STARTING OUT SIMPLE

As you know I cook for my dog(s)...I feel,and it's becoming very clear,it is the best for them. I don't like eating chemical laden food and I don't feel giving it to our fur family is the best option. I have been asked what can be done to improve diets in pets even if the owner chooses not to cook at this point.
It's always best to start out simple...once you do you will see it really isn't that time consuming,expensive or troublesome.

Probably the easiest thing is to add Olive oil,preferably Organic,cold-pressed, extra virgin...but any Olive oil is better than nothing. DO NOT add any oil containing corn! We will get into that in the near future. Olive oil contains EFA (essential fatty acids).Over a period of time you should see a difference in the skin and hair condition in your pet. Keep in mind Olive oil is high in calories,but they are good calories...if your pet is over weight keep this in mind. You should consult your vet if you have any questions about this.
I have always fed 1/2 tsp for every 10 lbs. You can start out doubling this if you want to give your dog's system a boost. Then after about 4 weeks cut back to normal measures. I will get into more benefits in adding oils to the diet down the road...this is just a place to start.

Sprinkle some dried Rosemary on the food as well...so many great things packed into this aroma filled herb! It's not just for putting on your chicken anymore. It is full of antioxidants,beneficial for the organs and eyes.

When cooking FRESH veggies for your family...cook some for your dog too (I don't recommend giving them canned-unless it is home canned- because there is added sodium and preservatives). DO NOT add salt or butter to their portion...they don't need it!Never feed your dog or cat warm food...always let it cool to at least room temp. Even though a nice juicy carrot is great for them to chew on the best way is to feed it to them cooked. Dogs can not digest raw vegetables.Cooking them simulates what they would eat (if still in the wild) the digested vegetation in the stomach of the kill. This is how they get their carbs.Some of Stu's favorites are of course carrots but he LOVES broccoli,sweet potato,squash,celery,green bean,peas and yes brussel sprouts.He never knows what I'm going to fix for him...but he doesn't care just so it tastes good.
Foods to avoid! Mushrooms,onions,avocado,grapes,or raisins. They can be toxic especially eaten in a large amount.

I hope this helps a little to get you started in feeding your best friends better. Be proactive in their(and yours)health...a lot of the time vet bills can be avoided...which is a good thing!
I will be giving you more tips and stories on a holistic,natural approach to pet care. Goodness doesn't come from a box or a bag...it comes from nature like God intended!

MONDAY MUSE

Yesterday as I was bringing in the patio furniture it hit me! It was on this day,2 years ago that made a move...into our new home that is. We moved here after almost 30 years in our "starter home" where we raised our 3 wonderful kids.
When we moved in we knew there were things we were going to change and the landscaping around the 90 ft ranch was priority.
BEFORE...

As you can see in the "before" picture we had quite a job...and oh my did we. Being do-it-yourselfers we decided to tackle it on our own. We had several landscapers come,but the price tag was a bit much due to the fact the 30 year old yews were HUGE! Keep in mind they went all the way around the house...a daunting task to say the least.
So we dig in and start our undertaking on Memorial day...and finished it finally on Labor day. We didn't know who was going to finish who first...there were a lot of hiccups along the way with our roller coaster summer but we finally did finish. But now it's 98% finished and we won't have to do it again! I should mention we actually saved thousands by doing it ourselves.
AFTER...

We replaced the ugly yews with dainty boxwoods,roses,hydranges,lavender,mosses and grasses.

HIDDEN WALL...
We think the results speak for themselves. People stop when we are out working in the yard and ask "When did you build that wall?" It has been hidden for 30 years and the neighbors had no idea it was there! Now it stands proudly for all to see :)

I hope you have a wonderful Monday!

MONDAY MUSE AND CELEBRATION

Today is a day that a few months ago we just didn't think we would be celebrating. Our little lady Kelsie is 6 years old. I know some will think it's crazy to get so excited for a pet's birthday,but we are!

In July right after our daughter's wedding I took Kelsie to the vet because I had noticed a little "hack" after she would drink water. They got her right in that day and I waited and I waited and I waited...finally late in the afternoon one of the vet techs called and the Dr. needed to talk to me right away...so this was the first red flag. Upon arriving at the vet's office Amy took me into a room...the second red flag. Dr Miller comes in and with a look I will never forget,the third red flag....sits down and says "Kelsie is very sick". At this point I knew the red flags were coming together. He took me to the back where he showed me a normal x-ray and then showed me Kelsie's. I was shocked at what I saw...and I know nothing about reading x-rays. Her tiny little lungs were FULL of fluid! It was hard to see her heart...and I knew my precious little lady was on bought time. I looked at Dr Miller and asked him "What are you telling me" his answer is what I had feared....1 to 2 months. At this point I pretty much lost it...but he was so understanding and compassionate it did calm me down ...a little.

My reaction was,"well we will do what it takes!" He said "I knew you would" He explained to us that more tests were needed to pin point just why her protein levels are "deathly" low. To make a long painful story shorter I will jump to our decision.

Several trips to Orchard Park Vet Hospital near Buffalo Ny where they have specialists, and is one of the most amazing places I have ever seen! Expensive? Yes, Worth it? OH MY YES! After 2 stays in the hospital Kelsie was stable enough to do a biopsy on her liver and intestines. Dr Hedges confirmed what Dr Miller had thought...Lymphangiectasia (a name bigger than most of the dogs that get it!) They started her on meds and a special diet and so far she is one that is responding wonderfully to the treatment.

Last week I had her in for her checkup, we are down to once a month and not weekly, and I said to Dr Miller "I guess I am expecting a miracle" he said "YOUR GETTING ONE!"

So you see this is the short version of why today is so special to me...I still have my little lady...even though I know not what tomorrow will bring I thank God for our little miracle of being able to celebrate her birthday.



HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE KELSIE!

SUCH A PRETTY DAY

Our burning bush is just starting to turn...and show it's wonderful orange berries that the chickadees just love!



I just love mum plants...and so do the chipmunks!



I have no idea what kind of mushroom this is but I can picture a little nymph hiding under it! They are huge...to bad they are hidden under the tree in my back yard, no one can see them.

It was so pretty today I just had to snap some pretties around the yard...I just love all the colors of fall in Western Pa!

SOME PROGRESS

I thought I would give you a quick update on my "Not so famous" Cherry blossoms....as you can see we are making a little progress, slow but sure! It really is a waiting game with these little beauties but so worth it in the long run.

The trees outside are just starting to peek through the branch, so I am a couple weeks ahead of the normal bloom time.

I'll keep you posted on further progress!

Thank you for stopping by!