Ishkabibble was an adorable ball of love when he arrived at Muttville. But since being adopted, it turns out there was a svelte hunk waiting to be revealed! Read this adorable update about sweet Ishi written by mom Aja:
When I first adopted Ishkabibble (who now goes by Ishi, pronounced Eeshee), he was a very chunky (yet very adorable) chihuhahua at about 8 lbs. His nickname at my work was “Potato.” It was hard walking him the first couple weeks because he walked so slow, and tired out after nearly a half block. He also had difficulty breathing, and would snort with every breath. He was so lethargic in those early weeks, and only showed any sort of excitement or happiness when it was meal time. While walking Ishi one day, a woman asked about him and I told her that I just adopted Ishi a few weeks ago. She leaned down and told my dog that he was lucky to still be loved even though he was a 10 year old, overweight chihuahua. I was obviously outraged and confused by the comment. If only she could see Ishi now!
I gradually started restricting his diet, because I knew that this and exercise were key to getting my new little buddy healthy! After a month or so of his new diet, daily (slow) walks, and steady weight loss, something seemed to click in his mind. He can walk fast- even run- effortlessly! Ever since then, he’s been speed walking like a youngster, and even I have trouble keeping up with him. It’s like Ishi has suddenly transformed into a puppy (he’s been mistaken for a puppy a few times)! He has so much energy and LOVES his walks. He seems to have so much excitement for more than just food- but for life! His favorite thing to do is run around at the beach. Fast forward 3 months, and Ishi is just under 6 lbs. His original nickname “Potato” no longer fits because now he is a slim jim! A potato wedge! Losing 2-3 lbs doesn’t seem like a lot for humans, but that’s HUGE for such a little dog. I feel that Ishi was only able to show his true personality once he shed the pounds. There’s nothing weighing him down now (pun intended)! He’s such a ridiculous and goofy little guy, and has always been a sweetheart. But now I see more of that spunk on a daily basis, and I love it.
4/9/14
Are you the proud parent of a Muttville dog? Send us your story! Include three of your favorite photos and send it to success_stories@muttville.org with the subject line 'Success Story'.
