HOT DOGS!

Please remember that this is the time of year that dogs get heat stroke. Do not leave him in the car-even for a minute-even with the window open. If the heat doesn’t kill him, it can cause brain damage.

Where I live, the car seat can brand your bottom with the stitching pattern and you can get burned from your steering wheel. If you can’t take the dog in with you then leave him at home.

Be aware that breeds with flat faces, those who are ill and dogs with long fur are especially at risk. (And any dog can burn the pads of his feet on hot sidewalks or in parking lots.)

I am having my annual internal debate of whether or not to cut my dogs hair for summer. Many people are opposed to ever cutting a Coton’s hair. I have heard the argument that the fur is insulating and will never grow back the same.

But common sense tells me that wearing a fur coat when the heat index is 105 and the humidity is high is dangerous. I get hot just thinking about it.

Here are some of the symptoms of heat stroke in dogs:

Rapid, shallow panting

Red tongue

Confusion

Rapid heart rate

Vomiting or diarrhea

Hose the dog off, throw him in the car and call the vet on the way. It is always an emergency. You cannot give your dog oxygen, I.V’s or monitor him at home.

It’s much better to have hawt dogs than hot dogs!

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

My dog food recipes are rather like a Chinese menu-one from column A, two from column B and so on. I focus on what is in season, what is on sale and the percentages for each category that I have decided on.

PROTEIN 40%

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or

Turkey or

Lamb

This is usually poached in salt-free chicken stock, removed and shredded.

I reserve the liquid for the:

VEGETABLES, FRUITS, BERRIES-30% any or all of the below:

Carrots

Celery

Green beans (B.B. used to pick these out but now I saute them in olive oil to make them a little mushier and she doesn’t even notice.)

Green peas

Zucchini

Squash

Apple

Cranberries-few

Blueberries-few

Broccoli tops

Parsley-fresh

STARCH-30%-any or all of the below

White rice

Sweet potatoes

Yams

Potatoes

Pumpkin

TO MAKE:

Don’t cook anything longer than you need to.

I use the reserve stock to cook everything. If I have any left over, I freeze it for next time.

Mush it all together.

I might add olive oil and/or molasses before I freeze the food.

TO FEED:

After I defrost the frozen food to, I may add some Belgian yogurt, cottage cheese or Eggland eggs to the mix before I feed them.

ADDENDUM- They do get supplements. Everyday they get salmon oil, vitamins, and Kraft cheese with Angel Eyes hidden inside. (The Angel Eyes goes in cheese rather than their food so that I know each gets the correct dosage.

For training (the never ending story) I use the Kraft, home made meatballs, or chicken chews.

For chewing (I think their teeth must grow like rabbits.) I use bully sticks ( Don’t ask. It is SO gross!) and dental chews from the vet. I will leave a p-nut butter Kong but they are messy to clean. We do not use Greenies because of articles like this.

HEALTHY HABITS WE CAN LEARN FROM DOGS

Bebe

1.  Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.

2.  Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

3.  When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

4.  Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.

5.  When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.

6.  Take naps and stretch before rising.

7.  Run, romp, and play daily.

8.  Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

9.  Be loyal.

10.  Never pretend to be something you’re not.

11.  If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

12.  When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

13.  Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

14.  Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

15.  On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.

16.  When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

17.  No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout…run right back and make friends.

18.  Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Little-Bit

is taking a mental health day.

40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS

Now the New Year’s resolutions have morphed into the Lent resolutions. Oh well, life’s a journey.

Lent has always been a mindful, reflective time for me. A bit of a retreat.

I feel bereft when the holy water is removed from the church. It makes me think of “going to the desert” which I guess was the Biblical equivalent of “going to the mattresses”. It puts me in a certain frame of mind and I start thinking of the Waters of Life and why Easter, not Christmas is our most important Holy Day.

Clearly, this year I am going to have to be a little more creative than just giving up chocolate and meat on Friday.

I am putting aside my lighter reading for now and revisiting the Bible. This is a bit of a sacrifice as I am a voracious reader.

I am being serious about my Gratitude Journal. That means no more, “I’m grateful that this day is over.” (Which I still think is funny.)

I always count my blessings at night but I am putting a little sticker in my car to remind me to count them in traffic, as well.

I will try to go to the Stations of the Cross.

I will do my due diligence to make sure that my charity money is not being squandered. Here are some links to help with that:

• Charity Navigator

• BBB Wise Giving Alliance

• American Institute of Philanthropy

I will try to find creative ways of giving that do not cost any money such as Boost.

I will try to be kinder and more thoughtful.

Lent doesn’t have to only be about depriving ourselves or giving things up.  It can also be about adding something to our lives. We could add a healthy habit, contribute to something in the community, volunteer, make a commitment that will benefit ourselves and/or others even after Easter.

We could each make a small difference where we are. Just think how it will all add up!

I think of it like throwing wildflower seeds out of the window of a car.

It will take awhile.

But soon you will see something wonderful!

FAKE OPTIMISM

Try it.

Make it a habit.

Negative thinking affects us both physically, mentally and spiritually.

So do yourself a favor and be a big fat fake!