Love is All Around Us

Twosomes: Love Poems from the Animal Kingdom Do animals celebrate Valentine's Day? Nobody knows for sure. But this funny (and punny) little book imagines how some of them declare their love, affection, or friendship any day of the year. "Nice to Meetcha! You smell delish!/Wanna share my water dish?" So asks one tail-thumping dog to another. Whereas a courting dolphin sings, "Come, leap with me and be my wife./You're the porpoise of my life."  Ranging from dogs and cats and other pets to some you wouldn't want to pet, such as sharks and porcupines, acclaimed poet Marilyn Singer's captivating couplets and Lee Wildish's expressively humorous illustrations provide a Valentine's Day gift for kids who wouldn't be caught dead being lovey-dovey. From the Hardcover edition.

Animals in All Their Glory

Animals are cute, funny, loveable and sometimes scary but always a surprise.  Pets are much more.  They become members of the family, constant companions, protectors, constant source of affection and more like your own children than just an animal who lives with you.  Yes?

Birds in a cage are always entertaining and a lovely addition to the family but wild birds...how amazing they are.  How beautiful!  Like the hummingbird for instance.  Did you know there are 325 different varieties of these birds over the world.  In the US 8 normally reside but up to two dozen will visit throughout the year. They cannot walk or hop but can scoot along when they are sitting on a branch.  The underdevelopment of their feet helps them in flight.  Their wings beat from 50 to 200 times per second and their heart rate is 1200 beats per second.  The Bee Hummingbird is only 21/4 inch in length and the average hummingbird weights less than a quarter at 3 grams.  Amazing birds!

Homemade Dog Treat Recipes and More!

Here are a few ideas and recipes for you and your puppy or dog. Hopefully your pet will enjoy your treats and your pocketbook will be happier as well. For instance, did you know that baking soda will clean your dog or cat?..

BAKING SODA DRY SHAMPOO

Just rub the baking soda on and be sure to rub into the
coat. Let set a few minutes and brush off! The doggy
smells will be all gone, and you don't need to get all wet!

Special treats for your dog or puppy can be very expensive, especially if they are 'treat type puppies'...lol. Here are a few ideas for making your own treats for them. This is also not only a good way to save money but a good way to know EXACTLY what you are feeding your dog/puppy. You will KNOW what they get is 'good for them!'.

HOMEMADE...(Of Course, always check with your vet first!)
Dog Bones
2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk
1 egg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 beef bouillon cube
1/2 cup hot water
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, stirring until well
blended. Knead dough 2 minutes.
On a floured surface, use a floured rolling pin to roll out dough to 1/4-
inch thickness. Using a bone shaped cookie cutter cut out bones.
Bake 30 minutes on a non-greased baking sheet. Remove from pan and
cool on wire rack.

Dog Cookies
1 c Beef, chicken, or vegetable stock
1 c Bread or all-purpose flour
1 c Whole wheat or rye (or other-dark) flour
1 c Bulgar wheat
1/4 c Non-fat dry milk powder
1/2 ts Salt
1 1/2 ts Yeast
Use dough cycle. Roll dough to 1/4" thickness. Cut with cookie cutters
or knife. Place on baking sheets sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover with
clean kitchen towels and let rise in warm place about 45 minutes. Bake
at 325-degrees for 45 minutes. When all arebaked, turn off oven and
return all cookies to cooling oven overnight to harden. Store in airtight
container.
(Using a 3.5" bone shaped cutter, you’ll get about 30-35 cookies from
this recipe.)

Dog Oil Supplement
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup cod liver oil
1/4 cup flax seed oil
Place oils in brown bottle and shake well. Store in refrigerator.
Add two teaspoons to the dogs food each day. Can be add to dry food
as well.
Safflower and Sunflower oil may used as well.


Fido's Favorite Treats
1 cup oatmeal
1/3 cup butter
1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules
1/2 cup hot water
3/4 cup powdered milk
3/4 cup cornmeal
1 egg -- beaten
3 cups whole wheat flour
Combine oatmeal, butter, and bouillon granules in a large bowl. Pour
hot water over this and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in powdered milk,
cornmeal, and egg. Add flour 1/2 c. at a time, mixing well after each
addition. Knead for 3-4 minutes, adding more flour if needed to make
a very stiff dough. Pat or roll out dough to 1/2" thickness, then cut
into bone shaped pieces. Place in a greased baking sheet. Bake at
325* for 50 minutes. Allow to cool and dry out till hard.

Home Made Party Cake
2/3 cup ripe mashed bananas
1/2 cup softened butter
3 large eggs
3/4 cup water
2 cups Unbleached Flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup raisins
Frosting:
2 cup mashed banana
1 tablespoon butter
6 tablespoon carob flour
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 tablespoon unbleached flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Cake:In mixing bowl, beat together mashed banana and butter until
creamy. Add eggs and water. Beat well. Stir in dry ingredients. Beat
until smooth. Add nuts and raisins. Spoon batter evenly into oiled and
floured bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes. Cool on
wire rack 5 minutes, remove from pan, replace on rack and cool.
Frosting:Blend thoroughly and spread on cool cake. Sprinkle with
chopped pecans. The frosting contains carob, which is a safe (almost
tastes like) chocolate substitute.

Hors D'ogs
1/4 cup cheddar cheese -- grated
2 tablespoons safflower oil
1/2 cup rice krispies®
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 cup swiss cheese -- grated
Combine cheeses, garlic and oil. Using plastic wrap, shape mixture into
a log about 1 inch in diameter and 8 inches long. Roll log in Rice
Krispies. Refrigerate. Slice into half-inch rounds and serve.

(yummy!)
Liver Brownies
1lb. chicken or beef liver
½ lb. PLAIN cornmeal (non rising)
½ lb. plain old-fashioned oatmeal
1 can salmon or mackerel (with juice)
1 Cup chicken broth or water
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
1 egg
Dash of salt
¼ Cup parsley flakes
Place liver, egg, fish, broth, garlic, salt and parsley flakes in a blender
or food processor and blend until smooth. Mix corn and oatmeal's, and
then add liver mixture. Mix well. Once mixed, batter should be like a
slightly wet brownie mix. Add more broth or water if necessary. Pour
mixture onto well-greased cookie sheet and bake at 250 degrees for 1
½ to 2 hours. Cut into squares while still warm. Cool, and then freeze
what you won’t use in 1 week or less.

(Sounds like something good to serve at my next bridge club...lol)
Peanut Butter & Oats Glazed Goodies
1 cup water
1 cup quick cooking oats
1/4 cup butter -- half stick
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup peanut butter
3 cups whole wheat flour
Boil water in a saucepan. Add oats and butter. Let oats soak for ten
minutes. Stir in the cornmeal, sugar, salt, milk, peanut butter, and
egg. Mix thoroughly. Add the flour, one cup at a time (you may not
need the entire amount) until a stiff dough forms.
Knead dough on floured surface until smooth, about 3 minutes. Roll to
1/2" thickness. Place on a greased cookie sheet.
Glaze:
1 large egg
2 tbsp. milk
Mix well. Brush glaze on dough with a pastry brush. Bake in a preheated
325 degree oven for 35-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool completely.

Puppy Formulas
Recipe #1
2/3 Cup Goat milk canned (or just regular canned milk)
1/3 Cup water or Pedialyte
1 teaspoon Karo Syrup
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon Dyne or pediatric vitamin
Strain a couple of times to make sure there is no albumin in the
mixture, although it has been used successfully without egg at all.
Variation: 1 can of Condensed Milk rather than goat's milk (it may be
too high in protein and put a strain on the puppy's kidneys 1 envelope
of Knox unflavored gelatin in addition to other ingredients (helps keep
stools solid).
Recipe #2
1 cup of canned Condensed milk or evaporated milk
4 ounces plain, full-fat yogurt
1 egg yolk
1 dropper full of baby vitamins
Mix well.
Recipe #3
2 cups hot water
1 can Evaporated milk (Not condensed--both are in bakery section of
store but different products)
2 eggs
2 tablespoons Karo syrup
2 envelopes Knox unflavored gelatin.
Mix thoroughly to get the gelatin working.
Recipe #4
4 ounces Carnation EVAPORATED milk
4 ounces FULL FAT natural, plain yogurt
1 tablespoon Mayonnaise, (NOT salad dressing and definitely NOT
DIET)
1 egg yolk

Yogurt Pups
16 ounces plain nonfat yogurt
3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
Dissolve bouillon in water, Combine water and yogurt in blender and
blend thoroughly, Pour into small containers for freezing, cover and
freeze.

Homemade Cat Treat Goodies and More!

Here you have a few good ideas for your pets.  For instance, did you know that baking soda will clean your dog or cat?..

BAKING SODA DRY SHAMPOO

Cats hate water and wash themselves.  However, sometimes they get themselves into trouble and end up with a smell they cannot wash away.  It is then baking soda time.  Just rub the baking soda on and be sure to rub into the coat. Let set a few minutes and brush off! The kitty smells will be all gone, and you don't need to get all wet!  Wear gloves to protect yourself from scratches.  Cats do not like being made to do ANYTHING that was not their own idea.  The claws will come out!

Special treats for your cat or kitty can be very expensive, especially if they are 'treat type kitties'...lol. Here are a few ideas for making your own treats for them. This is also not only a good way to save money but a good way to know EXACTLY what you are feeding your cat/kitty. You will KNOW what they get is 'good for them!'.

BIRTHDAY TREAT FOR KITTY
1 - 2 poached fish, preferably salmon, with the skin and
bones removed
1 tsp. plain yogurt
Few drops of fresh lemon juice
Poach the fish. Then mix the yogurt and lemon juice
and serve over the cooked fish.

CAT COOKIES
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp catnip
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup powdered milk
2 tbl butter or vegetable oil
1/4 cup soy flour
1 egg
2 tbl wheat germ
1 tbl unsulfured molasses
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix dry ingredients together. Add molasses, egg, oil and
milk. Roll out flat onto oiled cookie sheet and cut into
small, cat bite-sized pieces.
Bake for 20 minutes and let cool. Store the cookies in a
sealed container.

or...
CAT CRACKERS
6 ounces of non-drained tuna
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup flour
1/3 cup water
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Measure all of the
ingredients into a bowl and mix thoroughly with your
hands. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into treat
sized pieces. Place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for
about 20 minutes or until golden. Let cool. Give to your
cat and watch them gobble it up.

(What is a cracker without jelly...lol)
CAT JELLY
A lovely recipe for cats and an instant hit too!
3 cups chicken broth
4-1/2 tbl flour
1/4 cup carrots --diced into small cubes
3/4 cup minced meat (cooked) pieces of fish- optional,
but it would be better to use this (COOKED)
After the chicken broth has been made, allow it too cool
for around 2 minutes. Add all the flour and mix. Some
flour might not dissolve but this is absolutely no
problem (It will when you heat the mixture later on).
Heat broth and flour mixture on high heat until a thick
creamy mixture is formed. Immediately add all other
ingredients and pour all contents of this meal into the
cat's container. Allow it to set into jelly like substance
with the carrots, minced meat and fish suspended in it.
Serve to the cat.

Vet bills can be a problem not to mention the meds. Check with your vet first of course but this might be a real help...
DIET FOR KIDNEY PROBLEMS
1-1/3 cups (2/3 pound) ground chicken, turkey or lean
heart
4 cups cooked white rice
4 eggs
2 tablespoons cold-pressed safflower, soy or corn oil
1,500 milligrams calcium
1/8 teaspoon iodized salt
1/8 teaspoon potassium chloride (optional, for a saltier
flavor)
1 teaspoon parsley, finely grated carrot or other
vegetable (optional)
5,000 IU vitamin A
Taurine and other cat vitamins (about 5 days' worth)
50 milligram level B complex (or 10 milligrams per day)
2,500 milligrams vitamin C (½ teaspoon sodium
ascorbate)
Mix everything together in a large bowl. Serve raw if
the cat will accept it. Otherwise, mix all but the vitamins
together, bake about 20 minutes in a moderate oven and
then wait until it cools to mix in the vitamins.
Occasionally, substitute 1 to 3 teaspoons of liver for part
of the meat.

AND...
EMERGENCY KITTEN MILK (all babies need milk)
12 oz. boiling water
1 envelope Knox unflavored gelatin
Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water, and add:
1-12 oz. can evaporated canned milk
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
1 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 egg yolk
Mix well in mixer. Place in covered bowl and store in
refrigerator. Warm a small amount for feedings. This
will keep for about 7 days.

GOT FLEAS?
FELINE FLEA PROOFING
Add to the food for each adult cat:
1/2 level teaspoon brewer's yeast
1/4 level teaspoon garlic powder

FLEA REPELLENT SLEEP PILLOWS
For cats
2 parts sage or rosemary
1 part catnip
1 part chamomile
For dogs
2 parts pennyroyal
1 part thyme
1 part wormwood
Herbs may be used cut or whole. Mix enough to stuff a
2-foot square pillow for a cat or a 3-foot square (or
larger) pillow for a dog. Sew the pillowcase out of a
tough, washable fabric such as denim.

KITTIES FAVORITE TREATS
1-1/2 cups cooked chicken or turkey
1 large egg
2 Tbl. chicken broth
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
In a blender or processor whirl chicken, egg and broth
until smooth. Scrape into bowl. Add cornmeal and 1/2
cup flour, stir until moistened. Cover dough and
refrigerate at least 2 hrs. Then roll out 1/4 in thick on
lightly floured board. Cut into 1/2 in squares or
triangles. Scatter on 3 greased 12 x 15 baking sheets.
Bake at 350 until golden (about 15 min.) Remove from
oven, stir in pans and let cool. Refrigerate airtight up to
2 weeks, freeze for longer storage. Makes about 3 cups.

Homemade Horse Treat Recipes

Horses should not be fed peanuts, because they cannot digest them and it clogs their intestines. According to one vet, peanut butter will not hurt them. Please use your own judgment or check with your vet when in doubt.  Horses do not need flour, corn or sugar!

Ingredients:
Flour for human consumption was not intended as horse food. Corn is not digested well in a horses stomach - it is intended as cow food. Sugars - found in table, raw or molasses adds carbohydrates to your horses diet, speeds their heart rate and makes them jumpy. Avoid sugar at all costs.

Instructions:
Just be sensible and purchase treats designed for the horses diet. Limit the amount of apples, carrots and such for horses. While they love the taste of sugar, even sugar found in natural foods is not good for them. Keep treats limited to special days.


Sticky Treats
apple or carrot
corn syrup
quick oats

Cut apple in half. Take core out. Roll in corn syrup then oats. Do the same for a carrot.  My horse loves this treat and it only takes 30 seconds. 

Peppermint Treats
2 cups of flour
1 cup of oats
1/4 cup of molasses
10 crushed peppermints
2 apples

Mix flour and oats together. Add molasses if the mixture is not doughy. Add water slowly until it is doughy. Add peppermints and apples. Cook until golden brown at 350 degrees. Your horse(s) will go CRAZY. 

Banana-glazed Apple
1 apple
1 banana
1 handful of ice cubes.
A blender.
 
Cut and peel banana. Put into the blender with the ice cubes. Chop and blend it together until creamy. Cut the top off an apple and carve out the middle. Fill the apple with the banana mixture. Put top back on. Pour the rest of the banana on top and over the sides of the apple. Serve. This is really easy to make and my horses love it! 

Delicious Munchies
1 cup dry oats
1 cup shredded carrots and apples (or either or)
1 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 cup molasses
Little less than a 1/4 cup water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix dry ingredients first then add everything else. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Your horses will enjoy then very much! Keep in fridge until ready to give to your 4 legged friend!

Horse Tacos Tortillas
2 cups molasses
Sliced carrots
Sliced apples
Sliced grapes
Bucket of sweet feed
 
Mix sweet feed and molasses. Then mix in the sliced carrots, apples, and grapes. Wrap the mixture in tortillas and serve.


Grooming your horse is as important as feeding him.  Here is a video from youtube showing some helpful tips.

Homemade Bird Treats and More!

Caring for your sweet bird friends.  Here you have some good ideas and recipes that you can create yourself for your own bird or for your outside wild bird friends.

 
FIRST...
 Cleaning your bird cage is one of the most important parts of caring for your bird.  Here is a video showing how.  Cages, no matter for one bird or many, should be kept as clean as possible to avoid disease...not to mention smelly messes!









 Special treats for your pet can be very expensive, especially if they are 'treat-a-holics'...lol. Here are a few ideas for making your own treats for them. This is also not only a good way to save money but a good way to know EXACTLY what you are feeding your pet or your wild birds. You will KNOW what they get is 'good for them!'.

Homemade Treat Recipes (Of course, always check with your vet first! All breads of birds vary in their diet requirements.)
Bird   Bread                                                                                 Just keep the cat away from the bird bread!

2 boxes Jiffy cornbread mix
4 eggs
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons oil
1 cup raisins
1 cup diced apple
1 cup grated carrot
1 cup grated zucchini
This versatile bread is great for most types of pet birds. The recipe
here will make a nice pair of apple-carrot-zucchini flavored loaves,
but the recipe is intended for you to make it in any flavor you (or
your pet) would like! Simply substitute the carrot and zucchini for
any fruit or vegetable. Some good choices are: blueberries,
cranberries, bananas, broccoli, squash, cauliflower, green beans, raspberries, spinach, nuts, pineapple, etc., but you can use whatever you might like!

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn muffin mix, the eggs, milk and vegetable oil. Mix well, using an electric mixer on a medium speed if desired. Blend completely. Add the remaining ingredients, and mix them in, by hand. Stir or mix well, until the ingredients have been consistently incorporated into the mixture. Prepare 2 loaf pans by greasing them with margarine or oil. Then pour the batter evenly into the two pans.

Place the pans into the preheated oven. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the bread id firm and golden. A toothpick inserted into the center of either loaf should come out clean. When the bread is

finished baking, remove it from the oven. Allow the bread to cool completely, then slice it or cut it into individual sized portions. Any leftovers can be frozen until ready to use. Makes about 2 small loaves.

Bagel Bites
1 whole wheat bagel
peanut butter
raisins
bird seed

The recipe is simple enough to allow you to make as little or a much
as you need, so you won’t get stuck with a monster sized batch of
goodies, for one tiny bird. It’s a bit messy, but so easy and so tasty!”
With a knife, cut the bagel into appropriate-sized pieces for your bird.
You can make as many of these as you would like. Spread peanut
butter in a thin layer over all surfaces of the bagel. Then dip the bagel
piece in the seeds. Roll it around until all the pieces are coated well
with seeds, and the bagel is no longer sticky. Set the coated bagel
piece aside. Repeat with the remaining bagel pieces, making as many
as desired. Stick a raisin or two onto the center of each bagel bite.
The bagel bites are ready to be served immediately, or they can be
refrigerated briefly, until ready to serve.

Birdie Breakfast Cereal
1/4 cup instant oatmeal
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1/4 cup chopped fruit (your choice)
Add the oatmeal to a small, microwave-safe bowl. Then add just
enough water to cover the oatmeal. Place the bowl into the
microwave and cook it on the highest setting for about 1 minute.
After the minute is up, remove the bowl (carefully!) and stir the
oatmeal until all the water is absorbed and the oatmeal is soft and
cooked through.
Add the peanut butter, and stir it in until the peanut butter melts
and is completely dissolved into the oatmeal.
Finally stir in the fruit. Then let the mixture sit until is has cooled
considerably. When the mixture is cool to the touch, and is no longer
steaming at all, stir it again and serve it to your pet. Makes 1 serving,
but for smaller birds you can keep any leftovers in the refrigerator
until ready to use.

Party Mix
1 cup canary seeds
1/2 cup millet
1 cup hemp
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
Mix and serve

Duck Treats
corn kernels
whole wheat or oats (not Quaker)
other goodies
Mix together and feed.

Grapenut Crunch
1 package cornmeal mix (without sugar)
2 eggs
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons oil
1/2 cup seeds or pellets
1 cup grapenuts cereal
2 jars carrot baby food
2 jars squash baby food
1 pkg. cornmeal mix, no sugar kind. Mix into the mix 2 whole eggs
with well washed shell, 1 c. milk and 2 tbls. melted butter or oil. Grind
1/2 pellets with 1 cup grapenuts and mix into the batter. Add 2 jars
baby food carrots and 2 jars baby food squash. Place in greased pan.
Set oven temperature at 400 and bake until done. Freeze in daily
serving sizes.

Munchy Seed Bagel
bagel
honey
seeds
First put the honey on the bagel. Then put the bird seed on and
give to your birds

Pancake Delight
Pancake mix
fruit
First make the pancake mix then add in the fruit or vegetables. Then
cook like normal pancakes.

Berry Seed Mix
sunflower seeds
millet spray
sliced grapes
sliced strawberries
blueberries
Take a bowl and take the shells off the sunflower seeds and put the
seeds in the bowl add the millet spray into the bowl slice some grapes
in small pieces add to bowl add small sliced strawberries then add the
blueberries to the bowl.

Seed Cookies
bread dough
seeds
Roll out the bread dough, shape the bread dough into small balls,
place the seeds on the balls and than cook at 350 'F for 9 min.

Seed Mix
1 piece of bread
corn on the cob
sunflower seeds
Pluck off some corn and put in a bowl, ear off small pieces of bread
put in bowl, mix in sunflower seeds.
                                                                                                                     Don't recommend this!
Summer Suet
3 cups cornmeal
1 cup flower
3 tablespoons baking powde
r2/3 cup oil
3 1/2 soy milk
1 cup nuts
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
Mix together the cornmeal, flour, and baking soda. Whisk in the oil
and soy milk. Stir in nuts and cayenne. Pour into an oiled 13x9x2"
pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Allow to cool. Cut
into 6 suet feeder sized pieces. Suet can be stored in a freezer

Winter Suet
2 cups peanut butter
2 cups shortening
2 cups flower
6 cups cornmeal
Melt peanut butter and shortening in a large pot. Stir in four and
cornmeal. Turn dough onto a waxed paper lined 13x9" pan. Cut into
rectangles for use in a suet feeder. Suet can be stored in a freezer

Pinecone Snack
1 pinecone
fat or peanut butter
seeds
Put the fat or peanut butter on the pinecone, then place seeds on
the cone. Finally hang it outside for your birds to enjoy.

Hummingbird Nectar
Do not use honey nor red dye!
Use a ratio of 4 parts boiling water to 1 part sugar. Cool before filling
your feeder. Store any unused syrup in the refrigerator for up to 3
days.
Always clean your feeder thoroughly before adding fresh nectar.

Feeder Stick Recipe
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup lard - any animal fat will do
1 cup flour
3 cups corn meal
Mix well. You can add peanut hearts or seed to the mixure. Store
unused mixture in a cool place

Woodpecker Goo
Get a log or piece of untreated wood. Drill holes in it, about 1/2" to 1"
in diameter. You can also attach a perch if you want. Render the suet
as normal but do not strain. Leave the small bits of meat in also, cut
them up if necessary. Let cool. Push the soft suet in the holes and
hang on a feeder pole.

Hard Suet Tidbit Cakes
1/2 lb. fresh ground suet
1/3 cup sunflower seed
2/3 cup wild bird seed (mix)
1/8 cup chopped peanuts
1/4 cup raisins
Melt suet in a saucepan over low heat. Allow it to cool thoroughly, then
reheat it.
Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a large bowl. Allow the suet
to cool until slightly thickened, then stir it into the mixture in the bowl.
Mix thoroughly. Pour into pie pan or form, or pack into suet feeders

No Melt Summer Suet
1 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 cup suet or lard
2 cups "quick cook" oats, (I'm sure any will do)
2 cups cornmeal
1 cup white flour
Melt lard & peanut butter.
Stir in other ingredients. If it seems runny, add more flour.
Fill small plastic margarine containers about 1/2 full, then freeze.
Remove from container; wrap, keep in freezer.

Your Pet's Health - What Every Pet Owner Should Know About Pet Insurance?

Here is what the experts have to say: So you want to purchase a dog or cat. There is something you should know before you take the leap. House pets are to be taken care of like your very own children; it is natural that they become part of the family. All animals have wants, needs and health issues just like human beings. You really have to be prepared because there are many things you need to care for your pets in order to keep them happy and healthy. In regards to pet health, you have to realize that it can be costly for veterinarian visits, so you may want to consider pet health insurance.

Health insurance for our pets is an option growing in attractiveness to many owners of our canine and feline friends, especially because most consider their pet a full-fledged family member. More policies have been sold in the last year and a half than in the last 20 years, with the average monthly cost being between $9 and $25.

Some newer policies cover regular check-ups and routine care. You may not consider this to be a benefit seeing that the routine care that is covered usually costs less than the insurance premiums. Economically, pet insurance that covers unexpected, expensive health care costs make better sense. You have to as yourself some pretty grave pet health questions. For instance, if you had to pay out of your own pocket, would you seek treatment of internal injuries from an accident? Would you pay for needed cancer treatment or treatment for other diseases? What if your dog has hip dysplasia? Odds are, your pet will never need such care, but if he does, you might welcome the coverage when faced with a $5,000 bill. Other pet health questions to ask: Would I be able to afford a sequence of treatments that might add up that high? Would I feel forced to euthanize my pet if I could not come up with the money to pay? To some it is not an option.

Once you have considered these questions it will help you decide if you are going to purchase pet insurance. Deciding to purchase a health insurance policy for your pet may not be an easy decision. In many cases, preexisting medical conditions are typically excluded from coverage. Many companies that sell the policies in the past have gone out of business leaving policyholders hanging. If you decide to purchase a policy, make sure you are familiar with the fine print explaining what is covered and what is not. Gather all the information you can before making a final decision. Also before purchasing a policy make sure it is accepted by your local veterinarian or veterinarians. Be sure to review what veterinary procedures and supplies are covered. Pet health policies are similar to human insurance policies; annual premiums, deductibles, and different coverage plans based on what the owner chooses. Plans are based on breeds, age, pre-existing conditions and in some cases, lifestyle of the pet (i.e. indoor vs. outdoor cat).

Most companies start policies at age 6-8 weeks, some have no age limit, and of the others I researched, one had a limit of 27 years, others had a limit of 8 years of age (if the animal was insured when less than 8 years, coverage would continue beyond 8 years). The current overall average for annual deductibles is around $100.00. The policy costs vary, depending on the animal and the different packages that owners can choose. Some packages are comprehensive, including such things as: annual checkups and vaccinations, routine care, preventive medications (like heart-worm preventive supplements) and spay/neuter surgeries. Other plans cover only accident and illness. Most plans offer immediate coverage for accident claims, and 30 days for illness claims on new policies. Additional pets are usually covered at a reduced rate after the first policy-holding pet.

So you thought the hardest part to purchasing a pet was going to be choosing the one you would take home! Well now you know that being owning a pet has all the responsibilities of having a baby.

Aluminum Dog Boxes - Features and Style Choices

Aluminum Box Choices

Aluminum dog boxes come in a variety of styles and sizes. The box that is best suited your needs will then depend on the purpose, your needs and obviously the size of your dog. Anyone who handles dogs, whether they are a professional K-9 handler or just beginning as a handler will have need of these boxes.

The best boxes are constructed with a tough diamond tread type of aluminum and should include sufficient head room, vents and even some have options for storage. The aluminum dog boxes may be designed for a single dog or may even have a double or even triple compartment to hold multiple dogs. There are aluminum dog boxes that are made to accompany ATV riders and even motorcycles so if you want to take your dog for a ride you do not have to use a pick-up truck.

Aluminum dog boxes can range from very simple and functional to the more elaborate. The styling of the boxes changes all the time with new innovations being added every day. Dog boxes are not only for the professional K-9 handler like those who use Rescue dogs or those used by law enforcement, but every type of dog enthusiast, especially those who use their dogs for show or those who have hunting dogs.

Convenient to Carry                     Even batdog needs better transportation.

Ways to carry the aluminum dog boxes can range from the pickup truck, van or SUV to the motorcycle and ATV. Some of the boxes are approved for traveling on the airlines. The boxes have a variety of special features depending on the make and style you choose. Some aluminum dog boxes may have added features like top rigging, bear holes for precision slips and may come with storage compartments just to mention a couple choices. Spring-loaded handles are a new feature that are part of the equipment on the boxes designed to eliminate the rattling of the conventional hinges as well as increase the maneuverable of the unit. The better aluminum dog boxes are professionally crafted with improved corner welding and hemmed edges which protect your dog from being injured on any sharp metal edges. They will also be equipped with rain gutters to keep the water away and two different types of windows depending on the weather.

Collapsing Boxes              This will collapse but really not very comfortable for your dog!

Another style of aluminum dog boxes are the ones designed to be not only convenient but also economical, is the knock-down style of dog boxes. There are great box choices for the larger breed of dogs like the Lab or for the smaller dogs like the Beagle. These types of boxes are designed to be collapsed easily which makes them great for seasonal storage or for shipping purposes. They do come with the more sought after features like lined compartments that make for ease of cleaning, adjustable air vents in the rear for ultimate air flow and a front door with the over-sized bar. They have the capacity to be locked because of the T-handle.

Storage Compartments

Some aluminum dog boxes even come with upper compartment storage on both sides of the unit. This is a Big-T feature that allows enough room for the dog as well as room to store things that the avid hunter needs like their gear, decoys and guns. The lids are dual so that you can easily gain access to the storage part of the box from the side of the truck. Once the lid is opened it is securely held in place with gas struts.