The Times They Are A Changing

It’s true, the black or dark colored animals in the shelters are last to be adopted. There are no studies that attest to this fact, just animal shelter employees from around the country. Within the industry, it is called “black dog syndrome.” It relates to the misconception humans hold towards the black dogs, believing that they are more aggressive. It may not be a conscious choice, when people looking for a pet, move past the black ones and onto the multi-color or light colored ones.

A shelter employee from Central Oregon Humane Society says, “I think the black color makes it harder for people to read an animal’s facial expressions and body language. People focus on the animal’s eyes, which stand out against the neutral background and miss all the other signals the animal is giving.” Shelter employees agree that the same holds true for cats and horses, the black or grey colored ones are the last to go.

I urge anyone thinking about adding a pet to their family, to first check out their local shelter before purchasing a purebred from a newspaper ad. Save a life instead. And today, I ask you to save a life of a black colored pet. You know the color does not make the pet.

Yep, today (February 23) is “International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day.” It seems to be strangely written as you would think you should be appreciating dog biscuits. Who knows! I’ll choose to think they meant to appreciate your dog by serving him/her dog biscuits. I have a dog bakery called Angel Paws Dog Bakery. I’m not a very good sales person, so it remains the supplier to my dog as well as friend’s dogs and those that have heard of my bakery per word of mouth. Anyway, it’s a fun side business that profits me a few dollars in spending money now and again.

Here I will share one of my prized dog biscuit recipes.

Flax Seed Dog Biscuits

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1½ cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup powdered milk
1/8 cup whole or ground flax seed
5 Tbsp shortening
1 large egg
1/8 cup honey
Water as needed to make a nice dough that can be kneaded.

Cooking Directions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. Mix well.
Cut in shortening with a fork as for biscuits.
In a separate bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Mix well.
Combine wet with dry mixture.
Roll onto a floured surface to ¼” thick for larger treats. For smaller treats 1/8” thick.
Cut the rolled dough with cookie cutters. Place the dog biscuits on a non-stick baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour (½ hour for smaller treats). Shut off the oven and leave the dog biscuits inside until the oven is cool. Most of the moisture should be out of the biscuits. They will be hard and great for your dog’s teeth. If there is moisture left in the dog treats, they may mold (when kept in a covered container) if not refrigerated. I have had no problem as long as the directions are followed.

Tip: Use 400 IU of vitamin E for a natural preservative.

Today, February 22, is “Walking the Dog Day.” Even if you have a nice back yard that your dog can run and play in, he/she may still not be getting enough exercise. If there is no one out there to run and play with, how much exercise do you actually think your dog is getting. Not to mention, what great exercise you would get while walking your dog. So, today I’m asking for a commitment from every reader who has a dog. Put the leash on your pooch and get some good exercise going for both you and the dog. In fact, I’m asking for a commitment of walking your dog 20 minutes a day (5 days a week) for the next month. See if both you and your dog aren’t happier beings.

Take different routs to make it more interesting and fun for both of you. Take a ball down to the dog park and throw the ball for a while before heading home. Or, practice your dog training of heeling and stay when you take a break from the walking. See this site for some dog training tricks.

Remember to take a plastic bag or two with you while walking your dog. Don’t leave any messes for others to clean up - it’s only right. Always be prepared as some dogs are allowed to run free by their owners. Above all, remain calm. Animals can sense any kind of heightened emotion. Put your hand out in front of you, towards the dog, and say stop, loudly and firmly. Turn and walk in the opposite direction, looking over your shoulder to see what the dog is doing. If your dog is attached, feel free to kick and scream. However, consider also carrying a whistle and pepper spray if it is allowed in your state. An umbrella is another good choice. Some dogs are even startled by the opening of the umbrella, but it can be used to poke and hit if you have to.

Today, February 21, is Love Your Pet Day. The next three days will be dedicated to our canine pets as tomorrow is Walking the Dog Day and Monday is International Dog biscuit Appreciation Day.

If we love our pets, we want them to be healthy. However, some people have the misconception that dogs should only eat meat. They are not purely carnivorous as cats are. They are omnivorous. They require other vitamins, minerals and (yes) vegetables that round out their diet, conducive to their body needs. There is actually a condition, “All Meat Syndrome,” that explains what happens to a dog when he eats only meat. His bones become soft, general unhealthiness and they sometimes will even perish. When dogs are fed only meat, they do not receive adequate calcium, vitamins A and B, and iodine.

In the wild, coyotes and wolves (dog ancestors) generally eat the whole animal. They eat the meat, of course. But, they also eat the bones (rich in calcium) and the intestines and organs which are filled with various vegetable product.