Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the furry four-legged lady’s man of Market Common. Each month, he’ll share information to help all new, visiting, and existing doggie community members get the most out of life alongside their human companions. Here, we’ll feature his reflections on what it’s like to be a dashing downtown doggie, as he reminds all of us how to play well together. This month, Charlie does a double take and gets in shape, doggie style.
It’s May, it’s May!
That means it’s time to play!
Tralalala, lalalala
I’m frolicking to-day.
It’s so lovely this time of year, I can’t help but be inspired and burst into song from the sheer joy of living.
Hello, what’s this? Ooooo. A nice, shiny clean storefront window with the sun at just the right angle so I can push my nose up to the glass and look at myself. I just love walking through the Market Common and doing this.
Wait, is this a fun house mirror? Is there another Maltese Bichon mix following me? Oh no…. Is that…. me?!….. Egads! I thought I was seeing my double for a second because there was so much fluffy white dog to peruse in that reflection, but no! It’s worse than being copied although I am so enviable. It is… I am… Tubby.
I must have overindulged in doggie treats somewhat over those long winter months, and am now paying the price for it with the loss of my svelte physique in exchange for extra flub. I need to shed some pounds, I think. And maybe you do too? I say let’s do this the Charlie way— that is with panache, passion, and intelligence.
I’ll begin by compiling a list of all of the ways that I can lose weight along with my thoughts on each. Then I will select those that appeal to me most. Here goes:
Charlie’s-It’s-May-And-Time-to-Lose-Weight-Checklist-for-Four-Legged-Folk
☐ Cutback on treats (Oh-oh, no more trips to Orvis for the present.)
☐ Say no to table scraps (But then who would do oor mop up duty? I can’t renege on cleaning.)
☐ Stop begging at the table, start tugging on the leash for longer walks (Okay, I can do this one.)
☐ Play fetch
☐ Eat smaller portions (Oooo, my beloved mealtime, farewell.)
☐ Drink more water (Those dog bowls outside some establishments really come in handy.)
☐ Find tunnels to explore and run through them
☐ Run around rocks in a circle
☐ Catch some air the next time I play frisbee
☐ Chase the small tail that I have, also in circles
☐ Stop and go sprints
☐ Jump over a log
☐ Swim the big lake in the Market Common (Watch out for a potential alligator that might have moved in.)
☐ Chase birds
☐ Chase squirrels when there aren’t any birds nearby
☐ Burn more fuel and stay inspired by creating a low fat doggie biscuit
Until next time,
Whew! That was a workout just compiling the list. Let’s cheer each other on with our progress. Be sure to check out my Facebook @CharlieParkersCorner page for all the latest updates.
