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Introduction
Happy Holidays everybody and welcome to the Winter edition of the Happy Tails Dog Spa™ newsletter! We had a busy, but really fun Thanksgiving with our doggy guests and are getting ready for our Christmas and New Years boarders.
Speaking of the New Year, we have quite a bit planned! We will be remodeling our entire front area - to add another playroom (we will then have 4), replacing our tile floors, as well as a general sprucing up of the place! We hope you like it, and we appreciate your patience as we remodel, as it may be a bit messy while in progress.
We are also continuing in our efforts to offer franchises. Jill and I are working hard to make it happen and we anticipate that this will be in early 2005. More information can be found on our Franchise web page. Or feel free to email us at franchise@happytailsdogspa.com.
Amy Nichols
Owner
Happy Tails Dog Spa™, LLC
Happy To Be Here, Inc
Poisonous Plants & Household Items
 There are many common household items that are poisonous to pets. It is especially important around the Holidays to keep an eye on your dog when seasonal decorations and family gatherings with food present additional hazards for both choking and poisoning. Remember, dogs don't know what will hurt them, and they love to put things in their mouth!
The following items are poisonous to your pets and should be used with caution:
Christmas Rose
Poinsettia
Holly (berries)
Mistletoe (esp. berries)
Rhubarb (pies)
Autumn Crocus
Azaleas
Lilly of the Valley
Aloe Vera
Mushrooms
Tea Leaves
Coffee Beans (caffeine)
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Philodendron
Chocolate
Mothballs
Dishwashing soap
Shampoo
Laundry detergent
Antifreeze
Golf balls (lead)
Onions (raw and cooked)
Cigarettes (Nicotine)
Tylenol
Aspirin
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Dear Griffin,
We have all kinds of special holiday food in the house, but nothing that is good for
our dog. Do you have any recipes for a treat that our dog will love? Also, I am
not the best in the kitchen, so the easier, the better!
Dog Gourmet-in-Training
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Dear Gourmet-in-Training,
You are in luck, as my Mom has made me many a special treat! I have one that I
think will work well for you, and you can modify it to fit your dog's tastes.
Beagle Bagels
(but every dog loves 'em!)
1 cup organic whole wheat flour (or other whole grain flour)
1 cup organic unbleached white flour
1 package yeast (if your dog is sensitive to yeast you can leave it out)
2/3 cup chicken broth (homemade is best, but sodium-free store bought is fine too)
1 tablespoon unpasteurized honey
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, combine the whole
wheat flour with the yeast. Heat the chicken broth in the microwave for 15 to 20
seconds, until warm. Add the warm broth and the honey to the flour mixture and beat
for about 3 minutes in a food processor or mixer. Slowly add the rest of the flour.
Turn the dough onto a floured board and knead for a few minutes, until there are no
more lumps. Cover the dough with a towel and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Now, the fun part, and kids can help, too! Divide the dough into 25 pieces and roll
each piece into a smooth ball. Punch a hole in each ball with your finger and
gently pull apart the hole so that it is about 1 inch wide. Place all the bagels on a lightly greased cookie sheet and allow them to rise for 5 minutes. Put them in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Allow them to cool before removing from the
cookie sheet.
This is the basic recipe, but you can add all kinds of yummy ingredients for more
flavor. Parsley, garlic, parmesan cheese, or even dried cranberries (very festive!)
will add flavor and are great for your dog! Have fun, and save one for me!
Love, Griffin,
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Mind Games to Play with your Humans
1. Let the humans teach you a brand new trick. Learn it perfectly. When the humans try to demonstrate it to someone else, stare blankly back at the humans. Pretend you have no idea what they're talking about.
2. Make your humans be patient. When you go outside to 'pee', sniff around the entire yard as your humans wait. Act as if the spot you choose to go pee will ultimately decide the fate of the earth.
3. Draw attention to the human. When out for a walk always pick the busiest, most visable spot to go 'poo'. Take your time and make sure everyone watches. This works particularly well if your humans have forgotten to bring a plastic bag.
4. When out for a walk, alternate between choking and coughing every time a stranger walks by.
5. Act like a convicted criminal. When the humans come home, put your ears back, tail between your legs, chin down and act as if you have done something really bad. Then, watch as the humans frantically search the house for the damage they think you have caused. (Note: This only works when you have done absolutely nothing wrong.)
6. When your human calls you to come back in, always take your time. Walk as slowly as possible back to the door.
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