Happy Fancy Free Friday.

I am presumptuous enough to believe that the star of most family units is the beloved family doggie.

Who else expresses total love and devotion, never answers back or picks a fight with you and is always available for a cuddle.

In light of that reality I am offering some unsolicited advise.

My family is nuts about Finnley’s exercise regime, eating healthy and remaining fit and trim at over 10 years old.

Spending hours walking her I see too many overweight pups.

I assume it is a worldwide issue because I just read an article about biotech firms that are working on Ozeempup, a weight-loss drug for dogs.

Yes, the same pups who inhale shoes, leftover pizza crusts and anything vaguely resembling food may soon be candidates for the same miracle molecule that is reshaping human waistlines.

Honestly, the market is there. Up to 60% of dogs in the UK are overweight. That’s not a pandemic, it is a pup-demic.

Enter Okava, a San Francisco bio-pharma startup, planning trials for a semaglutide-inspired implant for dogs that lasts six months. The company estimates that it is a $10 billion market. Launch target date is projected to be late 2020s.

But here’s a radical idea. Before giving Spot an injection, try giving your dog better food.

We switched to V-Dog vegan kibble, a plant-based protein with taurine which is great for sensitive stomachs. While not a bargain at $89.99 (35% less if you subscribe on Amazon) for a 24-pound bag, it is a similar price to the organic white fish and sweet potato food we used to feed her with healthier ingredients

Treats. Most dogs perk up and respond to the T word. Trader Joe’s sells Salmon Jerky treats which are only smoked salmon. Period. Joe’s Salmon Jerky Dog Treats are made from salmon raised in Northern Scotland without antibiotics and smoked over natural hardwood. They are healthier than many other store bought treats and, although the half-eaten cheeseburger your pet is currently eyeing under the table, the Salmon Jerky is a better choice and not expensive ($5.49).

I add cottage and carrots to Finnley’s meals which has great benefits for your canine’s diet and are inexpensive items that you probably stock in your refrigerator already.

Honestly, a pup cup from Starbucks is sometimes warranted. I make them at home. A iced coffee with whip for me and a pup cup for Finnley. We sit on the patio and chat…lovely bonding moment.

Sometimes the secret to keeping your dog trim isn’t biotech wizardry. It is just not letting the doggie eat like a frat boy at 2 a.m.

And now, for the inevitable disclaimer…ask your vet if Ozeempup is right for your pet. Side effects may include sad puppy eyes, refusing to fetch and chewing your couch cushions in protest. Results may vary depending on how often you accidentally drop French fries on the floor.

So yes, Ozeempup may be coming. But until then, maybe just take your dog for a walk today and everyday and skip the leftovers.