Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. Proverbs 6:5 (I LOVE this verse - it’s my motivation to finish paying off my student loan and get DEBT FREE!!!!)

I’ll be hanging with ya again this afternoon - so fun!  You’ll have two more opportunities to win tickets to the Houston Children’s Festival, plus Dr. David Self will share tips with us on how we can be more confident in sharing our faith!

Conversation Starters for Sharing our Faith:

**Is there something I can pray for you about?
**Share your personal story of what Jesus means to you.
**Tie in media or news headlines, especially when something serious has happened because people start thing about serious things like heaven and hell
**Do they have a Biblical name like James or John?
**eeinternational.org

Helpful Verses for Sharing our Faith:
**John 3:16, 2 Timothy 1:7, John 9 (be a witness), Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9-10

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12

Today I’ll be hanging out with you on your drive home!!!  Listen to win a family 4 pack of tickets to the Houston Children’s Festival (KSBJ will be at the festival so please stop by and say hi!!!) and share your fun spring break memories!!

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How to Negotiate for a Bargain
Become a bargaining pro with Dave’s quick tips - daveramsey.com

When you set out to search for a bargain, always keep in mind the three ground rules for proper negotiation:

1. Never misrepresent the truth while bargaining.
2. Never have intentions to harm the other party.
3. Create a win-win deal.

Flash the cash

Dave has found that win-win deals really work, so don’t be afraid to ask for a deal. And learn how to use the power of cash. Cash is emotional, visual and has immediacy, so use it to your advantage!

Demonstrate patience

Remember that you need to demonstrate patience when hunting for a good bargain. Never get married to a purchase. If that happens, your chances of getting a good deal are slim. Know when to exercise walk-away power, and use it when necessary. If you can show that you have the ability to say no, then you hold the upper hand in the bargain. Dave’s key phrase is “That’s not good enough!” After you exclaim that, shut up. Sometimes silence can be the key to getting the deal you want.

Find the deals

A final key to finding good bargains is to know where to find deals. Common places to find great deals include:

* Garage/estates sales
* Public/online auctions
* Coupons
* Individuals
* Repo lots
* Flea markets
* Refunds/rebates
* Foreclosures
* Pawn shops
* Classified ads
* Consignment shops
* Conventions

Keep in mind that you can always trade something of value when trying to negotiate. Consider exchanging something you own or barter your services in exchange for a good bargain. Babysitting, running errands, and mowing a lawn make great trade services.

But the most important thing to remember when trying to get a good deal is to ask yourself, “Can I use this? Do I really need this?” If it’s something you don’t need or can’t use then it’s not a good deal.

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the gift of God for the power of salvation for everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Romans 1:16

How was your weekend?  Mine was so fun - relaxing, too!!!  Got to rest, hang with my girlfriends and enjoy the gorgeous weather!  I took this pic of Daisy after a long walk yesterday - she was panting so much and hoping I would take pity on her with a treat or two!!

BTW - listen tonight to win a family 4-pack of tickets to the Houston Children’s Festival - just tell me what you’re doing to help your family march info fitness!  Does it get any easier???  Win ‘em at 8:15 and 9:15!

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Here’s What To Buy In March
·  Humidifiers
·  Mattresses
·  Easter Crafts
·  Sunglasses
·  Winter Sports Gear
·  Winter Coast
·  Cold Weather Accessories
·  Jewelry

Here’s What NOT To Buy In March
·  Spring clothes: Most of the items out now will
be put on sale as newer merchandise comes in.
·  Large appliances (September & October are
the best months for this).

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I just read that Addison Road’s tour bus caught on fire - so sad!  It was vandalized last year, and now this…the good news is their fans are coming out in DRONES to help them!  Here are some of my fave stories from Jenny’s blog:

To our dear friends Jimmy Mac and Lori in Las Vegas for coming out to the show even though they were tired. For realizing that the reason they were at the show was because they felt like God wanted them there to take care of us when we found out we had lost everything. And for taking Ryan, Annie, and I on a TJ Maxx shopping spree the next morning to replace our most basic essentials like undies, jeans, shoes, and clothes for Annie! They gave each of us a shopping buggy and when Ryan and I came back with about two or three things in it, Jimmy said, “Now it’s none of my business but I’m pretty sure you didn’t bring all your boxers and unmentionables to the gig last night and I don’t see any in that buggy… you people need to go back and fill it up. I don’t want to see you until that buggy is full.” They laughed with us. Loved on our baby. And sent us on the road with, you know… unmentionables.

To Yasmin and Katherine from Paso Robles who sent out a Facebook request for baby items and came back with an ENTIRE van full of toys, clothes, books, DVD’s, a brand new boppy, baby monitor, medicine, and everything else under the moon. They drove around all morning collecting things for us and then drove another hour to bring us the items and watched Annie while I sorted. Not only did we replace everything Annie needed, but we also made an entire stack of clothes and baby goods for our guitar player Ryan Gregg and his wife who are expecting their first baby girl in June! Katherine, who is in the third grade, was a little bummed the night before because all her friends were able to affords the expensive tickets that included a meet and greet and private concert. Yasmin told me that Katherine said in the car, “Mom, this is so cool. This is exactly what we talked about in church. How one person can make a difference. We are able to help them by just asking and collecting things. That is so cool… and I bet all those other kids didn’t get to play with her baby.” This made me smile. Not only did they bless us, but in His own way and timing, God gave this little girl a very special blessing herself. How cool is that.

“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31

I have spring break fever!!  I’ll still be working next week, but if you’re off, enjoy it for me!!!  Not that you wanna spend your whole spring break inside, but researching college scholarships would be a great activity - Dave Ramsey would approve!  You can celebrate being a bookworm by joining us next Thursday for the KSBJ Brown Bag Concert at Chick-fil-A featuring New World Son!!  I’ll be there and would love for you to join me!!!  XOXO

Braden, one of the mutton bustin’ champs at the rodeo stopped by to share the secrets to his success:

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Tips for Applying for College Scholarships - College Funding Resource

**Search everywhere for scholarships for which your child might qualify. Start your search with your child’s guidance counselor by letting the counselor know your child is interested in applying for applicable scholarships. Search Google for “college scholarships.” Register free with Fast Web, a scholarship matching service, to be notified of applicable scholarships for your student. Network with others who are looking for scholarships and share your findings. Look everywhere, even unlikely locations such as summer intern programs or volunteer organizations that may have an attached scholarship. You might miss some good possibilities if you’re not alert to every option.

**Allow plenty of time in the application process. It will take 10 to 20 hours of search time, maybe longer, to locate potential scholarships. It will then take a minimum of two hours to complete each application. Giving yourself plenty of time will alleviate stress and help ensure the application is completed correctly.

**When asking pastors, counselors, teachers and others for a student recommendation, be sure to include the scholarship qualifications and criteria so the reference can include some of those points in the referral.

**Have your child start a student resume beginning in ninth grade so he can easily keep track of high school accomplishments. That way when senior year arrives, you won’t have to struggle to remember what he did two years ago. The information will be right at hand.

**Another helpful website - collegeboard.com.

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Because I’m in a spring cleaning mood - Household Uses For Baking Soda: {Quick Tips} from tipnut.com

Sink Scrub: Clean a stainless steel sink by sprinkling baking soda around the sink and scrubbing it down with a damp sponge. Source: How To Clean A Stainless Steel Sink.

Bathtub Miracle Paste: Make a cleaning paste with baking soda and bleach then apply to wet sponge to scrub off grime when wiping the tub down. Source: Kickin Bathtub Cleaning Soak.

Cheap & Natural Carpet Freshener: Sprinkle carpets with baking soda and leave sit for a few hours then vacuum up. Your carpets will smell noticeably fresher. Source: 10 Household Cleaning Quick Tips.

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30

I LOVE the new single from Matt Maher “Hold Us Together”…what do you think??

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6 Foods that Fix Bad Breath - msn.com

1. Lemons: Suck on a lemon wedge, or nibble on the rind—easy to do in restaurants, where there’s often a citrus garnish; if not, you can order sparkling water with lemon. For other times, lemon-flavored hard candies work just as well, and they’re totally portable.

2. Parsley and other green garnishes: When your favorite garlic-laden pasta dish or onion-topped burger arrives with a few sprigs of parsley on the side, consider it a hint, not just a colorful trim. Chewing on the sprigs releases parsley’s pleasant, breath-freshening oils. Garnishes of fresh basil and rosemary work, too.

3. Apples and other crisp, fresh foods (firm pears, carrots, jicama): They’re high in fiber, and all that chewing bumps up saliva production—the combo acts like a scrubbing rinse for your mouth. Sweet.

4. Crunchy spices: For a more exotic solution, pick up some anise, cardamom, coriander, and fennel seeds, available in the spice aisle of most grocery stores. Mix equal parts in a small covered bowl, and keep it on the dining room table next to the salt and pepper. Chewing on a few seeds will release enough oil to sweeten after-dinner curry or coffee breath. And your mouth will taste amazing.

5. Mint sprigs or cinnamon sticks: Either of these deliciously potent flavors will squelch the sulfurous scent of onion and garlic. Plus, an essential oil in cinnamon kills a nasty type of oral bacteria, discouraging it from setting up house in your mouth. Cinnamon or mint gum is just as effective. If you pick a gum sweetened with xylitol, it will freshen breath and help reduce cavities—smart, if you’re a gum lover. Bonus: Regular oral care can make your real age as much as 6.4 years younger.

6. Berries and yogurt: If you can’t get through most days without indulging in foods that are less than breath-friendly, eat for prevention, which is even better than a cure. Consuming half a cup of plain, sugar-free yogurt twice a day can lower mouth levels of hydrogen sulfide (yes, that rotten egg smell). Berries (and melons, oranges, and other fruits high in vitamin C) also deter stinky mouth bacteria. Start and end each day with a cup of fruit topped with a big dollop of yogurt and you might never have to worry about bad breath again.

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Yummy Snacks 4U/Meals for the Young ‘uns - Good Morning America

These make me hungry!!!

Skip the Sandwich: Experts say low-fat cheese and whole grain crackers are a great way to get your kids the calcium they need. Hard boiled eggs are also an option. Dietitian Marion Groetch of the Jaffe Food Allergy Institute at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City says eggs are “a great source of protein and low in saturated fat.”

She also suggests whole grain pasta salad and green salads.

Heather Cupp, a dietitian with Riley Hospital for Children’s POWER program in Indianapolis, Ind., says there are lots of fun alternatives to the lunch sandwich. Her suggestions include:

Breakfast for Lunch: 2 tablespoons of apple butter with one medium banana sliced and sandwiched between two whole wheat waffles, 1 cup of low-fat milk, 1 cup of carrot sticks. Tacos to Go: Two hard or soft taco shells, or one small bag of baked tortilla chips and toppings like lettuce, tomato, low-fat cheese,, beans, salsa, etc. Add one low-fat pudding cup and 1 cup of berries for dessert.

No-Bake Pizza: 1 Whole grain English muffin, 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, 1 piece of string cheese, 5 slices of turkey pepperoni, 1/2 cup of sliced sweet peppers and mushrooms. Assemble at school so the muffin does not get soggy.

Shape, Alphabet or Other Theme Meals: An “S” themed lunch could include salmon salad (instead of tuna) with crackers, sweet bell pepper slices and strawberries for a sweet end. A circle theme would have crackers, reduced fat cheese cut-outs, melon balls, cherry tomatoes and other circle foods. Or try an ocean theme: tuna salad with goldfish crackers, blue Jello, broccoli trees with dip and pineapple for dessert.

Hummus is a great alternative to processed meats, as are tuna salad, chicken salad or egg salad. Just watch the salt content and limit tuna salad to twice a week because of the mercury content.

And for dessert, nutritionist Connie Diekman, the director of university nutrition at Washington University in St. Louis, suggests a “fruit and yogurt smoothie enjoyed with graham crackers.”

“Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning…” Proverbs 10:13

What are you planning to do with your tax return???  I feel so responsible this year - I’m going to use mine to pay down my student loan.  So grown-up of me!!!  Here are some things NOT to do with that $$$ from The Simple Dollar:

1. Buy lots of little frivolous things. Quite often, after getting a return, my parents would take the entire family out to dinner a few times. One year, they bought a Nintendo; another year, we got a giant new television when the old one was fine.

2. Get a new car. Income tax returns often meant automobile upgrades, even if the old one was still running fine.

3. Put the check directly into a checking account “for safekeeping.” This idea was heading in the right direction, except by putting it in the checking account, it didn’t earn anything, and over time it slowly was spent on all kinds of unnecessary things until it was gone.

4. Loan it to family members. Twice, the entire return was “loaned” to a family member who just simply never repaid the “loan.”

5. Have a giant party. At least one year, my parents had a giant spring party with tons of food and drink that ate almost all of their return.

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Baseball season is right around the corner…so exciting!

From stereotruth.net - Following the highest sales debut of tobyMac’s solo career with his new “Tonight” project it look likes he has another career milestone to celebrate. The title track to this project has just been picked to be the theme song for Major League Baseball Network’s “30 Clubs In 30 Days” a spring training series. The song will be featured throughout each episode.

The new season of “30 Clubs In 30 Days” will provide extensive coverage of each team with field reports, interviews, predictions and inside access to every club’s training camp as Opening Day approaches.

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgression from us.” Psalm 103:11-12

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Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Pet - Lisa Pogue, Pet Paradise Resort

Take A Close Look At Your Pet’s Belongings
First, take a moment to inspect all your pets’ toys to make sure they are still in good shape and do not pose any choking hazards. Pet toys can “age” very quickly, so it is always good to replace these frequently. Has your dog’s bed seen better days? Stuffing coming out? Is your cat’s scratching post coming apart? It is important to take a close look at the things your pet uses on a daily basis and make sure they are still in good shape…if not, it’s time to replace!

Take a close look at your pet hygiene routine!

1.    Keep fur brushed and free of mats.
2.    Bath as needed, make sure you buy pet shampoo!
3.    Check your pets nails, ears and eyes. It is important to keep your dogs nails short so they do not snag or catch on anything.
4.    Make a routine and stick to it! Make a pledge to bathe your pet once a week, clip nails regularly and check their ears!
5.    Teeth- keep an eye on your pets teeth. If they start to discolor, talk to your vet about it! It might be time for a cleaning.

Medical Record Check:
Take a moment to review your pet’s medical records – are they due for their annual exam or for any immunizations?  Has your pet moved from the adult stage to senior status?  Does your veterinarian recommend anything different this year?  Give your vet office a call and find out!

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Last night we talked about the importance of using cash…it’s working for Dianne!

Hi Jen,

I heard you tonight talking about cash and I wanted to share my cash story with you.   I am an impulsive shopper……….. I see.    I want.    I buy.

My poor husband had given up. After 28 years of watching the money he worked so hard for fly out the window, he often asked me to change my ‘nickel and dime’ ways. I tried, but there was always something, someone in our family of seven, needed. A few weeks ago, after coming home from a grocery trip, I could not find my ATM card. I called Wal-Mart. They looked high and low, but the card was nowhere to be found. My ATM card has played hide-n-seek with me several times, but I always won.  It never occurred to me to cancel it; I knew it would turn up.

I felt a glimmer of hope as a light bulb blinked in my head. I had a good idea, or as I
call them a God idea. I realized that if I didn’t have a card my spending could
be curtailed. So, a few minutes after calling Wal-Mart, I called the bank and canceled
my card. I told the surprised customer service representative that I did not want
them to send me another one.

The day before, my husband decided to try Dave Ramsey’s cash system, again. He put
several hundred dollars in an envelope. Any time I needed money I took $20 or
$40. Like you, I’ve learned that it’s harder to part with hard cold cash, then to
hand over a piece of plastic, but I have always been dependent on my card.

Well, the point of my long-winded tale is that when payday came around, we still had a $100
dollar bill in our envelope, and more importantly, there was a marked difference in our checking account. My husband was amazed and I was thankful. There may be hope for me, yet.

And then my son found my card in my car!

Jen, thank you  for your dedication to Jesus Christ and to KSBJ.  Just think where we all
would be if we listened as well as God.

In Christ, a faithful listener since 1983,

Dianne

Years ago, I modified the slogan from the soap, “The Days of our Lives.”
“Like sand through the hour glass so are the days of our lives.”
TO “Like sand through the hour glass” so is money through my hands.

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Because I went to the dentist today (and loved every second of it!!!  I love getting my teeth cleaned )

11 Foods Your Dentist Wouldn’t Touch - yahoo.com…here are the lowlights:

11. MOST SUGAR-PACKED CANNED FRUIT
Del Monte Peach Chunks in Heavy Syrup
23 g sugars
100 calories
0 g fat
SUGAR EQUIVALENT: 3 Rainbow Popsicles

5. MOST SUGAR-PACKED SODA
Sunkist (20-ounce bottle)
85 g sugars
325 calories
0 g fat
SUGAR EQUIVALENT: 17 Chewy Chips Ahoy! Cookies

4. MOST SUGAR-PACKED COFFEE DRINK
Starbucks Tazo Green Tea Frappuccino Blended Crème with Whipped Cream (20 ounces)
97 g sugars
650 calories
15 g fat (8 g saturated, 0 g trans)
SUGAR EQUIVALENT: 11 York Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Patties

1. MOST SUGAR-PACKED ITEM IN AMERICA
Smoothie King Grape Expectations II (40-oz)
250 g sugars
1096 calories
0 g fat
SUGAR EQUIVALENT: 30 Chocolate Drizzle Rice Krispies Treats

“Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” Proverbs 8:10-11

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Per Dave Ramsey I’ve started using cash when doing my grocery shopping and it’s made the biggest difference!!!  Not only does it keep me from overspending, but it makes it much harder to buy junk food!  I highly recommend it!   

Top Reasons Why Using Cash-Only Rocks - wisebread.com

I have had to learn to manage my money. Back when I had credit cards, I didn’t think too much about what I was buying on credit. Of course I was young and not financially intelligent back in those days. Now that I only use cash, I have had to learn how to manage my money down to the penny because I have nothing else to fall back on in the way of credit. If an emergency arises, I need to know I have the cash on hand to deal with it.

I have a true understanding of my needs and my wants. It has taken some time but I can now walk into a store of any kind and differentiate between the things I really needs and those things that I just want. Before I would throw whatever in the cart and figure the credit fairy was there to cover me. Now I take time to pause in the aisle and really think about the necessity of my purchases. I have also encouraged the same kind of thinking in my whole family.

I understand the need to wait on big purchases. Because I can no longer run out and get anything I want with a swipe of the plastic, I have to wait and save up the cash. This waiting period, highly recommended by many credit experts has really worked for me. In most cases, the stuff I really wanted because a case of out-of-sight/out-of-mind for me after a waiting period.

I have used my creativity for the good. I have always been crafty but not necessarily frugal. Now, I love creating fun alternatives for usually expensive things, such as family trips, birthday parties and gifts, and other events that I used to pay top dollar for in the past.

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Do you know the shelf life of your skin care products or cosmetics? OR does it really matter? from shine.yahoo.com

Did you know that in the United States, there are no regulations or guidelines from the FDA about the expiration date for skin-care or makeup products? The only exceptions to this are for over-the-counter drugs sold as skin-care products, such as sunscreens and anti-acne medicines, but even those can have inconsistencies.

Typically expiration dates are generally a rule of thumb on the products safety after its expiration date. However this can be ambiguous too, because cosmetics that have been improperly stored - for example, exposed to high temperatures or sunlight, or opened and examined by consumers prior to final sale - may deteriorate substantially before the expiration date. On the other hand, products stored under ideal conditions may be acceptable long after the expiration date has been reached.

Other cosmetics that might have a short shelf life are “all natural” products that may contain a preponderance of plant-derived substances conducive to all kinds of unhealthy microbial growth. It is also important for consumers to consider the increased risk of contamination in some “natural” products that contain nontraditional preservatives or no preservatives at all.

Additionally, sharing mascara and other cosmetics puts your products at risk for contamination thus reducing its shelf life. It is well advised not to borrow or share your cosmetics. Another point is to just use common sense: any changes in texture or color are a sure sign it’s time to replace a product, and if you can’t remember when you bought a product (or the last time you used it), it’s probably a good idea to throw it out!

Below are basic shelf life guidelines for your cosmetics and skin care product:

* Liquid foundation, 6 months to 1 year
* Mascara, 3 to 4 months
* Lip gloss and lipstick, 1 to 2 years
* Eye/lip pencils, at least 1 year and up to 3
* Facial cleansers and moisturizers, 6 months to 1 year
* Anti-aging and acne treatments, 3 months to 1 year
* Body lotion, 2 to 3 years
* Hair styling products, 3+ years

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

I was out sick yesterday :(  Thanks so much for your prayers, though - I’m feeling much better!!!  I’ll be out tomorrow for a 3 day weekend but back and at it on Monday!!!

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Get in shape physically, mentally and spiritually with these 9 FITatudes from fitatudes.com!!!

1. Absolute Trust in God: Go BIG, or go home!
* Happy are those whose absolute trust is in the Lord…for they shall not be disappointed. – Proverbs 3:5
2. Humility and Personal Responsibility: Keeping your ego in check, so you can own your own dirt.
* Happy are those who take humble responsibility while giving God all the glory for the undeserved gifts He bestows…for they shall experience God’s glory. – Philippians 2:3-9 & Matthew 7:3-5
3. Forgiveness: Be transformed mentally.
* Happy are those who release themselves from holding a grudge or passing judgment for someone else’s sin and learns to forgive…for they shall also be forgiven and experience earthly freedom and everlasting life. – Matthew 6:14
4. Positive Thinking: Your body achieves what your mind conceives.
* Happy are those who free their minds of useless “chatter” and immediately replace negative thoughts with positive ones…for they shall be able to focus on life’s essentials. – Phillipians 4:8
5. Devotion to Others: Birds of a feather must flock together.
* Happy are those who encourage others and who willingly join their family and friends in faithful fellowship, inspiring and motivating one another to lead a High Performing Life…for they shall likewise be encouraged. – Hebrews 10:24-25
6. A Life Budget with Gratitude: Healthy mustn’t be expensive or time consuming.
* Happy are those who are grateful and content with what they have wisely budget their resources…for by observing boundaries in an “anything-goes” world, they shall not squander their resources or overindulge, thus avoiding problems in the future. – 1 Corinthians 10:23
7. Healthy Food and Proper Hydration: Heavenly bodies begin with healthy foods.
* Happy are those who drink sufficient water and eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole foods…for they shall not often be constipated, and they shall be healthier, better nourished, and at less risk for lifestyle diseases that those who mock them. – Genesis 1:11-12
8. Respect for One’s Body: R-E-S-P-E-C-T your B-O-D-Y.
* Happy are those who – recognizing their body is a gift from God – get it moving every day and obtain proper rest…for their muscles and joints will be supple and adaptable and they will experience bountiful energy. – Genesis 2:2-3 & Timothy 4:8a
9. Perseverance: Keep on keepin’ on.
* Happy are the faithful and diligent…for they shall obtain results. – Hebrews 12:1-3

**Be listening next week to win a souped up bike to help you get fit!!!!  My favorite bike was my first one - a Cabbage Patch Big Wheel.  So cute, right??!

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.” Job 23:10-11

Happy Texas Independence Day!!!  Did you celebrate by casting your vote??  If you’re not yet registered, take care of it here so you can vote in the next election!

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Wikihow’s How to Help Your Pet Lose Weight

1. Take your pet to a veterinarian. It’s important you do this before starting any diet plan because the veterinarian can also look for other underlying problems that may be affected during your pet’s diet, like diabetes, joint problems, ect. It is also possible that your pet could be gaining weight from another medical problem, so it’s important that you check with a proper veterinarian and have them give you the okay to start your pet on a diet.

2. Find food that’s healthy for your specific to eat on a diet. The reason the word ‘healthy’ is stressed so much is because it’s not only important for your pet to come down to a healthy weight, but it’s also very important that they do it in a healthy manner. Some foods may not provide all the nutrients your pet’s body needs to maintain properly.  You can discuss this with your veterinarian about what diet would be good for your specific pet.  *****My neighbor works at a vet’s office and has recommended carrots and green beans as low-cal, healthy treats…it also helps them feel full!  I treat Daisy with carrots - she loves them and she’s lost some weight!******

3. No cheating! Make sure you don’t give extra treats to your pet, this will set them back on your goal for them to lose weight.

4. Exercise your pets. This doesn’t mean push them so hard that they’re about to pass out. Take it slow and go on gradually from there. Take you dog out for a walk or play fetch with him. For cats, you could probably find a toy to help them move around more and play with them. For any other pets, you’ll need to discuss this with your veterinarian.

5. Keep at it and don’t lose faith! If it doesn’t seem like your pet is losing weight, don’t get upset and throw the diet and everything out the window. Be persistent.

6. Go in for a check-up. Every couple of months, take your pet to the veterinarian to be re-evaluated. The veterinarian will tell you if you’re doing the right thing and whether or not to keep going with the diet.

Daisy says hi!!!