Boo Boo the Barking Blogster
Lucky for me, pets are popular in the U.S. with around 63 percent of all U.S. households (71.1 million) with pets, according to wikipedia. And a 2011-2012 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey found that 46.3 million U.S. homes have a dog.
For a family ready to commit to the responsibilities of a dog, a canine is a fabulous companion as I can attest. We are very loyal and loving. Our world revolves around you and, of course, food, playing and pooping. However, a major limitation of my canine kind, we are totally and completely dependent on our masters. Unless we live on a farm with full reign of property to run and play, we are at the mercy of when, where and how you’ll give us any exercise and attention.
A disturbing trend for our masters according to WebMD, a Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index showed that 63.1% of adults in the U.S. were either overweight or obese in 2009. More of our American masters are becoming overweight or obese, exercising less and eating unhealthy foods. This in turn is making the poochie (and yes, the cat) population pay the price. According to an AFP article, “In its fourth yearly study of how fat Americans’ four-legged furry friends are, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that 53 percent of cats and more than 55 percent of dogs were overweight or obese. That means there are around 50 million fat cats and 43 million pudgy dogs in the United States.” Indeed, disturbing statistics not only for our beloved masters but also the cool canine and (crazy) cat.
Ask any dog if they want to go for a walk, the answer is a resounding wag of the tail and “RUFF.” Let me translate this wagging and shaking, it means: YES, YES, let’s go, right now, can’t wait, OMG I want to go for a walk. Now, an easy solution for our master’s waist line and blubber issues, just take us for a flippin walk! Speaking on behalf of my canine kind, we will gladly accompany you and support you in your efforts to get healthier. And in turn, we’ll stay fit and trim living a longer, healthier life to love you unconditionally, which I must admit we do famously. Sounds like a win, win to me! Nuff said. Boo Dog out (for a walk with my masters).
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And not all animals are as lucky as me, please support your local Animal Humane Society and to prevent overpopulation of dogs and cats, please make sure your pet is spayed or neutered.
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