Press Releases

Thursday, January 29, 2009
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Angela Speed
Direct: (414) 431-6104
E-mail: aspeed@wihumane.org

Difference in Pups’ Sizes Illustrates Importance of Good Nutrition

MILWAUKEE – Wisconsin Humane Society officials could barely believe that four puppies surrendered this week were actually from the same litter. The size difference was staggering. One loomed large over the other three, absolutely dwarfing them in size. She weighed in at a healthy 26 pounds, while her brothers weigh just 4.75 -5.00 pounds. She is five times the size of her siblings. The difference? Nutrition.

Dr. Jane Pohlman evaluated the pups and determined that the size difference is chiefly due to malnutrition. The biggest puppy was actually raised in a different household prior to being surrendered and had been fed nutritious puppy food. The family who had taken care of the three boys, however, had not only been feeding the puppies adult dog food, but the amount of food was insufficient for proper growth and development.

Dr. Pohlman noted, “Other factors could have affected the puppies’ development, but from what we know about the puppies’ history, all four dogs were the same size initially and the family had been feeding the puppies inadequate food. A poor diet can certainly cause drastically stunted growth.”

Under close supervision by veterinary staff, Aramis, Porthos and Athos are on special diets to address their nutritional deficiencies. Dr. Pohlman expects them to continue gaining strength and weight for a few weeks until they are ready for adoption. Pebbles, the largest pup, will be ready for adoption in just a couple of days.

If you are interested in learning more about these three musketeers or the other animals at the Wisconsin Humane Society, please visit our website at www.wihumane.org or call 1-800-ANIMALS.

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Photo/Interview Opportunity: All four puppies will be available for filming on Thursday, January 29 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Wisconsin Humane Society. A WHS representative will be available to answer questions. To schedule an interview, contact Angela Speed at 414.431.6104 or aspeed@wihumane.org.