11.02.2021
Halloween has come and gone, and while some make it seem like the Christmas season is here, I feel we must first stop and remember that it is actually the season of giving thanks.
You may ask, “Chester, what are you thankful for this year?” My answer, many things.
First, I am thankful for the staff at the Animal Rescue League. When they found me in August, they knew immediately I needed to lose weight and a lot of it. They gave me love. They started my weight loss journey by putting me on a diet – they gave me carrots, which it pains me to say, but I did eventually grow to like them. They were also the ones who found Willow Creek Veterinary Center and my wonderful therapist Marie.
When I was told that I would be starting underwater treadmill therapy, I wasn’t sure how to feel. I was hesitant but also super excited knowing that this was the next step needed in my weight loss journey. Then it came time to go to my first session and meet Marie - it was love at first sight and I couldn’t be more thankful that we ended up together.
When I caught pneumonia and was unable to use the treadmill, Marie changed our workout plan and we worked on mobility and range of motion exercise. Then once my range of motion got better, we started just walking from one side of the room to the next. Then we walked outside. Slowly the pounds started falling off, and now 10 pounds lighter, none of this would be possible with Marie.
Early in the journey, Marie went from my therapist to my foster mom. Not only were we able to exercise while I went to work every day with Marie, but we could now also continue work at home. Marie was able to monitor my exercise, watch my diet, and of course, shower me with unconditional love. It was here I also met my foster brother Reuben. Together we get into all sorts of hijinks, and I couldn’t imagine my life without him.
As you can tell, I’m very thankful for Marie, but I would be remised if I didn’t include the thing I am most thankful for, and that is that Marie has officially adopted me!
When I was cleared for adoption, Marie just couldn’t let me go, nor did I want to let go of her. I never would’ve thought at the start of this journey that my therapist would become my foster mom, and then go from foster mom to adopted mom, and for that, I will forever be thankful to Marie.
It has been a fun journey and it’s one that isn’t yet over. Just because I am ending my blog posts doesn’t mean I’m giving up on the journey. I’m going to continue working on losing weight, maintaining great health, but overall, I’ll be living my best life with my new forever family.
Your BONE-afide Friend,
Chester
P.S. I guess I do have one more thing to be thankful for, and that is all of you; my constant readers and followers who have supported me since day one. From the comments on social media to my fans who asked to meet me at Willow Creek, you all helped me to get to where I am today. So from the bottom of this doggo’s heart, Thank You.
10.13.2021
I’m back!
I’ve been so into my exercise regimen over the past two weeks, that I was finally able to sneak away for a few minutes to write this blog post.
I was beginning to think for a second that the scale was broken and was stuck at 21 pounds for three weeks. So, I wanted to devote some extra time and attention to my weight loss journey.
But the hard work has paid off. Your boy Chester is now down to 19.8 pounds! That’s one more pound gone, and I’m now halfway to my starting goal of losing 15 pounds.
To turn good news into great news, I also got my sea legs back and was cleared to start my underwater treadmill therapy again! We’ve been waiting for this moment since August and are hopeful that this will help me to lose even more weight.
On the non-weight loss side of life, we had a pretty laid-back two weeks. We did take time to have an un-boo-lievably fun Halloween-themed photoshoot. I’m loving my foster family and friends so much; can’t you tell by my smile how much fun I’m having?
I hear the water running, and Marie calling, so that means it’s treadmill time!
Your BONE-afide Friend,
Chester
P.S. – I’ve been using this Philadelphia Eagles scarf while we watch the games. It helps keep me warm, but it also makes a great place to hide should the team disappoint.
09.29.2021
Wow, time really does fly when you’re having fun? It feels like just yesterday that I was writing last week’s blog post, and now I’m sitting writing this week’s entry.
Marie has been telling me all about how my supporters love this blog and how many of you out there are following along with me on this journey. When I go into Willow Creek Veterinary with Marie, other patients ask if I’m in the building and want to come to meet me. Is it too soon for me to get an agent and charge an appearance fee? It just makes my day knowing how much everybody is supporting me.
I still haven’t been cleared for treadmill therapy yet, but with the beautiful weather we’ve been having, you’d have to be crazy to want to spend it indoors. We spent a ton of time outside last week going on walks by the lake with family and friends. And if the walking got to be too much, there was a chariot, I mean, wagon there to ride home in.
The fall weather is great, but with it comes allergy season; and just like humans, us dogs can also suffer from seasonal allergies. My allergies make my eyes itch, but since I can’t scratch my eyes, Marie uses a damp cloth to wipe my eyes and then puts allergy desensitizing drops in my eyes. I sure do hate those drops. At least I get a treat at the end of the process.
I’m still at 21 pounds for the third week, which is tough, because I exercise, follow my diet, and try so hard to lose weight, but the scale just won’t budge. But when I watch back the videos Marie takes, I’m reminded of the progress I’ve made. Just think, I used to not even be able to take more than 10 steps without stopping, and now I’m out for walks and jumping with excitement for my food. I just have to continue moving forward and one day that scale will move.
Your BONE-afide Friend,
Chester
P.S. Marie, if you’re reading this, I know you hide a Benadryl in the treat you give after my eye care. Nothing is getting past this Chester.
09.22.2021
Winds in the east, mist coming in. Like somethin' is brewin' and bout to begin. You could say that somethin’ might be the autumnal equinox, or it could be another week of my weight loss journey. But maybe, it just happens to be both.
This past week was again pretty low-key. We’re hoping I can get back on the treadmill in the very near future. My walks are becoming a bit longer every day, and the exercise routine has been going so well that I’ve now earned my own tie-out for the yard.
I’m not a huge fan of the tie-out, but if I didn’t have it, Marie thinks I may just walk away due to how well my walking is going. The tie-out does sometimes make me feel like a guard dog. I get to keep watch over my palace while also making sure the neighborhood kids stay off our lawn. Marie even captured some video of me walking around to show how well it's going.
Unfortunately, there wasn't any change in my weight last week, but it just means I have to work harder this week... so that means no pumpkin spiced lattes for this pooch.
Happy Fall Y'all!
Your BONE-afide Friend,
Chester
P.S. - I want to take a minute to tell you about my friend at the ARL, Ella. She is a 23-pound cat up for adoption. Unfortunately, cats, water, and treadmills don't mix, so she will need some help losing weight using other methods. She has lived with other cats before and loves playing with string toys. She is looking for a home that will help her shed a few pounds. If interested in adopting Ella, and helping her on her weight loss journey, stop by the ARL and meet her today.
09.15.2021
Another week has come and gone, and so has another pound. I am now down to 21 pounds.
This past week has been pretty boring overall as I am still on exercise restrictions. These restrictions are tough on me because I just want to get back out there and shed this extra weight. I keep trying to make a break for it to go for a nice walk, or even sometimes a really brief jog, but somehow Marie is always one step ahead of me to stop me from doing too much.
I am now able to lift my leg when I have to use the bathroom, which to me and my close supporters is major progress. The fact that I can now not only stand up but can support my weight on just three legs for a short time is something we didn’t see happening so quickly.
Since exercise is still limited, I continue to spend my free time relaxing and hanging out with my foster brother Reuben, and of course, I still go hog wild for my toys and cod skin. You might say there CODn’t be a better treat.
We’re hopeful that we can get back to my normal exercise regimen shortly, but until then, we’ll be like The Eagles and “Take It Easy.”
Your BONE-afide Friend,
Chester
09.08.2021
Labor Day. The unofficial end to summer, the last day to wear white, but most importantly, a day in which we get to take the day off, relax, and pig out at picnics. This year, there was no pigging out, at least for me; not when there is still so much ahead of me in my weight loss journey.
I’ve been given the go-ahead to begin therapy again after my case of pneumonia. The go-ahead didn’t come with my sea legs, so for now we’ll continue to exercise on dry land. I’m ready and willing to get back on the treadmill, but my team of care experts says it’s best to ease my way back into it. So, while it may be a minor setback, it’s probably for the best.
When I’m not at the vet office or in therapy, I can be found settling in with Marie and the rest of my foster family. I can’t speak for everyone in my foster family, but I LOVE spending time outdoors. It gives me time to exercise more, and who doesn’t love fresh air?
I also really like my foster siblings; we hang out all the time when I’m at home. My foster brother was even nice enough that he’s let me steal his food… Mom wasn’t a huge fan, but at least I showed the determination and walked to the OTHER side of the house for it… I felt like I deserved at least a little reward for that.
Speaking of eating, I am now standing up to eat, no more eating while lying in bed. Eating while standing helps me continue to gain the body strength needed to support my weight, all thanks to the motion therapy we’ve been doing while waiting for my pneumonia to clear.
The people at the vet office continue to spoil me; they got me got a new collar, and some treats! Treats which of course are healthy, but it’s the thought that counts, right? My new collar has a bow tie on it, and who doesn’t look dapper wearing a bow tie? I also got some new toys and especially love my lamb chop plush which I take with me all around the house.
It’s slow, consistent progress, but at least I’m down another pound, and now weigh in at 22 pounds, so it was probably good I didn’t eat that cheeseburger at the Labor Day Picnic.
Your BONE-afide Friend,
Chester
P.S. – I want to put it out there. I hate boots; wear them around me and I just may try to eat them. Some would say I just have good taste in footwear.
08.31.2021
Boy, am I doggone tired! This weight loss journey is certainly a lot tougher than I thought.
And to top it off, I’m out of commission for the next week! Turns out, I have a small case of pneumonia. Apparently, I’m supposed to walk in the water, not inhale it. Who knew? But don’t worry, Dr. Banning says I’ll be just fine in a few days’ time. Dr. B’s orders? Some R&R. Sadly, I’m not talking about ravioli & roasts, but rest and relaxation.
Okay, so not total rest and relaxation. I am still going to therapy; we just won’t be doing any cardio (my evil plan is working). While I’m on the IR List, my therapist Marie said we will be working on mobility and range of motion therapy. She says this will help me hold myself up for longer periods of time so my stabilizing muscles can get stronger.
As tiring as therapy can sound, there is a plus side. I get to finish the day with laser therapy… and even better, I get to wear these cool shades. But don’t worry, unlike Bond villains, Marie’s laser isn’t harmful, it’s helpful. She uses the laser on my joints, and it helps take away some of the pain and inflammation. Just between you and me, I already feel like I’m able to walk so much better.
Speaking of Marie, she is now my Foster Mom! It was love at first sight and we bonded immediately and now for her; every day is Bring Your Dog to Work Day! The staff at Willow Creek Veterinary Center love me and they stop by to visit me throughout the day… gee, I sure hope Marie doesn’t mind me taking the attention, because without her and the fine folks at Willow Creek, there wouldn’t be this amazing opportunity in my weight loss journey.
I may not be back to 100% yet, but hey, I still lost 1.5 pounds. Last Friday I weighed 25.4 pounds, and as of yesterday’s weigh in on August 30, I weighed 23.8 pounds. So, progress is progress, even if it’s not immediate.
Your BONE-afide Friend,
Chester
P.S. No matter what anyone tells you; I don’t like frozen fruit, but I have grown fond of spinach, so maybe if we add the two together, and make a smoothie, we might be on to something.
08.24.2021
Hi everyone. My name is Chester, and welcome to my blog, The Chester Chronicles.
A little back story on me. I was found wandering the streets and at that time, I tipped the scales at 28 pounds. It was hard for me just to support my own weight while trying to stand. The kind folks at the ARL took me in and after a month into their care, I have already lost 3 pounds, but I am told I should weigh 8-10 pounds. That means I still need to lose around 15 pounds to get back to a happy and healthy lifestyle.
The staff at the ARL pulled out all the stops and were able to hook me up with an amazing physical therapist, and I am now receiving underwater treadmill hydrotherapy and laser treatments and will face my weight loss journey one step at a time.
I’ll be posting updates here in my blog throughout my weight loss journey, so be sure to come back and check in on the progress. I have a long, tiring road ahead of me, but with the support of the ARL Staff, my foster mom Ashley, my therapist, and of course, you, the reader, I can get back to the happy, healthy lifestyle that I deserve.
Your BONE-afide Friend,
Chester
P.S. – Send treats… not carrots.