Welcome Readers!

It seems fitting this is the month of hearts and cupids.

I’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from you, my readers after I shared about the break up of my marriage in last month’s ezine.

Thank you for all the kind words and thoughts you’ve sent my way. It has been a journey of spirit and faith this year and I feel I've learned so much. It's been tough but I'm feeling better than I have in a long time and think I'm on my way to healing.

Thank you! Thank you and thank you for your caring and support!

Stress Busting

I encourage you to unplug from the news for one week. Don’t listen to it on the radio, the tv or read it on the computer.

Just take a news detox and spend some extra time with your furry companions in a quiet space. Pet them, brush them, take extra walks. And bake dog treats! You’ll both feel better.

Your Questions

In last month’s issue we talked about cleaning those muddy dog paws after winter outings. I asked for suggestions and heard from several of you. Here’s what you said:

Keep an empty can (like from canned tuna, soup, or fruit)--small if your dog is small, larger for larger dogs. Fill with warm water. Dip each paw in the water. Have dry cloth nearby to wipe paws.

Hardly any mess & easier than the hose. From Jenny (via blog)

I use a warm washcloth to clean my dogs' paws when at home. It's safe, effective and doesn't end up in a landfill. My goal is to avoid as many things that are disposable as I can this year. They've been created to make our lives easier but they mostly end up in landfills.

I do agree that wipes are convenient when traveling, so I understand a compromise.
Brady’s mom in Pasadena

I keep a watering can on the deck by the door where the dogs enter and exit the house. Before I bring the dogs inside, I fill it with warm water and "water" each paw with it,then dry their cleaned paws off with a towel. They have gotten used to the process since they know it preceeds them coming in the house for the evening with us!
By Mattie and Dino in Federal Way, WA

Thanks to everyone who contributed your ideas!

And this month's question is from Valerie Ritter. Valerie Ritter writes:

Do you have any dog treat recipes that would help with my dachshund's extremely dry skin? Thanks!
Valerie (Mile's mom)

Hi Valerie,

Try adding omega 3's to Mile's diet. You can do this by feeding Miles a fish oil supplement or putting salmon directly on Mile's food everyday. You can add ground flaxseeds to the food too or to any dog treat recipe on my site.

Omega 3 fatty acids will really help with the dry skin. It'll take 2-3 weeks of daily treatment for you to see the difference so it makes sense to use fish oil and/or flax seeds on the food in addition to treats.

Try about 1/2 tsp of flaxseeds on food day and night. I'm not sure what Miles weighs but there are fish oil supplements made for dogs that may be for a smaller weight. I've fed Baggins ones made for people--he's 30 lbs. if that's any guide.

Thanks for writing. As always, you can always write me by hitting “reply”;)

Dog Treat Recipe

I’d like to invite you all share pictures of your dog(s). It’s easy and fun! Don't forget to tell us where you live! You can click the link below and add your four-legged joy.

Add Your Dog to the Photo Gallery!


Until the next issue of Baggins' Bites! Stay well and Happy New Year!

Your in health and treats,
Jen & Baggins
www.all-natural-dog-treat.com