Eric O’Grey’s doctor told him to buy a funeral plot because he’d be dead in the next five years. He had to do something about it soon, and his nutritionist gave him life-changing advice.
When Eric was 51, he weighed 330 pounds, had diabetes type 2 and his blood pressure was staggeringly high. He basically needed to send out funeral invitations to his family and friends.
His life depended on making drastic lifestyle changes if he wants to live to the age of 60. But he wasn’t sure where to find the strength.
Eric contacted a nutritionist that he found in the phonebook. They told him to visit a local animal shelter and adopt a rescue dog. Then Eric adopted Peety.
He wanted an obese, middle-aged dog because it would at least be something in common with him. Upon seeing Peety, Eric instantly knew he had found his new best friend.
The two embarked on a weight-loss mission together. Postponing their inevitable funeral they had to prepare for
Having lost 150 pounds in five years, Eric is now a new man and canceling his funeral plans. He was something of a miracle after meeting Peety.
Take a look at their incredible journey from funeral to marathon runner below. Humans are truly fortunate to have dogs as their best friends.
Thanks to Mutual Rescue for bringing this story to us.
9 Useful Tips To Keep Your Furry Running Buddy Happy
1. Prepare Your Dog For Running
Your dog should become accustomed to walking by your side and running with you in the first year. Now and then, run a few hundred meters when you’re out for a walk. Once your dog stays by your side, you can gradually increase the distance.
2. Leash And Obedience Training
Not only do you and your dog need to keep calm, but they also need to get used to the leash, follow your commands, and be able to cope with the stimuli from other dogs.
Before you can master this in a dynamic environment (full of distractions), you need to practice it in a static one first (no distractions).
3. Preparation Routine
You can help your dog stay calm by repeating the same routine every time before a run.
Putting on a harness, leashing your dog, having them wait for your OK, and then going is an example of a preparation routine.
4. Running Harness
A chest harness is ideal for running dogs.
Despite the popularity of retractable leashes, they’re not the best choice for running.
Select a leash that has reflectors and maybe a shock absorber and it must be 2 to 3 meters long. Alternatively, you can get a cross-body leash or belly strap that allows you to run with free hands. Runners should not use leashes attached to their legs.
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5. Dog Comes First
There may be many distractions while running. You must pay close attention to your dog and ensure you do not put your own enthusiasm before his or her needs.
6. Temperature Check
It is safe to run with your dog as long as the temperature is between -10 and +15°C or 15 and 60°F. Run in the shade in higher temperatures, for example in a forest.
Early morning or late evening runs are ideal during hot summer months. If the sun is blazing, do not take your dog for a run – he may suffer a heat stroke! Dogs have fewer sweat glands than we do, so they can’t cope as well with heat as we can.
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7. Running Ground
Ideally, the ground should be as cushioned as possible. Sand, forest soil, or meadows are ideal. In the summer, the paws of a dog can get sore from walking on hot asphalt.
8. Food Requirements
A general rule is that you shouldn’t adjust the menu for your dog if you run twice or three times a week. So long as the food is of good quality.
If your dog appears more hungry or is losing too much weight, you can slightly increase the food proportions. Water is crucial before, after, and maybe even during a run.
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9. When To Give Your Dog A Break
While on a run, encourage your dog to take several short breaks so he/she can rest, breathe, sniff, and drink water.
Take a break if you observe any of these signs of exhaustion: not wanting to run; panting heavily; tightly drawn lips; dark red tongue or drooling excessively.
Note that, just like humans, dogs also get sore muscles, which may be displayed by them struggling to get up. And they could always do with massages.
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