Thursday, April 28, 2011

Recipe Corner: David & Tom’s TLC Turkey Treats

My friend, David created and then perfected, these treats for their adorable rescue dog, Gizmo. David assures me that all dogs are CRAZY for these treats!

David & Tom’s TLC Turkey Treats

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground turkey
1 cup quick oats
1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1 egg
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Combine all ingredients and mix well with your hands. Mixture will have the consistency of a meatloaf. Shape into patties suitably sized for your dog. We recommend rolling them and then slightly flattening till you have a patty approx. two-inches long, one-and-a-half-inches wide and one-inch thick.

Bake in 375 degree oven for 12 minutes. Flip patties over and bake for another 12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.

Patties can be frozen for later feeding. Defrost before serving. Break off small pieces for treats and watch how your dog falls in love with you all over again!

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Concerned About Your Dog’s Carbon Pawprint?

All of us are concerned about the environment these days and the fact that a lot of little things can add up to big change has never been more apparent. Just in time for Earth day, Dogtime points out that, even our dogs can help make a difference for the environment when they suggest the “Top 10 Ways to Reduce Your Dog's Carbon Paw Print.”
Humans aren’t the only species to leave their mark on the environment, but we alone have the power to do something about our impact. And, we can do the green thing on behalf of our animals.

In recent years, eco-friendly versions of just about any pet product you can imagine have hit the market, from paraben-free shampoos to all-natural treats and biscuits to dog beds made of 100% recycled materials. That's the easy stuff. If you're really serious about reducing your dog's carbon paw print, consider preparing her food yourself with locally made ingredients. And for the uber-conscious -- or maybe just extra ambitious -- teach your dog to turn off lights and put the newspaper in the recycle bin.
Here are the top ten things Dogtime suggests:

Top 10 ways DogTimers are reducing carbon pawprints
10. Use eco-friendly dog accessories

9. I use natural/organic flea medicine

8. Make homemade dog food/treats for my dog

7. Feed dog raw, organic, or holistic diet

6. Use biodegradable or flush-able poop bags

5. Use natural/organic shampoos to keep my dog clean

4. Use eco-friendly cleaning supplies for dog messes around the house

3. Reuse leashes, collars, and other dog accessories

2. Keep my dog leashed at all times except in designated off leash areas

1. Spay/neuter my dog(s)
You can read the full piece here.

Meanwhile, if you have your own list -- or even just some clever ideas -- we’d love to hear them.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

My Dog Has D.M. (Degenerative Myelopathy)

Editor’s Note: One of our clients, Josh, owns Wrangler, the sweetest boxer on the planet who is slowly becoming paralyzed. Josh’s blog is heartwarming and heartbreaking but full of useful information. I wanted him to tell you all about it in his own words. -- Tammy

By Josh Davies, Vancouver, B.C.

http://www.mydoghasdm.com

I am the owner of a 10-year-old boxer named Wrangler who has Degenerative Myelopathy. Finding information on Degenerative Myelopathy can be difficult. It’s surprising how little information there is and even how little some vets seem to know.

In Wrangler’s case I actually figured out he had DM by talking to other people and searching online. I found lots of touching websites where pet owners have built tributes to their pets who have struggled with DM, however, I have yet to find a one stop place for all things DM. Things like pet stories, product reviews, vet stories, approved kennels, and advice and tips among other things.

I hope to be able to tell Wrangler’s story while talking about all the little day to day things you may encounter while caring for a pet with DM.

Some of the goals for the site are:
1) Provide first hand experience with caring for a pet with DM.
2) Review products that can help with caring for your pet.
3) Reviews of overnight care facilities in different cities. (kennels)
4) Guest bloggers by people with pets that have DM.
5) Vet Stories
6) Non Profit -- A long term goal is to raise enough money to buy an Eddie’s Wheels cart and donate it to someone who can’t afford to buy a cart on their own.
7) Organize a dog cart walk to raise awareness about DM.

Visit MyDogHasDM or contact Josh via e-mail.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

A Warm Easter Egg and a Cold Nose

We’re loving the idea of Easter fun to share with your canine pal and this year the nice folks at Three Dog Bakery are making it happen on Saturday, April 23rd. Though the nuances of the season may truly be lost on your canine pal, the fun of the day and the great quality of Three Dogs treats will not.

So Bark down the biscuit trail for Three Dogs’ first ever Easter “Begg” Hunt. The fun starts at noon on the 23rd at Suter Brook Village Courtyard, Port Moody where over 1000 “Easter Beggs” will be hidden. There is a $5. registration fee per dog. You can RSVP via the Three Dog Bakery Facebook page here.