Oatmeal Peanut Butter K9 Cookies

I have yet to see a dog not like these Oatmeal peanut butter cookies for Dogs. Slightly sweet, from the honey, my dogs go nuts for them. Very popular at our recent B-Town Dog Bake Sale, I cannot count how many have wanted the recipe.

Oatmeal Peanut Butter K9 Cookies 
½ cup of oatmeal
1 tablespoon of peanut butter
½ tablespoon of water
1 large egg
⅛ teaspoon of cinnamon
½ teaspoon of honey

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  It really does not matter what order you mix your ingredients together these are dog treats not a wedding cake. I personally started with the oatmeal and then mixed in the cinnamon. After the cinnamon I decided to drizzle in the honey and stirred it together. Then came the peanut butter which I also mixed in before adding the water and egg. I stirred the mixture together really well to ensure that all of the oatmeal was covered. Spoon drop cookies onto a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper.  Bake for 20 minutes or until the bottoms are a golden brown.

Sweet Potato Dog Biscuits

I got this recipe from a friend of mine who, like me, probably does too much for her dogs. But the dogs love them!

 

SWEET POTATO DOG BISCUITS

4 C whole wheat flour
2 cups cooked sweet potatoes mashed
1/4 C vegetable oil
1/2 C milk
3 tsp baking powder
knead and roll out to 1/2 inch thickness, cut out w/cookie cutter
(i used biscuit round and added 1 tsp of turmeric great anti-inflam for us/them)
bake @ 400 for 12-15 min , when done pile 'em up , turn off oven, leave in for 1-2 hrs for them to harden up!

Pets Add LIFE!!!

Reasons to get a pet( From the PAL web page):

Pets Help to Reduce Stress. Walking with a pet helps to sooth nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet. (Josephine M. Wills, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, United Kingdom)

Pets Help to Prevent Heart Disease and lower blood pressure. Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)

Pets Help to Fight Depression. Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security. (Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship)

Add joy. Pets are the best! They're wonderful companions for kids and adults alike. Just think, no matter how bad a day you had, your dog will still love you, your cat will still cuddle you and your fish will still relax you buy swimming in graceful patterns. From canines to cockatoos, felines to fish, tree frogs to turtles, geckos to guinea pigs, owning a pet can bring immeasurable joy to your life.

Add health. There's nothing like a wagging tail or a friendly paw on your knee to lift your mood. Pets are therapeutic and we have scientific proof! Seriously, research shows that pets really are good for us humans. They help us fight depression, lower our blood pressure, reduce stress and prevent heart disease. All of which helps to lower health care costs. So there you have it, pets are a daily dose of good health and happiness.

Add the right pet. Pets are big, small, furry and scaly. Some have lips, some don't. The point is, every animal has specific needs for feeding, grooming, exercise and health care. You may have an idea of the type of pet you'd like to own. But your choice might not fit your lifestyle. It's important to consider the demands of your career or your family before buying a pet. For example, if you're single, work 12-hour days and travel frequently, a dog wouldn't be the best choice for you. Before getting a pet, do your homework. Pet ownership is a huge responsibility! Don't become a pet parent unless you're prepared to take good care of your new baby.

Find your new BFF today at a Shelter near you. Need more info? Check the PALS Page or ADOPT A PET.com 

 

D.Y.I. DNA TESTING

I am a big fan of CSI but that is not the reason I got a DNA test kit to test Buddy. Or maybe it is- maybe I just wanna be CSI Gill Grissom for a few minutes... and I have my first case in years...

He just looks guilty.

CSI investigation #867-5309
Suspect- Buddy "Bucko" Johnson
Crime- None as of yet,  possible impersonation of a Cockapoo; and possible suspicion of pooping on the rug, and the occasional garbage invasion, eating food wrappers and packaging. And his brother, Romeo (adopted) says to add destroying all the boom booms. (Stuffed toy animals)

Reason For DNA Sample: Suspect is of mixed breed make up. Need to take DNA to establish his genetic make up, in the case of Buddy getting older, knowing his breed sill help in the instance and curtailing certain breed specific diseases, helping him to be a happier healthier dog, enabling him to commit far more heinous crimes in the future
I recieved a Canine DNA kit from Wisompanel. In the kit there are two swabs for taking a saliva samples from suspect's cheek and gums. The sample is then sealed and sent to the main lab in Lincoln, Nebraska. And then I wait patiently for Buddy's results. Allowing me time to fly home to Las Vegas, Nevada and give my wife, CSI Sarah Sidle, a little pickle tickle and a bouquet of flowers. And maybe some blowfly larvae.

Respectfully Submitted-
Gil Grissom
3rd shift Supervisor, LVPD Crime Lab

TO BE CONTINUED

Home Pet First Aid Kit

I am currently reading "Eco Dog: Healthy Living for Your Pet" by Corbett Marshall and Jim Deskevich. One thing the authors suggest to do for your dog (s) is make a first aid kit.To make it use an old totebag, shoe box in good condition, or a large plastic lunch box. I chose an old tool box. In it you should keep the following-

• A card that lists you vet's number, and also the nearest 24 hour emergency vet or vet hospital (and I would add the card should probably be laminated)
• Gauze
• Cotton balls
• cotton tipped applicators (Q-Tips)
• Low Tack adhesive bandage tape
• Ace Bandages (self adhesive)
• Small scissors
• Tweezers
• Antibacterial ointment
• Aloe Vera gel
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Cornstarch (to aid in stopping bleeding)
• Latex Gloves
• Rectal Thermometer
• Towels
• Blanket
• plus I added a nottle of Benadryl.

It is so easy to put these items together- You might find you have most of them already. I had cornstarch, antibacterial ointment, Cotton balls, q-tips, ace bandages, tweezers here already as well as towels and a small dog blanket; Everything else I was able to get at the dollar store, all I had to search out was a rectal thermometer(I just put in a regular thermometor that I marked "Rectal" with a marker. (Hopefully I don't confuse it with my oral thermomete!)

DOG WALKING 101

Whether you dog is a Chihuahua or a Great Dane, it needs exercise. And so does the dog's owner. Walking your dog can be great exercise and a good bonding experience between you and your pet. Here are some tips to help get the most out of your dog walking experience-

THE EQUIPMENT:
Just like any exercise program dog walking has a few things you need to have fun and get started

A Leash- I recommend you don't go cheap here, I use and love a FOZZY DOG ROPE LEASH(In fact a Fozzy Double leash, which I got for a discount at FAB.com*, It has a convenient pocket and a nice feel on the hand grip and is sturdy built. But you don't have to spend that kind of money on your leash- A good sturdy leash can be found at pet stores and even in the grocery store *Fab.com is a great place to finds all kind of things for pets and people too sometimes at ridiculously low prices

COLLAR VS. HARNESS: Both my boys wear collars. They both have harnesses. I chose to use the collar simply because they are well familiar with wearing it and being leashed (They know not to pull so much they choke themselves) Some dogs are naturals, some aren't. And I am apt to put the harnesses on when I know we will be walking in crowds, for control. Some say that the harness is easier on the dog, especially if he/she is the type to run onto the end of the leash when seeing people or their dog type friends. Either way, make sure to get one that has no studs or grommets going through the leather/fabric that leave raw metal on the inside of the leash/collar- this could irritate the dogs skin, and in some cases cut or scratch it.

POOP BAGS: A necessity when walking your dog. You don't want to be that guy who leaves your dog's poop on the sidewalk or open space. It's called common courtesy. And besides dog poop has bacteria that can get in to water supplies. Just pick it up. It's good citizenship, good manners and good for the environment!

OPTIONAL ITEMS:
WATER BOTTLE- Your dog may like a drink, especially on hot days. I just carry a regular Stainless water bottle and a collapsible bowl, although I was given a neat water bottle made just for dogs this Christmas.

UMBRELLA- A small, collapsible umbrella is good if you live in an area that rains when you try to walk your dog.

FLASHLIGHT- A small flashlight is a must if you walk your dogs at night. And working nights I do. I have one that has a red LED flasher so I can be seen by cars.

COATS AND RAIN GEAR: there are a number of raincoats for dogs out there. As for jackets and sweaters- My two guys wear jackets when it gets cold out and since the both have short haircuts they don't like to get cold.

SUIT UP:What YOU need for the walk
Comfortable walking shoes- Let's face it... you are not going to want to walk your dog if your feet ache and hurt.

Rainproof Jacket: self explanitory

A cap or visor- No sunburns!!!

The Yellow Dog Project

 

Or take a peak at their website

DIY Dog Tags

Shrinky Dinks? Who knew how much fun you could have fun with something made for kids? (long after I was a kid!) Anyway, I made these cool name tags for the boys using Shrinky Dinks for Ink Jet printers, and using the great templates from Martha Stewart. Gotta love Martha!

Dog Park People

Romeo shows enthusiasm being at a City Council Meeting 

Folks I am a group with, B-Town D.O.G. (Dog Owners Group) took over the City Council meeting in thr City of Burien Monday night. We showed up with our dogs. Our mission id to establish an off leash dog park in the city. More pics and story at the B-town Blog

Crap... Crap, Crap, Crap!

This is of course my latest little drama in life, and of course will be continued...

I woke up Friday morning. Got the dogs ready to go for their morning walk. Leashes on and such. I got out the door and realized something was wrong with Buddy- he wasn't using his hind legs so brought him inside and definitely decided something was wrong, called the Veterinary hospital. they said to bring him in ASAP. So I called work and left a message that I would be late and rushed Buddy to the vets'. Dr. Le took a quick look at him and figured he had a slipped disk in his spine, and referred me to a veterinary neurologist to get an MRI. Unfortunately, there isn't one in the immediate area so I had to go to south Tacoma. So off I go to Neurologist's office with a shaken up little dog in the car. Shaken up?  Well not really- Dr. Le had the foresight to give him a shot of morphine first to relax him. Not one for his owner but hey, someone had to drive. Long story short- I got down to the vets in Tacoma- 28 mile trip- and they couldn't have been nicer... the attending vet agreed with Dr. Le's assessment, and said he had already called their neurologist who would see Buddy and give him an MRI, and if it was indeed his disk, surgery. Well you know me... I fall to pieces usually when any of my animals is seriously ill, but this time I held it together long enough to sign the surgery papers and arrange payment (I am thinking of changing Buddy's name because his surgery cost the price of a used car so his new name will probably be Subaru or Mercury). I went in to say good bye to Buddy, took one look at him there in his cage with those sad eyes looking up at me like he was saying not to leave him. Then comes the sad feelings and the tears and my bravdo went away. SO anyway go to work late waiting to hear from the vet's office so they call as I am underneath the cafeteria dishwasher trying to unplug a drain and my cell phone rings. The call came from Dr. Hicks, the neurologist, explaining that Buddy's disk was indeed compressed and his spine was swollen and the surgery would indeed lessen and eleviate the pain and get him on the road to normal again, and he would call me when the surgery was over and let me know how things went. I went and finally took a coffee break and realized I had been running since 10:00 am and hadn't eaten anything or checked my blood sugar or taken my medication at all. Great, I thought, now get yourself sick dumbass. Anyway, Chris one of my co-workers and decided a pizza would be capital for lunch- he went and picked it up, paid for it and everything. So lunchtime comes and I finally ate something and get the call from the Vet- Buddy came through just fine and was resting comfortably. Thank god for Veterinarians and their Techs and Aides I thought because in the midst of this crap day they really did their jobs and kept it (and me) together. And on a brighter note, I visited Buddy Saturday morning and while he was groggy and wearing a "collar of shame" and had his entire back shaved with a nice scar, he came outside the cage to see me, and when it was time to leave, growled at the tech when he put the lead on him to go back into the cage - that's when I knew he was on the way to recovery.

UPDATE-Sunday 9/30-
Just got back from visiting Buddy at the Vet's Hospital in Tacoma- They let me take him out for a walk! There he got to see Romeo, And they said he can probably go home tomorrow!

Dealing With The Loss of A pet:

Sammy doing his Puss In Boots Impersonation

As most of you know, I have not had good pet luck the last couple of years. Partially my fault. I mean to say, that I don’t kill my animals off, but rather that is to be expected when one adopts older dogs and kitties. Not that it makes it any easier, but it is what it is. And my first instinct is to go out and get another cat. But I need time to grieve. But to honor Sammy Kat, I thought I would tell you how I cope with his belongings and such.

Pet Dishes- Sammy had a number of ceramic kitty bowls. So I just reuse them as puppy bowls for Romeo. I don’t think Romeo minds eating out of a bowl that says “Tuna Fish Dreams”.

Pet Food- When Sammy passed, he had a whole unopened bag of IAMS here. And five cans of cat food. They all went to the food bank. The local pet store has a donation bin.

Litter-While Sammy put up with me experimenting with different litter (from wood pellets to Shredded Newspaper) he also left a whole bag of kitty litter… Which I will keep. I can use it this winter for traction in case of snow and ice and my car gets stuck. It can also be used for cleaning oil on the garage floor. And vomit. (Just sprinkle it on the offense and it should clump up- sweep and toss). Not that anyone around here just vomits. Just thought I point that out for those of you that have small children.
Litter Box- Gave away on Free Cycle.
Leashes, harnesses- I am keeping those for the next kitty. (I know me and I know the probability of another Cat in the house is huge! Open packages of food and treats go to Mom’s cat, as well as Flea Treatment.
Cat furniture- Sammy’s cat condo, scratch post, beds and such will remain (Again for a new cat)

Sammy was a Low Impact Cat in life and in death and is Buried under the plum tree in the front yard were he would look at birds all day from the front windowsill.

Burien Pet Adoption Center!

I am so happy to be getting a new home!

Well the good news is that after almost a year, Burien, which has opted to do their own animal control and fire the county, now has a Pet Adoption Center, right near my home! The new center is located at 13622 First Ave South., and is open Monday through Saturday, with the exception of tuesdays.

According to their website:Burien Animal Care & Control is proud to announce the opening of its new Adoption Center at 13622 1st Ave S. in Burien. The new location provides space for housing cats and kittens in individual and communal spaces, as well as a small medical and treatment area for routine care and surgical sterilization of all pets adopted. A small retail space will also allow for the sale of gently used and new pet products with all proceeds benefiting the animals being housed at the center.
Burien Animal Care & Control will continue to subcontract with local boarding facilities to shelter stray and adoptable dogs. All pets available for adoption can be viewed online at PetFinder.com. Search for “Burien Animal Care & Control”.
The Burien Animal Care & Control Adoption Center is open Monday, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The center is closed Tuesdays and Sundays. Residents can apply for city licenses for their pets at the new location. More info at: http://www.burienacc.weebly.com/

Hmmm... maybe a volunteer oppurtunity.

Rob Eats dog food

I so miss the Natural Pet Food pantry, but they won't make the dog food and put it in my own containers. So I got my creative freak on, searched the internet and came up with this version of my own Dog stew. I used hamburger rather than chicken because I had 2 pounds of ground round in the freezer. Had tomatoes too. And yes, I added a good doggy multivitamin/mineral (Missing Link) to romeo's portion. I must admit to trying a bowl myself minus the supplement- although I maybe I should have added it to mine as well- I always wanted a shiny coat! I made enough to freeze for the rest of the week! Might have to try making my own Cat food next.

Doggy Stew- Rob's Version
2 pounds hamburger,browned
½ cup cooked brown rice
½ cup boiled mixed vegetables ( I used carrots and peas)
1 can of chopped tomatoes or 1 cup of chopped tomatoes Red Icculus brings up a good point in comments to this post, do tomatoes cause kidney stones in pooches? I never have had a problem with my dogs (and cat for that matter) eating tomatoes. They love them! But best to ask your vet about it and make your own decision
3 to 4 Tbsp unsalted chicken broth

Stir together and serve at room temperature. A good doggy multivitamin/mineral supplement may be added for good measure. Be sure to store unused portions in a covered container in the refrigerator and discard remains after 3 days. Or just freeze and thaw.
Find more recipes for dog food at Suite 101

Guess who got Tutored???!!!

Run Romi RUN!!! DON'T let the vet catch you!

Poor little Romeo- Life is tuff- Hump one leg and BAM You get Nuetered.

Yup Romeo went under the knife today and got nuetered. Suffice it to say, he now HATES the vet and doesn't think much about me! Maybe I shoulda got him some fake ones.

Anyway, Dr. Hetrick, Romeo's Vet, a very nice and very patient vet- Did the honors today. Now Romeo can get a license to be a dog!