Happy New Year my feline friends and canine comrades!  Your good buddy Cheech here to talk to you about a serious issue: obesity.This time of year I hear my humans talking a lot about holiday weight gain, but this is an issue that impacts my four-legged friends too.With all the yummy treats around our house, it is no wonder my humans look a little fuller during the holiday season.It can be easy to follow their lead.But I’m here to tell you, my brothers and sisters, to stay strong and avoid the temptation. We should not be eating human food even during this time of fellowship and sharing. Many human foods are toxic to my canine and feline friends, like chocolate or raisins. This time of year it is even more important for our humans to ensure we are not able to snatch or beg our way into a real health emergency. Even foods that are not toxic to us can lead to serious health concerns down the road. Fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis, high blood pressure, fatty liver, and a host of other issues. Sugary foods can lead to spikes in blood glucose and even diabetes.And don’t forget to bug your owner for plenty of walks and active play time!  Remember my canine friends, if you are feeling a bit plump, your humans probably aren’t getting enough exercise!Next week, my feline companion Jane (a.k.a. Sweet Baby Jay) will be giving you her take on obesity and proper feeding, so stay tuned!