The Great Spring Shed....

You know how most dog owners crack jokes about the "Great Spring Shed" and how their dog shed so much fur they could probably make another dog?

...Bear apparently took me seriously.... and we've just started shedding season!

In other news, I've got a quick photo contest update for you.
I am happy to announce that the Toronto Pet Daily contest winners have been announced.
Thank you to everyone who helped promote my pooch - he came in 3rd place.

Competition was tough, to be selected as a finalist out of 300+ dogs was a success, but to have him place is wonderful.

Thanks to everyone who helped and who voted
=)

Keep your tails wagging

Bear's P4ws

Peanut Butter Bliss =)

Every once in a while...

 

a dog has to indulge...

Keep Your Tails Wagging

Bear's P4ws





Six Lessons to Learn From Your Dog

Dogs are wonderful. No matter what they do, they're totally confident and brimming with awesome. They're WAY cooler than me. Even after they've rolled in some dead thing, they look fantastic – they may not smell so great, but they totally own their stink. 

 

Dogs also know how to find the joy in nearly every situation. They’re confident in their happiness and don’t waste time wondering what the other pooches in the yard might think about them.

With my 2013 personal motto of “easy breezy” for life, love and everything in between, taking in a dose or two of that poochy panache seems like it could be an awesomely uplifting experience!

Here are six lessons to learn from your dog:

1. Smile at strangers

The other day in the grocery store, I noticed most people I passed didn't even make eye contact, much less smile or look even moderately friendly. What's up with that? You know what else? I realized I don't regularly make an effort to connect with strangers -- even with a simple smile. And I consider myself a friendly person!

Dogs usually have no trouble in this area. They smile at most everyone, generally don't try to avoid contact, and don't pass judgement. What's the worst thing that could happen if I smile or even extend a greeting? They don't smile back? They don't return my cordial "hi"? Oh, well. We can all take a lesson from our canine friends and show a little friendliness to strangers. We probably want to avoid any crotch-sniffing, but a smile and greeting would be swell.

2. Eat everything with gusto

Saying a dog eats with gusto might be a bit of an understatement. They absolutely adore their food and embrace mealtime with zeal, times infinity. Sometimes I look at the way I eat. I stand in front of the refrigerator and stare at the contents. Then I walk to the pantry and gaze blankly at its non-perishable innards. Then back to the fridge. Then back to the pantry. This goes on until my hunger quickly morphs into crankiness and I just blindly grab something that looks easy to prepare. Usually it's a bowl of cereal. There is nothing about that whole process that screams "zeal."

You know how you go out to eat and order something that sounds completely heavenly? Like a golden aura surrounds the description in the menu and you hear angelic harps with each bite? That's how a dog feels every time he eats. I want to hear harps when I eat my oatmeal.

3. Stop and smell the flowers

Dogs are the most grateful beings on this planet. They appreciate every belly scratch, treat, sniff, squirrel sighting, and kind word. And each wag of the tail and doggy kiss is an emphatic "thank you!" Sometimes my "thank you" is an automatic reply, and I don't stop and allow the feeling of gratitude to really sink in. With dogs, every "thank you" not only sinks in, it oozes out! I want to ooze -- not in a creepy way. In a thankful way. 

4. Always ask for what you want

Do I always ask for what I want? No. Why? Because as humans, we sometimes feel like we're being rude or greedy if we make a request. Sometimes you have to ask in order to get. I'm working on this one. Dogs have it down pat. Even if they don't open their cute little mouths, their eyes speak volumes. Have you ever eaten a piece of cheese in front of a dog? You know the look I'm talking about. And we usually give in, right? At least some of the time.

As humans, we need to do more than stare when we want something -- we need to ask. Although there's something to be said for the puppy dog eyes.

5. Use things 'til they're spent

Dogs love their toys and will play with a tennis ball until it's completely busted open and caked with layers of drool and mud. And they're no more excited about a new ball than they are the nasty old one. They love their stuff 'til there's no more lovin' to be had.

I think about that when I consider my patterns. I sometimes buy new when the old will do just as well. I've sort of become the consumer I've always complained about. Not that there's anything wrong with nice new things, but accumulating unnecessary stuff is not how I want to be. In fact, I try to shop at thrift shops and recycle my own things when I can. I could be much better about it, though. I need to apply the tennis-ball principle to my shoe-buying habit. 

6. Get excited about everything

Who's more excited than a dog? Nobody. I love feeling excited and, truly, there are so many things in my life to feel excited about. You know that feeling when you receive a really cool gift or find that perfect pair of shoes? I'd like to feel that excited about other things, like spending an afternoon with a friend or hearing a song I really love on the radio. Not that I don't feel happy about those things, I just love that excited feeling so much and would like to experience it more often.

Dogs feel absolutely exuberant about most everything. Going to a walk? Yay!

Grandma's over? Yay!

Chipmunks on the front porch? Yay!

I would love to feel more excited about the small things. But I definitely don't want to pee on the floor.

Inspired and sourced by Angie Bailey 

In many ways , looking to our dogs can teach us to be better humans – for them, the simple (yet complicated) act of living life is an adventure and exploration in joy, and let’s be honest –  we could all use a little extra simplicity and joy in our lives

Keep you tails wagging

Bear’s P4ws 

Winter Squash Dog Muffin Recipe

Making this dog muffin recipe is a wonderful way to take advantage of all the leftovers from the season's crop of winter squash. 

Butternut squash was used for this recipe (because it's wonderful ad delicious and oh so very versatile), but you can easily substitute acorn or spaghetti squash, to name just a few of the many available and healthy winter squashes.

Winter squash is low in calories and a good source of fiber, which makes it a good pick for those dogs watching their wasteline. All dogs will appreciate the vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, folate, omega 3 fatty acids and vitamins B1, B3, B5 & B6 in the squashes.

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

1 1/2 cups winter squash, peeled and cubed

1/8 cup water

1 egg

1 tbsp corn oil

1/2 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375° F
2. Whisk together the oats, flour, cinnamon and ginger.
3. Peel the squash and cut into 1 inch cubes.
4. Place squash in a microwave safe bowl and add 1/8 cup of water.
5. Microwave on high at one minute intervals until tender. After each minute, stir and test the softness of the squash.
6. Once the squash is tender, drain the excess liquid.
7. Place the squash, egg, oil and milk into a blender.
8. Blend into a smooth puree, stirring when needed to keep the mixture moving.
9. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the squash mixture.
10. Stir together until combined.
11. Spray a mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray with flour.
12. Using a tablespoon sized cookie scooper, scoop generous amounts into each muffin cup.
13. Bake for 15 minutes.
14. Turn off the oven and let the muffins cool.  

(sourced by the Dog Treat Kitchen)

Storing - This dog muffin recipe will keep in the fridge for about two weeks. You can freeze them for later enjoyment for up to 6 months. To decorate, let them thaw, or come to room temperature first.

Yield - Using a mini muffin pan, you'll be able to turn out 24 little muffins.

Let us know how your batch of muffins turns out

=)

Keep your tails wagging

Bear's P4ws

RECALL: Natura Pet Food Recalls at Least Four of its Brands

On March 19 the Dancing Dog Blog posted regarding a Natura products pet food recall. As of today Natura has announced that the original pet food recall has been expanded to include more products that may be contaminated with Salmonella:

 Innova

EVO

Healthwise

California Natural

and Karma

The FDA lists the symptoms of Salmonella as follows:
“Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Individuals handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. People who believe they may have been exposed to Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.

Natura announcement from their website:

“On March 18, 2013, we informed you of a voluntary recall on select Natura products. In the course of further examination, additional products have tested positive for the presence of salmonella. All of these products were made on a single manufacturing line. As an additional safety measure, we are broadening our voluntary recall to include all dry dog and cat food products made on this single manufacturing line [Ed. bolded] in the Jan-Mar, 2013 timeframe.

Your pets’ health and safety is our #1 priority. We assure you that we are extensively investigating, inspecting and taking all actions necessary to ensure that our products meet both your expectations and ours.

Please see below for details on all affected products. If you have a product included on this list and would like a refund or replacement, please follow the instructions below. For additional inquiries, contact us at http://www.naturapet.com/about/contact-us or (800) 224-6123.

Sincerely,
Employees of Natura Pet Products

To identify what products are involved in this expanded voluntary recall, please see this list.

Keep your tails wagging

Bear's P4ws

Bear and I...

....would like wish all of our Easter-celebrating friends

 a "Happy and wonderful Easter filled with marshmallows, chocolate, and jelly beans."

Keep your tails wagging

Bear's P4ws

My Favorite Holiday...

...is any that allows time for friends and family to gather - eat good food - drink good (doggy) wine and share the warmth of their laughter and love for each other.

Sending out the warmest of wishes to all of our friends who are celebrating this Passover. 

Keep your tails wagging

Bear's P4ws