Archive for September, 2006

Flea Hater’s Dog Biscuits

Saturday, September 30th, 2006

Brewers yeast is a natural anti-flea remedy.

Makes about 5 dozen bone biscuits
1 cup flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup brewer’s yeast (available at health-food stores)
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil
1 clove garlic, chopped medium
1/2 cup chicken stock plus 3 tablespoons for basting

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Mix flour, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, and salt together in a medium bowl. In a mixing bowl, combine oil and garlic. Alternately add 1/2 cup chicken stock and flour mixture in 3 parts; mix until well combined. Knead about 2 minutes by hand on floured surface; dough will be sticky.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out about 3/8 inch thick. Cut out bone shapes; place on prepared baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes, rotate baking sheet, and baste with remaining 3 tablespoons chicken stock. Bake 10 minutes longer. Turn off oven, leaving oven door closed. Leave pan in oven for 1 1/2 hours longer

marthastewart.com archives

Posted in Recipies | No Comments »

Disabled boy wins!

Saturday, September 30th, 2006

I have been following this story for a while now and can only cheer for Cooper, his companion Kodak and his family!

A disabled Calgary high school student has won his battle with a school board, which was barring him from bringing his personal service dog to classes.

Cooper James, who has spinal muscular dystrophy, is a grade 11 student at Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School.

The Calgary Board of Education wasn’t allowing Cooper to bring his companion dog Kodak, a standard poodle trained to help the 15-year-old with daily tasks, into classes with him.

The board said it was against policy to allow dogs of any kind onto school property. The CBE reversed its decision this week, saying Kodak is a trained guide dog, and because Cooper has attended a mandatory course where he learned to bond with the dog.

Way to go Cooper!

For the full story please go to:
www.dogchannel.com/news/2006_09/2006_09-08newswire.aspx
CTV.ca News Staff

Posted in City of Calgary, Dog News | Comments Off

Doggie Hotels!

Friday, September 29th, 2006

John Colebourn, CanWest News Service
Published: Friday, September 29, 2006
VANCOUVER — Barrie Balshaw is about to give dogs in the Lower Mainland a whole new leash on life.

I love that we can not only find hotels that take our pets but now people are building hotels for our pets! What a world…

By December, Balshaw and his wife Karen expect to open a first-of-its kind hotel for hounds at an old meat-packing plant. They plan to call it The Rex Dog Hotel & Spa.

With a million-dollar renovation now in full swing, the project is going to be the ultimate for dogs with the lodgings and spa designed to accommodate all the needs of a pooch away from the family home for a night or longer.

“I’ve always wanted to have a hotel for dogs,” Balshaw said yesterday.

The couple owns The Doghouse, a daycare for dogs at two locations in Vancouver. With wait lists at both daycare locations, Balshaw said his clients are always looking for an overnight place for the dog that doesn’t require a lot of driving.

Balshaw said 10 years ago he began researching the idea of a hotel for dogs, and found there was nothing — not even in Beverly Hills.

Plans include a computerized water park outside for the dogs, with a special machine to throw water balls for the dogs to chase. Televisions will be installed throughout the building as Balshaw notes many of the the dogs love Judge Judy and Oprah.

The facility will be able to take about 50 dogs a night. If the dogs like to be alone, there will be glass suites with special beds for them to sleep in.

With the dogs’ diet, the owners can bring the food, or the hotel will do the catering. There will even be a mini-bar in the suites that is stocked with dog treats. And a vet will be on call 24 hours a day.

“It’s going to be totally deluxe,” said Balshaw. “We want it to look chic and new and nice. It’s going to be a fun place for the dogs and the staff.”

© Times Colonist (Victoria) 2006

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What becomes of celebrity pets

Wednesday, September 27th, 2006

Celebrity pets are like a train crash – you don’t want to look but you just can’t help it…

Celebrity animals are veterans of the media spotlight, always ready to entertain. Even though a celebrity pet’s payoff isn’t a Hollywood mansion and a busty starlet — more likely a chew toy and an extra bowl of wet food — they are consummate pros.

In death, celebrity animals are often remembered better than their star counterparts. Check out what happened to Rin Tin Tin, Flipper, Smokey the Bear Jr and more!

www.roadsideamerica.com/pet/celeb.html

Posted in Mutterings | Comments Off

Fashion Files 2006

Wednesday, September 27th, 2006

Dog Fashion Predictions for 2006 -
What did you see on the streets and around the globe in 2006?

Classic Glamour:
This year the trend was glamorous yet classic clothing and accessories which were hot, hot, hot ;]

Faux Fur Coat
Of course the fur was faux!

Diamond Collar with Faux Pearl Charms
What dog would not love to wear diamonds?

Pearl necklaces
Are always in style, and they go with anything, darling!

What was out for 2006:

The Poncho
Legwarmers
Pet & People matching umbrella’s
Tutu’s

From: http://doggiewoggie.com

Posted in Fashion Files | 1 Comment »

Shooting Hoops

Wednesday, September 27th, 2006

5 Steps to a Happy & Healthy Dog:

1> Keep a Loving Eye on Your Dog
2> Make the Most of Your Visits to the Veterinarian
3> Watch the Waistline
4> Make Life Comfortable
5> Spend Quality Time With Your Dog

From: www.playmoremagazine.com

Game Idea’s to play with your dog

Playing with your dog not only keeps him happy and healthy; it forges a special bond between you and your pet. It’s a good mental break, good physical activity, a good stress reliever. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, it’s healthy – so play!

Hoops
- Take a container such as a big cooking pot, laundry basket or large plastic pail and weight it down with a heavy object (so it won’t get knocked over).
- Introduce your dog to the basket and the ball. As he watches, drop the ball into the bucket several times, while saying “drop.”
- Give him the ball, then bring him over to the bucket and say “Drop.”

Do this until he drops the ball in the basket, then immediately praise him (you might give him a small treat as well). You’ll have to repeat this several times before he makes the connection between the reward and the action. When the connection is made, roll or throw the ball to him and watch him doggie-dunk it!

For more Games:
www.petplace.com/dogs/five-games-that-will-delight-your-dog/page1.aspx

Posted in Health & Wellness | Comments Off

Breath Buster

Wednesday, September 27th, 2006

Bad Breath Banishers

2 cups brown rice flour
1 Tablespoon activated charcoal (find this at drugstores, not the briquets!)
3 Tablespoons canola oil
1 egg
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
2/3 cup lowfat milk

Preheat oven to 400F. Lightly oil a cookie sheet. Combine flour and charcoal. Add all the other ingredients.Drop teaspoonfulls on oiled sheet, about 1 inch apart. Bake 15-20 minutes. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator.

Review - No question – Kobi loved the treat – did it really and truly improve his breath? Well…he is almost 10 after all…

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Dial 311

Wednesday, September 27th, 2006

Emergency Pet Planning

You may already have an emergency plan in place for your family, but does that plan include your pets?

As part of your family’s emergency plan, pet owners need to be prepared:

- Ensure you have a temporary, alternative place for your dog or cat to go for safekeeping in the event of an emergency

- Do not attempt to re-enter your home to rescue pets in the event of a fire

- Contact 9-1-1 from a safe phone

- After placing a 9-1-1 medical emergency call, confine your dog or cat if a home evacuation is not required. This ensures the safety of dogs, cats and rescue personnel

Dogs and cats have often been left unattended if their owners are victims of residential fires, motor vehicle collisions, or home medical emergencies.

Now, dogs and cats whose owners are removed for treatment from these emergency situations may be delivered to Animal Services for temporary safe keeping. Injured dogs and cats may be taken to a 24-hour vet clinic.

Citizens involved in one of these emergency situations are asked to contact Animal Services at 3-1-1 or (403) 268-CITY (2489) – if calling from outside Calgary, for information about their dog or cat and to make arrangements regarding their care.

For more information: www.calgary.ca/portal

Posted in City of Calgary | 1 Comment »

Smile if you own a dog

Thursday, September 21st, 2006

OWNING a dog brings greater happiness than being in a steady relationship, according to a survey.

The MORI poll of 2,000 people found that the happiness of 81 per cent of those surveyed significantly improved once they became dog owners.

Dogs came top of the “happiness index” ahead of job satisfaction and even steady relationships.

More than a fifth of people increased their number of friends through their pets and 36 per cent met a partner while walking their dog.

This article: http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/uk.cfm?id=1003212006

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