Tara arrived from a breed rescue on 21 Dec 2006. We had seen a photograph of the billed 'Tubby Tara' so knew we had some work to do in that department, but were not quite prepared for what subsequently disembarked from the back of a Volvo. Whoever had submitted the details for the rescue had obviously not wanted to hurt her feelings, 43kg of obese Labrador waddled her way towards me! She looked like a beached whale when she slept and couldn't curl up in her bed. For the first few weeks she tried to play with Tilly but found it difficult as Tilly was so agile, for Tara turning corners was quite tricky they subsequently fell into a patern of Tilly bouncing about at the front and Tara walking in straight lines like a Bulldozer! It seemed to work and they were finally enjoying each others company. Getting in and out of the car was also tricky (not to mention the toll on my hubands back) but that problem was quickly resolved with a ramp, which in turn cut down on vet bills for jarred legs and trips to the doctors for my husband, so well worth the investment. Needless to say, as the weight has started to come off all sorts of joint problems have come to the fore. We still have a little way to go, but are getting there. Having lost some weight Tara has discovered she is very gifted when it comes to counter surfing and bin raiding! April 2008.. Well, what a few months it has been! Every time I get Tara down to a more acceptable 32 kg (target 28 kg apparently), she goes and helps herself to something I didn't know she could get at! We have relocated the vending machine; sorry I meant the rubbish bin, which now lives in the pantry. Guess who has worked out how to get into the pantry . Nothing, but nothing is safe. All defrosting has to be done at a 6 ft level. I have discovered that she is very partial to eating plastic containers, brand new or previously used, it doesn't matter. Given half the chance she raids the recycle bin and counter surfs at every opportunity. She has stolen and eaten an entire loaf without getting crumbs on the floor. Some achievement, I am almost proud of her, you just shove your nose through a hole in the side and go for it apparently. A couple of months ago she snaffled 15 chocolate Penguin biscuits and we know it was you Tara; coz the big dog pooh had wrappers in it!! Tara's more recent antic is she stole and ate 1.2 kg of dried dog food and then drank loads of water (oh dog, is there any help for her). More vets bills for fear of the dreaded 'Bloat' and one very uncomfortable Labrador. Not that it stopped her from looking for her breakfast the next morning, you understand. I think I've got everything nailed down now, so I am hopeful that our next weigh in will bring great rewards well that is, unless she finds some new trick to show me.