Shelly Koon, Contributing Writer
Last week I mistakenly used a recipe and photo without crediting the owner. I would like to do so. The Frito Chili Pie recipe and photo came from The Country Cook. If you need some great recipes go check it out at www.thecountrycook.net. Thank you Brandie!
It’s Betsy’s birthday! She is turning 5. Yes, she is having a party at the office today. Everyone will get a cupcake, chips and dip, and punch. Everyone deserves to celebrate a birthday!
The people we work with are great and love Betsy Louise. I think she helps us to feel like a team and not just people in a building. Research shows dogs in the office help lower cortisol levels (stress hormone) and increase social interaction, creating a more relaxed and productive environment. Key benefits include increased employee satisfaction, better teamwork, and lower turnover rates.
Betsy has plenty of toys, at work and at home. But she will get new ones I’m sure from the ladies. To be honest it’s always hard to think of something different to do for her because she gets spoiled every day.
She is a picky eater this dog. She likes what she likes, when she likes it. Today she likes chicken tomorrow she may turn her nose up at it.
With that in mind I spend a fortune on treats for her. I also make her treats. She likes frozen treats because they melt all over the floor. She thinks that’s funny.
Celebrating a dog’s birthday strengthens your bond, provides mental stimulation, and creates joyful memories while celebrating their role as a family member. Though dogs don’t understand the calendar, they pick up on positive human emotions, special treats, and routine-breaking attention, improving their overall well-being. Celebrating with the extra attention, cuddles, and praise reinforce your connection with your pet. New toys, treats, and games offer cognitive stimulation, reducing boredom. Birthdays acknowledge another year of unconditional love and companionship. The excitement and treats create positive emotional memories. Birthday parties break up daily monotony, offering a special day for both you and your pet. Studies indicate that roughly 64–70% of dog owners celebrate their pets’ birthdays annually.
It doesn’t matter what anyone else says, and it doesn’t matter if your dog knows it’s their birthday. Is it fun for you? Is it safe and fun for your dog? That’s all that matters. Celebrate all you want.
Doggie Meatloaf
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey or beef, Choose based on your dog’s preference.
1 cup oats (quick cooking)
1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
1/2 cup green beans, chopped Fresh or frozen both work.
1/4 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
1 egg
1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Mix All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey or beef, oats, chopped carrots, green beans, peas, egg, chicken broth, and parsley (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Prepare the Muffin Tin: Grease a mini muffin tin with olive oil or non-stick spray. Fill the Muffin Tin: Scoop the mixture into the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake Until Cooked: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool Down: Let the meatloaf minis cool completely before serving. Consider protein swaps and veggie options to cater to your dog’s taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days.
Yogurt Berry popsicles
Ingredients
1 cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
2 tablespoons finely chopped blueberries or strawberries
How To Make
Add Greek yogurt, applesauce, peanut butter, and honey (if using) to a bowl. Stir until smooth and fully combined. Gently fold in chopped fruit. Spoon mixture into bone-shaped silicone molds or small ice cube trays. Place molds in the freezer for at least 3 hours, or until fully frozen. Remove treats from molds and serve to your dog. How To Store: Store frozen treats in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag in the freezer for up to 2 months. Keep frozen until ready to serve for best texture and freshness. Serving Sizes Small dogs: 1 treat Medium dogs: 1–2 treats Large dogs: 2–3 treats
Frozen Bone Broth Cubes
Vegetable broth, chicken broth/bone broth, and beef broth are safe for dogs. But it should not contain onions and garlic. If using ready-made broth choose organic and check ingredients.
Ingredients:
2 cups bone broth (low sodium, homemade or store-bought)
Optional: chopped vegetables (like carrots or celery)
Instructions:
If using store-bought bone broth, make sure it’s low sodium and free of any harmful additives. Pour the bone broth into ice cube trays or silicone molds. If desired, add a small amount of finely chopped vegetables to each compartment for added flavor and nutrition. Freeze the broth cubes for several hours or until completely solid. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to an airtight container or freezer bag for easy storage. Serve the frozen bone broth cubes as a refreshing treat or as a tasty addition to your dog’s meals.
Green Bean Crunchies
Ingredients
2 cups fresh or frozen green beans
1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for extra flavor and vitamins)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
If using fresh green beans, wash them thoroughly and trim off the ends. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. If using frozen green beans, let them thaw slightly and pat dry with a paper towel. Optional: Toss the green beans with a light drizzle of olive or coconut oil for extra crunch. Optional: Sprinkle nutritional yeast over the green beans for added flavor. Spread the green beans in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30-45 minutes to ensure even dehydration. Remove from oven when the beans are fully dried and crispy. Allow them to cool completely before serving to your dog