Hitch update day 13

[mtrai]

Hitch has steadily been gaining weight. He is filling out nicely. I stopped in at petsmarts today pick up a couple of things and the vets and the staff were all over him. Anyhow we weighed, I did a double take, so the vet checked the scale, and we re weighed him. OMFG he is now 79.8 lbs. I know he has been gaining weight but not that much. I think we must of mis weighed him 10 days ago. He was not there for a vet visit. Anyhow both vets did a mini exam on him right there after hearing his story. They both agreed he needs to fill out a lot more, and needs to gain another 30 to 50 lbs based on his size, paws, jaws, ears, and head size. They did not try to sale me on anything. They were amazed by his perfect teeth, whatever that meant.


Wow I knew he was gonna be a big boy but did not think that big.

The dog trainer there fell in love with him, of course and tried to get me to enroll him their dog training. Lol...I cannot imagine any serious training happens at petsmart with the training area being just beside the cash registers and doors.

He is getting plenty of exercise, and his rear leg has a bit more muscle on it from the stair and hill climbing. He does the stairs in my house every time i go up or down. He is a velcro dog.The hill outside I take him. He loves to ride with me, and wants to go every where I go. Though I can take him with me and leave him in the car with the top down with out any issues of him trying to get out, even if something runs by. Someone just gave me an extra large wire dog crate. Not sure if he is gonna like it or not.

Him and my Shiba are becoming buddies.

Oh and he has not been micro-chipped. I still have not heard from his owner. It has been 11 days.

[JakodaCD OA]

sounds like he's doing great,,but I just want to add something about his weight,

if he's 79 lbs now, those vets are NUTS telling you he needs another 30-50 lbs on him,,nothing worse than a FAT german shepherd especially one who has joint issues,,bad bad bad

Ya know he may need a few more pounds, but if I were you I'd keep him on the lean side just because it will be easier for him for his joints..

Vets are sometimes the worst advocates for dog weight, ask to see their dogs, I know my own vet has FAT dogs! Not good for them

Iam so glad tho he's doing well, and ya know what, at this point I'd go and microchip him into your name ...

I WANNA SEE SOME PICS! LOL

[Stevenzachsmom]

Originally Posted by JakodaCD OA

sounds like he's doing great,,but I just want to add something about his weight,

if he's 79 lbs now, those vets are NUTS telling you he needs another 30-50 lbs on him,,nothing worse than a FAT german shepherd especially one who has joint issues,,bad bad bad

Ya know he may need a few more pounds, but if I were you I'd keep him on the lean side just because it will be easier for him for his joints..

Vets are sometimes the worst advocates for dog weight, ask to see their dogs, I know my own vet has FAT dogs! Not good for them

Iam so glad tho he's doing well, and ya know what, at this point I'd go and microchip him into your name ...

I WANNA SEE SOME PICS! LOL

I totally agree. He would be a VERY fat boy if he gained 30 or 50 more pounds. Keep him lean without the excess weight on his joints. It is awesome that he is doing so well. You are my hero for rescuing him. Yep he is definitely your dog. Chip away! And YES.....We have been waiting a LONG time for pictures. LOL!

Congrats to both of you.

[brembo]

Listen to Jakoda, keep the fella lean. GSDs should show a waist and possibly a hint of the last rib. A 110 pound GSD is a monster, not very many have the frame for that kind of weight. My guy is big and leggy and he's a bit paunchy at 90 pounds (winter weight), I like his shape much better at 80-85 pounds, which he will be by the end of spring. I fatten him a tickle for winter, some insulation and extra protein for thicker fur.

[mtrai]

I am not planning on him getting that big. Just remember this was not a real exam, they were very curious about him. He had the entire staff gathered around other then the cashier. I will not let him get fat, however right now you still see every rib. I definitively will not let him get getting fat especially, with his rear leg ball joint being removed. I am going to let him fill out with a good diet and plenty of exercise.

And yes I am gonna get him chipped.

Re-sizing some pics so I can post them.

[JakodaCD OA]

great, can't wait to see them !!

[chelle]

Looking forward to the pics! I've been following Hitch's ordeal. Would sure love to see that Shiba, too.!!!!

[mtrai]

Trying to upload some pics The pics are from oldest to newest. Will try and get some better pics tomorrow outside.

[chelle]

He's handsome! He looks a touch thin, perhaps, but wow, I wouldn't think he'd need to gain THIRTY or more pounds??!!

And your Shiba, from what I can see, is my girl's twin.

Thanks for the pics. You're doing such a GREAT JOB!!!!! Kudos.!

[mtrai]

Hope the pics worked