Have you ever thought about what your pet may think of your diet? I had some fun exploring this idea with a friend’s pet. Heidi is a dachshund with a remarkable story about how her diet has changed within the past several years, due to her owners changing their diet. Healthy habits are beneficial, even to your pets. Heidi lives with her proud owners Steve and Terri Campbell, and their two beautiful children Ayden, 5, and Calem, 3. They are people of faith who feel strongly about living a healthy lifestyle. Thank you to Steve and Terri for being translators for Heidi.
Joy: What was your life like before organic leftovers became your primary diet?
Heidi: Ruff
Joy: Excuse me? (Pause. Translator shrugs.) OK. Can I assume that you are dealing with some type of ailments or aches and pains now? I mean, you are getting older. By the way, how old are you?
Heidi: I’m seven times older than I should be, but that’s a dog’s life. (16 years x 7 dog years)
Joy: How do you think your diet is helping to manage your medical problems?
Heidi: (moan and whine) Well, once my owners got me off of pet food with additives, preservatives, wheat, corn, soy, and sugar ingredients, my joint pain and digestive issues cleared up! (Tongue and tail are out and wagging)
Joy: That is wonderful. But can I have a bit of space, please? I don’t like to be licked while working… thank you.
I’m sure you have some advice for us humans. What would you say to the average person who wants to get started with healthy changes but doesn’t know how?
Heidi: Drive-thrus are dangerous for dogs and people. Take your lunch. Cook your own food, don’t eat what comes in a can, a bag or a box… cut back on portions so you can save the best stuff for your dog.
Joy: Nice! Go, dawg; right paw high-five! That is a short and sweet list. I think I could follow that. Your formula sounds like more of a healthy lifestyle than it does a diet. Do you do any exercise and how important are vegetables to your health?
Heidi: Vegetables are a vital and substantial part of my diet. That’s where I get my Fido-nutrients, or as my humans call them phyto-nutritents. I consider naps and a step outdoors for potty breaks to be enough at my age. At least I still look good in my skin!
Joy: You do look great. A pretty brown and smooth skin, I must say that many girls must envy your wrinkles that have so much character and a divine glow. Also, your owners shared with me their amazing testimony of how they came into faith. What an unbelievable spiritual change and transformation. I’m wondering if you know what scriptures guide your human owners.
Heidi: My humans often talk about the verse in Genesis 1:31 (NIV), which says, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”
That said, avoid the things that men have “remade” to be better than what God said was good…. Eating that stuff killed my brother and almost took me out, too. I’m gluten and GMO-free! I really wag my tail ferociously when I read about the work of the dentist and nutrition researcher Weston A Price.
Joy: As far as the amount of vegetables and other food groups to eat, I’ve heard that using a food chart, such as this one, could be useful. Would you agree?
Heidi: Yes. I’ve trained you well in this short time.
Joy: Heidi, I sure do appreciate your time. Thank you for sharing with us. I pray you and your humans health and wholeness.
