K-9 LifeSavers

Holiday Tip:

If you consider your K-9 a member of the family, you’ll want him to partake in the festivities, but remember turkey bones can be a choking hazard for dogs, and access to holiday leftovers can leave him with an upset stomach, so make him a special treat of his own like these Thanksgiving Bones!

Ingredients:

2 lbs. ground turkey
2 eggs
2 cups cooked rice
8 oz. peas
3 carrots, diced
1 apple, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well by hand. On baking sheet, form into the shape of a large dog bone. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. Let cool and serve.

If you happen to be looking for an addition to your family this Thanksgiving, allow us to introduce Archie.  This happy little guy radiates all the fun life has to offer and would be so thankful for a loving home. If you're looking for a little ray of sunshine, let us know!

Though many terriers have personalities that are much bigger than their bodies, the Jack Russell Terrier may outshine them all. Though they only grow to 10-15 inches tall, these little powerhouses have been described as tenacious, study, freakishly athletic and bursting with energy.

These small white terriers we know today were first bred by the Reverend John Russell, a parson and hunting enthusiast born in the late 1700s. Bred as a working hunting dog, an important attribute in this was their tempered aggressiveness that would provide the necessary drive to pursue and bolt (hold) the fox and other game without resulting in physical harm. Following World War II, the requirement for hunting dogs drastically declined, and with it the numbers of Jack Russell terriers. The dogs were increasingly used as family and companion dogs and cross breeding occurred, with Welsh corgis, Chihuahuas and other smaller breeds of terrier.

Because Jack Russells are first and foremost a working terrier they tend to be extremely intelligent, athletic, fearless, and vocal dogs. It is not uncommon for these dogs to become moody or destructive if not properly stimulated and exercised, as they have a tendency to bore easily and will often create their own fun when left alone to entertain themselves. Jack Russells can be stubborn at times and aggressive towards other animals and humans if not properly socialized. 

However, for owners who are up for the putting the time into socializing, training and exercising these dogs, they will have a wonderful, spunky companion for many healthy years.  Their high energy and drive make these dogs perfect for a number of dog sports such as flyball or agility competitions, and their protective nature will ensure you're never caught unaware by a surprise visitor in your home!

Horton may have heard a Who in the world of Dr. Seuss, but today all she wants is a family to share Christmas with - she'll even come with gingerbread cookies!

These gingerbread cookies will have a wonderful, spicy aroma when they are cooking. They are great for the holidays, but healthy enough for you dog to enjoy year round.  Use a cookie cut of your choice to shape them into dog bones, Christmas trees, or any other shape that suits you!

• 1 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup white flour
• 2 tablespoons soy flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 2 tablespoons wheat bran
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

• If using a bread machine, mix all ingredients together and place everything in machine on the dough cycle.
• If using a mixer or by hand:
   - Dissolve the yeast into water
   - Mix in the vegetable oil and molasses
   - Mix in the flours, cornmeal, wheat bran, ginger, and cinnamon
   - Knead the dough (using hands or dough hook on a mixer) into a ball, cover and allow to rise for 30 minutes.

When the dough is ready, divide it into 3 portions and roll each dough ball out into 1/4 - 1/2" thickness (1/4" for 3" bones, 1/2" for 5-8" bones).

Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into shapes and place them on a lightly greased baking sheet.

Bake at 300 degrees for about an hour, or until lightly browned.  Turn the oven off, but allow the dog treats to remain in the oven overnight to dry out completely.  In the morning they should be dry and crisp which will allow you to store them for up to a month.