Pets, like people, should get 30 to 45 minutes of exercise daily, says a Purdue University veterinarian who urges pet owners to include their animal companions in their new year’s plans to get more exercise.

Lorraine Corriveau, wellness veterinarian in Purdue University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, says 25 percent of dogs and cats are obese.

My wife thinks she’s fooling me when she reminds me to take my favorite dog for a walk — “because she needs the exercise”. I know damned well she means both of us.