Poodle Talk Sunday # 7, #Doggie Birthday Party!

Chanel will be four years old in November. 







She may even be mature enough to have a birthday party this year.

Maybe.

Her first birthday she was totally clueless.  She was still jumping though the air like a demented circus poodle, grabbing a paper napkin from my hand and tearing into tiny pieces. Or, snagging a page of the newspaper and racing through the house which we, my husband and I, unsuccessfully tried to retrieve it before—you guessed it, she tore it into tiny pieces.

Her second year, she was a little less enthusiastic in her desire to destroy paper products, but she’d moved on to birthday cards and brightly printed note paper, along with the corners of a paperback novel or two.

During her third year, I made and purchased doggie cookies.  However, this was a poodle version of Goldie Locks and the uncooperative Toy Poodle, I’m afraid.

This cookie was too hard, this cooking was too big, and this cookie was too soft and I started to choke.

So, after that traumatic event, more traumatic for me (I’m still in panic-mode) than Chanel who is, you guessed it, gleefully caring around a piece of discarded wrapping paper.

I have months to plan this event, of course, but I’m not going overboard—no banners in the local doggie park, no inclusion of doggie-friends, this year it will be a low-key event. Afterall, her birthday is only a few weeks after Halloween. Everyone loves to dress his/her dog for Halloween.  (Though, I’m keeping Chanel’s face out of my popcorn bowl and/or glass of diluted punch.)

This year I may shop online for doggie-cake mix, or stop by PetCo or PetSmart for pet ice cream.

I located this recipe on https://www.asaucykitchen.com/dog-friendly-cupcake/  This looks simple, inexpensive, and no leftovers. I may give this one a try.

YIELD: 2 CUPCAKES

A dog friendly, single serving cupcake to celebrate the special hounds in your life! Grain free and no added sugar.
PREP TIME
10 minutes
COOK TIME
20 minutes
TOTAL TIME
30 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1/2 small/medium apple, diced into small pieces
3 tablespoons peanut butter** + more if desired for frosting
1 whole egg
1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional)
bacon bits for topping (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat your oven to 180C/350F

In a small bowl mix together all of your ingredients until combined.
Spoon the mixture either into a cup cake sized ramekin or into a regular cupcake tins. You can make either one jumbo cake, or two average sized cupcakes.

Bake for about 20 minutes or until a tooth pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cupcake to cool completely. You can leave it as is, or frost with peanut butter and sprinkle with bacon bits.

**NOTES
Make sure to use xylitol free peanut butter as xylitol is very poisonous for dogs! I purchase my dog peanut butter at the pet store (Connie’s note).

NUTRITION INFORMATION: YIELD: 2 SERVING SIZE: g
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 159 SATURATED FAT: 2g CHOLESTEROL: 1mg SODIUM: 112mg CARBOHYDRATES: 9g FIBER: 2g SUGAR: 5g PROTEIN: 6g

Do you throw birthday parties for your pups?

Does everything go as planned?



Have a Happy Poodle Sunday!

Luke 6:37
Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Poodle Talk #6 Is Your Poodle a Wild Sleeper or a Snuggler? by Connie Vines

As you know,  I belong to several fb poodle groups and poodle-fostering/rescue groups. 

We began a conversation about whether or not 'our' particular poodle, or poodles, had to 'touch' you while sleeping.

Of course none of these findings are verified by animal behaviorists,
or supported by any Random Poodle Polls. 

We had fun sharing the stories, (please post your personal poodle findings in the comment area, if you like 🐩🐩🐩 ).

• Poodle #1 (apricot toy) had to be touching her owner at all times. She was label  the Wildest Sleeper.  She would wake up and change positions all through the night so she always had physical contact with her owner/mom.
• 🐩
• Poodle #2  (white toy) hogs the bed (taking 3/4s for herself). It's amazing how such a small dog can muscle a human to the edge of the bed.
• 🐩
• Poodle # 3 (white poodle-maltese mix) scootches until he rests against his human/mom's. tummy. He was given the 'gentleman's award).
• 🐩
• Poodle #4 (gray miniature) all 4 paws again his human's back.
• 🐩
• Poodle #5 (multiples) all three poodles sleep touching her.  If not, one will wake up the others to re-position the group.
• 🐩
• Poodle #6 (white/tan toy)  Yes, this is Chanel.  She sleeps (flying superman position) paws on one side of the bed, stretched out with her toenails touching me.  Or, sleeps with her head resting on the curve of my shoulder.

Of the 225 comments, pictures, etc.  Not one person stated the poodle slept in a 'dog' bed/ kennel,  or even at the foot of the bed.

Mind you, several poodles claimed a pillow to rest his/her head upon (probably from a now pillow-less human).

Several poodles snored, others were loud dreams, some twitched, while others complained when his/her human claimed more mattress-territory (me) after spending half the night trying not to slide off the edge of the mattress and land on a pile of discarded toys.

So is your poodle a 'Wild Sleeper", or a "Snuggler"?

1. 

Happy Poodle Sunday,

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5.

Poodle Talk #5 and #5 Doggie Fashion: Yes or No?

Poodle Talk Sunday

My apologies for not posting last Sunday.  My router stopped functioning last week and I called Spectrum Cable for service.  My router was replaced but not until I missed my blog deadline :-(

Doggie Couture?

I must confess, I do enjoy a little touch of fashion in my poodle's life.

Chewy.com, PetCo, PetSmart and other online sites does make it simpler to be a bit indulgent on a budget.  I'm more inclined to squirrel a bit of money away for emergencies (vet visits, vaccinations, teeth cleansing, monthly grooming appointments).  And, while I don't mind dedicating a dresser drawer to doggie fashion, I'm not sharing my closet--yet.

Chanel has a cute harness that looks like a dress with a taffeta skirt (don't tell her, but it's a cat harness).  She dresses up like a gingerbread girl during Christmas time (my kitchen and dining room is decorated with gingerbread girls and boys collectibles).  She also has a set of jammies and sweaters she wears during winter..

Chanel's gift from Aunty Carla

Chanel's harness

I wouldn't mind having this hat and scarf.
Chanel would probably wear the sun glasses

When temperatures start to fall below 45°F, some cold-averse breeds will get uncomfortable and will need protection. For owners of small breeds, puppies, senior dogs, or thin haired breeds, anytime the temperature outside feels at or below 32°F, pull out the sweaters or coats!

Dos my dog need sunscreen? Yes, you should put sunscreen on your dog.   Vets say if a dog has to be outdoors during peak sun exposure hours (10 am to 4 pm), sunscreen should be reapplied to sun-sensitive areas of the body—the nose, around the lips, tips of the ears, the groin, and the belly—throughout the day.

It's highly important that you only use types of sunscreen that are specifically intended for use on dogs. They should not contain zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), as these ingredients are toxic to dogs if ingested, and dogs will often lick their skin and accidentally ingest the sunscreen.


Happy Poodle Sunday,

Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. ... Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Happy National Puppy Day!

NATIONAL PUPPY DAY!

I love puppies 💖💖🐶🐩

 Observed each year on March 23rd is National Puppy Day. National Puppy Day will be celebrated on the Friday or Monday closest to March 23rd if that day falls on a weekend. This day was created to celebrate the magic and unconditional love that puppies bring to our lives.

Psst… In case you didn’t know, today is a very special day indeed. If you happen to be a dog owner, you should  be celebrating right about now. Why? Well, because today is actually the official National Puppy Day. That’s right. It’s the one day a year when you should pay extra attention to your pup and show them just how much they mean to you.

So, how should you celebrate this very special day?

TAKE YOUR PUPPY ON A WALK
If there’s one thing that dogs love more than anything else in the world, it’s walks. Exercise is essential for your pet, especially if you want them to be both happy and healthy. Today, why not take your pup on an extra long walk?  Or a ride in a puppy-stroller if he/she is a pint-size. Make sure that you plan out the route ahead of time. Nothing could be better than spending quality time with your dog.

GIVE YOUR PUPPY CUDDLES ON THE SOFA
Oh, and the doggy love does not have to stop there! While you’re unwinding with a book or watching your favorite Netflix series, make some room for your pet. Call your puppy up onto the sofa with you and give them all the love and attention they deserve. You honestly won’t regret it.


🐩🐩 They'll never break your heart, they'll never make you cry... 🐕#NationalPuppyDay 💖💖


BUY PUPPY TREATS
There are healthy treats available online and delivered to your door.  Or you can stop off at the store on the way home and grab them something tasty.

GET YOUR PUPPY A BRAND NEW TOY
If your pup has been extra good recently, you will want to show them how much you care. Getting them a new toy is fun for everyone!  If your puppy is still young, buy them a fun chew-toy so that you can help them with the teething process. Or, my puppy (Chanel) and I both play 'squeak-toy'  play-off.  I'll squeak 3-times on my and she will echo with her toy--they we switch :-).

BATH TIME
Is your pet looking a little dirty? Well, never fear! There’s just one thing that you need to do. Run a warm-ish bath for your puppy and give them a wash. They might not like it at first, but they will adore the feeling of being clean and cozy afterward.

TALK TO YOUR PUPPY
You may not realize it but dogs happen to love it when you chat to them. Many dog owners don’t bother to chit-chat with their pet, but you really should! Take the time to say encouraging, loving things to your dog. It will make them oh-so-happy. Puppies love the sound of you voice

PLAY IN THE YARD WITH THEM
If you don’t have time to take your dog for walk, you should still give them a little exercise. Play a game of catch in the yard with them. They will love the extra attention you give them and you will definitely have a whole load of fun too.

JUST LOVE THEM MORE THAN EVER!
Finally, this day is all about love and affection. Just show your dog some extra attention today! After all, that’s what really counts. Our puppies are the cutest and sweetest things in our lives. Let’s take today to celebrate how very much they mean to us.




Wishing you had a puppy to call your own?

Adopting, Fostering, or looking for a puppy who is available for and older dog available via re-homing is always an option.

My late greyhound, Justine, was abandoned in the hills of Alta Loma, CA.  Rescued, and re-homed with me, she was the gentlest and sweetest couch-potato I'd ever known.  She lived to be 16 years old--and I still miss her. 

Justine

Hugs, Snuggles, and Puppy Kisses,


Connie

Poodle Quotes

On Sundays I post an assortment of short little snippets, quotes or pictures (as listed on the side-bar of Dishin' It Out).  Today is Poodle Sunday!

Ever consider what pets must think of us?

I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul - chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth!

Anne Tyler
American Novelist

Paw Patrol by Connie Vines

I am a little late in posting today.  This is because I'm on PAW Patrol.

                                                                                                          

                                                                                                

My little Chanel, my poodle-mix, was spayed 5 days ago.  She is healing quite nicely, thanks for asking.  However, if you have ever taken care of an ailing child--or puppy, you know I am getting 'disturbed' sleep.

Like most novelists, I also hold a day job (in education field).  

And like a care provider for any recovering puppy, I make 3 to 4 trips during the night to the great outdoors holding a squirming puppy.  A puppy, mind you, that must be leashed and gingerly allowed (without getting her stitches wet/dirty) to walk in the grass of business.  Then take her back to her kennel for a 'nap'.

Fortunately, my husband is able to take care of her during the day.  Why Chanel only makes 4 outside tarps between 7 and 4, I do not understand.  Of course, feeding time takes place during the day, but that doesn't result in sleep deprivation, to staggering around in the dark.

So it is now 8:45, Chanel is in bed, and I am happily sitting with my iPad in my lap writing this blog post and listening to an episode of Moose TV.

Happy Thursday everyone.

I will be back next week,

Connie Vines