Dog Wedding Photo Contest

Dog Wedding Trend Goes Hollywood 

 

Pet Parents Can Enter to See Their Dog in the New Movie “The Dog Wedding”

and Win $10,000 in Prizes from Stella & Chewy’s, BarkBox, DogTV and More

Have you had a dog wedding? Was your dog your best man, bridesmaid or ringbearer? If so, enter #TheDogWedding Photo Contest (www.thedogwedding.com/contest) for the chance to see your dog in the adorable romantic comedy “The Dog Wedding”, coming to theaters this Fall! Fifty dog wedding photos will be chosen to appear in the film’s opening credits.

Entrants will also win 150 total prizes worth $10,000 from partners including Stella & Chewy’s (a leading brand of premium raw frozen and freeze-dried food for dogs and cats), BarkBox (a box of high quality dog products for your pup, delivered to your door each month), and DogTV (television’s first network for canines).

Fantastic doggie care, toy and vacation prizes will be awarded byPetcube, Sniffany & Co. by Dog Diggin Designs, The Saguaro Scottsdale, Dog Is Good, Muttropolis, Grounds & Hounds, The Loving Bowl, Hot Dogs All Dressed, Puppy Kisses online boutique, Bling Bone and The Pet Boutique.

Charitable donations will be made on behalf of each entry to Canine Companions for Independence (the largest non-profit provider of assistance dogs) and Chicago English Bulldog Rescue Inc. (the most experienced and longest standing bulldog rescue in the Midwest).

The Contest’s partners total 2.1 million Facebook followers, signifying the popularity of dog weddings as a new global trend. From the USA to Japan, pet parents are fitting their pups for tuxes and gowns and throwing wedding celebrations. After all, dogs are family, so why not give them their special day?

Submit your dog wedding photos today and make your dog part of movie history!

About “The Dog Wedding”    Coming to theaters in Fall 2015! “The Dog Wedding” tells the story of a German businesswoman who falls for an American wrestler she meets at the dog park, testing her lifelong obedience to her CEO/father. Rosalie Thomass (“One Hot Number”) plays opposite Matthew Bloom (“WWE Raw”), Bernhard Schütz (“A Most Wanted Man”), Prince & Queenie (two lovable English Bulldogs), and a delightfully eccentric cast in this refreshing romantic comedy. Follow the improbable duo as they discover your best friend’s wedding can be a real wake-up call! Watch the trailer: www.thedogwedding.com

Connect socially:

facebook.com/thedogweddingmovie  @thedogwedding 

@the_dogwedding

About Canine Companions for Independence

Founded in 1975, Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. Headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, Canine Companions is the largest non-profit provider of assistance dogs, and is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. The result is a life full of increased independence and loving companionship. Learn more at: www.cci.org

About Chicago English Bulldog Rescue Inc.

The most experienced and longest standing bulldog rescue in the Midwest, CEBR serves Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, and offershelp in other surrounding states. Their 75 volunteers have re-homed almost 800 bullies and counseled hundreds of families to provide support, encouragement and training consults to help keep bullies in their homes. CEBR’s care includes a high quality diet, the best veterinary care from a bulldog specialist, and behavioral evaluations of the highest quality. Learn more at: www.ebullymatch.com

​

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Please read The Dog Wedding Photo Contest’s Official Rules at www.thedogwedding.com/contest.

Look at us … Top 20 Pet Bloggers

We are happy to announce that we made a list of Top 20 Pet Bloggers… from Trip Advisor…

Yipppeeee….

Check it out:

http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/blog/top-20-pet-bloggers-of-2015/#sthash.kJZ4ecxi.dpbs

Happy April

Happy April !  here’s a little April Fool’s Day doggie fun…

 

http://3milliondogs.com/news/what-this-new-perfume-for-dogs-smells-like-may-shock-you

 

Sorry folks that I’ve not been here much but I was diagnosed with breast cancer a few weeks ago and just had surgery. Today, I find out the results of the surgery.

 

While I was getting surgery and recovering, Cici had fun playing with other doggies at a Bed and Biscuits place in Santa Cruz, thanks to Peace of Mind Dog Rescue.

 

She came back exhausted and slept, conked out and dreaming a lot. She has had two people walking her to help me. Kind people.

 

People have been amazing.

 

I thank each and every one of the folks who have stepped up to the plate for me and Cici.

 

Hopefully, we will have a New Home to move into very very soon.

 

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

 

Love, Hope and Forgiveness

Heroes Come in Different Species

 

An Abused Pit Bull and Human Survivor Share Hope and Healing

Some people see a pit bull and go running for the hills fearing that they will be maimed due to the sensationalizing of (and often untrue) pit bull attack stories overreported by the media. Then there are dog lovers and advocates who see a dog just like any other dog. Donna Lawrence is one of the latter. Yes, even after she WAS attacked by a pit bull.

 

A recent survey of people who admitted to having negative opinions of pit bulls, 60 percent of the participants cited media reports as the basis of their negative opinions.

 

“One person and one animal can make a powerful difference in the world,” said Donna. She survived an attack and later adopted an abused pit bull puppy who was set on fire. Her courage and commitment to dogs inspires people around the world.

 

Donna and Susie’s story of Love, Hope, Courage and Forgiveness has been made into a movie called Susie’s Hope which recently aired on UPTV.

 

The DVD will be released this fall, but you can preorder through Best Buy now!

 

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/susies-hope-dvd/25346296.p?id=3251052&skuId=25346296&st=Susie%27s%20Hope&lp=1&cp=1

 

Movie trailer:

 

 

Donna thought Susie was dead when she found her in a park. “My heart melted the instant I saw her. I had so much compassion for her. I saw this six week old puppy with third degree burns all over her body and I couldn’t understand how someone could do this to her. I had never seen abuse like this before. She was so little and frail with scars all over her body. Her ears were burned off. She had broken bones. Susie needed a lot of love and protection,” Donna explained.

 

“As I held her, covered in bandages, she kissed my face.  She was so loving and just wanted me to hold her. I was captivated. We were kindred spirits. I could relate to her pain and suffering. She was wrongfully attacked. We both had a lot of physical and emotional scars and fears to conquer.”

A few weeks before she met Susie, Donna had been feeding her neighbor’s abandoned and abused pit bull who was chained up 24/7. One day the dog became aggressive and attacked Donna’s legs. She thought she was going to die.

It is important to note that the attack on Donna was not because the dog was a pit bull. The attack fit the profile cited in a recent report published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA)/  The report discusses dog bite prevention and cites factors involved in attacks. Breed is not a factor. The dog that attacked Donna was chained up (a resident dog not a pet), abused, neglected, not neutered and no able bodied person was there to intervene.

“I was working through some serious emotional turmoil, and one weekend when I had Susie in my care, I got the tragic news that I would never be able to have children—as a result of the attack. I cried all the way home from the doctor’s office.  When we got home, it was like God spoke to me,” Donna recalled. “You see that puppy, she has been abused, set on fire, and left for dead. Yet she is forgiving. She is not living in the past. She is happy and thankful to be alive.  She is moving on with her life and so can you. I want you to adopt her. I have big plans for you–bigger than you can imagine. And you will never fear dogs again.”  So, I listened to God. I let go of my hurt and anger and trusted in God that together we would bring healing to people and animals.”

Pit bulls and their bad reputation never bothered Donna. She considers pit bulls “loyal and affectionate dogs with loving hearts.”  Before the pit bull that attacked her and adopting Susie, Donna rescued another pit bull named Samson. “He was so sweet; I’d take him to the salon with me every day and he’d sit by the dryers while the gals got their hair done.  He’d look over their shoulders as if he was reading the magazines with them!”

Wanting justice (a punishment to fit the crime) for what happened to Susie, Donna was concerned that Susie’s abuser would go free. Animal cruelty laws were very lenient in North Carolina at the time and had not been changed in a very long time. The person who abused Susie was only given jail time because the court could charge him with destroying someone else’s property. Susie was treated as property rather than a living being. So, Donna helped to pass Susie’s Law with stiffer fines and jail time for animal abusers.

It  was a team effort. “In March 2010, we canvassed the state of North Carolina, sharing Susie’s story. We sent out emails, postcards and letters with our “request for change.”  We took Susie before the city council and county commissioners Votes were unanimous in the House and Senate (after taking one look at Susie).  The Bill was signed by Governor Perdue in June 2010, with Susie’s paw of approval. The law was put into effect in December 2010.”

“Remember, serial killers practice abusing animals first and then move on to innocent children and adults,” Donna declared.

Now, Donna has high hopes for the impact of the movie. “We hope that Susie’s Hope will start a nationwide movement, to bring national public and legislative awareness, to change laws in every state. Maybe even a national law to protect all animals. Some states have great animal cruelty laws, and then, some don’t. I hope the movie will motivate others to make a difference and change in their own state, or hometown, for the sake of the animals. I also hope the movie will motivate people to never give up on the things they are passionate about.”

Through Susie’s Hope™ the non-profit organization, Donna and Susie teach people how to treat animals properly.

 

“Susie and I are on a mission to do all we can to stand up for the rights of animals. It is time for a change in our society. We need to stop turning the other cheek to abuse and start reporting abuse whenever we see it. We need to crack down on puppy mills and backyard breeding. Fight for changes in your own state. Let’s get animals off of chains and make them a part of the family. We hope people will take care of their pets, and learn how to be safe around them, to love and respect them.”

When Susie and Donna visit schools, “I usually ask the children to offer Susie a treat. I teach kids in the schools how to approach animals,and to always ask permission. Not all animals enjoy kids running up to them and getting in their face, or riding them like a horse. Children need to learn at an early age to respect an animal’s space and how to gently approach them.

“People need to understand animals have feelings and emotions just like we do. They feel pain, loneliness and rejection, and they know when they are loved–and when they are not.”

Susie turned five years old in June (2014). “Susie loves chasing her brother and sister dogs around in the yard. She loves going to work with me at the salon.  (She gives the clients kisses and shows off with her favorite tricks–riding a skateboard, jumping through a hula hoop, playing dead, counting, reading, pointing to colors, and more). She loves to eat peanut butter. She loves riding in the car and traveling.  I think she likes being my friend. Susie does like other doggies, but it takes her a bit to warm up to them–she has to make sure she can trust them.

“Susie and I are on a mission to do all we can to stand up for the rights of animals. It is time for a change in our society. We need to stop turning the other cheek to abuse and start reporting abuse whenever we see it in our neighborhoods, communities or our workplace. We need to crack down on puppy mills and backyard breeding. We want to encourage everyone to fight for changes in your own state and communities. Let’s get animals off of chains and make them a part of the family. We hope people will continue to educate children as well as adults in their own communities how to take care of their pets, and how to be safe around them, to love them and respect them,” she concluded.

Susie is a nominee in the American Human Association Hero Dog Awards contest. As the 2014 AHA Therapy Dog, please consider voting for her.  (Visit www.susieshope.com orwww.susieshope-nc.org for more information).

Ten Tips: When Your Pet is Lost

First thing to do is to PREVENT your dog from getting lost by ensuring that your gate at home is closed or locked and your dog cannot get out of it. When you are traveling, keep your dog on leash with you at all times. 

Prepare ahead of time for the worst case scenario. If your dog has a microchip, make sure that it is registered with the company with your current contact info. Cici’s is with HomeAgain and they also have a service that if she is lost, I can call them and they will send alerts out to all of the locals including neighbors, vets, and SPCA. Plus, if she is found 500 miles away, they will fly her home for free.

Get good dog tags for your pet to wear at all times. And when you are traveling be sure that the contact info is correct.

Now a word here about Pet ID tags. We have tried numerous pet ID tags. By far the BEST ONE we have found is this one…

http://www.1cutepooch.com/

We LOVE the various options, the state driver’s license tag is our favorite. Second is the Hello name tag version. Your dog’s name and contact info and photo is imprinted on the ID tags. And what really set these apart for me (and Cici) is that you can put the tags into a leather pouch that attaches to the harness or collar. It was a little bit hard to open but once done, that was it. With all of Cici’s rolling around on her back,, at home and in the grass, all of the other tags we’ve tried came off within an hour or two. NOT with these tags. She’s worn them now for a few weeks. Imagine my surprise.  The ones below are similar to the ones sent us.

 

 

 

 

Nearly one in five lost pets goes missing after being scared by the sound of fireworks, thunderstorms or other loud noises, according to a survey by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. And, while losing your pet can be a traumatic experience for both you and your pet, have hope as 93% of dogs and 75% of cats reported lost are returned safely to their homes according to another survey.

If you do lose your pet, here are 10 top tips to help reunite you with your furry friend as quickly as possible:

 

1. Contact or visit your local shelters and animal control organizations.  File a lost pet report with every shelter, dog pound and animal control office within a 60-mile radius of your home and visit the nearest shelters daily, if possible.
   
2. Get the word out to all veterinarians in the area.  Sometimes people pick up a stray and drive it to a distant clinic.
3. Search your neighborhood.  Walk or drive through your neighborhood several times each day. Enlist friends, family and others to help you.  Ask neighbors, letter carriers, and delivery people if they have seen your pet. Hand out a recent photograph of your pet and information on how you can be reached if your pet is found.
4. Go door to door and speak with your neighbors.  The more people know you have lost a pet, and that you are upset, worried and desperately trying to find your pet, the more people will call you if they see an animal in the woods or on the road, or in their backyard.
5. Place posters and flyers throughout the neighborhood.  Post notices at grocery stores, community centers, veterinary offices, traffic intersections, at pet supply stores, and other locations. Also, place advertisements in newspapers and with radio stations. Include your pet’s sex, age, weight, breed, color, and any special markings. To avoid scams, when describing your pet, leave out one identifying characteristic and ask the person who finds your pet to describe it.
6. Post info about your pet on all pet recovery websites and services.  Sites such as Craigslist.org, TheCenterForLostPets.com and FidoFinder.com allow you to broadcast your missing pet info quickly.  National pet care providers can be hired to assist you in your search for your lost pet.
7. Consider using a lost pet recovery service.  There are now numerous lost pet alert services, such as FindToto.com, that will contact homes, veterinarians, shelters and animal control organizations for a reasonable fee.
8. Place food and water outside your home.  Your pet may eventually return to your home when they get hungry or thirsty.  Consider placing the food in a rented or purchased humane pet trap to capture them.
9. Tell everyone you see about your pet and ask them to keep their eyes open for her.  The more people you alert about your missing pet, the greater the chance someone will recollect seeing your pet in their area.
10. Don’t give up.  Be aggressive in your search, get lots of help, get the word out right away – don’t wait a few hours “to see if she’ll come home on her own “– you need those early hours to put up posters and start your search.

Paul Mann is the Founder the CEO of Fetch! Pet Care—the nation’s largest and most trusted franchisor for professional pet sitting, dog walking, and pet fitness/exercise services—serving thousands of pets and pet parents throughout the United States from coast to coast. He may be reached online at:www.FetchPetCare.com.

Doggies wanted 4 Free Treats

UPDATE: We have a winner… Cici picked Susan Christy and her dogs Foxy and Lucy. Thank you ALL for participating in the contest.

YUMMY!

Your dog is invited to try free samples of Milo’s Kitchen® treats so you can figure out which varieties will have your four-legged friend begging for more.

AND one lucky winner will receive a gift pack. The gift pack will include three varieties of Milo’s Kitchen® dog treats, and a $25 VISA gift card . All you have to do is write a comment (below) telling us how much your pooch LOVES treats and what is their favorite taste sensation (peanut butter, chicken, beef, turkey, lamb etc).

·         There’s no such thing as too many pictures of dogs. Receive family portrait photos straight from the Milo’s Kitchen photo booth or take your own selfies. Don’t forget to show off your dog’s look on Facebook, or via Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #MKTreatTruck.

Milo’s Kitchen Treat Truck:

·         The Milo’s Kitchen Treat Truck will be coming to your area so plan a special date with your dog :

o   July 3^rd – Los Angeles, CA, Airport Dog Park

o   July 5^th – Los Angeles, CA, Redondo Beach Dog Park

o   July 6^th – Los Angeles, CA, Huntington Beach Dog Park

o   July 10^th – San Diego, CA, Balboa Dog Park

o   July 11^th– San Diego, CA, Ocean Beach Dog Park

o   July 12^th – San Diego, CA, 6th Annual Doggie Street Festival, Liberty Station / NTC Park

*Dog parks are subject to change due to weather and foot traffic

Milo’s Kitchen® Treats:

·         are made in the U.S.A. with real chicken or beef as the #1 ingredient, and no artificial flavors and colors.

·         Milo’s Kitchen® Home-style Dog Treats believes dogs deserve treats made with the same quality of ingredients and care that you want for your food.

·         Each recipe is carefully prepared to bring out all the flavors your dog loves. Milo’s Kitchen makes a unique line of mouthwatering varieties for your dog including: Chicken Meatballs, Beef Sausage Slices with Rice, Steak Grillers Recipe, Chicken Grillers Recipe, Grilled Burger Bites, and Chicken Jerky Recipe.

For more info:

 

·         Milo’s Kitchen website: http://bit.ly/1wW01FG

·         Milo’s Kitchen Treat Truck: http://bit.ly/1jN7Of0

·         Milo’s Kitchen Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1nIvxoF

The Milo’s Kitchen® dog treats, gift cards, and information have been provided by Milo’s Kitchen®.

My dog eats first

 

According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, more than 3.5 million Americans are homeless. And of these 3.5 million, between 5 and 10 percent have dogs and/or cats, with areas where the percentage reaches 24.

For many homeless people, their only friend and family member is a beloved animal companion.

in many cases the animals are the lifeline and reason for living for these people without a home, human beings living in a stigmatized and marginalized environment in which few if any would choose to live.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz2JW1ebw3w

• 40% of homeless in America comprise of women and children
  
• More than 1 million homeless children per U.S. Department of Education and National Center on family homeless data.
  
• Among homeless children 8% physically abused
  (2 times the rate of non homeless)
  8% sexually abused
  (3 times rate of non homeless)
  
• 85% of homeless families are headed by single mothers.

http://www.montereyherald.com/living/ci_21960555/homeless-women-monterey-county-featured-exhibit-at-cherry

…A new book by University of Colorado sociology Professor Leslie Irvine is the first to explore what it takes to live on the streets with an animal. Using interviews with more than seventy homeless people in four cities, My Dog Always Eats First reveals what animals mean for homeless people and how they care for their four-legged friends. You can read the introduction to this landmark book here. Dr. Irvine’s book provides rich descriptions of how animals provide social and emotional support and protection from harm (see also “My dog feels my pain“), and, in some cases, even helped turn around the lives of people who had few other reasons to live.

…Homeless people told her how their dogs encouraged interaction with others and kept them from becoming isolated. Former addicts and alcoholics described how their animals inspired them to get clean and sober.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/animal-emotions/201301/my-dog-always-eats-first-homeless-people-and-their-animals

“In surveys, homeless people report levels of attachment to their animals that may surpass those found among the domiciled public. They frequently refuse offers of shelter or housing that require them to give up or separate from their animals.” (excerpt from the first chapter A Good Life for a Dog? of the book, “My Dog Always Eats First.”

Feeding Pets of the Homeless is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer-based organization that is dedicated to collecting food for animal companions of the homeless in the United States and Canada, as well as administering veterinary care. Its home office is in Carson City, Nevada, with collection sites all over the USA. 

http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/pets-of-the-homeless

I started a collection site in the Monterey Bay area. Recently, I asked Whole Foods to donate pet food. And they agreed to donate $100 worth. I asked the church (info below) and they agreed to distribute the pet food. They also distribute people food.

“We received 11 bags of dog food and 2 bags of cat food.  On Saturday, April 26th, we gave out 2 bags of dog food.  Then on Tuesday, April 29th, all the pet food was given out.  Word of mouth spread like wild fire…” Father John.

• Epiphany Lutheran & Episcopal Church
• 425 Carmel Ave
• Marina, CA 93933
• (Corner of Carmel Ave. & California Ave.)

 

Am working with obtaining other pet food donations from various companies and having various churches in the area to distribute it.

If you would like to donate pet food for the homeless and/or make a contribution so that pet food can be bought and given to the homeless, please visit my pAYPAL via pr matchmaker at yahoo.com

thank you.

I am also working on a project to HOUSE homeless people and their pets. Will let you know more as it takes shape. If you would like to participate, please let me know. More info here:

http://homesweetinyhome.wordpress.com/2014/05/10/folks-raise-for-home/

imagine “affordable and dignified housing” for the impoverished.

“The experiment is a powerful reminder that the homeless are people, just like us, with one exception. They are in trouble and in pain. And they are someone’s uncle or cousin or wife.”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/23/make-them-visible-homeless-video_n_5200574.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063

 

Double trouble

Cici has a doppelganger (look alike)… see below photos… Her name is Hazel from Our Pack rescue. She was recently adopted. Isn’t she a cutie pie? She even has the spot on her forehead and polka dot ear that Cici has plus a black splotch on her rear and other polka dot spots. And she loves to play, too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pet travel info

Tips for Traveling with Pets [infographic]

 

http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/travelers/travel-ideas/infographics/tips-for-traveling-with-pets

 

 

 

 

Dogs and cats LOVE staying at pet friendly hotels, especially ones that pamper them.

Chocolate & Dogs

  

Valentine’s Day is almost here and you are looking for unique ways to celebrate it not only with your loved ones, but also with your biggest admirers – your dogs!

Over 35 million people will receive heart shaped chocolate boxes this Valentine’s making it the busiest day for veterinarians to field calls and treat chocolate poisoning in dogs.

Dogs, like people, love chocolate.  Unfortunately for man’s best friend, chocolate is toxic and can cause severe poisoning and even death.  That’s because chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine (a stimulant similar to caffeine).  Dogs can’t process theobromine, so the levels accumulate and become deadly.

 

Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine.  Dark or baker’s chocolate contains 10x more theobromine than milk chocolate.  Levels vary from 130mg to 450mg of theobromine in an ounce of dark chocolate to 44mg to 58mg in an ounce of milk chocolate.

It only takes 115mg of theobromine per 2.2 pounds of body weight to kill a dog. To put that in perspective, 2 ounces of dark chocolate or 20 ounces of milk chocolate could kill a 20 pound dog.  That’s equivalent to approx. three-fourths of a dark Ghirardelli chocolate bar or four and half Hershey chocolate bars.

How many ounces is in your heart shaped box of chocolates? Depends on the size of the box. Russell Stover’s boxes have a net weight range of 1.7oz to 42oz.  Needless to say, you don’t want your dog eating any of it.

If you know your dog ate chocolate, don’t wait to do the math and call your veterinarian immediately.

On the other hand, if your dog snagged a few chocolates on the sly, you’ll want to look for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or hyperactivity.  For larger consumption, you will notice an increase in your dog’s heart rate, muscle twitching, excessive panting, restlessness, and increased urination. If not treated immediately, it can lead to hyperthermia, muscle tremors, seizures, coma and death.

 

Prevention is the Best Strategy

Store chocolate in a top-level cabinet or the refrigerator where it is not assessible by your dog.  Dogs are sneaky, smart, and they love chocolate, so choose a good hiding place.

Never leave chocolate out on counters or coffee tables.  If you want to leave chocolates out for guests, secure your dog in another room or leave them with a friend for the night.

Have a heart shaped box at home that you are dying to dig into?  Secure your dog in another room while enjoying your treats. Dogs really do love the smell and taste of chocolate, and tempting them by eating it in front of them will make them want to find it later.

Doggy Safe Valentine Recipes

So how do you show some love to Fido and make him happy on this special occasion? Feeling bad that you can’t share your valentine treats? You can make your own by substituting carob for chocolate.  Here are two recipes that you and your dog will enjoy!

Peanut Butter & “Chocolate” Truffles

From the The Daily Puppy

Ingredients

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/3 cup whole wheat flour

¼ cup whey protein powder or 3 TBL dry powdered milk

¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract

2 cups carob chips

½ teaspoon vegetable shortening

In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of peanut butter and 1/3 cup of whole wheat flour. Once mixed, add 3 tablespoons of dry powdered milk OR ¼ cup whey protein powder and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Mix until dough forms.  If dough is too dense or dry, add 1 teaspoon of water in increments until texture is firm, but not sticky.

Grease cookie sheet. Form dough into ½ inch to 1-inch balls (depending on the size of your dog) and place on the cookie sheet.

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 cups of carob chips for 30 seconds on high. Stir and microwave in 10-second increments until fully melted. If needed, add ½ teaspoon of vegetable shortening for a smoother consistency.

Use toothpick and dip peanut butter balls into melted carob and return to cookie sheet to dry.

Makes 12-15 truffles. Store in a cool, dry place.

Mock Chocolate Carob-Walnut Bark

From All Things Dog Blog

Ingredients:

4 cups carob chips

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (dry roasted peanuts are good too)

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

Prepare an edged cookie sheet by lining it with recycled tin foil. Lightly spray with cooking spray.

Melt carob chips in a glass bowl in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Stir and repeat process. Stir in the peanut butter and microwave for another 15 seconds. Stir to combine. Add the nuts and cinnamon, stirring these in until evenly distributed.

Pour this mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet, spreading evenly. Chill for 15 minutes in a freezer or 30 minutes in your refrigerator.

When ready, break up the bark into 1 to 2 inch pieces. Store bark in a sealed container in your refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Recipe makes about 70 one to two-inch pieces of deliciousness that you can delight your party guests and their dogs with.

The above delicious yet safe Valentine’s Day recipes for dogs and important tips and advice are from Andrea Servadio, Co-Founder of Fitdog Sports Club in Santa Monica, Calif.