I walked into the kitchen and found Bailey using blind Callie as a chin rest. I'm not sure how long they'd been like this, but Bailey looked very comfortable and Callie didn't seem to mind at all. They even stayed put while I went to get the camera.
Now, to answer the obvious questions, a) yes, we know Callie's fat; b) no, it's not her thyroid; and c) yes, she is on a strict diet. Callie was cheered by the motto of the recent National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (February 24 - March 1, 2008), which was "Be comfortable in your genes." She completely agreed with the organizer's view that "Too often individuals struggle against their natural, genetically
influenced size just to fit into that pair of 'skinny jeans' in the
back of their closets. Fighting your natural size and shape can lead to
unhealthy dieting practices, poor body image and sometimes eating
disorders."
Although Callie doesn't have to worry about fitting into a pair of skinny jeans (nor could she), she is convinced that the only eating disorder she suffers from is the diet we have her on.
And speaking of 'poor body image,' Callie doesn't find it helpful that we refer to her as "Pudgy Paws" and "Stubby Tubby." (Contrary to how she appears in this photo, she actually does have back legs.)
Meanwhile, Bailey is just glad he's got a big enough parking space for his chin. He says, "Callie, honey, I wouldn't change a thing. I love you just the way you are."
I have a four year old cat that is overweight by about 3 pounds, it's been such a struggle to get that weight off of her. I measure her food, no treats, etc.
I have finally come to the conclusion that I shouldn't be so freaked out...she is healthy and getting a good quality food. What I try to focus on now is keeping her from putting any more weight on.
Thanks so much for sharing your babies with all of us!
Posted by: Teri | March 14, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Just more to love, nothing wrong with that, huh Bailey?
Posted by: Candace | March 13, 2008 at 12:51 PM
I'm with you Callie! My grandfather had a saying that has become my motto: Men like women with a little meat on their bones.
Posted by: Linda | March 13, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Yes, I am sure the diet police will be all over Callie and her humans about her size. They need to give it a rest! In the last 11 years I have had 4 Dachshunds. 2 had weight "issues" and 2 did not. All were fed the same diet and walked 2 miles daily...not counting the numerous dashes around the yard chasing squirrels and cats away. My Callie has discovered the pecan tree in my bckyard is a ready source of snacks. Raking does not find them all but Callie Rose can. Rosie, now in puppy heaven, had spinal disk problems so was on a very controlled diet but she whined continually for food so my Vet suggested raw carrots, celery, and rawhide chews. So instead of whinning at the food drawer she stood at the frig and begged. Any one that has Doxies know how focused they become on their objective!
Posted by: Brenda, Texarkana, TX | March 13, 2008 at 12:41 PM
This is adorable!
You certainly don't see dogs stacked like this very often; or if you do, you can't get your camera in time.
Keep doing what you're doing Callie, I like your dogitude!
Posted by: Boundforglory | March 13, 2008 at 09:38 AM
I believe Callie is like my sister's dog Sprout, they made up a poem about her:Cute little Sprout, short & stout, she never grew up, only grew out! (Don't tell Callie I said that)Thanks for making my day!!!!)
Posted by: Mary Young | March 13, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Award winning blog post!
Posted by: Lalla and Sasha | March 13, 2008 at 05:02 AM
She's not fat, she's big boned or just a tad under tall. :)
Posted by: Andrew, NZ | March 13, 2008 at 04:39 AM
I love this, they are sooo cute. What a great picture, it tells it all. I love all your Dachshunds. And great news on Widget.I have dachshunds like them both, a few could used a diet, but they are just happy being them. Thank you , you guys are just great.
Posted by: Vicky Humbarger | March 13, 2008 at 02:32 AM
OH DEAR!!! With pictures like that , it makes me WANT more doxies!!!!! We have two now. We had seven doxies when we moved here 14 years ago. What a delightful pair. What positive words: "I love you just the way you are"
Posted by: Taylors on Olympic Peninsula in WA state | March 12, 2008 at 11:15 PM
I guess you can't see her legs! You made me laugh! Thanks for the update of Widget too! Whoooo!
Posted by: Shirley & James, Portland, OR | March 12, 2008 at 10:40 PM
i am thrilled to hear good news on widget!! and as for miss callie, she is indeed slightly-more-than-pleasantly plump, isnt she? but i guess if bailey doesn't mind then it's all good. :)
Posted by: maggie | March 12, 2008 at 08:57 PM
Uh, Bailey? Watch out for Callie's tail, would you? If it starts up, it could be dangerous !! :)
Posted by: Bibi | March 12, 2008 at 08:17 PM
How cute is that?
Posted by: kelli | March 12, 2008 at 07:44 PM