Pet Pages

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- It's more than a week before Christmas morning, but former Army Sgt. Chris Bradford is already playing with the cutest present ever.

On Wednesday afternoon, the 26-year-old Wounded Warrior was presented a 9-week-old pedigreed, black Labrador Retriever in a small ceremony at the new Huntsville-Madison County Veterans Memorial park.

"That's awesome," Bradford said, getting an occasional lick on the cheek from the dog in his arms. "He likes me already."

In April 2007 Bradford was on foot - a "dismounted patrol" - with the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division in Baghdad when a mortar round came in nearby. "It blew out my right eardrum, gave me a concussion," he said, matter-of-factly. "I caught some shrapnel."

It meant a medical retirement for a sergeant who was seeking an Army career. "My plans were to go to flight school and become a helicopter pilot," Bradford said.

He's an area native who these days works for a government contractor in Cummings Research Park and lives in Madison with his wife, Malorie, and son Aidan, who will be 2 years old on Dec. 23.

Bradford is also a duck hunter.

"I've wanted a Lab for a long time. Since I was a kid," he said. "I'm pretty happy." That's one reason a half-dozen or more of Santa's helpers chose Bradford for the pup. Every year, Cypress Creek Labradors in Florence donates two pups as service or companion dogs to a Wounded Warrior or the family of a fallen soldier, said Paul Dunstan, who is owner with his wife, Brandie.

Around Veterans Day, when the Semper Fi Community Task Force brought Wounded Warriors from around the country to Huntsville for Heroes Week, the Dunstans called reporter Erika O'Dell of WAAY-TV and asked if she knew of one who would like a Lab. O'Dell talked to co-workers, who got in touch with veterans' groups, and Semper Fi put out the word a dog was available.

of the responses, they chose Bradford, said Dave Bonwit, co-chair of Semper Fi's Heroes Week committee. "He wanted the dog," to keep for himself and his family, Bonwit said. "And he wanted to go hunting. ... Chris is very deserving."

"It just so happens that, this year, we found a recipient locally," said Paul Dunstan, a Navy veteran. And this gift is not just the pup: Shoals Animal Hospital has donated basic veterinary care for the dog's life; Petco in Florence gave a crate; Blue Buffalo pitched in 50 pounds of puppy food; and more.

"I never expected it. A lot of veterans probably wanted it," Bradford said, looking at "Bear." Or maybe "Buck." He'll decide on a name when he knows him a little better. "It's going to be very well loved, for sure," Bradford said.

Dogs may be the best workout partners ever, but too many of them aren't getting enough exercise. Nor are cats. Experts estimate that nearly 35 percent of pets today are overweight, which increases their risk for many serious conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, breathing problems, and heart disease.

Blame the pudgy pet problem on too many treats and not enough leash time. Here are some great behavior modification tips to help make sure you and your pet are getting the exercise you need!

So many pet owners consider walking their pets a chore, like making the bed. Instead, think of it as a way for you both to get exercise, as an essential part of your pet's good health. A quick walk down the block to pee and back isn't enough activity.

Multiple short walks a day may be best for very young, very old, or physically challenged dogs, but for other pets, take longer strolls that increase your pet's heart rate (at least 15 to 20 minutes), which will boost metabolism.

Crunch and tone your tummy while your dog sprints to play fetch.

How to: Grab your pet's favorite fetch toy and get down on the floor in sit-up position. Hold the toy as you do a sit-up, and pretend to toss it as you reach the top. Fido will chase after it, only to realize you still have his toy. Do another sit-up, and pretend to toss the toy again. Try to get in as many reps as you can until your dog stops chasing and playing along.

Firm your butt and thighs while your dog gets his jump on.

How to: Stand with legs shoulder-width apart. Squat and tap your dog with his favorite toy. As you rise, lift the toy above your head; your dog will jump up for it.

This is circuit training for you and your pet.

How to: Place fitness gear throughout your backyard, as though you're creating an obstacle course (only do this in a fenced-in area). Think fitness step, bosu ball, jump rope, hula hoop, etc. Place your dog on a leash and briskly walk through the course together. At each station, stop and do a specific exercise, like modified push-ups on the step or balancing moves on the bosu ball. Some well-trained dogs may sit still while you work out, but if he doesn't, no biggie. If your pooch runs off, that's part of the fun - you'll both get a good sprint when you chase him to bring him back. Your dog will love the quality time with you and the fast-paced walking between your stations.

Just like the game you played as a kid, this is good sprinting exercise for you and your pooch.

How to: You're it: "Tag" your dog, then start running around your backyard and let him chase after you. After a few minutes, you'll both get your heart rates soaring.

Your dog won't be the only one playing fetch in this game.

How to: Head to your backyard or a park and throw your pup's favorite toy - only this time, race her to pick it up (a great way to get your blood pumping). Then wrestle the toy from her grasp, toss, and race her for it again.