debilitating illness in the family. Our hearts go out to this family. This family shed many tears while we made arrangements for Sasha’s return. She was and is truly loved. Sasha was returned to Fassa’s Friends a little larger, actually 40 lbs. larger, just a few lbs. short of doubling her prime weight of 45 lbs. Yes folks, Sasha weighed 87 lbs. We know this massive weight gain wasn’t intentional. A pet gains weight gradually and sometimes, before you know it your pet has blown up like a balloon or as in Sasha’s case, a sausage! For several months we had attempted to work with her family on weight control, however sometimes it’s difficult for people to understand that an overweight pet though of course happy, isn’t always healthy. We know Please folks keep a close eye on your pet’s weight. Over feeding your pet is not the primary reason your pet is happy and content. Being with you, being able to depend on you, being loved and included as a family member is what your pet desires, not extra bowls of food! That being said, Sasha is now losing weight in her foster home. In just 2 1/2 weeks she’s lost roughly 8 lbs from exercise, and simply eating twice a day as opposed to all day. For snack, Sasha thoroughly enjoys a few green beans as as opposed to a dog treat! Good for you Sash!

Sasha is a happy fun-loving girl, enjoying everyone and everything life has to offer. There isn’t a mean bone in her “chubby” little body. There are no permanent medical repercussions due to Sasha’s obesity. At this time, she urinates frequently. Our vet and two vet practices her former family had visited regarding this issue had reached the same diagnosis …simply stated? Obesity, too much excess fat pressing on her bladder. Tests were also performed in December 2011 to confirm this diagnosis. Sasha had visited the vet again on 1/24/2013. Many of the earlier tests were repeated to re-confirm the test results of 2011. Yay Sasha! Her weigh-in at the vet's on 1/24/13 is under 80 lbs…79 lbs to be exact! Sasha has been eating once in the morning and once in the evening. Give her a nylabone to chew on throughout the day and she’s just as content as she would be with extra bowls of food. What an easy, great pooch she is! We will keep you posted.

Sasha is current on vaccines, and spayed. She receives monthly heart worm preventative. Sash enjoys playing with other dogs large and small. Sasha adores children of all ages as much as she enjoys adults. She knows “sit” and also understands “No.” Sasha has free roam of the home and chews only on her nylabone when no one is home. She enjoys car rides, and spending time with her people, whether playing with them in the yard or merely curling up next to them to watch a little TV. Sasha also enjoys walking. A harness works much better for Sasha than an actual leash. Sasha’s activity level continues to increase as her weight continues to decrease….a good sign for our happy girl! Sasha’s ideal foster or adoptive home would include another dog or dogs. She enjoys romping with other dogs, not to mention how beneficial such exercise is for her overall health and weight loss.

Now, let’s move on to the age old New Year’s Resolution of losing weight ourselves, shall we? How many of us an find this very difficult to do? After working all day, going home, getting changed, jumping back in your car, heading to the gym only to find out everyone else had the same idea? You then have to push your way through the crowd, or wait in line for the machines you want to use. You may get disgusted, decide to leave and try it again over the weekend. The cycle is then repeated! Now imagine this: getting home from work, changing, and running around the back yard with your exercise companion Sasha, or simply a daily routine of walking with your exercise companion. What better way to wind down from a busy day. The rewards are two fold; 1. you’ll be getting in shape and losing excess pounds while watching happy-go-lucky Sasha do the same and of course, with a lot less Hassle! You couldn’t ask for a more pleasant, and eager exercise companion! The third picture is Sasha today...wouldn't you just love to help her lose weight?