Wow! It's Been a Month

Sorry, I didn't realize I haven't posted for a whole month. I've never slacked so much on my blogs.

Health Issues: I've been going through some health issues. In August I had my gallbladder removed, which I'm so glad I did. I hardly ever have heartburn anymore. It was so severe at times I couldn't stand it. I was taking over the counter heartburn meds everyday. Now I hardly ever take them. Hooray!

On another note, I was dealing with feet problems before that. I got my left foot fixed up and now my right foot has been causing me all kinds of problems. I went for a x-ray and then a MRI. Well, the orthopedic said I have arthritis developing in my right foot probably brought on from foot surgery I had a good while ago. Well, I'm having a hard time excepting that so am going to get a second opinion in a week or so. It's not that I don't believe him as much as I don't want to except this conclusion, although I may have to. Unfortunately, my foot burns so bad on the bottom sometimes it's hard to walk, and I don't want to give up my volunteer work walking dogs for the animal shelter. So, a second opinion is the way to go. At least I need to know how to keep it under control so it doesn't get worse.

Exercise: Well, I've been doing some dog walking and love spending time with these animals. That being said, I only do that a couple of times a week, and when my foot hurts really bad I need to find other avenues to take when it comes to exercise. I went out last week and bought some of those stretch bands. Haven't taken them out of the box yet, but I really do intend to. With that being said, I only lost about 2 lbs. but as always, losing even a small amount is better than none at all. Right?

If anyone has any suggestions on what type of exercise to do that will take the strain off my feet, please let me know. Also, any tips on arthritis of the foot will be helpful and appreciated.

Some Suggestions from Others I've Learned: Well, I've asked several people since the doctor said I have arthritis and some people suggested these tips to help:
New Balance Shoes: I've found a site on the Internet but haven't bought any yet. Go here to New Balance to find a store close to you. Just type in your zip code and the closet store will come up.
Dr. Scholl's shoe inserts: I went to Wal-Mart to use that foot machine you stand on and then it recommends the type of insert you will need. This site HERE explains it. They are a little bit pricey but for the comfort, and if you can barely walk, it's worth the price you pay I guess. I guess it's half the price at a doctors office. At least that's what someone told me.
Cold Compresses: I've also been putting a cold compress on my feet when they burn and are inflamed, which seems to help temporary.

I guess everyone needs to find out what works best for them. Please make sure that you ask your own doctor about what to use. I'm not recommending anything, just saying what suggestions were told to me and things I've been trying.

An Update ...

Just a quick update and why I haven't been blogging lately. As you know I've been trying to lose weight and not being very successful at it at the moment. Anyway, I figured since I was having a hard time pushing myself to exercise and the fact that I love dogs, I decided to start volunteering at an animal shelter a few days a week. It keeps my mind off the food, so it helps me, and it helps the dogs by walking them and spending time with them.

I knew I'd enjoy working with the dogs because it doesn't matter what breed they are, I just love them. I was really worried I would have a hard time leaving them once there, and even though that part is hard, it's wonderful knowing that you are making their lives a little bit better in a way. I wasn't prepared for how much I would enjoy it. I absolutely love working with them. They are so sweet and you get to hear their stories. Makes you want to take them all home.

So, anyway, that's what I've been up to. I have lost a pound and a half. Not much but I'm working on it everyday. Well, not really, I'm working on it when I visit the dogs. But, that being said, it is getting me motivated to start to do more things and that's gotta be a good thing. Right? The more I get moving the more I want to move and hopefully it will get me kick started to get into some kind of exercise routine.

Heck! I don't even mind getting soaking wet like I did the other day to spend time with the dogs at the shelter. It's worth it. So, If you have some extra time to spare, maybe you can volunteer at your local animal shelter. I know some of you say well I can't do it because I won't want to leave them there. To that I say, just remember your doing it for them. It's better to spend time with them for a little while than none at all. And, who knows those of you who are trying to lose weight and get fit and healthy may just find yourself losing a little bit of weight in the bargain.

Here's just a couple sweet dogs at the shelter...
Daisy...

And, Woody...
but there are so many more. To see more at this shelter go here: Paws (photos taken by Paws)

Or visit your local shelter in your own area. All these animals are just waiting for loving homes.

Major Life Issue That Should be Addressed - Dogs Unchained

This woman is fighting to make it a law against chaining dogs up. She is chained at Harrisburg Capitol to Win Law for Abused Dogs. How would you like to be chained to a dog box all your life in all kinds of weather? Watch this video.

Last year I heard about a dog in our area who ended up with their paws frozen to the pavement and then died because someone left the poor dog out in the freezing cold. Let's help this lady get this law passed to Unchain the Dogs and give them all a better life.

Here's a quote that was sent to me in my email..."Dogs Need Change. Not Chains." is one of the taglines that drives Tamira Thayne's "Operation Fido Freedom." Thayne has made headlines by chaining herself to the PA State Capitol Building from 8:00 - 6:00 every day until SB 1435, a limiting chaining law, is passed in PA."

Even if you can't adopt a dog, please help pass this law by writing to your state Senator and urge others to contact their state Senator too and get this law passed to not chain dogs. Here's a website on Unchaining Dogs to find out more. Find out what you can do to help pass this law.

Also, check out this site Dogs Deserve Better


These photos on this website will shock you but you need to see them to help get this law passed. They are on the Dogs Deserve Better website or go directly to these photos Shocking photos of why dogs should be Unchained.

National Spay/Neuter Awareness Week / Exercise

I belong to a Inspirational book group and a lady there started to suggest we do a little bit more to help make life better for someone whether it be a women's shelter, working with animals, working with the homeless, working with children, an aging home, or whatever it be, everyone could use your help in these times of trouble. Even if it's just one at a time, it matters to that one.

I had thought about it alot before it was ever mentioned but I guess now it's time to do somthing. The timing feels right now. Put my money where my mouth is so to speak. Plus, I have a little bit of extra time when the kids are in school to now help out elsewhere. Make a difference.

I thought about where I'd like to spend my time to volunteer and have always loved animals of all kinds and especially dogs. So, I recently started the process of volunteering at a animal shelter. The animals that don't get put into foster homes have to stay at the shelter in a cage all night. These animals spend at least 10 hours in their cages and can't get out to go to the potty or have human contact in those hours. I figured I could make their lives better at least by spending time with them and walking them. Getting them out to potty or whatever needs to be done. It will probably be several more weeks before I get started but I'm looking forward to it.

This Saturday is National Spay/Neuter Awareness Week and I would like everyone to please get your dog or cat spayed or neutered. This helps these poor animals from being put down if no one adopts them. And, if you can adopt an animal, please think about a shelter dog. I've adopted several animals over the years at adoption centers and they all are loving animals. The older animals are always harder to get someone to adopt them, but trust me, they make wonderful pets and you don't have to go through the puppy stage. They are are already potty trained. The one's I've adopted have been older like a year to three years old. I would consider older dogs too that can't get adopted. Heck, if I had alot of land I'd probably have a herd of dogs but unfortunetly, I don't have space for that many. So, I can help in other ways.

Please watch this video about adoption week. Go to International Homeless Animals

Here's my dog, Tucker, I adopted about seven years ago. He was about a year and a half old when I first adopted him.


In the past I've adopted several others who have sadly passed away but brought years of joy to our lives. I've had a Beagle, German Shepard, Huskies, Border Collie and several others. Even if you can't adopt, think about volunteering at your local shelter and help better the lives of these lonely animals. If you can only help one dog or cat, it's one, and it means alot to that one.

I've read that the shelters also would love donations and not just money. Some shelters also need cages, pet food, blankets, collars, leashes, etc. Call your local shelter to find out what they maybe in need of.

And, after all that you may ask; What does all this have to do with exercise? Think about it...What not multi-task? Help out an animal and also get your walking in. This will help both of you. This way if you volunteer you have to be committed to the dogs and you get your exercise in. No excuses as to why you can't do it. Even if you volunteer for something else, you are committed to being there and this will help your weight loss efforts too.