Just like Lewis Hamilton‘s late dog Roscoe, my dog Billy was a vegan.
And just like Lewis Hamilton, I was slammed by ignorant numpties who said I needing reporting to the RSPCA.
At the time, it did feel a bit uncomfortable admitting that ‘My dog is a vegan’.
But today, I’m forever grateful to those who advised that putting my Tibetan Terrier on a plant-based diet was the best course of action.
And the kindest thing I could do for him. Now before you start spitting out bits of your Shepherd’s Pie, let me explain.
Billy was 13-years-old when his interest in food started to wane.
Namely his high quality, grain-free kibble.
First, I put it down to him being a fussy so and so. Or so I thought.
Pip Tomson always felt awkward admitting her Tibetan Terrier Billy (pictured together) was a vegan but she said it helped save his life after his interest in regular meaty kibble declined
Billy was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Pip was advised to put him on a vegan diet to ensure he was no longer in pain
But coupled with this change in appetite was a marked change in vocal ability.
This quiet, relaxed dog suddenly found his voice, barking relentlessly which gave the impression he was hungry.
But still he wouldn’t touch food. It got so bad that we resorted to putting him in the car in the evening (a safe space which he adored) just for a little respite.
We tempted him with anything and everything.
Scrambled egg? Nope.
Fresh chicken? No.
A sprinkling of cheese? Not on your nelly.
Something was seriously off.
So Billy was referred to a veterinary surgeon, specialising in internal medicine and clinical nutrition.
He underwent various tests while we prepared ourselves for the worst. A cancerous lump had already been removed two years previous.
After thousands of pounds worth of scans (thank god for pet insurance), tests and a feeding tube to get some nourishment into him, Billy was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
An extremely painful condition which causes inflammation in any part of the digestive tract such as the stomach and intestines.
Some breeds of dog are genetically predisposed to it. Symptoms can include weight loss, vomiting and – in Billy’s case – a massively decreased appetite and loose stools.
The diagnosis was a relief. The specialist informed me that Billy could no longer eat regular dog food, meat, fish or dairy and needed to embark on an incredibly boring and bland diet.
In other words, go vegan.
Lewis Hamilton’s beloved Bulldog Roscoe was also on a vegan diet like his famous owner before the 12-year-old rescue died earlier this week
Pip was relieved to have a diagnosis but surprised that Billy could no longer eat regular dog food, meat, fish or dairy and needed to embark on an incredibly boring and bland diet
‘Think of it as tough love,’ I was advised.
‘You need to do this Pip otherwise he’ll be in pain all over again. So just be strong and don’t let him break you.’
This is easier said than done.
I feared that he might stop eating altogether but then I read that dogs can only go for several days without food. Cats longer.
He’d eventually capitulate. The first time Billy ate his hydrolysed protein food was one heck of a celebration.
For the first time in weeks, he was satisfied on a full tummy.
No more barking or restless behaviour. Some days were hit and miss but we were on the right road. I don’t want to get too graphic but his poos were quality.
Easy for him to dispense and easy for me to collect.
I was so elated about this that I sent my family photos.
Only true dog lovers will understand this.
Six months down the line and Billy’s health transformed.
Pip’s beloved pooch was healthy and happy before he passed away at 16 years old and Pip is sure that being on a plant-based diet gave him that extra time and vitality
He was pain-free, gobbled up his vegan feast with vegetable accompaniments and demolished his raw carrot afterwards.
At the age of 15 he was still running round the fields, easily overtaking my other two dogs if they tried to race him.
Billy passed away on his 16th birthday last December.
I have no doubt that being on a plant-based diet gave him that extra time and vitality.
As all us dog guardians know from wretched experience, Lewis Hamilton will be hurting like hell right now.
But I hope he’s found comfort in the knowledge that Roscoe lived a long and luxurious life.
In no small part due to a plant-based diet. Just like my Billy.