Lola's Transformation: A Journey to Health and Happiness
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Meet Lola, my beloved 13.7-year-old companion that I raised from 16 weeks old to present day. Lola recently embarked on a life-changing journey. With my nutritional guidance and a lot of love, Lola has successfully shed 25 pounds and is now living her best life.
The Beginning
Lola spent the first part of life in the mountains of Colorado with over an acre of backyard and a dog door to enjoy it. She loved to dig and lay in the snow. Then life changed for her parents, and she had to move to Texas and a new opportunity. During this time, she started to put on additional weight due to the heat. At about the age of 7 she had to have emergency surgery to remove 120 calcium stones out of her bladder she recovered very well from her surgery. However, the vet put her on a prescription dog food, and she started putting on a lot of weight. No number of walks, dog park, and exercise was helping even with the low-calorie prescription dog food. It became clear that her weight was affecting her health. We noticed she was less energetic and struggled with agility, which is why we decided to take action. As a certified nutritionist I was alarmed when I reviewed the lack of nutrients, she was getting in the prescription dog food. It was completely lacking any real protein which is why we saw such a decrease in her muscle mass. The first step was recognizing that nutrition plays a crucial role in a pet's overall well-being and fine tuning her diet to support her body better.
Creating a Personalized Nutrition Plan
We developed a customized nutrition plan that was tailored to Lola's specific needs. This plan included:
- Balanced Meals: We focused on high-quality proteins and fresh vegetables providing vital nutrients.
- Portion Control: We measured her food portions to avoid overfeeding. Adjusting her serving sizes ensured she received just the right amount of calories. Looking up the calories in the prescription kibble and ensuring we did not exceed her overall amount based on her age and activity level.
- Healthy Treats: Instead of fatty treats, we took over making her healthy treats that did not have preservatives and additional calories. Focusing on things that provided fish oil and natural brain food. Lola adored loves her treats and feels like she is truly receiving something special.
The Weight Loss Journey
The journey wasn’t easy. There were days when Lola seemed to miss her old routine, but with consistency and patience, she adapted. Regular exercise became a fun part of our daily routine, whether it was brisk walks, playtime in the yard, or engaging in mental exercises with puzzle toys. Once she started to drop weight it seemed to come very steady and we verified with her Vet that she was on a good pace. With her age we did ensure that she is still maintaining muscle mass while on her healthy lifestyle journey. This has been something that took a lot of fine tuning as we progressed month over month.
The Results
After two years of dedication, the results were astonishing! Lola lost 25 pounds, and more importantly, her zest for life returned. She runs with joy, plays with enthusiasm, and seems to be aging backward. As a pet parent it is hard staying true to a nutrition plan with your senior dog sometimes, but once Lola started showing a love for engaging with the dogs at daycare again, we wanted to keep her on her path as much as possible.
Living a Healthy Life at 13.7 Years
Lola’s transformation is a testament to the power of proper nutrition and care. Now, at 13.7 years old, she's healthier and more active than ever. Her success story inspires not only us but also our friends and family, encouraging them to consider their pets' health and more importantly nutrition seriously.
A Journey Worth Taking
If you’re considering a similar journey for your furry friend, remember that it’s never too late to make changes. Each step, no matter how small, can lead to a healthier, happier life. Lola's story proves that with love, guidance, and determination, remarkable transformations are possible at any age. You can book your fur baby a free consultation with me to see what nutrition could do for you and your pet today!
Thank you for joining us on this journey!