Poor, plump babies :(

[Logan]

What do you do??? I get so upset to hear the first words out of people's mouths "they are fat". I would never say something like that to anyone else about their dogs!!!

But this is what poor Lilly endures, and the others, when my family sees them. We work diligently to keep their weight down. I know Lilly weighs too much. Heck, I weigh too much too!! But how do you say to people that you love, and you know that mean well, "shut up about the weight, will you??". The worst is my own parents, which led me to this post in the first place....how do I ask them politely to stop saying this? Or do I just ignore them???

[Samantha Puppy]

I would politely say that you're both working on it. If they keep it up, bring up a fault of theirs.

[anna_66]

Oh Logan, I don't know how anyone could say that about your sweet Lilly
I've had this happen with Angus before (even since he's lost his 10 extra pounds ).
I honestly don't even know what to say to them, but it does hurt me. I wish people would think before they speak

[micki76]

I would explain it just like you did. Say that you know she's overweight and you're working on it, and could they please stop bringing it to your attention. Tell them that you'd like her to lose a little weight, but if she doesn't then she doesn't. You still love her with all your heart no matter what and that it hurts your feelings when they say things about it. Play it off that it makes you feel like your not doing something right, maybe. You know, try the old guilt trip.

[pitc9]

I get the opposite!
I get people saying to me
"Are your dogs sick?? There so skinny!!"

(they both have a fast metabolism and are underweight)

People really do need to think before they speak!

[tomkatzid]

Our little nina is a stocky girl, and when her hair grows out she looks overweight, her head is a bit small for her body, and I have had people say cruel things about her, it makes me mad, it is none of their business. We don't overfeed her, and we feed her good food and I excercise them daily. Just like people are all different body types so are dogs. Ashlee is really skinny, and I have had people comment that she is underfed etc. Stupid thoughtless fools ......tom

[tatsxxx11]

Oh, Logan Don't you hate when people speak rudely about your "kids??" I'm sure your parents mean well, but one gentle remark is enough. I'm sure they know you know she might need to lose a little weight. If they continue to bring this up, I'd just politely tell them that you're aware of this, are addressing it and would appreciate it if they would drop the topic. And I wouldn't hesitate to tell them either that at a certain point it becomes hurtful!! Give Lilly an extra hug for me, please!

[Logan]

I do tell them that we're working on it, I promise, but we have experienced a lot of up and down with Lilly. The others, according to our vet, are NOT overweight, just healthy, and well within their ranges. I guess the hardest part is telling my own mom that she needs to "stop it". I don't tell her that her dogs are too big, too small.......I wish she would follow the same rules. I will probably say something over Thanksgiving. I know that they would never purposely hurt my feelings, they're just speaking their minds too much!!!

Sandra, Lilly has many extra hugs, just for you. She appreciates it.

Logan

[lovemyshiba]

I have no other advice than everyone else has already given you. Besides saying that you are working on it, you feed her good food and don't overfeed, and get her plenty of exercise, what more can you do?? None of that lessens the pain though

My neighbor said Abbey was getting fat--I told her that we had worked hard to trim her down after last winter, and that I didn't appreciate such comments. That was different though, it wasn't a family member. My sister said Abbey was fat once too, but I told her to look in the mirror

Lilly is so beautiful, and any extra weight is just more of her to love!!!

[Cincy'sMom]

All I can add, is that I TOTALLY understand!!

I can't tell you how many times I have heard that Cincy "Sure eats well", "doesn't look like she's missed any meals" or "must steal her sister's food".
Yes, she gets plenty of exercise, yes, she gets small meals (1/2 what either Spot or Sadie get and a reduced cal food at that!) I just think some dogs or going to be that way, so matter what you try. Doesn't make it any easier to hear over and over aginthat your dog is fat

[stacwase]

I used to get the same thing with my son!!!! People would come up to me in the grocery store and scold me - "That baby is too fat!" Once, right after somebody said that, somebody else came up to me and said "Oh - isn't he cute! He looks just like you!"

Just remember these people are inconsiderate - you would never behave that way. By the way - my son is now tall and handsome and fit. Chubby babies do not necessarily lead to chubby adults!

[Rachel]

The next time a comment like that is made, how about saying something to the effect....*Yes, I know, she really needs more exercise. Would you be so kind as to take her for a long walk for me?*

[Uabassoon]

I know exactly what you mean, the other day I was at the park with Missy and I saw a friend there and she said "oh that's Missy, I didn't recognize her because she's gotten fat." I got really upset, she might be a few pounds overweight but she's not huge. Plus during the summer it's too hot to take Missy out, I'm not going to take her outside running or walking when it's 112 degrees outside and at night it's just not safe to go walking around outside. Most people and pets in Az gain weight in the summer because it's just too hot to do anything, even swimming isn't fun because it's so hot out. So I told her that yeah Missy had gained a few pounds but she'd loose it quickly now that the weather is cooler. But I was so upset that she said that.

[carole]

I think I would kinda let it ride over me, my Ash is a big boy, but it does not bother me if anyone comments, I usually laugh and say yeah I know he is a big boy isn't he?

I Think I would feel worse is someone said" my your cat is skinny," then I would feel they think I am neglecting him or starving him. so don't worry your babies are perfect in your eyes and that is all that matters.

[LoudLou]

Oh, I feel your pain. Poor Lilly AND Poor you. I used to get this a lot from my own mother, however it was MY weight she kept referring to and not LOUD Lou's! It used to frustrate me beyond belief, then I gave her these lyrics from Mark Wills, "Don't Laugh At Me" ....
I'm fat, I'm thin, I'm short, I'm tall
I'm deaf, I'm blind, hey, aren't we all

Don't laugh at me
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me

.... I have NEVER had my mother bring the issue up again.