Quick Dog Treats

Many of us can barely find the time to feed ourselves given our busy schedules, much less to make homemade snacks for our pets. When you don't have time for mixing, rolling, and cutting your own dog biscuits, try this quick and easy recipe, which uses just two ingredients. Wheat germ is a great source of Vitamin E, and organic baby food is widely available - try meat or vegetable flavors for variety. If time is not limited, you can puree your own organic meats and vegetables. We always kept a supply of these treats in a pretty glass jar on the counter for Gertrude and Jordan, since some experts feel that toxins from plastic containers can leach into food.


1 cup organic wheat germ
2 small jars organic baby food

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet with butter or a little oil. Combine the ingredients and mix thoroughly. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet and flatten them with the back of a fork.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove and cool on a wire rack.

Variation: Try adding 1 tablespoon pureed garlic to ward off fleas, or 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or flaxseed meal for a shiny coat.

eco dog

Hallowe'en Howlers

Pamper your pet (and any other canine visitors who might turn up with the trick or treaters) with a flavorful oat, cream cheese and berry cookie. He will soon be looking forward to next year's festivities!

Makes 30-35

Preparation time 15 minutes

Cooking time: 10-15 minutes

8 oz (250 g) oats

1 egg, beaten

8 oz (250 g) low-fat cream cheese

4 oz (125 g) strawberries, chopped

3 oz (75 g) blueberries, crushed or chopped

For the frosting:

4 oz. low-fat cream cheese

1. Mix together all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl until well combined. Grease 2 baking sheets with oil.

2. Brush a decorative cookie cutter, such as a witch's hat, or crescent, with oil and place on to the cookie sheet. Spoon a little of the mixture into the cookie cutter and press down in an even layer. Carefully lift away the cutter. Repeat with the remainder of the mixture.

3. Bake in a preheated oven, 325 degrees F (160 degrees C, Gas Mark 3) for 10-15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

4. Place the cream cheese in a small bowl and beat with a fork to soften, then transfer to a piping bag fitted with a fine nozzle. Decorate each of the cookies.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips 'n Tails

Oats are a good source of dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates. They make a comforting filler if feeding raw or cooked with meat and vegetables. Pour 5 oz (150 g) of oats into a saucepan and cover with boiling water. Leave to soften and cool. Mix the softened oats with meat or fish and a handful of blended vegetables to create a warming winter dinner.

PUPSNACKS

Stephanie Mehanna

Robert S. Goldstein, V.M.D.

Veterinary Consultant

Hero Dog Saves Other Dog

Basset Hound

Let sleeping dogs lie.....
Charles Dickens

All about me.

My name - Basset Hound (in French that means "low set")


My average height - 14 inches


My average weight - 45 to 65 pounds


My coloring - Black, tan, white - in no particular order.


What I'm Trying to Say is........

It might be a little hard to tell when we Basset Hounds are bowing down - you know, with our back legs up and our front legs flat on the ground - but with most dogs it's pretty easy to see that they're saying. "I want to play!" (We Basset Hounds usually just take naps instead.)


Woofs of Wisdom.

Put on a happy face! (Or if that seems like it might take too much energy, you might just want to take a nap. Sweet dreams!)

Fur Fact.

We, the Basset Hounds, cannot tell a lie. The father of our country, President George Washington, was a great man - and an owner of Basset Hounds.

Four - Footed Funnies

Why did the Basset Hound bury his bone in the yard?

Because he was too short to put it up in the tree.

In the Doghouse....

Keep your head low and your nose to the ground. Trouble will sail right over your head! (Although you might also end up somewhere you've never been before by accident. That happens to us a lot and that's why our humans try not to let us wander away.)

Food, Fur and You....

Always wash your ears....especially if you've recently stepped on them,


Artlist Collection

THE DOG

Guide to life

Boat Safety fot Dogs

Some dogs are natural swimmers. They'll plunge into the water without coaxing. Other dogs are landlubbers that tiptoe around the smallest puddles during walks. Regardless of your dog's tolerance for swimming, he should always wear a "float coat" on a boat. Dogs that fall overboard accidentally can tire quickly, especially in a strong currant. They can drown before you notice they are missing. Shallow water or deep, it doesn't matter.

Boating with your dog is pure enjoyment----bonding on the open water, or lazing around on the deck of a docked vessel. Before you cast off, consider these important safety measures.

Make sure there is adequate shade for your dog, and ensure that the floor is not too slippery or hot for him to walk on both common with fiberglass-bottomed boats.)

If you anchor your boat in open waters and let your dog swim, attach a lightweight doggie boat ladder to the diving platform (at the stern). This will make helping your dog out of the water much easier.

Consider purchasing a boat alarm, which comes with a remote dog collar that sounds if the dog falls overboard.

Monitor fishing gear. Dogs will smell bait and be tempted to nose through dangerous tackle boxes that contain hooks and other items they can choke on.

Helpful hints from Dog Lover's Daily Companion
Wendy Nan Rees and Kristen Hampshire

Dog Adoption

After one of our beloved dogs passed away we went on a search for a new member to add to this family. We found our Marley. She was about one year old they told us. So I guess she is about three years old now.

She is one of the sweetest girls I have ever met. I do have to admit a little odd looking at first. She also came with an odor unrecognizable. The car ride home now gives us laughs. I think we were all a bit uncomfortable mostly Marley. We just rolled the windows down.

I'm not sure what kind of life she had before joining our family. She gets scared when I sweep. I don't think she likes brooms. That's O.K. it just makes me want to hug her more.

After having her for a year I don't know what came over me, but I said Marley sit and she did. This beautiful girl that came into our family was already trained and I didn't even know it.

It's funny out of all my four dogs she gets the most compliments. She is the mutt, oh what a beautiful one she is. Inside and out. She has a heart of gold. She loves to cuddle and sleep on my bed. She is also a great watch dog. She protects our family by barking only when people are outside our home. Thank you Marley. I sleep good at night knowing you are on the lookout.

I just wanted to share my pet adoption story with you. We are so very blessed to have our
Mar Mar. She has a home for life and our hearts for life. We love you Miss Marley.



Kathy Chermak



When looking for a new puppy or dog please search your local animal shelters first. You'll be amazed at how many types of dogs are there and how great they can be. Many dogs living in shelters are already obedience trained. Of course, other sources (like breeders) can have great dogs, but to be able to give a home to a shelter or rescue animal is very special. All they want is a little companionship and a lot of love. The next time you are thinking about getting a new pet, give your local shelter or rescue agency a try - there's a dog waiting for you.



The association of pet dog trainers - top tips from top trainers

Johnny Carson - Jimmy Stewart - Beau Poem