Hello World

It has been quite sometime since I've blogged. We've been thru some things at home, but hopefully now, everything is returning to normal. I've had bad allergies in recent months, Momma has now found a new outlet. She started giving me raw coconut oil, and wez is very impressed so far. I'm sharing with all of you, Coconut oil is good for us doggies to help with alot of different things.

Coconut oil is rapidly growing in popularity. No longer found in health food stores only, large grocery store chains have begun to carry multiple brands in response to the increased demand. People have discovered the health benefits from cooking with it, baking with it and even using coconut oil as a hair conditioner. Now even our dogs can experience the health benefits inside and out from coconut oil.

The Science:
The fat in virgin coconut oil is largely made up of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). This type of saturated fat is easily metabolized and turned into energy. There are two types of coconut oil, refined and unrefined. Refined usually is tasteless, because it is refined to the point that you are able to fry with it or bake with it without imparting any coconut flavor or taste into your food. However, the refining process may include harsh solvents and chemicals. If possible, look for a slightly more expensive brand that uses a chemical-free cleaning process. On the other hand, unrefined coconut oil is typically virgin and extra virgin, and similar to olive oil—the oil comes from the first pressing of fresh, raw coconut. There are pesticide-free organic brands as well. With so many choices and price points, reading the labels closely is highly recommended.

There are many healthful benefits to adding coconut oil to your dog’s diet. The unrefined type has a taste that most dogs immediately love. You can incorporate it directly into your dog’s meal by adding a 1/4 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon, depending on the size of your dog. As with any added fat to a diet, you will want to start slowly so your dog can properly absorb and process the oil and avoid diarrhea.

Why it’s Good for the Inside of a Dog:

• Virgin coconut oil contains fatty acids such as lauric acid, which is also found in breast milk. Lauric acid has natural antibacterial properties.
• The anti-fungal properties of coconut helps prevent and treat Candida and other yeast infections.
• It improves digestive system function and enables better absorption of nutrients from the foods your dog normally eats. 
• Coconut oil is also known to stimulate the thyroid gland which in turns helps maintain a healthy weight and activity level.

How it Can Help the Outside of a Dog:

• Coconut oil is a great moisturizer when applied to your dog’s skin, healing hot spots and rough cracked foot pads.
• You will notice overall improvement in your dog’s coat
• Inflamed and itchy skin from flea bites or sores benefit from this oil applied directly.
• Add it to your dog’s shampoo or rinse water to add a nice smell, and take advantage of its antioxidant properties.

Keep your furrbabies safe this Halloween

Keep your dog out of harm's way this Halloween with these important safety tips: http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-health/halloween-dog-safety-tips.aspx

Wisdom of Pets

Sometimes the greatest wisdom and encouragement come from the animals who touch our lives.
Human communication can sometimes fall short in conveying spiritual truth. God speaks through whatever means he chooses - and often he chooses animals. Dogs teach us unconditional love. The purr of a kitten can bring peace and warmth.
Paws to Reflect: 365 Devotions for the Animal Lovers Soul offers gentle daily reflections for those who seek to grow spiritually by observing the animal kingdom and all the wonderful lessons it teaches us.
“The journey of rescue work is hard but so profoundly rewarding.  I now find that Paws to Reflect provides me with the daily devotionals and spiritual depth that I need to continue daily as I help  stay the course to help these precious babies.” -- Candace Simpson-Giles, Founder Critter Cavalry National Animal Rescue and Transport
“Paws to Reflect is an intimate and personal journey through Scripture and life as shared with our best friends—our pets. I begin each day by focusing on the positive—my Lab at my feet, gazing across the pastures at our horses, watching our cat wake up, while reading Paws to Reflect. You do well to do the same.” - Dr. Joey Faucette, best-selling author Listen to Life with Your Pets

Paws To Reflect

Talk about getting your motor started up.....  Dog Survives 110 mile trip...

Good Times!!

Wow!!! Just have to share with you all, the weather has turned cooler and guess what? My allergies have gone away!!! YAY!!! No skin rashes or bad places on my skin for awhile now. I feel so good, running and playing,and just being a poodle dog. Momma has been amazed!! No nasty ear infections....Ohh Yes Life is good!! My oldest skin brother will be home in a few weeks, and the youngest will be here in February!!!  Can't wait!! Surely am glad the nasty pollen is gone, and i feel good!! :) Have a happy day, friends!! Love you all! :)

For Doggies with Sensitive stomach's or a upset Tummy

« Tell Simmer Flashback: Josie Grills Mom

Leftover Love: Onion Soup-Onions »

Retriever Retriever, Pumpkin Eater

Oct 7th, 2009 by Marilyn

Cleo wasn’t feeling well. Our four-year old black Lab had a problem, in that special dog way of having a problem, the kind that finds you outside at 3 a.m., wondering how she ate a paper towel, a pen, six bagels and their bag. Of course dog owners know that goes with the territory, and messy territory it is. But a few years back our vet gave me some swell advice, the sort of helpful tip you never forget: pumpkin.

Turns out pumpkin, in addition to filling pies, soups, and being eminently carve-able, works a certain enzyme magic on stomach irritation. Does it work on people?  I don’t know.  My job was to get it into the dog. “Feed her a tablespoon of pumpkin,” he said, “mixed in her food. Or right from the spoon – if she’ll take it.”

Would she? Her first move was to stuff her mouth with Ducky, thus avoidingwhatever was on the spoon. Take it?

No.

And no.

And no way.

So I mixed it with her food – and for a time, she snubbed the food. She finally ate it, never making the connection that snacking on shrubs, or snail shells, or used Kleenex would earn her dinner a pumpkin garnish.  Now, I have cared for and loved three dogs. I have seen a lot of 3 a.m’s, a lot of snowy, moonlit grass. I wanted a better pumpkin delivery system, and for me, baking something “in” is an easy answer – especially for Cleo, who is sweet and trusting, and not bright enough to suspect a biscuit.

Rolling dough got her attention…

…and while they cooled on the counter, she even forgot the edible bits in the yard. Dogs love these simple biscuits and sick or not sick, they make great treats. They’re delightful – but my best advice? Buy wastebaskets with lids. Don’t plant poisonous shrubs, shut bathroom doors, avoid the tastiest pens. And by all means, keep a handy can of pumpkin.

Cleo’s Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

2 eggs
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons dry milk
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 1/2 cups brown rice flour *
1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

Preheat oven to 350.

In large bowl, whisk together eggs and pumpkin to smooth. Stir in dry milk, sea salt, and dried parsley (if using, optional). Add brown rice flour gradually, combining with spatula or hands to form a stiff, dry dough. Turn out onto lightly floured surface (can use the brown rice flour) and if dough is still rough, briefly knead and press to combine.

Roll dough between 1/4 – 1/2″ – depending on your dog’s chew preferences, ask first – and use biscuit or other shape cutter to punch shapes, gathering and re-rolling scraps as you go. Place shapes on cookie sheet, no greasing or paper necessary. If desired, press fork pattern on biscuits before baking, a quick up-and-down movement with fork, lightly pressing down halfway through dough. Bake 20 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully turn biscuits over, then bake additional 20 minutes. Allow to cool completely on rack before feeding to dog.

* Brown rice flour gives the biscuits crunch and promotes better dog digestion. Many dogs have touchy stomachs or allergies, and do not, like many people I know, tolerate wheat.

Makes up to 75 small (1″) biscuits or 50 medium biscuits

Please note: This is not professional medical advice. These biscuits are a healthy everyday treat, and useful for a dog with a sensitive stomach, or minor digestion issues. If your dog is showing any signs of serious distress, remove all food and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Help The Homeless

Petey playing ball

Petey Teddybear

1st Vet Records

Momma just got my first Vet Records. Found out I've always had skin infections,and eye infections. Plus, I'm a year older than any of us thought. So I'm 8 instead of 7. Momma talked on the phone to my first owner, he was a really nice gentleman. He's looking to see if they have any pictures of me being a pup. Momma really hopes they do. Regardless of anything I'm in my forever home and Momma and Daddy will never give me up. I'm happy with my family,and they are happy with me. Just the way it all should be. Momma told the gentleman, she wouldn't trade me for anything at all. :)

On another note, What's everyones plans for the weekend? I think we are going to the beach house. Gonna see if I can thin down the seagulls. BOL

Wordless Wednesday

Warm Fuzzy's for the Heart

This photo of John Unger holding his 19-year-old dog Schoep in Lake Superior is capturing hearts across the internet.

Unger rescued the dog as a puppy, and the two have been together since then. Schoep suffers from arthritis and Unger found that the warm summer waters of Lake Superior helped him relax and fall asleep.

He asked photographer Hannah Stonehouse Hudson to take a picture of what he believed might be one of their last moments together.

In a piece for the Duluth News Tribune, John Lundy writes:

Unger and his then-fianceé found the dog 18 years ago at a humane society in Ozaukee County, Wis., when it was an 8-month-old puppy. "We knew we wanted to work with an animal who was abused,"

Unger said. "I just had a vision of working with an animal to bring out his full potential." Testing suggested that the dog had been beaten by a male, and it took Unger another eight months to fully earn his trust.

The relationship with his fianceé didn't work out. They shared custody of Schoep for a while, but he has been Unger's full time since his former fianceé moved to Colorado 13 or 14 years ago. But the breakup with his fianceé caused Unger to enter a depression.

One night, he said, he went to a breakwater in Lake Michigan off Milwaukee with thoughts of suicide. "To be honest with you, I don't think I'd be here if I didn't have Schoep with me (that night). He just snapped me out of it. I don't know how to explain it. He just snapped me out of it. ... I just want to do whatever I can for this dog because he basically saved my ass."

Miniature Poodle,More than just fluff

Trained Poodle Tracks Lost Service Dog

Highly trained miniature poodle tracks and finds a missing service dog near El Paso, TX.

El Paso, TX, August 02, 2012 --(PR.com)-- A young lady named Melissa was recently visiting her grandparents in Fabens, TX when her service dog Cobalt accidentally slipped out of the yard and wandered off. Responding to a plea for help, El Paso resident Norma Rust and her tracking dog came to the rescue and quickly found the missing pooch.

Melissa had searched the internet in vain to locate a bloodhound after she discovered her dog was missing. When she came across Norma's name on a local website, she sent off an email plea for help. Norma agreed to bring her trained dog to try and track the missing Cobalt. Cowboy, formally known as OTCH Sandstorm Pardon My Dust VCD3 UDX3 OM2 TDX MX MXJ, is a highly trained miniature poodle. He sniffed Cobalt's service dog jacket, and off he went. Nose to the ground, he lead Norma and Melissa down streets and around corners. Then, Melissa excitedly called out when she sighted her dog. A joyous reunion followed.

Norma commented that Cowboy had not practiced his tracking for several years. Furthermore, he had never found a missing dog before, since he had only tracked people in the past. This day, however, he proved himself a real tracking champion.

Weekend Recap

Relaxed at the beach, Saturday I got groomed,and wheww let me tell ya, I feel so much better!! I look like a  different doggy, my Daddy says. Saturday we grilled burgers and chicken wings, Mmmm mmm they were gooood! Sunday I chased a few seagulls, and played fetch at the beach. I got soaked and had sand everywhere. Momma had to give me another bath but I had fun!!! Tell me about your weekend, what did you do?

I'm just a Poodle Beach Bum

Zuke's Giveaway

http://kitchenrunway.com/zukesgiveaway/comment-page-1/#comment-5005

Benefits of Pet Owning

Pet owners know how much their furry friend improves their quality of life. But it’s not all about unconditional love—although that actually provides a wellness boost, too. On an emotional level, owning a pet can decrease depression, stress and anxiety; health-wise, it can lower your blood pressure, improve your immunity and even decrease your risk of heart attack and stroke. But the positives don’t stop there

While some studies have found a stronger connection than others, having a pet has the potential to lower blood pressure, especially in hypertensive or high-risk patients, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “If you have a dog around, your blood pressure is lower,” says Marty Becker, DVM, veterinary consultant for Good Morning America and author of the upcoming book Your Dog: The Owner’s Manual. “A lot of it goes back to reducing stress: You might lose your job, your house, your 401(k)—but you’ll never lose the unconditional love of your pet.”

Believe it or not, pets can be the best medicine, especially when a person is dealing with chronic pain such as migraines or arthritis, says Dr. Becker. “Just like Valium, it reduces anxiety. The less anxiety, the less pain,” he says. One study from Loyola University found that people who use pet therapy while recovering from surgery may need significantly less pain medication than those who do not. 

According to the CDC, another heart-healthy result of owning a pet is lower cholesterol. People who own pets–and men, in particular–have significantly lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels than those who don't have pets.

A lot of the health benefits of owning a pet may stem from the mental and emotional benefits. “People who have pets are less harried; there’s more laughter in their life,” says Dr. Becker. “When you come home, it’s like you’re George Clooney. You’re a star.” This is a primary reason pets are used in various forms of therapy. “At Walter Reed Army Medical Center, they’re using dogs to help soldiers dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder,” says Katy Nelson, DVM, associate emergency veterinarian at the VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital in Alexandria, Virginia. “They’re finding the guys who have a pet are able to re-enter society a little bit easier. They’re showing a decreased suicide rate, one of the biggest health threats
Although dogs are often touted for their health benefits, cat owners can see gains, too. Felines are just as beneficial to your health as dogs. “If you have a cat, you’re 30 percent less likely to have a heart attack, and you’re 40 percent less likely to have a cardiovascular incident like a stroke,” Dr. Becker says. In addition, pets can aid in the recovery of a heart attack. “If you have a heart attack and you have a dog, you are [significantly more] likely to be alive a year later,”

Children who grow up in a household with pets benefit in myriad ways, especially in their emotional development. “When a child is attached to a dog or cat, they learn to express themselves in more ways and they learn to relate better,” says Landa, who brings children to animal shelters to deliver toys and food. Pets are also hugely beneficial to children suffering from autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For children with ADHD, taking care of a pet can encourage them to focus on responsibilities through a predictable routine. While the sensory experience of holding and petting an animal can be soothing for children with autism.

My Update

Well let me say, we had a great time with the human brothers being home. We went and stayed at the beach 5 days. That was the longest time we've ever stayed at the beach. We went out to the beach and one day I sat with Momma in the edge of the shore. I wasn't too thrilled over that, I just tried to humour Momma. We did alot of cooking out on the grill and that was extra yummy. Daddy did the grilling but yall know what I mean. We stayed at our house and alot of the youngest human brothers friends were in and out. I got used to them coming and going. I got lots of head pats,and cuddles. Yea I really liked that.Dixie, Fancy, me and the whole family went on walks. That was really nice. When the youngest brother was around the last few days, Momma was giving him lots of Momma love, and its sad I guess to say but I was jealous! I'm the baby now, not him. Anyway, we all had a grand time. Just this morning the youngest one left on another journey to Korea. Momma was so sad. I wasn't allowed at the airport so I stayed home, but I gave Momma lots of magic poodle kisses and she feels better now. I guess that sums it up. I have spent most of the afternoon catching up on everyones postings. I'm glad everyone is doing good now. I love you all with every bit of my lil poodly heart. :)