Thankful for...

There are many things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving Eve. Friends, family, loved ones. Good health, happiness, but most of all - the unconditional love I get from my puppies.

Lulu went to the groomers yesterday, so she would smell sweet and clean when guests arrive. A little grumpy afterwards, but it did not last for long. She has been my constant companion this week while I have been on vacation. And now, as Thanksgiving rapidly approaches, I reflect on the things that I am thankful for.

Lulu shows me daily how much she loves me, and wants to be near me. She came along, just at the right time for me. She has not replaced my wonderful Beth, but she fills the void in my heart. And, amazingly enough, she has found her own place in my heart as well. A place that belongs only to her. Her uniqueness, her funny disposition..... and her whimsical ways. I could not ask for a better friend.

I have been blessed in many ways - for that - there is no question. I was empty and lost after Beth passed away. Lulu, is helping me find my way.... and walking beside me each step of the way. Just as I saved her - she in turn, has saved me. And for that - I am truly thankful.

I hope each and every one of you, that happens across this blog, has a wonderful Thanksgiving. And remember, take time to reflect, and give thanks for all the little things you have.

Desperately Searching

I apologize for not posting in quiet sometime - but, life with 5 dogs can get hectic. Especially when you get home at 6 pm. Now that Daylight Savings Time has ended, it gets dark within 30 minutes of my arrival home.

Lulu needs a daily brisk walk, but, for safety reasons (hers and mine) its difficult to walk her since the time change. My husband, John, does not want us walking through our neighborhood, due to the lack of sidewalks, as well as the abundance of riff raft close by.

The lake I usually walk her around, does not have lights, and, well, its kind of creepy after dark. I suppose that is why there are signs posted that state it is closed at dark.

John suggested the mall.... but during the rapidly approaching holidays, I fear the crime rate will increase dramatically.

The search has begun to find a well lit, dog friendly place close by. What I want - is a dog park that offers walks inside and out - but - alas Rome, GA does not offer such a place.

Hopefully I will find one - and keep you 'posted'.

Groomed Great Pyrenees

Lulu went for her first visit ( that I know of ) to the Groomer on Saturday. Below are a few pictures of how she looked after coming home. The 'little guy' in the pictures is her best friend Oopy. For the costs involved versus me bathing her, its WELL worth the money!

Guardian Angel

She is my Guardian, and she is my angel.

Goodbye fleas!

I know its been a while since my last post - but - I spend a lot of time in the kitchen these days! The 4th batch of dog biscuits are in the oven! Two last weekend, and two more this weekend.

Here are the results I have so far:

First and foremost - the dogs LOVE them! Even if they did not repel fleas - as many treats as we go through (5 dogs, remember!) Its beneficial for me to make them. Not to mention the fact that I know what is in them. All natural, and no fillers or preservatives. And they are fresh. Ever bought dog biscuits that are old? Trust me - its not a pretty sight. Our inside dogs, Lulu and Snoopy get one when they come inside. And average of 3-4 in a 24 hour period. They sometimes go out just to come back in, thinking I will give them another! They fooled me once or twice, but I have caught on to their tricks!

Second, I have noticed a reduction in the fleas. Now, keep in mind, I can not guarantee that the biscuits are the cause in reduction. After all, I treated the house, the yard and the dogs, as well as began the dog biscuits. Not to mention the fact that Autumn is here. But, they are greatly reduced, and they are healthy treats. Its a win win situation.

Besides, folks who know me, know that the kitchen is my haven, and I enjoy fixing great tasting, healthy dishes. I personally can not vouch for the taste, but if the way my dogs act is any indication, they must be.

Also, want to give an update about Lulu. After 8 weeks here, she has fit in wonderfully! She is so fun to watch! Warning - there will be a new video soon!

FLEAS!

Not sure about the rest of you, but in the last few weeks the fleas have gotten terrible! We have used an organic flea dip, treated the yard , bathed ( with Adam's Flea Shampoo) sprayed (again with Adam's - seems to work best), treated the house, and bombed. Although we are not (yet) infested, there is a problem. I also purchased Adam's Flea collars. I have even placed white plates of soapy water with a light next to it. Amazingly - the fleas jump onto the plate and the soapy water weights them down and they drown! I have heard that 20 Mule Team borax, or table salt, sprinkled over the floors, allowed to sit 20 minutes, then vacuumed helps. I have searched the internet, and discovered a couple of recipes for 'Flea Terminator Dog Treats', which I will share. I can not vouch for its effectiveness, but - if you are like me you will try anything! I am hoping this works - simply because its all natural, and I feel pesticides can have adverse effects. Poor old puppies are irritated by the fleas, then covered in the pesticides, which make the fleas extremely active before they die, which makes the dogs even more uncomfortable. Here is the recipe:

Flea Terminator Dog Treats

3 cubes beef bouillon

1 1/2 cups boiling water

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup cornmeal

2/3 cup brewers' yeast

2 tablespoons garlic powder

2 egg yolks

Preheat oven to 375º F. Dissolve beef bouillon cubes in boiling water, and set aside, Grease cookie sheet.

In a large bowl, stir together the whole wheat flour, corn meal, brewers' yeast and garlic powder. Add the yolks, then gradually pour in the bouillon water while stirring. Mix thoroughly to form a firm dough. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness, Cut in desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 inch apart onto greased cookie sheet. Bake 20 minutes, in preheated oven. After baking time , turn the oven off and allow cookies to sit inside for at least 3 hours or overnight to harden. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

I have also read in several places, that brewers' yeast is a natural anti-flea remedy. 1 teaspoon per 30 pounds of body weight, daily can provide the B complex vitamins a dog needs. ( wonder if a B complex vitamin supplement would work as well....)

Garlic, is also a known repellant. Careful with this though - as it can be toxic to dogs. Typically, the problem is with large quantities, not 'seasoning portions'. Ask your vet for if it is appropriate to use garlic for fleas for your pet. WHEN IN DOUBT - leave it out!!!

If anyone has a tried and true natural method they would like to share, please let me know. I will be happy to post, as well as give credit where credit it do!

Labor (Day) of Love

Many people are astonished when they hear we have 5 dogs. And even more astonished when they hear that we have 2 living inside - not to mention the fact that one is a Great Pyrenees. Questions I hear most often are:

1. How much dog food do you use a week? This varies with the seasons. In the Summer we use less, because they eat less due to the Georgia heat - but it averages out to about 50 pounds a week.
2. How often do you have to clean up poo? This too varies with the season, but I have found that many feed stores have foods that when converted to waste, will compost rapidly. But - as a general rule once or twice a week with the pooper scooper is plenty.
3. How can you afford so many dogs? This is a question I ask myself many times! We are lucky that our vet offers a multi pet discount, and we take advantage of the local Rabies clinics. And, we sacrifice things for our animals.
4. How do you control fleas and all the pet hair? This is an ongoing battle, but as with everything in life you take the good with the bad. We treat the yard, animals and house (if those pesky fleas invade). But, lets face it - even if there was only one, we would still have to do the same. And for the pet hair - a daily sweeping or vacuuming tends to be enough. The Great Pyrenees, Lulu, will only shed heavily once a year, and we have not had her long enough to experience that. But, brushing helps.
5. What do you do with them when you go out of town? Simple. We have a sitter. Way too many to board in a kennel - besides, I prefer them to stay in their own comfortable surroundings.

All these things are done without remorse. My feelings are we receive more than we give. They are our guardians, our friends and our companions. We owe it to them to prove ourselves worthy of their devotion.

On long weekends, like this one, its all the more special. I have time to do my regular weekend duties, and still have a whole day left. Thats one extra day I can devote my attention to them. Truly a Labor Day of love!