Pawsome Tails
Celebrating man’s (and women’s) best friend on International Dog Day!
INTERNATIONAL Dog Day fell on Monday, August 26. What did you do to celebrate your faithful friend? Or should I rather ask, what do you do to celebrate your faithful friend every day? Let’s face it, our dogs celebrate us every day, whether it is when we wake up in the morning, come home from work, see them after they spent a short time by themselves outside… they are always happy to see us!
Our dogs are clever, they sense when we are down and are often a great source of comfort to us. They are playful, cuddlesome creatures that are in the best of moods, and excitable truly by the mere fact that we exist in their lives. Dogs keep us safe, they put their lives on the line every day – for their law enforcement partner, for their blind companion, for the disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs, and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage.
National Dog Day celebrates all breeds, pure and mixed, and serves to help galvanise the public to recognise the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, either from public shelters, rescues and pure breed rescues. This day was founded by author and animal behaviourist, Colleen Paige in 2004.
Love is a four-legged word
Celebrating National Dog Day can be as easy as giving your dog an affectionate hug and a kiss, or even a special treat. But if you want to do something more, here’s a list of ideas to make a real difference:
Adopt a dog from your local shelter or pure bread rescue organisation – should your situation at home allow.
Volunteer at your local shelter and offer to walk or play with a dog, clean cages or anything they need help with, such as donating food, toys or blankets.
•Assist an elderly or ill neighbour by walking their dog.
• Buy your dog a fund new dog toy… or two… or five.
• Give your dog some fun exercise by visiting a local dog part or dam.
• Treat your dog to a good pampering, a nice bath and a good brush to eliminate excess fur.
• Bake a dog friendly treat.
Some awesome International Dog Day quotes:
• “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”– Josh Billings
• “I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive.” – Gilda Radner
• “When I needed a hand, I found your paw.” – Unknown
• “Everyone thinks they have the best dog. And none of them are wrong.” – Unknown
Some super easy International Dog Day treats to make at home:
Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Treats
Does your dog love peanut butter as much as mine does? If so you can’t go wrong with this simple dog treat recipe — it’s a staple in my house. You’ll need two cups of flour, 1/2 cup peanut butter and two eggs. Mix the ingredients together until combined, and then add water until it becomes wet enough to roll out as dough.
Three ingredients and water: 20 minute cook time
Frozen Apple Dog Treats
This dog treat recipe is so simple it doesn’t even involve any cooking. If you’ve got two apples, a cup of non-fat plain yogurt, and some ice cube trays you’ve got yourself a yummy treat your dog will love.
Two ingredients and water, ready when they’re frozen.
Apple Cinnamon Dog Treats
If you want to impress your dog try out this simple dog treat recipe. It’s another one that smells awesome so expect some excitement in the kitchen while you’re cooking these. You’ll need one cup of dry quick cook oatmeal, half cup of apple sauce, and one egg.
Three ingredients: 22 minute cook time.
Three Ingredient Vegan, Gluten Free Dog Treats
Looking for a simple grain free dog treat recipe? This is an awesome recipe good for dogs with grain allergies. If you’ve got some oat or rice flour, peanut butter, and a couple of bananas you’re good to go. Does it get much easier than that?
Three ingredient dog treats: 30 minute cook time.
Pumpkin Carrot Bites
This simple dog treat recipe is one of my favourites — it yields a bunch of great smelling, bite-sized treats that are perfect for training rewards. For this simple recipe you’ll need three fourths cup canned pumpkin, one egg, one fourth cup shredded carrots, and a cup of whole wheat flour.
Four ingredients: 30-35 minute bake time.
Fruity Frosty Hearts
If your dog loves fruit this dog treat recipe is perfect, and they’re great for novices since there’s no cooking involved. The ingredients you need are watermelon, raspberries and yogurt. You mix those three ingredients together and place them in an ice tray and just wait for them to freeze.
Three ingredients: ready when they’re frozen.
Photo by israel palacio on Unsplash
That’s it for this week, from me, Vinkel and Koljander. Paw five! Woof!
