Bubba enjoyed too many Christmas goodies this holiday season.
Bubba with one of his "personal weight-loss assistants," Noelani Delacruz, a veterinary assistant at the Paradise Animal Clinic in Kalaheo, Hawaii. |
What would the holidays be without a little weight gain?
Each Christmas, most of us pack on a few pounds. We add 5, maybe 7 pounds over the course of the holidays, nibbling on cheese logs, sneaking Sees Candy and gobbling frosted sugar cookies until we stuff ourselves silly.
Well, it turns out that Bubba packed on a little weight, too.
I loaded Bubba into his Sherpa carrier and toted him into Paradise Animal Clinic for his two-month weigh-in, and he had added 0.85 pounds to his hefty frame. Last month, he tipped the scale at 17.25 pounds; this month, the scale read 18.1 pounds. That nominal weight gain could be explained by a full bladder or a looming bowel movement, but I'm betting he sneaked treats from his human auntie and grandma when I wasn’t looking.
Bubba takes his final weigh-in. |
Overall, though, he’s down from his original 19-pound weight back at the beginning of November. Averaging a three-quarter-pound loss per month, he’s right on track for a healthy weight loss goal of four pounds by April 2007.
As far as his behavior goes, he’s been scampering around the house and chasing Benny, as he did when he was younger. They wrestle and play, taking frequent naps throughout the day — as normal cats should. But I can definitely tell that he has more energy and spunk to his swagger.
Speaking of which, when he waddles across the floor, his belly doesn’t sag as much as it did two months ago. His rump doesn’t jiggle, and I can actually see signs of a waist. Mind you, there’s no abdominal tuck to be found, but when I pet him, I can feel bones through the flab. I bet that his slimming down has to do with his daily exercise routine. We’re making progress!
Though this is my last installment of Bubba’s Blubber Blog, rest assured that I’ll keep Bubba on his restricted-calorie increased-exercise regime. He’s getting closer to his goal every day: A healthy weight that will prevent him from getting diabetes, putting undue stress on his skeletal system and shortening his life.
And that’s good, because we want Bubba around for at least another 10 years!
From Bubba, Benny, Petey and the rest of the menagerie here in Hawaii, Hau’oli Makahiki Hou: We wish you a healthy and happy 2007!