How do you tell a friend...

haha! I'm glad you finally got through to her.... a little at least.

I love Bonita's idea about the pictures!

 Well done you!

Lay it on THICK when you see she's done something right with the dog.  Positive reinforcement and all that!!! 

Yay you!  I'm so happy & proud of what you have done for this little one.  Whether it's a little dog or a HUGE dog, no one deserves to be mistreated.  Good job!  You handled the whole situation well.  I would have gone off on her.  Yup, I'm one of those dog dorks that WILL open their mouth.

You know, I've learned something here.  I'm going to use Bonita's positive approach the next time I hear or read someone saying "I'm thinking about breeding my dog".  I wonder if it'll work to encourage the person to change their ways the way your friend has?  I sure hope so! 

wow!! congrats! you must be so proud!

i admit i thought this was a lost cause! so happy for you, your friend and her dog! :)

I missed this thread the first go 'round, but the update is very good news!  Having the dog go to the vet is yet another "line of defense" in making sure that dog is taken care of.  The vet will reinforce the things you've tried to suggest, and hopefully one of those would be about food.  EVERY vet asks "so, what are you feeding?" and perhaps then the dialog can begin.

Good luck to that little dog and hopefully a new relationship w/its owner!