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Vote for Pet Slimmer of the year

Last updated: Tuesday, September 20, 2011

The History of Hill's Pet Slimmer– By Rina Cronwright Managing Director of Hill’s Pet Nutrition South Africa.

When Hill’s Pet Nutrition first came to South Africa in 1994 we sourced our products from the USA. With human and pet obesity on the rise, the States developed Hill’s Prescription Diet r/d - specially designed for weight loss - and initiated a Pet Slimmer Programme. I scoffed at the idea, explaining to my American colleagues that South African’s lived active healthy lifestyles and that we didn’t see many podgy pets.

However veterinarians in South Africa told us that many of the pets they saw weighed more than was healthy. It seemed that pet obesity was on the rise, with pet owners underestimating the problem and unaware of the health risks that came along with a few extra kilos.

It turns out that we pet owners, take “your pet is fat” about as well as we would take “your bum looks big in those pants”! Having someone tell you your pet is overweight is a delicate and sensitive issue and veterinarians were avoiding having the tough discussions about the medical risks associated with pet obesity in fear of upsetting their patient’s owners.

The Hill’s Pet Slimmer competition started in South Africa in 1997. Its objective was to put a fun spin on the serious issue and help us to raise awareness of the health implications and seriousness of pet obesity.

Every year in August we ask veterinary practices and pet owners to enter the pets who’ve reached target weight into the Hill’s Pet Slimmer Competition. As we review the striking before and after photographs and testimonials we are always overwhelmed by the many stories of perseverance and success. Time and time again the results confirm the value of the Hill’s Pet Slimmer Programme in helping tackle the pet obesity problem.

After much deliberation please join us in congratulating the 2011 Pet Slimmer finalists:

“BUDDY KNOESEN” – Dachshund from BLOEMFONTEIN ANIMAL HOSPITAL (FS)

“DRUFUS SCHAILLEE” – Poodle X Breed from BOULEVARD ANIMAL HOSPITAL (CT)

“JESSIE RANDELHOF” – Jack Russell from BRIGHTON BEACH VET CLINIC (KZN)

“MAX SCHULTZ” – American Staffie from GLENASHLEY VETERINARY CLINIC (KZN)

“GIZMO REES” – Domestic Short Hair from ZWARTKOP ANIMAL CLINIC (PTA)

“YOGI KENT” – Staffie from ZWARTKOP ANIMAL CLINIC (PTA)

“SALLY GIBSON” – Dachshund from SUNNINGHILL VILLAGE VET CLINIC (JHB)

“GUS SMITH” – Boerboel from TYGERBERG ANIMAL HOSPITAL - KENRIDGE (CT)

“HARRY PARKINSON” – Pug from TYGERBERG ANIMAL HOSPITAL - KENRIDGE (CT)

“MIEKIE OCHS” – Dachshund from SWAKOP VETERINARY CLINIC (NAMIBIA)

Selecting the winner has always been the toughest part of the competition. The top Slimmer is not necessarily the one that has lost the most weight. In past competitions, we’ve looked for a pet in great physical condition that has lost kilos in a healthy way. We’ve looked for striking ‘Before’ and ‘After’ photos and a good story. We’ve looked for the pet and owner combination that best show how Hill’s Prescription Diet r/d has turned their life around for a happier, healthier and longer life together.

This year, for the first time, you get to decide who wins the coveted title of Hill’s Pet Slimmer of the Year for 2011. Visit www.petslimmer.co.za to view this year’s finalists, see their amazing ‘Before’ and ‘After’ photos, read their remarkable weight loss stories and vote for your favourite.

Voting runs from 15 September until 31 October. The winner will be the pet with the most votes on 31 October - watch press for details!

(Hills Advertorial)

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