Big Boy - Moku

I was lucky enough to meet this butterball of love when he was just a four month old, roly-poly chocolate puppy. The moment I laid eyes on him, I knew two things: (1) that I would love him with all my heart; and (2) that he was going to be a BIG BOY. With paws the size of a brown bear's, and an already hulking frame, I realized when we began puppy training that Moku would soon grow to outweigh his human mom, Val, who is about my size. Right around 5 feet tall and 105 lbs. Based on the huge smile and tight squeeze she gave me the instant we met for our first training session, I also knew a couple of things about Val right away: (1) that she was a dedicated dog mom who would do anything to have a successful relationship with her boy; and (2) that we would become good friends.

Fast forward a few months, and here we are. Moku is now eight months old, and weighs upwards of 90 lbs (NINETY). Indeed, he has grown in leaps and bounds, in length, width and girth. And sadly, at his tender young age, is already poised dangerously on the brink of obesity. While the English labs are known for their stockier frame, Moku has packed on more weight than is healthy for him. In doing some research into Labrador breeding, I was shocked (and horrified) to learn that the breed standard has morphed into an overweight variety of its former self. This means that some breeders are essentially programming a genetic predisposition to weight gain into their dogs! Labs are consistently found in "Top 10 Dog Breeds Most Prone to Obesity" lists. So when breeders capitalize on this already serious health risk, they are stacking the deck unfairly - and unethically - against the life of the dogs they bring into the world.

Breeders who feel justified in sculpting a dog for its look versus what is best for its health infuriate me. That said, it would be unfair of me to make judgments about Moku's breeders, as I know nothing about them. And also, focusing on why Moku is chubby is futile, and won't do anything to help the situation. What Val, her husband John and I have agreed to instead, is Moku's membership at FRISKY FITNESS Doggie Day Camp (A.K.A. my house :). What this means, in essence, is just tons of health-oriented fun for Moku.

I pick him up from home on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, and he comes over to work on all aspects of his fitness: physical, cognitive, and social. He swims in the pool and walks on the treadmill. He practices commands and solves puzzles. And he plays with other dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds. This set-up is awesome and special for all of the reasons implied in the aforementioned list of activities. But also, my work with Moku marks a true"stepping up" point for me, personally and professionally. I am just beginning to delve into my Master's thesis and culminating project through Bergin University's M.S. in Canine Life Sciences program. My goal is to develop programs that help both dogs and people stay fit in body, mind, and spirit. Moku is my protoge. Not only will we be working together in the "day camp" context, but I will also be training and certifying Moku as a therapy dog, and using him as my demo dog for the pilot program at Sierra Middle School, which will pair junior high school-aged kids with dogs during P.E. class. Furthermore, Moku's human dad John is a bariatric surgeon, and counsels individuals who want weight loss surgery, but first need to prove their willingness to do the work it takes to get and stay healthy by their own actions. Another of our collective goals is to get Moku into the clinic to help these people along in their journeys. To inspire them to live healthier lifestyles. To be a loyal, nonjudgmental workout partner who shows people what is possible with determination and hard work!

Dog Speed,

Liz R. Kover

Animal-Assisted Activities Director/ Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue

Service Dog Trainer/ Good Dog Autism Companions