Happy Birthday Betsy!
It’s Betsy’s 4th birthday today! As most of you know Betsy is my shih tzu dog. She comes to work with me almost every day. She sits on my desk, greets everyone who comes in, and then demands attention. She has manners and I try to keep her barking to a minimum so we don’t disturb our coworkers. All in all, Betsy is a pretty chill little dog.
The Shih Tzu, pronounced “sheet-su,” is an ancient breed, with origins dating back to Tibet and China. These dogs were treasured by Chinese royalty, often depicted in ancient paintings and considered symbols of wealth and prosperity. The name “Shih Tzu” translates to “lion dog,” reflecting the breed’s mane-like facial hair and noble demeanor. Betsy is a surprisingly down-to-earth for a dog with a royal legacy. She can be stubborn but once she decides to obey, she is very cooperative.
After the 1949 Communist revolution, all Shih Tzu in China were killed because of their association with wealth. At this time, Lady Brownrigg, an Englishwoman who had made her home in China, was fortunate to find a few of these dogs, which she then imported to England. Along with a few Shih Tzu salvaged by an English Officer on duty in China at that time, these made up the stock that was responsible for the continuation of the breed in England and Europe. Shih Tzu first made their way to the States after World War I, when soldiers returning from Europe and Australia brought a few back with them.
I am very fortunate that VA Media allows me to bring her with me to work. Dogs are known for their ability to relieve stress, and their presence in the office can lower cortisol levels (the hormone associated with stress) and blood pressure, according to a study by the University of California – Davis Health. Dogs can facilitate social interaction among employees, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of community. Not only do the owners benefit from this, but also non-dog owners who share their work environment with the dogs of their colleagues and ultimately also the companies themselves. In general, people respond positively when a dog is present because it gives unspoken permission to be less formal in conversations and more trusting of each other. The dog encourages cooperative efforts and mental clarity which fosters productivity.
Betsy sometimes goes to day care at Canine Cottage Tiny Tails in Salem. They take good care of her and call her the hall monitor since she tends to sit, watch, and judge everyone there. When that happens, she is missed at work and our coworkers let me know this, loudly. Betsy is also known at the Pinnacle bank in Salem. She goes with me to make the weekly deposit and the tellers know her name but not mine.
Betsy is a picky eater. One day she will love something and the next day she turns up her nose at it. One of Betsy’s favorite foods are waffles. I make these in a mini waffle maker. She likes a little Jif peanut butter spread on hers. Happy Birthday Betsy!
Doggie Waffles
Ingredients:
1 ¾ cup oat flour
½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or substitute with pumpkin puree)
1 large egg
1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon baking powder
Optional Add-Ins:
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (for added fiber and omega-3s)
¼ cup unsalted chicken broth (optional, for a savory twist)s1-2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (for extra + and protein)
A few blueberries, apple chunks, or a little shredded cheese are good adds too.
Directions
Turn on your waffle maker and let it heat up. If your waffle maker isn’t non-stick, lightly spray it with non-stick spray or rub it with a little coconut oil. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce (or pumpkin puree), egg, melted coconut oil, and unsalted chicken broth (if using). Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
Add the oat flour, baking powder, and any optional add-ins like ground flaxseed or Greek yogurt. Stir the mixture until it forms a thick, smooth batter. If the batter seems too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or water to thin it out slightly. Spoon a small amount of batter into the waffle maker (about 2-3 tablespoons, depending on the size of your waffle maker). Close the lid and cook the waffles for 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm.
Each waffle maker is different, so keep an eye on them as they cook. Once the waffles are cooked, carefully remove them with a spatula and let them cool on a wire rack. Make sure the waffles are completely cool before serving them to your dog. Serve the waffles as a treat or use them as a meal topper. You can store any leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw them out before serving.
