If you know me, you also know that I am a dog person. We now have six. Four are rescues, and two were bought but, like all “-children,” we love every one of them. Our oldest is 10 – a rescue from a Dakota reservation. Tessa is an English Setter cross and a runner. She puts on at least two miles before her breakfast. Our second girl, Annie, came from Mike’s parents. She is a poodle mix who just turned 8. She’s a barker and an alarmist.
I spend most of my day singing Fi-Fie-Fo-Annie. We have hosted our daughter’s “Foster Fail” Rumble for several months. Zoe moved to a new apartment without a yard, and Rumble seemed to like roaming the property, carrying around stuffed animals. She came from the South, where her family moved away and left her tied her to a tree. Madigan Nelson moved in about a month ago. She is 6 and belongs to my dear friends Rose Mary and her husband Don. Living arrangements no longer allow Don to keep Maddie. Having her here reminds me of how much I miss my friend. Mike and I chose the last two dogs. My 3-year-old girl is Piper. She’s a leaping Springer Spaniel. Her head can do a 360º rotation, I swear to God. Mike always wanted a Bernese Mountain Dog, so Brynn is our COVID-puppy. She’s now 2 and weighs well over 100 pounds. The girl doesn’t know her size, and she smiles as she crashes into everyone.
I read a lot of books. Mostly fiction. But occasionally, I open a “self-help/advice” book that speaks to me. Recently I started reading Ross McCammon’s book, “Works Well With Others: An Outsiders Guide to Shaking Hands, Shutting Up, Handling Jerks, and Other Crucial Skills in Business That No One Ever Teaches You.” The title alone is worth the price of the hardcover. I read it in small bites, like a good cheesecake. If I overeat at one time, the dairy will kill me. But I found a great litmus test in the book. It’s called “Two Beers and a Puppy.” Since I am not a beer drinker I changed it to wine, preferably Moscato.
Two Glasses of Wine and A Puppy: A Test of Trust and Friendship
In order to find out how you actually feel about someone, ask yourself “Would I have two glasses of wine with this person?” And “Would I allow this person to look after my puppy over a weekend?”
Some people are no and no. These people are to be avoided at all costs. Some people are yes and no. These people are to be cautiously trusted. Some people are no and yes. These people are no fun but they make the world a better place – for puppies, especially. And some people are yes and yes. These people are wonderful people, and your life and work are better for having them in your life. Seek them out. Collaborate with them. Enjoy their company.
Peace and Hugs, Sandy
“Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one is a life diminished.” – Dean Koontz
Puppy Cookies
2 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
2 large eggs
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
2 Tablespoons peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon water
Preheat the oven to 350º F.
Combine flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl; stir with a spatula until combined.
Transfer mixture to a work surface and work it with your hands until mixture starts to come together. Add 1 teaspoon water at a time (only if needed) to help make the dough workable, but don’t add too much as it should be dry and stiff.
Roll the dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch.
Cut into 1/2-inch pieces and transfer to a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven until dog treats are golden brown and crunchy, about 40 minutes. Let cool before serving to your dog.
Honey Oat Peanut Butter No-Bake Dog Treat
These no-bake treats are perfect for the kids to help make.
1 cup of oats
1/2 cup of peanut butter
1/3 cup of honey
1/3 cup of peanuts
Stir all the ingredients together in a large bowl, then chill for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into 1-inch balls. Store these treats in your fridge.
Blueberry Frozen Dog Treats
3/4 cup blueberries
3/4 cup Greek yogurt, preferably low-fat
1/2 banana, ripe
Add all ingredients into a blender or food processor. Blend until fully incorporated, about 90 seconds.
Pour into molds. Freeze until solid, about 5 hours.
Remove from molds and give as treats. Happy dog!