Diane and I went to the SPCA to pick up a new puppy that we picked out on the weekend (with Yoda’s help of course). We haven’t named her yet but we’re thinking of more names along the Star Wars theme like Chewy but I also suggested Brin as she’s got a bit of brindle in her coat. Part lab part who knows

Technorati Tags: new puppy, she’s so cute, Yoda likes her

If you have a dog, don’t buy commercial dog cookies (why take the chance), instead make your own, save money and have a healthier dog.

Low Fat, Healthy, Dog Cookies

Yield: 12 dozen 1 3/4″x1/4″ round cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 C. Hot Water
• 3 Tsp. Chicken or Beef Bouillon powder
• 3 large cloves of Garlic (or more if your dog likes garlic)
• 6 Tbsp. Olive Oil
• 1 C. Corn Meal
• 1 C. Finely Chopped Celery
• 1 C. Shredded Carrots
• 1/2 C. Finely Chopped Bell pepper - colour your choice
• 1/2 C. Finely chopped Parsley (for your dog’s breath - this is optional)
• 7 C. Whole Wheat Flour

Method:

Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). I use a food processor to process the veggies, makes things faster, but if you don’t have on then make certain your dice is very fine (1/4″). Mix in all ingredients in order. If you have a Kitchen Aid stand mixer, or similar tool with a dough hook, this will be very useful for this (otherwise you might want to cut this recipe in half.) Knead dough on a floured surface for a few minutes then roll out 1/4″ thick. Cut with your favorite biscuit cutter (choose appropriate size for your dog’s size) and place on an un-greased baking sheet. Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until the center of the cookie is just barely soft. The amount of cooking time will depend on how moist your dough is. When cooled they should be hard. Seal in an airtight container. These do not need to be refrigerated.

Note: The flour measurements are only approximate. How much you need will depend on how finely you chop your veggies (the more they are processed the more liquid they produce), how old your flour is, your local humidity and other factors. You want to get this dough to the point where you can knead it four or five times on a lightly floured board and it doesn’t stick. Keep kneading in flour until you get there. The dough will be very soft and pliable.

If your dog is anything like ours and the other neighborhood dogs you’ll be making these often

Technorati Tags: dog cookies, low fat whole wheat dog treats, homemade dog cookies

Yoda is curious about everything we do

{tags]Yoda,camera queen,whatchya doing daddy,me me me{/tags]

We are starting to get some really nice days here. Tantalizing hints of the summer fast approaching (although today it;s cold with occasional snow, but it melts). Took these photos in the backyard on Thursday

Here’s Yoda following our every move with her eyes, sulking a bit because we aren’t petting her or letting her go down the lane to play with her “boyfriend” Bear.

Speaking of Bear, he dropped by for a home made dog biscuit visit to see his “girlfriend” Yoda. She like to play “nip his ear” and “tag. you’re it” with him. He pretends to enjoy it

Off to the side there was Felix the Magnificent, one of our three cats, completely ignoring the two dogs

Oh Shit

The joys of owning a dog, you have to clean up after them

Technorati Tags: hints of the summer, Shit, owning a dog, pets, pet photos

To be posted VERY LOW on the refrigerator door - snout height.

Dear Dogs and Cats,

The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate of food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn’t help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years –canine or feline attendance is not mandatory.

The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat’s butt. I cannot stress this enough!

To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our front door:

To All Non-Pet Owners Who Visit & Like to Complain About Our Pets

1. They live here. You don’t.
2. If you don’t want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. (That’s why they call it “fur”niture.)
3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
4. To you, it’s an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn’t speak clearly.

Your SlaveOwner

Here’s a picture of our mantle

click here for a larger image

Notice the number of stockings. Ya that’s right - there’s a stocking for Diane, a stocking for me, a stocking for Diane’s mom who joined us for dinner (leg of lamb) this weekend as we celebrated Yule, and a stocking for each of our 3 cats and our dog plus another stocling for Diane’s mom’s two cats and one dog.

ps. the paintings on the walls are Diame’s work and the photo above the fireplace is one of mine.