Jacob & the Green Slime Surprise 🐾

Tennis balls are not recommended

Jacob, the black Labrador, was my first love with the Cinnamon Trust — a gentle ex-guide dog with impeccable manners… and a bit of a denti-stick obsession. His owner could no longer take him on walks due to a debilitating condition, and Jacob’s love of food had tipped the scales to a worrying 49kg.

One day, on our usual stroll, Jacob discovered something strange: green, slimy, and oddly shaped. My first thought? He’s going to eat that! I tried to grab it — and suddenly, Jacob’s whole world lit up. He was too quick for me – he grabbed it but then dropped it at my feet, tail wagging, eyes sparkling, ready to play.

It was a chewed-up tennis ball. I gave it a gentle kick, and Jacob went wild. He carried it, pranced with it, and proudly displayed it for the rest of our walk. I realised then that Jacob loved play — puncturing the ball, holding it in his mouth, showing off his prize. Every toy I brought him after? Destroyed in seconds. But that didn’t matter — the joy in that moment was priceless as he never actually ate the toy.

Safety note: tennis balls aren’t recommended. They can break, get slippery with saliva, and cause choking or serious injury. For games of fetch, a canvas “training dummy” is a much safer choice: sturdy, chew-resistant, and perfect for retrieving.

With diet, exercise, and plenty of play, Jacob transformed over two years — from 49kg to a healthy 35kg — regaining his energy, confidence, and love for life. He went on to enjoy a long, happy life, reaching the grand age of 15.

Jacob’s story is a perfect reminder that even small discoveries — like a chewed-up ball on a walk — can unlock a dog’s true happiness. 🐶💛