I got a chastening lecture at the vet yesterday, making me think of that quote by author unknown, "If your dog is fat, you're not getting enough exercise!"
My dog Lucky Lulu, seen here in a "before" post from 2007 on the dog days of summer, has gained so much, the doctor called her grossly overweight. That really hurt, because I pride myself on living holistically and we feed her mostly organic. My precious girl and BFF has an illness now, and is scheduled for surgery. My vet didn't hold back, saying, that the number one health threat here is her weight.
And no, he said bluntly, you can't blame it on the large frame breed -- she's a Staffordshire Terrier, a.k.a. American Pit Bull. I showed him a similar looking dog, same breed, weighing 86 pounds in a local collection of stories. Just because there are a lot of fat dogs, he said, doesn't mean it's healthy. He whipped a book off the shelf and showed me what my dog should look like!
It's fun when themes below line up to astrological markers, and Mars in Virgo, is matched by many astrologers with small animals, pets (in our daily routine) and veterinary services.
I see this as a challenge to show some self-control, and get moving, along with my dog. It's about not giving in to short term satisfaction of her constant food questing -- she's a scarfer -- in favor of long term health gains. This is not going to be easy, but I'm sensing that daily discipline that comes from Mars Virgo. And these days, I have been working on portion control, realizing I don't need as much as my super active Virgo husband.
So today we'll walk on the forest trail, and I'll brainstorm ways to get her (and me!) moving through the winter months. It's a habit to set in now, and not in the dog days of summer! This is a time for creating new daily rhythms that feel productive. And when we're active, they're active too, which is so important in staying fit of mind, body and spirit!
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Molly Hall for About.com
Greetings Molly,
I have recently discovered that you are no longer on FB. I’m sure you have your reasons, but I’m here to say that you are missed dearly!
Skye
Lulu is gorgeous – but I’m a sucker for Staffies.
Hang in their Molly. I find dance (5 Rhythms or Zumba) being a really wonderful way to get your body moving and burn calories.
May Mars and bit o’ Saturn support your efforts.
Hello Skye!
Yes, I wrote about leaving FB, and sorry you didn’t get my status about it. Taking a break for the contemplative winter months. I miss your joyful posts about food and dance and dog love! I was thinking of you yesterday — for real — because I remembered those hand-made coats your dogs had on. I was wondering if my dog, being short haired and all, needs one…or a sweater. Thank you for commenting! Much love to you and all the FB peeps. I’m still here, and finding it more productive for now to rein in my focus. I’m on Twitter as Astro Mythos (personal) and About Astrology for the site. Holiday warm happiness your way! Molly
Awwww, Erica, thank you for noticing my dog is gorgeous. I love this breed too and though they’re very protective, they are so loving. At one time, they were called the nanny breed, and were considered a safe family dog.
Funny you mention Saturn, since Saturn is exactly transiting my natal Mars Libra, another reason for the desire to rein in my focus. As a double water and highly distracted Mars Libra/Moon Gem, I’ve often struggled to find the motivation for daily exercise. I am sensing that baring down though, of the impetus to refine things in all areas, including my body. We did enjoy a brisk walk yesterday (Lulu and I). I do enjoy 5 Rhythms sometimes, but haven’t tried Zumba — thanks for the tip. What I love the most, and what I’d like to get into deeper is bellydance!