Dawn Marcus M.D. had spent years telling patients that changes to their lifestyle were the best way to improve their health. She knew that living well was far more important than taking a tablet, but how to covey that to patients? Then Wheatie, a Wheaten Terrier, came into her life, and she realised how much living with a dog enhances your life. Suddenly she was eating more regularly, exercising on a daily basis, sleeping better and laughing more. And all because of Wheatie - to whom living well came naturally.
In Fit as Fido, Dawn explores the various life lessons we can learn from our dogs. Studies have demonstrated how dog ownership can lower blood pressure, and cholesterol - but did you know that dog owners make fewer visits to the doctor, and are less likely to suffer from depression? These aspects of life with a dog are discussed in the chapter headed, "Enjoy the benefits of having a dog". Other chapter headings include, "Eat like a dog", "Play like a dog", "Sleep like a dog", "Be man's best friend", "Teach and old dog new tricks", and "Live a dog's life".
Though this book deals with a serious subject, it does so with humour, and there are quizzes and schedules to help you make changes to your life in as painless and effective a way as possible. For example did you know that if you shopped like a dog, you would take home a far healthier selection of food than normal? Dogs help keep the elderly active, and aid communication channels within a family.
You can hear Dr. Dawn Marcus discuss her book Fit as Fido in Episode 87 of DogCast Radio.
Review by Julie Hill