Summing Up Cali’s 5 Month Ollie Journey

Life before Ollie feels like a memory. When I first switched Cali to Ollie, she was 85 pounds. Today, she clocks in at 60.

It's a rollercoaster of emotions, realizing how much weight she used to carry and how uncomfortable she looked, and that the food I was giving her, as her mom, wasn’t optimal for her. Which makes me all the more grateful that we found Ollie.

And here's the truth: Cali's journey wasn't just about a few extra pounds. Before Ollie, Cali’s story was a saga of allergies leading to rashes, endless ear infections, an overproduction of yeast, and skin issues. The amount of money we’ve spent just during Covid alone on vet visits, allergy tests, allergy shots, and more were simply astronomical. The cost of allergy shots really hit different when your pet tips the scale at 80 pounds. 😫

I could have never imagined that the solution, and in many ways the light at the end of the tunnel, turned out to be a simple tweak in Cali's diet.

It’s Not Just About Weight

Just before switching to Ollie in July, Cali experienced an unusual allergy flare-up within two weeks of receiving her routine allergy shot. That's when the lightbulb went off in my head and I decided to temporarily hit pause on the shots. In order to really figure out what was going on with my girl, I needed to zoom in, focus on her health and diet. At the time, Cali was eating a mix of dry and wet food twice a day. Cali isn’t a picky eater at all so I knew something was up when she wasn’t eating her food immediately. I knew at that point that the first thing I needed to do was change her food.

I spoke about this in my last post documenting this journey, but I want to emphasize how I was spooked initially at the thought of feeding her fresh food. The last fresh food brand that I used was expensive, she didn’t love the food and I didn’t want to waste money again. But I decided to push past all that and take a chance on Ollie. And let me tell you, it’s been one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made.

Ollie wasn't just about tossing fresh meals at Cali, it was an educational experience as well. I learned not only how much Cali should be eating a day, but also the types of foods and nutrients that would help her lose weight and stay allergy-free. Ollie became my partner in decoding cues from Cali around her calorie intake and response to allergens. The entire process was so easy and the Ollie squad was just as invested in Cali's well-being as I am, which is saying something. Regular emails keep me in the loop about Cali's meal shipments and provide a convenient time frame for me to make any necessary adjustments. It's this attention to detail that sets Ollie apart from the rest.

Exercise and Energy, Thanks to Ollie

I mentioned in my last article that her vet joked that she should be living in a bubble. Her coat's now a full shining glory, no more battle scars in the form of scabs and bald patches, allowing me to concentrate on specific areas that need attention, like her toes and hot spots.

Play dates, combined with the Ollie diet, became the secret weapon for shedding those extra pounds. Langston, Cali's partner in crime who lives downstairs, became her exercise buddy. Our impromptu escapade to Florida brought a whole new dimension to Cali's ever budding social life. Visiting my mom and her two energetic pups, Lucky and Oreo, was a bonding experience like no other. Cali reveled in the sunshine, running alongside her newfound friends and spending most of her day outdoors for a change. It was a much needed break for all of us from the city life.

Packing for the trip was a breeze, thanks to Ollie's user-friendly packaging. Tossing the neatly portioned meals into a sizable freezer bag with some ice ensured Cali's food remained fresh throughout our trip. In hindsight, if we had planned ahead we could’ve just had Ollie deliver directly to our Florida destination, a testament to the flexibility that’s perfect for both Cali and our lifestyle.

Ollie After Five Months

After several months, Cali still gets excited every time she sees the Ollie food package! I literally have to hide the frozen food packs behind my back when placing them in the fridge to defrost the night before. The excitement in her eyes is palpable, the howl that she lets out is hilarious, and I can't help but feel a twinge of pride for making such a positive change.

In hindsight, this Ollie journey isn't just about a diet switch; it's a tale of transformation. Cali's transformation from a chunky, uncomfortable companion to a vibrant, thriving pup is more than a testament to the power of nutrition. Cali's health got a makeover, and we're living our best lives, courtesy of Ollie and a little extra TLC. Gone are the days of constant vet visits, the anxiety surrounding allergy shots, and the financial strain of managing her health. I can't help but marvel at the profound changes Ollie brought into our lives.