Dramatic changes have occurred with Liquorice in the two weeks since we visited Francis Wilson, the delightful lady who bred my little darling. Liquorice was a little over five months when we were told she was “well fed” and advised to restrict her food intake and to exercise her by walking on gravel to “tighten” her tootsies. Now she has two meals a day (as opposed to four) and only three-quarters the previous quantity, with a small handful of kibble to replace the missing meals.
Poor Liquorice – she did so love her food!
She has also lost her prim and proper lady-like manners at mealtime, such is the keenness with which she now eats.
Liquorice is definitely a much brighter and happier puppy! She was always happy and alert however she now has a vitality that was missing. Liquorice is tucked up in the tummy and looking from above my little darling actually has a waist! Liquorice even has some ribs again, still difficult to find, but definitely there and I am certain more will soon appear.
Her shoulders and hind quarters have in that short time become well muscled and quite hard since we have now built up to around a mile and a half walk on the road of a morning and about half that of an evening. That is in addition to about three-quarters of a mile walking around the paddocks morning and night that she was used to.
Where previously Liquorice would play hard for a couple of minutes then lay down a while before playing again, she now continues easily for ten to fifteen minutes until I have to lay down. And she wants to play on!
The bad news. In the last fortnight Liquorice has gained two and a half kilos, about five and a half pounds. Francis said not worry as she is still growing and she would be converting her fat into muscle.
If, like me, you are a puppy owner, not in personal contact with other Newfoundland owners, then I urge you to keep in touch with your puppy’s breeder, or seek the opinion of someone with lots of experience with Newfoundland Puppies.
Arthur Witten
Liquorice – I like being slimmer and fitter. I deserve an extra meal or two!