July 24, 2007

Dear Labby,

Last time you said you would answer my questions about FOOD. As I said, I'm only getting breakfast and dinner these days. What the heck happened to LUNCH? I notice that Marianne still eats lunch every day. And why does she give me such stingy portions? I could eat lots more than the 3.5 cups a day I'm getting now. I bet I could polish off the whole bin of kibble, if she'd put it on the floor!

Chow (less than I'd like) for now!

Parker

Dear Parker,

O Starving Puppy, I've made up a Haiku just for you:

Ghosts of Kibble Past

Ghosts of Kibble Yet to Be

Haunt hungry puppy

Well, you really are being just a bit melodramatic, aren't you? Don't you still get training treats during the day? And don't you usually get a stuffed Kong in the morning while Marianne reads the paper? Yeah, I thought so.

But I understand your angst. All the CCI dogs (and most pet dogs) start with three meals a day because you have small tummies. But now that you are older and more grown-up you can have more food for breakfast and dinner, so no need for lunch.

WAIT -- I can already hear you whining that you'd like more food and three meals. No go, buddy. Sorry. Marianne promised CCI that she'd keep you fit and slender. Why, you ask?

Well, it's not just about your good looks. In fact, it's really not about that at all. You need to be in good shape so you have the energy it takes to be a working dog. Also, fat dogs don't live as long. Trim dogs live about 15 percent longer, and for us Labs, that's two years!

And not only does CCI want you to live a long and happy life just because you are such a splendid dog, it's important to your future partner.

Over the course of a lifetime a disabled person may have several service dogs. If each dog is kept trim and healthy, that person may need one or two fewer dogs total. Think about the implications of that, my friend!

OK, OK, no more lecturing. You are a growing puppy, so I'll tell Marianne you're ready for more food at breakfast and dinner. Maybe she'll give you a few more carrots in your Kong, too. And if you're REALLY good, I bet she'll make some Pupsicles for you. YUM.

OK, now I'm hungry. I have to go ask my person to make some Pupsicles for me, too.

Love, Labby

LABBY'S PUPSICLES

8 oz non-fat, plain yogurt

1 ripe mashed banana

1/4 C peanut butter

1Tbsp. wheat germ

Blend well and pour into paper-lined muffin tins. Stick a small biscuit in the middle of each. Freeze. When ready to serve, microwave for a second or two to make the paper easier to peel off. Give to happy puppy outdoors!

Questions or comments for Parker? Send them to call7forhelp@thedenverchannel.com.

Would you like more information about Canine Companions for Independence, or perhaps be a puppy raiser? Call 1-800-572-BARK or go to www.cci.org for details.