I have a real treat for you today… my pal Peggy Frezon, the author of Dieting with My Dog, has offered me the chance to ask her a few questions as part of the “Weight Loss with a Wag” blog tour. Fun, right?
Before we dive into the questions, I’ll share some quick background. Peggy has written a book called Dieting With My Dog: One Busy Life, Two Full Figures, and Unconditional Love. I know I’ve had my own struggles with weight, although I never stopped to think about how that could affect Bella. Peggy’s book is definitely food for thought (pun totally intended). She muses, “Were my bad habits causing my dog to gain weight too?” It’s a great question.
However, it’s more than a book about weight loss – it’s about a journey that Peggy and her pup Kelly took together and the bond that they have. I couldn’t wait to ask Peggy some questions about the book. Read on, friend…
1. What inspired you to write this book?
When Kelly’s vet told me that she needed to lose weight or she’d be at risk
for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and more…I realized,
I’d heard all those same warnings from my own doctor. I also realized
that there was a connection between overweight pets and overweight pet
parents, and many others were struggling the same as I was. I hope the
book will inspire others who want to get fit with their dog.
2. What is your biggest weight loss challenge?
Probably exercise. I just don’t really enjoy running, dancing, lifting,
pedaling… and I’ve found that I have to keep doing it, and keep
working harder, in order to keep the weight off.
3. What did you find to be the most challenging part of the writing process?
The writing part is easy, and I was lucky enough to get an agent right
away. Then came the long process of finding a publisher. This is
a difficult time in the publishing industry, with a shift toward ebooks,
and no one quite knowing how that is all going to fall, so editors are
skittish about taking new, unproven authors. I was lucky and my book was
accepted by an awesome publisher of great dog books.
4. Do you have any tips for dieting with an older dog?
Kelly is 9 so I guess she’s considered a senior now. I think it is always
important to have your vet check them over to make sure there are no
underlying problems that might contribute to weight gain. Next, I think
it’s important to know their limitations physically. Some older dogs
tire easily or have joints that hurt to walk and run. I think finding
the best, low fat, good nutrition food for your senior dog (whether you
prefer home made or commercial) will really help best in weight loss.
Also of course, healthy snacks like carrots and bananas.
5. Finally, a slightly off-topic question… what’s your favorite TV show? (You know I’m a pop culture junkie.)
Fun! Ok this is going to sound like I watch way too much TV! I assume you
mean currently running TV. I think 30 Rock is my favorite. No, Big Bang
Theory. Wait, I mean Modern Family. Parenthood. Wait! I love Gordon
Ramsey! Ok, ok, do I have to admit it? I really enjoy Survivor.
Thanks again to Peggy for giving me the chance to interview her. (Also, no shame on that TV answer… if I told you how many I watch, you’d think I do nothing else.)
You can learn more about Peggy’s book by following the “Weight Loss With A Wag” blog tour – so fun! You can also like Dieting with my Dog on Facebook.
