A Cat for my Pack? No way!

Maybe? I am working with the local shelter Ruth Steinert SPCA http://www.ruthsteinertmemorialspca.org/to bring a pet every week to the Market to spend the day with me and get some much needed attention! My first visit to the shelter in I'm ashamed to admit, a long time, I was just supposed to be finalizing some paperwork to start the event and I came home with a kitty. In my defense who could have resisted, here's what happened: The wonderful shelter worker, Sherry who works tirelessly and is so compassionate and very good with the animals as well as the people asked me to please look at this beautiful long haired white cat they got in. The poor thing is matted to the bone under her angora like coat! UGG! I say, I dunno Cats can be very difficult and dangerous to groom, their skin tears like tissue, seeing her desperation I say, but.... let me handle her and see what she's like. She is putty in my hands, lets me roll her around, play with her paws, purring all along perfectly content to be belly up in my arms until I try to put her back than she gently wraps her paws around me like a baby I am holding her now and she looks up at me first wide eyed than she squints her yellow eyes and licks my chin!!! I feel my heart skip a beat and know I'm in trouble! Sherry sees it too, I look at her and her eyes well up... I say I will help but I'm not very experienced with cat grooming I usually only assist so Ill be back after I look into it some more and talk to my co workers. I obsess about it all night and by morning have convinced myself I can comb out the matts, Ha! I go back the next day and I bring kitty home. She has no name yet as they thought she was a boy and hadn't thought of something suiting for a girl yet. I have already purchased her a pretty new collar and necklace to match her eyes that are nearly clear lime yellow like glass beads. So far she has let me cut her nails and purred at the clipper so I am hopeful! The verdict is still out with my pack though! I promised myself after my last foster failure Baily, adopted my Mom and made himself a home there would be no more pets! But a Kitty well they are practically self sufficient ,aren't they? Pictured above is a "kitty" look alike Sapphire from AboutCats.com as I have no pictures yet. Turkish Angora? Any thought on names? here are 3 I like:
Darla-little darling,
Kami- are spirits which sometimes interact with people . They are known to possess great elemental power. Kami also possess common traits such as emotions and are able to think freely for themselves. People who are able to sufficiently please kami are usually blessed with their loyalty.
Hemera-Goddess of daylight and the sun.

Dog Treat Recipe
Bow wow Biscuits
1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup powdered milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
8 tablespoons bacon grease -- or margarine 1 egg --
beaten 1 teaspoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons beef broth -- or chicken
1/2 cup ice water
6 slices Bacon -- crumbled,
optional 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded --
In a big mixing bowl, mix all the ingredients thoroughly to form a dough. Roll the dough out with a rolling pin and use a cookie cutter to make shapes for cookies, Bake cookies at 350 degrees for 20 - 25 min.

Cat Treats
1 1/2 rolled oats
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup tuna oil or beef/chicken bullion
preheat 350,mix all ingredient into a dough, dist hands with flour and form small 1/2" round treats, put on greased cookie sheet and bake 30 minutes or until slightly browned.

Cranberry Juice In your DOG Treats

My Bulldog Fanny is prone to urinary track infections. She was born with spina bifida, which is not degenerative in dogs and although she is perfectly normal in every way she does wear a diaper. I have met several dogs in the grooming salon that seem to suffer re occurring urinary track problems so I thought I would share my tips. Fanny gets a cranberry supplement and in 4 years she hasn't had any serious infections that weren't resolved by making sure she got her supplement. Whenever I bake treats for my pack I substitute cranberry juice for water and sometimes add dried cranberries to the doe. The dogs love the treats and I haven't had any problems with the outcome yet. Now, I am not a veterinarian this is a preventive idea only. For more English Bulldog Info try http://www.engbulldogs.com

More info on Dogs with Diapers:

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/DoggiesinDiapers/

Here is a perfect example of a dog treat I would substitute with cranberry.

FREE Dog Treat Recipe
Apple Cinnamon Doggie Biscuits

1 package apple, dried OR substitute dried cranberry
1 teaspoon Cinnamon --(I usually just shake some in)
1 Tablespoon parsley, freeze-dried
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 cup ice water or here I would substitute 1/2 cup water & 1/2 cup cranberry juice
1/2 cup Corn Oil
5 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered milk
2 large eggs

Put the apples/cranberries in a food processor so that pieces are small if you need them smaller. Combine in a bowl all of the ingredients -- can add a little oil or water if dough is too dry. Using a rolling pin roll out dough to about 3/16" thick (can make thinner or thicker). Using a cookie cutter -- cut into shapes -- place on cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for approx 20 -25 minutes (until golden). WOOF!

Best Pet Decision

I have been thinking the last few days about what I want to say, what do I have to say that's important, funny or that people will care to hear about? When it comes to pets, dogs, cats or any other four legged fur buddy on the planet I can chat it up for hours! I would love to talk about my thoughts and experience with aroma therapy and dogs in the grooming salon, vets office, or the benefits in any stressful situation for pets! I love to talk about the funny crazy antics of my pets especially my basset hound Sampson "NO" the basset dog, who thinks his name is NO, his cheerful brother Clyde who should be a cartoon character or my princess Fanny the English Bulldog! I could talk for several more hours about dog behavior, pet products I love and sell and want to keep for my own dog pack!
Ultimately I decided the single Biggest change created in my life and the lives of my pets was after I read the book The Whole Pet Diet by Andi Brown!!! It's no secret I have been a sponge, reading and studying dog food for years trying to narrow my choices down to 2 or 3 of the best pet foods available to keep my pets living a long, happy life! It's an obsession, I am a pest to my relatives reading the labels on the dog and cat food they buy! But in my defense every pet I know is eating better! Some aren't itchy anymore, some no longer suffer hot spots and break outs, ear infections, dry skin and all the other discomforts of poor diet. Now even after all this several months ago 2 of my most sensitive dogs had reactions to a dog food I gave them! Sampson has suffered from allergies , loose stools, and ear infections from the day I rescued him off the streets. After many vet visits I was told he might always have these issues. After cooking for him and trying different foods I discovered I could control these issues. But both he and my English bulldog broke out after eating this premium dog food I bought. Fanny had welts all over her body that turned into hot spots! Fortunately I am a pet groomer and have studied skin related issues and was able to immediately get her reaction under control! I spent several days researching pet foods again, I was an insane person at the computer surfing from site to site and if its not 1 thing it's another! It's organic but it uses ingredients that cause allergic reactions in my basset hound, the raw food diet but now I am worrying about salmonella, the dog food is wonderful but the bag its packaged in causes cancer! Which is how I ended up looking into environmentally friendly options for my house. Many of the products we use are extremely hurtful to pets and babies. Pets absorb everything they come in contact with thru their paws. Well that's another blog! If you would like more info on the Eco Friendly subject visit with me here:

http://www.MissDoolittlesGoGreenIdeas.com

But after all my research I started looking into home cooked diets and kept coming back to the Whole Pet Diet. This diet is widely accepted by other all natural healers, veterinarians and diet experts. Even those promoting their own books, diets and food will agree with the diet method developed by Andi Brown. The theory is cooking with stews so all the nutrients and vitamins stay in the stew and you don't loose any of the nutrition by cooking it off like you might in other prepared meals for pets. This makes sense to me, I know chicken soup makes me feel better when I'm sick why wouldn't it be a the perfect way to cook for my dogs? In this book you will also find recipes for supplements you can make at home instead of buying for a small fortune at a pet store. The meal planning is for both cats and dogs. If you have a senior, sick or ailing pet you really both will enjoy the benefits! If you just want your pet to get the most out of life and don't want to spend your time or money at the veterinarians you will love the The Whole Pet Diet! Andi Brown is also the creator of Halo Pet Products which I thought was interesting because I couldn't understand why someone that sells pet foods would promote a home cooking book for dogs and cats in their online pet food store. Even on the Halo Pets website they offer the latest pet food recipes to encourage home cooking. I can only guess because Andi Brown feels as strongly about the benefits to pets as I do. My dogs are healthier now than ever but what are the benefits to me? I don't worry any longer about pet food recalls, I wont be using pesticides this year to prevent Sampson's flea allergies, because healthy pets don't attract pests, I was spending a fortune on premium dog foods and this option has cut my expense and there is no more mystery to what is in their dog food! I also am eating better though! I have an excuse to keep fresh fruits and vegetables in the house and I don't watch them go bad! If I don't eat them the dogs do! I have cut down on the toxic exposure to me and my pets by integrating more Eco friendly, organic, and all natural foods and household items in my home! So this was the topic I wanted to discuss first, I encourage you to at least read The Whole Pet Diet I am positive you and your pets will feel as strongly about it as I do!

FREE Dog Treats Recipe
An Apple a Day Dogs Treat
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup unbleached flour
1/2 cup cornmeal 1 apple -- chopped or grated
1 egg -- beaten
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
3/8 cup water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray. Lightly dust work surface with flour. Blend flours and cornmeal m large mixing bowl. Add apple, egg, oil, brown sugar and water; mix until well blended. On floured surface, roll dough out to 7/8-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters of desired shape and size. Place treats on prepared sheet. Bake in preheated oven 35 to 40 minutes. Turn off oven. Leave door closed 1 hour to crisp treats. Remove treats from oven. Store baked treats in airtight container or plastic bag and place in refrigerator or freezer. MAKES 2 to 2 1/2 dozen
FREE Cat Treat Recipe
6 ounces undrained tuna
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup flour
1/3 cup water
Pre heat oven 350
Mix all ingrediants in bowl with hands. Roll out into 1/4" thickness and cut into bite size tidbits, place on greased cookie sheet ,bake 20 minutes or until golden, let cool and serve!

PET Tip
Calm your stressed out dog! Use the essential oil lavender. Put a few drops on your fingers and massage into the pad of the paw, whatever is left on your hands rub gently at the base of the ear, not in the canal. I love this trick! But make sure you are not using a synthetic oil it must all natural essential. This tip is for dogs only you must be much more careful using aroma therapy for cats as they are more sensitive!

MissDoolittles Free Pet Treats

Thank you for visiting! With every blog post I will add at least 1 Free Dog Treat Recipe and 1 Free Cat Treats Recipe so be sure to come back and visit for more healthy ideas for your pet! MissDoolittles is a dream I have where pets talk to me and I am able to solve their problems. If only it were that easy! But in reality none have told me whats bothering them yet so I have to resort to research, classes, books to discover issues my pets, pets I work with, visiting pets and your pets have and what I can do to help. I'm very into all natural remedies for dogs and cats, health and healing from the inside out, aroma therapy, positive reinforcement, and gentle handling techniques. I am a Pet Groomer, and often have my 4 legged friends for a sleepover at Aunt Missie's! That's how my Pet sitting service started! Please check out my website and ask me to exchange Pet related links here:

http://www.MissDoolittles.net

I have also volunteered my time in various aspects of rescue and fundraising efforts for pet rescues and shelters. I have fostered dogs, transported, organized transports, networked on the Internet for causes and helped people find furry family members! I sell pet products on ebay that include Charity Auctions for Best Friends Network! Please contact me if you would like to hold a charity auction with MissDoolittles. You can visit me on ebay here:

http://myworld.ebay.com/miss*doolittles

Most recently MissDoolittles is at the new Indoor Farmers Market in Shenandoah, Pa every Thursday 9-7 and having a Great time meeting animal lovers from my area! We are very excited to be working with Ruth Steinert SPCA starting this April! Every Thursday MissDoolittles booth will be featuring the Pet of the week that will get to spend the day meeting potential adopters and enjoying the attention of pet lovers visiting! Stop by and give the dog a bone or if you fall in love fill out an application to adopt! We will also have cats and kittens for on site adoption ! Other things you will find at my booth or my listing on ebay are great dog clothes and apparel, bakery treats, designer collars, carriers, playpens, all natural pet remedies and lots more!

Free Dog Treat Recipe:

Ace's Favorite Cheesy Dog Biscuits
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cups grated cheddar cheese
1/4 pound margarine -- corn oil
1 clove garlic --crushed
1 pinch salt
1/4 cup Milk --or as needed
Grate the cheese into a bowl and let stand until it reaches room temperature. Cream the cheese with the softened margarine, garlic, salt and flour. Add enough milk to form into a ball. Chill for 1/2 hour. Roll onto floured board. Cut into shapes and bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until slightly brown, and firm. Makes 2 to 3 dozen, depending on size. Yield: "24 biscuits"

Free Cat Treat Recipe:

1 cup whole wheat flour

1tsp catnip

1/3 cup milk

1/3 cup powdered milk

2Tbls butter or Vegetable oil

1/4 cup soy flour

1 egg

2tbls of wheatgerm

1tbls unsulfered molasses

Preheat oven to 350

Mix ingredients. Add Molasses, egg, oil and milk, roll out flat onto oiled cookie sheet and cut into cat sized pieces. Bake for 20 minutes ,let cool and store in sealed container

Pet Tips

Smelly Dog or Cat? Too Cold to to give your pet a bath! Try this tip:

Distribute baking soda thru the coat, let stand 10 minutes, and Brush out!!! Goodbye Pet Orders!!

Dont forgot to subscribe to my blog for more treats and tips!