e reasons/excuses abound why our pets are obese. As we get fatter, so do our pets. We work harder and longer, no time for walks. Yadda, yadda, yadda. The real reason is: We feed them too much. They eat their food. We give them treats. Then they eat our scraps. So, they get fat, and we end up shelling out hard earned cash after they develop health issues like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, joint issues, and others. My advice for owners of overweight dogs: go green with the Green Bean Diet. It’s easy, inexpensive, and it works. Green beans add fiber and to dogs’ diets and make them feel full without having the extra calories. Here’s what you need to know: 1.) Buy frozen green beans. Avoid canned green beans with salt since they’re loaded with sodium. Get French cut or regular cut, not whole green beans—they’re easier to measure and no cutting. 2.) Halve the regular amount of dog food that you feed your dog. Substitute green beans for the other half. For example, when my Bichon Frise, Scout, got a little tubby from all my counter-top droppings, he got ¼ cup of dry dog food and ¼ of green beans twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. But will dogs actually eat green beans? Most do. If not, try baby carrots, but they’re pricier. Some pet owners start with less than half green beans to get them used to the change, but all thmost overall ready in this spot by my size and ready to make an impact," Williams said. Even in what's considered a less-than-stellar NBA draft, the Cavaliers have plenty of options as they become the first team since the 1983 Houston Rockets with two picks in the top four. They're expected to start with Irving, considered the favorite since the Cavaliers won the lottery last month. Though he spent most of his college career on the sideline, the numbers he put in his limited time seem too good to pass up. "It definitely feels good, you know, knowing that I'm still projected to go No. 1," Irving said. "We'll see how it goes tomorrow, but it's an honor to be at the No. 1 spot right now." The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 17.5 points while shooting 53 percent from the floor, 46 percent from 3-point range and 90 percent from the foul line. He returned from his injury in time to play in the NCAA tournament -- where his Blue Devils were overwhelmed by Williams in Arizona's round of 16 victory -- and he said that proves there should be no question about his health. "Playing in the NCAA tournament was the deciding factor for me," Irving said. "If I didn't play in the NCAA tournament, I would have been back at Duke for my sophomore season. I just wanted to kind of limit all the questions on my health and durability." The Cavaliers also pick fourth -- the No. 1 pick was acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers last season in the Baron Davis trade -- giving them the ability to add a big man, perhaps Kanter or another from the lengthy list of Europeans available, if they selected Irving first. Minnesota holds the No. 2 pick and seems open to dealing it. Utah has Nos. 3 and 12, the latter potentially putting the Jazz in the difficult position of deciding whether they want to keep BYU star Jimmer Fredette in state. Fredette led the nation with 28.9 points per game and was honored by The Associated Press and nearly other organization that gives out a player of the year award. But he is perhaps the most scrutinized player in this draft, with doubts over whether he has the quickness to get his shot off in the NBA or defend the much quicker guards he will face on a nightly basis. Not to worry. Fredette says during his carefully devised workout schedule -- he performed for only Utah, Sacramento, Indiana, New York and Phoenix -- he gained confidence that his game will translate. "I learned that I'm a very confident guy and that I can play against anyone," Fredette said. "I feel like I can play all the guys out there, played against some of the toughest athletes and players that are guards in this draft. So it took away confidence and knowing that I can play in this league." The criticism of the draft's strength is due largely to the NBA's uncertain labor situation. With the collective bargaining agreement set to expire June 30 and owners and players far apart on a new deal, the possibility of a lockout and a shortened or canceled 2011-12 season remains. Many of the players Wednesday were asked what they would do if their rookie seasons were placed on hold, but some likely lottery picks decided not to take the chance. Freshmen Harrison Barnes of North Carolina and Jared Sullinger of Oh