Went for walks :) :)

[sasmeow]

Not sure how many have followed my weight loss journey, but I have lost 114 pounds total now. I have about 90ish more to go to get to goal. I had weightloss surgery Oct 4th. Before surgery, at my highest weight, I could barely walk to my mailbox and back. I would go out to get the mail, and when I got back inside, I couldn't breathe and would have to lean over the counter to catch my breathe. I am 32 years old, I felt 90. And, my driveway is 2 car lengths long, so not long at all!
So, I am about 5 1/2 months post op, and I have walked 4 times this week It makes me not only happy that I can walk now, but that I can do something with my dogs that they LOVE!!! Makes me SOOOOoooooo happy to make them happy. Tuesday I walked 2.5 miles with both of them. I got Gus and easy walk harness, and that helps SO much! The only problem is that it rubs in his "arm pits". I think I might sew some fleece on because I like the harness so much. Not sure that it fits a boxer right. Anyway, I walked another 2.5 miles on Thursday, but just with Gus. I thought maybe it was too much for Izzy because of her knees. Then, Saturday, I walked 4.5 miles with Gus!!! And today, 5 miles with Gus!!!! He just LOVES it. He holds his head up so high and trots so cute sometimes I love when he looks up at me and gives me that "thanks mom" look. Now I feel bad that I haven't been able to walk him for a few years But believe me, they both have always gotten lots of love and attention.
He went to training when he was a little dude, so I haven't worked on it much since I haven't physically been able to walk him. So, I have been trying to work on him paying attention to me. He is very reactive to ANYTHING that moves,esp, ducks, geese and squirels. We also pass a lot of dogs that have invisible fences, so I think it freaks him out that they might get him (I hate those fences too because it scares me, and they are mean). He is A LOT better at not growling at those dogs. One day I took kitty treats and rewarded him when he listened to me. There is one dog that hides in the trees and then jumps out, LOL. Well, I made Gus sit and not growl or bark and gave him treats. Sometimes he was too focused on things and wouldn't take a treat or just spit it out. Not sure what to do about that. He did a lot better the next day. There are trails all over where I live, and it goes by houses, around a lake, etc. It was so funny when the geese chased us, they are so bold and MEAN! Gus wanted to eat them so bad, LOL, then one hissed at him, and he got kinda scared, LOL, then tried to get it again. One put its wings up and was walking at us and that thing looked bigger than Gus. I think he was like, "what was that!". Some of them were HUGE!
Anyway, I know I am rambling on and on, but I am so, so, so very happy I can walk my babies! Maybe I should take Izzy for short 1/2-1 mile walks. She gets so sad when we leave and it kills me. But she gets to go to work with me tomorrow (I work part time as a nanny), and Gus will stay home, so Izzy will get some special time. Two women stopped me today just to pet Gus and tell me how gorgeous he is! I love that And yesterday, we saw a baby boxer!!!! OMG!!! He was SOO freakin cute, and if I could get a 3rd boxer, he was EXACTLY what I want! He was about 6 months old, named Willy, and was white with a patch over one eye. So stinkin cute. I kept Gus away while I talked (to Willy's pet sitter) because I didn't know if he would be nice, and Willy was already afraid of Gus.
I was worried maybe it was too much for Gus to walk that far, but I only walk an average of a little over 3mph. I am sure Gus could run that distance and be fine. He is a lot more relaxed at home now and doesn't chase the kitties as much. So, thats another plus!!!
I am just on cloud 9

[Gatorblu]

Congrats on the continued weight loss! I miss long walks with my pups. (Thor has arthritis so his walks have to be kept short. Arabella's behavoir has gotten pretty bad, so I have to walk her on off times, so there are fewer distractions. I have a number for a behavoirist to help with that.) I am sure with the warmer weather of spring you'll find yourself outside more. I know I'll be! Keep up the good work! Thor and Arabella are sending congratulatory ~wiggles~!

[prittiegirl]

I love your tone! Congratulations to you!!! Keep up the AMAZING work

[Independence]

Sarah you ROCK!! You keep up the good work and your pups will remind you more and more when it's time to walk. They will help you get to your goal.

You should be so proud of yourself. I can tell from your posts what an amazing person you are!!