Peter Spittler Architectural Services, founded by Ohio architect Peter Spittler, focuses on providing clients with the highest quality services possible. The team at Peter Spittler Architectural Services believes in the importance of careful planning to get a job done well and offers the following information about programming services, the foundation for exemplary building and development projects.
Q: What is architectural programming?
Peter Spittler Architectural Services: To begin, programming lays the solid foundation for building design. Programming takes place before the actual design work happens and identifies the goals, objectives, and values of the client or builder, the facility users, and community impacted by the infrastructure. Programming promotes good planning early in the process and allows for a more smooth and successful project design and implementation.
Q: What are the major components of programming?
Peter Spittler Architectural Services: First, the Peter Spittler Architectural Services team will research the project type to get a good grasp on what is typical for projects of the proposed nature. They will look at everything from the common square footage of rooms to regional issues that need consideration. Our team will then work with the client to determine the goals and objectives of the proposed project. As the project progresses, we implement information gathering and research, identify strategies to achieve goals and objectives, compare budget to actual project needs and make adjustments, and finally, put the program in a finalized, written format.
Q: Programming sounds like a lot of work for just one architect on the Peter Spittler Architectural Services team.
Peter Spittler Architectural Services: You’re absolutely correct. While our team members are extremely efficient and talented, yes, it typically requires more than one person. Peter Spittler Architectural Services collaborates with programming committee members made up of the client/builder, building users, and project stakeholders and other outside experts when needed.
Q: Why is programming important to builders?
Peter Spittler Architectural Services: The programming process results in clear plans for design work that incorporates and anticipates future use, issues, and considerations. The final written program offers Peter Spittler Architectural Services clients a solid decision making tool as they move forward with design and building. As Peter Spittler Architectural Services explains to our clients, programming can save a lot of time, money and hassle in the future by avoiding re-designs and making future decisions easier.
Q: What are some of the benefits of having Peter Spittler Architectural Services complete the programming phase?
Peter Spittler Architectural Services: By having the Peter Spittler Architectural Services team lead the program development, clients will have an expert at the helm with experience in developing all types of buildings for myriad uses who is able to offer the best options for any program.
Peter Spittler Architectural Services is located in the Cleveland/Akron area of Ohio.
In 1989, Stephen R. Covey wrote The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, a highly influential volume in the world of business management. The book has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide. Covey starts from the position of “abundance mindset,” fostering teamwork in an organization through the belief that there are enough resources to be able to collaborate and share success with others in the group. This is, says Covey, as opposed to a “scarcity mindset,” where there’s an unnecessary, destructive, stressful competition going on that can be counterproductive to the group’s goals.
Now, for a brief rundown of the Seven Habits:
Be proactive – Take the reins for your own decisions and outcomes, and don’t wait for someone else. Remember that you’re the one accountable for your moves, for better or worse.
Begin with the end in mind – In business, this long-game approach might involve creating a mission statement, to help keep your eyes on the goal and not just the short run.
Put first things first – Prioritize your days, your weeks and your quarters, and stick with this priority schedule. Be mindful of whether your efforts get you closer to your goals and are in keeping with the first two Habits.
Think win/win – Remember that a “win” for a group is a win for everyone, and is almost always going to play out as a better resolution than if one person alone is driving the decisions and insists on getting things his or her way.
Seek first to understand, then to be understood – Keep your ears open and try to identify in an empathetic way with the challenges that others on your team are facing. This approach will help them be much more receptive to your own input.
Synergize – Remember that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and teamwork should combine the strengths of everyone in your group. The result is a goal that no one person could do on his or her own.
Sharpen the saw – Don’t let work overrun your life to the point of burnout. Balance your working life with whatever it takes to renew your physical and emotional energy, whether it’s prayer, meditation, exercise, good reading or service back to your community.
While much of Covey’s gospel seems intuitive, but many managers and individuals don’t grasp it and have paid the price in performance and results. Presentation Solutions suggests our readers revisit this book, or read it for the first time. Nearly a quarter of a century later, it is still considered to be a touchstone for not only managers, but also people looking for self-help advice in their personal lives.
Gregory Fake, assistant producer for the award-winning Lifetime television program, Balancing Act, shares his personal side through talking with Community Blog Online about prison ministries.
Community Blog Online: Thank you for joining us. Please tell our readers how you got involved with prison ministries.
Gregory Fake: I am a deacon at my church and prison ministry is a big part of our church mission.
Community Blog Online: Prison ministry must be difficult; can you describe a bit about your first impressions of the prison environment and the inmates?
Gregory Fake: Prison is a very different world. For anyone who has never been on the inside, it can be startling. The inmates were intimidating at first, but this changed as I became better at my counseling and better at understanding their needs.
Community Blog Online: What services do you and your partners provide to inmates?
Gregory Fake: Mainly, we do a lot of listening and reminding inmates that they are loved and there is hope.
Community Blog Online: Talk more about the counseling provided to inmates…
Gregory Fake: The people I meet in jail and prison have suffered tremendous hardships in their lives; I am there to help them deal with their demons, while creating a path to a brighter day through spiritual work.
Community Blog Online: What do you do for the families of inmates?
Gregory Fake: I am in the prison regularly and am available to families who might need advice and reassurance.
Community Blog Online: Is it difficult for prisoners to see the brighter side of life?
Gregory Fake: Of course. Some of these men are wracked with guilt for the pain they have caused in others and don’t believe they are worthy of forgiveness. I remind them that forgiveness is for everyone.
Community Blog Online: What have you learned about yourself since becoming involved with prison ministry?
Gregory Fake: The men I have met in jails and prisons are so honest and open about their challenges. They have taught me to face challenges in my own life with more honesty.
Community Blog Online: How does this ministry help inmates deal with their criminal past?
Gregory Fake: Forgiveness is a huge first step for inmates. Once they accept that they are forgiven, they begin to move forward.
Community Blog Online: Do inmates always continue on that path forward?
Gregory Fake: Unfortunately, no. I wish it were that easy. It is painful to watch someone who has come so far, someone I have come to know and care about, fall back into addiction or criminal behavior. But we are all human and setbacks are part of the plan, so I cannot let that deter me from my passion to serve the other inmates.
Gregory Fake lives with his wife and children in Florida. Prior to becoming a television producer, Gregory Fake worked as a business consultant for Fortune 500 companies and as a banking attorney.
Aldo Todini, an Italian businessman and consultant, answers questions about the corporate finance and why the European financial crisis means businesses must look away from banks to fund operations.
Q. Why do companies seek external funding?
Aldo Todini: As a means to inject money into their product lines. This may be to research new revenue streams or to fill a deficit caused by recession across the continent.
Q. What funding options are available?
Aldo Todini: The most common is borrowing from banks but bonds are another solid way to finance.
Q. What benefits do selling corporate bonds have over taking out a loan?
Aldo Todini: The main benefit is they do not restrict the company from trying new things to create revenue.
Q. How are bank loans restrictive?
Aldo Todini: Banks have a set risk level they are willing to take. They may not allow for the funding of new product lines, which is a major risk but also has the most potential reward for a company or its investors.
Q. What exactly is a bond?
Aldo Todini: A bond is essentially a piece of debt that a company owes. The debt is repaid by investors, which frees the company up to use liquid funds for other purposes.
Q. How much do bonds cost?
Aldo Todini: Bonds are typically sold in units of $1,000 – this can vary, however, from company to company. Bonds are held for a set time period then repaid with interest.
Q. Do bonds carry risk?
Aldo Todini: Each bond opportunity will afford certain benefits and risks. Bonds are graded according to the seller’s anticipated ability to repay the borrowed money.
Q. If a company selling bonds goes out of business, how to investors recoup their losses.
Aldo Todini: If the company liquidates its assets, which is common among failing businesses, the monies raised will be recovered for investors. Bond holders take priority over stockholders.
Q. Why should a business employ a third party consultant prior to selling bonds?
Aldo Todini: A consultant, specifically one familiar with business process reengineering, can first identity area of waste and help plan for more efficient manufacturing. This offers the potential bond investors more piece of mind, thus encouraging more sales and ultimately more funds.
About Aldo Todini
A native of Turkey, Aldo Todini moved to Italy early in his life and has been active in the country’s business and commerce for over 20 years. As a 1997 graduate of the University of Rome, Aldo Todini has both the education and experience to guide companies to success.Aldo Todini has worked with the Italian Parliament and countless corporations in the areas of technology and business reprocess reengineering. He is an independent consultant with expertise in industrial promotion, finance, marketing, and international staff training.
***
Le nuove opportunità nel Corporate Finance | Botta e risposta con Aldo Todini Aldo Todini, imprenditore italiano e consulente di management, risponde alle domande sulla corporate finance e sul perché la crisi finanziaria europea vuole dire che le aziende devono dimenticarsi delle banche per finanziare le proprie operazioni.
Perché le aziende cercano finanziamenti esterni?
Aldo Todini: Cercano finanziamento come mezzo per iniettare denaro nelle loro linee di prodotto. Questo può essere per ricercare nuovi opportunità di reddito o per colmare un deficit causato dalla recessione in tutto il continente.
Quali opzioni di finanziamento sono disponibili?
Aldo Todini: Il più comune è rivolgendosi alle banche ma le obbligazioni sono un modo in crescita per finanziare le proprie operazioni.
Quali sono i vantaggi delle obbligazioni rispetto al chiedere un prestito al mercato bancario?
Aldo Todini: Il vantaggio principale è che con le obbligazioni non c’è vincolo sull’utilizzo dei fondi e quindi le aziende possono utilizzarli per “scommettere” su nuove strade per generare reddito.
In che modo i prestiti bancari sono restrittivi?
Aldo Todini: Le banche operano sulla base di un determinato livello di rischio che sono disposte ad assumersi. In questa fase economica non possono consentire ad esempio a finanziamenti di nuove linee di prodotto – che sono un grande rischio ma anche il sistema principale per le aziende per trovare nuovo business.
Che cosa è esattamente un Bond?
Aldo Todini: Un bond/obbligazione è essenzialmente un “pezzo” di debito che una società ha nei confronti di terzi. Il debito viene venduto agli investitori dall’azienda che quindi può utilizzare i fondi derivanti da questa vendita per crescere, svilupparsi, creare nuove opportunità di business.
Quanto costano le obbligazioni?
Aldo Todini: Le obbligazioni sono in genere vendute in unità di $ 1.000 – questo valore può variare, tuttavia, da azienda ad azienda. Le obbligazioni sono detenute per un periodo di tempo impostato poi ripagato con gli interessi.
Questi titoli presentano dei rischi?
Aldo Todini: Ogni opportunità obbligazione offrirà alcuni vantaggi e alcuni rischi. Le obbligazioni sono classificate in base alla capacità prevista del venditore di restituire il denaro preso in prestito.
Se una società che ha emesso obbligazioni cessa l’attività, come faranno gli investitori a recuperare il loro investimento?
Aldo Todini: Se la società liquida il suo patrimonio, cosa comune tra le imprese in difficoltà, i fondi raccolti saranno distribuiti agli investitori. I detentori di obbligazioni hanno la priorità rispetto agli azionisti.
Perché un’azienda ha bisogno di un consulente esterno prima dell’emissione di obbligazioni?
Aldo Todini: Un consulente, nello specifico con familiarità con business process reengineering, può identificare e risolvere inefficienze nella produzione e quindi migliorare l’efficienza. Questa maggiore efficienza permette un maggiore appeal aziendale e quindi una maggiore appetibilità delle obbligazioni. In ultima analisi può incidere positivamente nella fase di collocazione del debito obbligazionario.
Nato in Turchia da genitori italiani, Aldo Todini si trasferisce in Italia nei primi anni della sua vita e dopo il suo percorso scolastico e accademico è attivo nel mondo economico industriale e commerciale da oltre 20 anni. Diplomati nel 1997 all’Università di Roma, Aldo Todini ha il mix giusto tra competenze ed esperienza per guidare le aziende verso il successo. Aldo Todini ha lavorato con il Parlamento Italiano e con innumerevoli società nei settori della tecnologia e del BPR. E ‘un consulente indipendente con esperienza nella promozione industriale, finanza, marketing e la formazione del personale.
Developer Scott Sohr lives in the greater Nashville, Tennessee area, where he has been an integral part of some major land development projects. The property acquisitions of Scott Sohr aren’t limited to the middle Tennessee area, however. The developer has properties throughout the Southeastern U.S.
Among these are two properties in Knoxville, a city in East Tennessee known for both industry and the popular University of Tennessee. Knoxville is in a beautiful part of the country, Scott Sohr points out, with close proximity to the Smoky Mountains. Scott Sohr says that the area provides convenient access to a range of shops, restaurants, and other amenities, making it a great place to live.
Scott Sohr and his partners most recently purchased property in the Farragut area just outside of Knoxville. As Scott Sohr explains, his firm acquired lots in a residential community called Cabot Ridge. The plans are to place homes on these lots within the next two years, says Scott Sohr. The subdivision is currently called Homes of Rockford Lane, which was originally planned as a full development. However, when the real estate market experienced troubles in 2008, development was halted with ten lots remaining.
Scott Sohr believes his firm can complete development of the final ten lots quickly, thanks to a partnership with McCamy Construction, a local company that overlaps designing and building to save time. McCamy Construction is recognized for beautifully designed houses, so Scott Sohr and his team are excited about the partnership.
According to Scott Sohr, the Homes of Rockford Lane will be similar in style to the adjacent Villas of Ridgepath Lane, but with smaller floor plans. Scott Sohr stresses that each floor plan will be over 2600 square feet with all of the luxuries homeowners expect in a Cabot Ridge home. The homes will feature stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, Scott Sohr describes, with open floor plans and hardwood floors.
The Knoxville real estate market has been hit by hard times like the rest of the nation, Scott Sohr reports, although lately building permit requests in the area have increased—a sign things are beginning to improve. In fact, says Scott Sohr, the first Cabot Ridge home completed and sold already with another completing recently. Starting prices for the homes begin at $350,000.
Scott Sohr is a Nashville-based developer with a breadth of experience in healthcare solutions and development. Currently, Scott Sohr owns an interest in several Nashville residential developments, including Courtside at Southern Woods and Arrington Retreat. Scott Sohr is also the co-founder of Health Cost Solutions, a third party provider of health insurance products for businesses seeking benefits for employees. HCS partners with some of the biggest names in healthcare, including BCBS of Arkansas, Healthcare Alliance, Inc., and Cigna. In addition to HCS, Scott Sohr holds ownership in Correct Care Solutions, a leading provider of health care services to the prison system.
Scott Sohr is married with four children by his wife of 22 years, Lyn, who he credits with helping him remain focused on each of his ventures.
The Great Barrier Reef is an incredibly valuable resource, providing habitat for all sorts of marine life and a source of recreation and tourism for scuba divers, snorkelers and reef walkers. Coral reefs constitute an entire ecosystem to themselves, serving as protection for young fish and a food source for all their denizens. It’s important to realize, though, that reefs are a finite resource; without proper management and protection, we’re likely to find out just how finite and fragile reefs really are.
Researchers have discovered that over the last 27 years, the coral cover of the Great Barrier Reef has dropped by more than half. At the present rate, the coral cover could be down by half again inside of a decade. There are a few reasons behind this startling decline; increased storms, bleaching, and a population explosion of a predatory starfish that depletes the nutrients in the coral. The trend has accelerated since 1998, with two-thirds of the present coral loss happening since then.
Tropical cyclones have been accountable for about half of the loss of coral reef structure, with the reef being hit by six major cyclones in just the last seven years. Cyclone Hamish ran for over 900 miles, leaving a wake of devastation much worse than most cyclones; it also ran parallel to the Australian coast, when most cyclones cross the reef at an angle. The crown-of-thorns starfish (cots) has also been a huge contributor to the degraded condition of the reef. First documented in 1962, the Cots population has shot to a level where they eat 90% of the reef’s coral in infested areas. Evidence suggests that the Cots outbreaks start after major floods in rivers that flow into the sea. Overfishing and collecting of coral for aquariums and other marine-biology projects have also contributed to the reef’s problems.
To help restore the health of the Great Barrier Reef, scientists point to taking on the crown-of-thorns starfish, managing fishing operations, and working globally to cut carbon dioxide emissions and global warming. It’s believed that global warming may be one of the biggest culprits, contributing to the severe storms and acidification of ocean water that have been so detrimental to the reef’s structure and ecosystem. As fragile as the coral reefs are, they can also be resilient and regenerate themselves – given the proper measures and care.
For many working parents, sending their children back to school after the holidays or summer vacation is both anticipated and feared. Finding ways for children to stay busy while you are at work can be a big task, but so can adjusting to a new school year. Getting up earlier, more traffic than usual, and still trying to make it to work on time can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help your family develop a helpful back- to -school routine.
Reestablish Routines
During summer, bedtime routines usually go out the window. Kids stay up later than usual and they sleep in the next day. By the time school starts again, the daily rhythm that works best for a family needs to be reestablished again. Homework time, dinnertime and bedtime should ideally happen at the same hour each day. Children thrive on routines, since that gives them a sense of control over their lives.
Pack Lunches the Night Before A huge time saver in the morning is to pack lunches the night before. Doing that can save you around 15 minutes of your morning routine, which helps reduce common stress.
Teach Children to Help With Chores A working parent already wears so many different hats throughout each day. Who says you have to do everything around the house too? Expecting children to do chores teaches them responsibility at a young age. Even a four-year old is capable of putting dirty clothes in the hamper. Besides, taking some of the chores off of your hands makes life easier on you. You are not doing your children a favor by doing everything for them. Less cleaning time means more family time. After-school Plans
It’s important to know well ahead of time where your child is going to be after school dismisses. Find a babysitter or nanny, or sign up for the after school program that most schools offer. It’s also good to have a sitter ready for sick days or snow days. No working parent wants to get a call at work to be reminded to pick up his or her child at school.
Create an Area for Homework
Have a designated area for your child’s homework. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. If your child likes doing homework at the kitchen table, that’s fine. Just make sure the area is free of clutter. Provide enough supplies, but also some peace and quiet for better concentration.
Marketing Associates concentrates on creating and providing business plans for emerging businesses in many different industries. According to the people at Marketing Associates, most businesses don’t require expert industry knowledge to be successful. In fact, Marketing Associates says that business leaders who are motivated and hard working can still be successful even if they are inexperienced—but the key is a strong business plan. Marketing Associates acknowledges that many people struggle with creating a solid business plan—and that’s where the company’s expertise comes into play.
Q: From what you’ve seen at Marketing Associates, what can you tell us about the importance of business plans for new startups?
Marketing Associates – Without a business plan, a business has no chance of succeeding. In fact, business plans are crucial for new businesses, because they can lead to additional funds, loans, and even partnerships in the industry that can payoff dividends in the coming years.
Q: In your experience at Marketing Associates, which people involved in a business need a business plan the most?
Marketing Associates – Generally speaking, it’s the people who are at the top level of the business—the ones making the decisions. At Marketing Associates, we know that their input and their vision for the company is vital, as it can make or break the company.
Q: What questions should business owners ask themselves when creating a business plan?
Marketing Associates – Marketing Associates has found that the most successful companies are the ones with owners and operators who knew what they wanted from the start. That’s why it’s important to ask questions like what are your company’s goals, how will you achieve them, and what your plan is five or 10 years down the road.
Q: What are other crucial aspects of a business plan?
Marketing Associates – All good business plans should contain an executive summary, which is essentially a brief overview that shows the company’s plan, its purpose, and how it plans to get from point A to point B.
Q: Should the business plan contain information about the day-to-day operations of the company?
Marketing Associates – Absolutely. At Marketing Associates, we’ve found that while many of those details may not get ironed out until the company has been up and running for quite some time, it’s important to establish things like company culture and a management style long before a need for those ever arises.
Q: How much should I disclose in my business plan for potential investors and partners?
Marketing Associates – The more you can share about your business, the better. Transparency is the name of the game when it comes to business plans.
Q: How does the marketing strategy play into this?
Marketing Associates – For any business to have a chance at success, it needs to market itself, its brand, and its products and services. That’s why a marketing plan is a vital component of any business plan. And at Marketing Associates, we’ve also found it shows investors that you are dedicated to building your company.
Marketing Associates is a leader in business plan development, creation, implementation, and revision. With many years of helping struggling and thriving businesses alike, Marketing Associates is well-known for its business plans that build a strong path toward success.
Real estate and direct sales expert Tiffani Von Alvensleben says that when you’re in a management position it is easy to mother your employees. However, she warns that this type of motivation only serves to create failure and missed opportunities.
Often after completing a training meeting, Tiffani Von Alvensleben has reflected on her wish to be able to wave a magic wand and make every person in the room successful. Tiffani Von Alvensleben often wonders what the one thing is that will inspire them to be the best they can be.
According to Tiffani Von Alvensleben, when a woman is a mother–as she is–she wants the best for her children. Unfortunately, it is not possible to be with them every day 24/7 to fix the scraped knees and hurt feelings. All a mother can do is be the best parent and person she can be and inspire her child to do the same.
Sometimes this can be the toughest job, points out Tiffani Von Alvensleben…always doing the right thing even when the wrong thing will produce an instant result; being self-motivated when others around you aren’t. This kind of discipline, says Tiffani Von Alvensleben, comes from a decision you make for yourself–to not settle for anything less than excellence.
Tiffani Von Alvensleben explains that she and Rich, her business partner and husband, made this decision a long time ago and it was probably the defining factor to their success. They have worked with hundreds of people who started the same time they did, attempted the same trainings, utilized the same compensation plan and products, yet never reached their goals.
Tiffani Von Alvensleben says, “I used to ask myself what I could do to help them succeed. Now, I ask myself why don’t they want to as bad as I do?” Tiffani Von Alvensleben used to believe that she could create each representative’s success – that maybe if she facilitated all of their meetings and paperwork and held their hand through it all, she could make them see and feel what she did. And, according to Tiffani Von Alvensleben, when the reality bites, it hurts: no matter how much you want to, you can’t make others successful. Success is something each individual has to earn for him or herself, Tiffani Von Alvensleben emphasizes.
As a parent, if you continually make it easy for your children, you’re going to have a 30-year-old still living at home, claims Tiffani Von Alvensleben. If you’re a businessperson constantly doing work for your fellow workers, you’ll have employees who collect paychecks they didn’t earn. If you’re a trainer at gym, your real job is to show your client the exercise plan that you think will help them the most based upon your experience, says Tiffani Von Alvensleben. If you have to call them every morning to make sure they are up and at the gym, pump them up to get motivated to work out–and lift weights for them–why should you waste your time?
Tiffani Von Alvensleben asks, how many other people could you have helped by not wasting your time babysitting this person? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every person you trained respected him or herself, and you, and simply lived up to their commitments?
About Tiffani Von Alvensleben
Tiffani Von Alvensleben is a real estate professional in Sacramento, California, area with over 20 years of residential property experience to her credit. She is a cofounder of the real estate investment firm Von Vesting, Inc., cofounder of TKL Home Designs, and founder of Madison Holdings, Inc. As well, Tiffani Von Alvensleben, as Manager of TKL Home Designs is also the General Partner of American Redevelopment Fund, LP along with Rich and fellow entrepreneur Kale Flagg.
Tiffani Von Alvensleben counts interior design and home remodeling among her passions.
Charles L. Starr III: If you are not able to see your pet’s waistline, it may be in need of shedding a few pounds. Your veterinarian can weigh the pet on its next visit and let you know for certain.
Q: Are obese pets common?
Charles L. Starr III: Unfortunately, we are definitely seeing more and more pets with weight issues daily. This can interfere with a routine check up.
Q: Why do you think pet weight-gain is on the rise?
Charles L. Starr III: Animals throughout history stored fat during prosperous times in preparation for periods of famine. Today, pets ingest nutritional, high-calorie food daily, and many of them do not get enough exercise.
Q: What are pet owners doing wrong?
Charles L. Starr III: We love to give our pet food and treats. But calories add up quickly. Less-than-active lifestyles also contribute. Excess energy turns directly to fat.
Q: Why is weight management for my dogs important?
Charles L. Starr III: In addition to arthritis, diabetes, and breathing problems, excess weight may shorten a dog’s lifespan by up to two full years.
Q: I have a teacup poodle. How can pet owners tell if a tiny pet has a problem?
Charles L. Starr III: We can determine the amount of a pet’s body fat through a body condition score (BCS). This numbered report shows the amount of accumulated fat. Some systems use a five-point scale. A BCS count of one point shows a pet is too thin while high-end numbers indicate that a pet is overweight.
Q: Where do I begin in helping my pet lose weight?
Charles L. Starr III: First, understand that caloric intake versus spent energy is key to any weight loss program. Make a list of the items you currently feed your pet and visit your veterinarian. Pets need fewer calories, but not fewer nutrients. We offer low-calorie, nutritionally balanced pet foods.
Q: What kinds of exercise do you recommend for house pets that are cooped up all day long?
Charles L. Starr III: For cats, feather toys or laser pointers work well. Lengthen your dog’s walks each day and toss toys for retrieval.
Q: How much weight should my pet lose?
Charles L. Starr III: Pets should not lose more than 2% of their body weight each week.
A good BCS score and health improvement are the goal here, not pounds. Think healthy lifestyle management.
Solutions 