Congratulations, Penny!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Mighty Mutts! Hope you’ve all been keeping warm. This has been a crazy winter in Bruce County! They’re running out of places to put all the snow, and it seems like the roads have been closed more then they’ve been open.

Congratulations to Penny the Doberman on winning the Best in Show award at the 150^th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! And she’s Canadian, of course. Did you know it’s been 37 years since a Doberman has won the prestigious title? Well done, Penny!

We’ve also got some tips for you on how to keep your dog’s paws healthy in this snowy weather, especially out on walks that may be sprinkled with salt and sand.  In keeping with Responsible Pet Owner Month, we’ve included an article from the AKC regarding responsible pet ownership.

And of course, Pablo has a few things to say… Enjoy and have a great week!

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Pablo’s Ponderings

Ahhh, Penny. Isn’t she gorgeous?? Ahem… I mean, congratulations, Penny! (Nugget, if you’re reading this, I still love you, you’ll be my girlfriend forever)

You can watch Penny as she’s announced the winner here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr27x0bJEuY

OK, enough drooling over my fantasy girlfriend! On to other things.. it’s still very cold here in Bruce County and we have a TON of snow! As much as I love it I think I’m ready for spring. That silly groundhog better be right about an early spring. We’ll see..

Other than that my furry friends, not much else is new. Mom and I are getting a bit of cabin fever, can’t wait till we can sit outside on the porch and lay in the sun soaking up those rays!

Send me some pics of you playing in the snow with your hooman, I’d love to see them! Just reply to this email and attach some pics. See you next week!

How to Keep your Dog’s Paws Healthy and Moisturized in the Winter

Just like us hoomans, your dog’s paws can get dry and cracked in the winter. This is especially true if they walk in areas that have been salted or sanded. So how do you keep them healthy all winter long?

Paw Balm: Apply just before you go out on your walk, and when you come back in. There are many quality brands you can pick up from either your favourite pet store, your local vet, or Amazon.

Pet-Friendly Salt: If you’re going to be letting your dog out just on your property for short stints, consider buying pet friendly salt. Keep in mind you’ll pay more (much more in some places).

Booties: This protects paws from the elements, keeps and provides a great barrier from salt, sand and other debris like dirt and stones. They don’t work for all dogs (have you ever seen a Great Dane or St. Bernard with booties??). But some breeds tolerate them well.

Check paws after coming inside: Grab a towel and wipe those paws dry. Check for any salt that may have gotten imbedded and carefully remove them. Apply balm or petroleum jelly.

What if my dog hates booties and balm? If your dog rejects booties and paw balm, focus on alternative protection. Trim the hair paw pads to prevent ice buildup, and be sure to wipe paws immediately with warm water and dry thoroughly after walks to remove salt/ice. Instead of paw balm, try a paw-safe wax, which is thinner than balm.  On extremely cold days, keep the walks short, and avoid areas that have been heavily salted.   

75 Ways to Be a Responsible Dog Owner

Owning a dog is a joy, privilege, and responsibility. If you are considering bringing a dog into your life, think seriously about the commitment that being a responsible dog owner entails.

The AKC is committed to protecting the health and well-being of all dogs. AKC celebrates Responsible Dog Ownership Day on September 17th each year, but here are 75 tips on how to be a responsible dog owner each and every day.

 Prepare to Be a Responsible Dog Owner

1. Recognize the Commitment

Before deciding that a dog is right for you, make an honest assessment about whether you’re ready for a dog. Ask yourself if you are ready for the financial commitment, as well as the emotional and time commitments, that owning a dog requires.

 2. Evaluate Your Lifestyle

Think about the type of dog that will best suit your lifestyle. Evaluate all aspects of your family’s lifestyle — hobbies, activities, personalities — before choosing a breed.

 3. Make a List

Based on your evaluation, what qualities do you want in a dog? Consider size, energy level, grooming needs, trainability, and temperament. If you rent an apartment, are there restrictions on height, weight, or breed? Answer these questions now, because once you bring a dog home, it can be heartbreaking to realize you made the wrong choice.

 4. Choose a Breed

Once you have made your list of ideal characteristics, do some research to find out which breeds fit that profile. Read up, attend dog shows, and visit the AKC’s breed pages.

 5. Get Referrals to Responsible Breeders

You have a better chance of success if you get your dog from a responsible, ethical breeder. The AKC has a Breeder Referral contact for each recognized breed. They can put you in touch with breeders or rescue organizations in your area.

 6. Contact Breeders

Reach out to dog breeders in your area. Don’t be discouraged if the first one you talk to doesn’t have puppies available right away. That person may know of another breeder in the region.

7. Ask Questions

When you find a breeder you’re comfortable with, ask to visit the kennel and view the dogs on the breeder’s premises. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the breed and the breeder’s practices.

Puppies aren’t for everyone. If an older dog better fits your lifestyle, check the AKC Rescue Network. Most rescued dogs have already been spayed or neutered and are screened for health and temperament issues.

A responsible breeder or rescue organization will ask you extensive questions about the type of home you can offer a dog. They are as committed as you are to making the right match.

Availability varies. Responsible breeders do not breed often, and many times, the puppies of a planned breeding are already spoken for. A good dog is worth waiting for.

Read more here:

Recipe of the week: Homemade Dog Food

Ingredients

·         1 tablespoon coconut oil

·         1 pound ground turkey

·         1 large zucchini shredded

·         1 cup baby spinach finely chopped

·         1 cup shredded carrots

·         1/2 teaspoon turmeric

·         1 egg

·         3 cups cooked rice (I like using frozen brown rice)

 Instructions

1.       Heat a large skillet or pot over a medium-high heat. Add in the coconut oil and turkey and sauté until it is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.

2.       Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the zucchini, spinach, carrots and turmeric. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

3.       Turn off the heat and and crack in the egg. Let the egg cook in the hot food, mix it around to ensure it mixed through and cooked through.

4.       Stir in the rice until everything is well combined. Cool and serve

Click here for a more detailed explanation on how to cook this dish and for tips on how to pick the best quality ingredients. Dani even posted a video demonstration!

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That’s it for this week’s issue of Mighty Mutts! Feel free to share with a friend. Reply to this email if you have comments/suggestions or want to send pics of your Mighty Mutt! See you next week.

Pablo, Maryanne and the Mighty Mutts team!