According to their website,

While Nutria share the same taxonomic order “Rodentia” (as do about 40% of all mammals, including squirrels, rabbits, beaver, and guinea pigs) they are not rats. Because of the shape of their tail, some people call Nutria “swamp rats” but they are most closely related to porcupines or South American capybaras.

Nutria, an invasive species, are one of the biggest culprits of wetland loss in Louisiana and other US wetlands. These semi-aquatic, otter-like mammals are responsible for the destruction of approximately 100,000 acres of critical marsh habitat between 1993 to 2001. Like most invasive species, Nutria not only destroy habitat but they impact multiple native species such as otter, muskrat, beaver, birds, crustaceans, and fish—all of whom rely on a healthy wetland habitat.

Unfortunately, only a small percentage of harvested Nutria are utilized in any manner—leaving this otherwise high-quality protein resource to go to waste. In response, Marsh Dog developed a dog biscuit made with wild Nutria. Utilizing an invasive species that is already being harvested to control its impact on wetlands is about as sustainable as it gets. Marsh Dog is proud to be a grant recipient of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, one of only 28 national estuaries in the country.

Who is Marsh Dog?

Marsh Dog, a small family company, is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and are the very first pet food company to offer all-natural dog treats made with wild Nutria. "They believe in producing responsible foods that are healthy and nutritious for dogs as well as environmentally responsible. Creating a market for the invasive species Nutria is not only smart, it adheres to an eco-sustainability ethic that promotes good stewardship of natural resources".

The Product Line

The Barataria Bites, all-natural wild nutria biscuits, is $8.50 for a resealable 8 oz bag while the “Bark”, all-natural, dry-roasted wild nutria jerky, is $9.00 for a 4 oz resealable bag.

The company is working on “Bars,” freeze-dried wild Nutria and “Sticks” tube-shaped jerky treats which are expected to be available soon.

What are the ingredients?

Nutria, Whole Brown Rice, Oats, Sweet Potatoes, Eggs, Blackstrap Molasses, Garden Parsley, and Cayenne Pepper. (Nutria meat has less fat and cholesterol than chicken or turkey).

Even better is what’s not included - No soybeans. No corn. No wheat. No added animal fat. No added sugar. No artificial preservatives. No added salt. No artificial colorings. No added flavoring. No sunflower oil. No added hormones. No ingredients from outside the USA.

All ingredients are prepared in their Baton Rouge, Louisiana commercial kitchen which means they grind the sweet potatoes, blend the ingredients, and cut the biscuits by hand.

What did Kirby think?

Kirby is a voracious meat lover with kangaroo being the only meat so far he has turned down, so I did wonder how he would react to the nutria.  I offered him a biscuit which is roughly 2 inches wide and about ½ inch thick.  He took it into his mouth but then dropped it and looked at me. So next I broke it into four smaller pieces and laid them on the floor in front of him.  He sniffed each piece, looked at me, and then picked one up.  The loud crunching noise told me they are very hard.  I’ve found that if I break them into smaller pieces he eats them.  If I don’t, he simply waits for me to do so.   

We shared one bag of the biscuits with other pet parents who have large dogs with great results.  None turned one down and they all found eating the whole biscuit to be an easy task.

Most of the time Kirby is great about participating in videos, sometimes not so much. Today was one of those not so much times but I thought this was too cute not to share so here's Kirby's take on the Marsh Dog Nutria treats:  

Final Word

We give the Marsh Dog treats four paws for taste and healthy ingredients.  For now they are only available in Louisiana.  Check HERE for locations or if you live outside the state you can place an order using Paypal by emailing the company at [email protected] with your name, shipping address, and phone number.

Did you know if you do a google search you can find several recipes for human consumption using nutria?  I think I'm gonna have to leave the nutria consumption to the dogs for the moment. Now about that Bark...  

Disclosure:  We received this product to review and were not compensated in any other way.  Our opinions are solely based on our experience with the product which we approve. 

Who is True Chews?

An American based company under the umbrella of Tyson Pet Products located in Independence, Iowa, who are dedicated to providing your dog with only 100% natural chews which are rawhide-free and without any artificial flavors or fillers. These treats are made from American sourced chicken, beef and pork.

They are the Official Treat Sponsor of the United States War Dogs Association – a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring and providing assistance to military service dogs and their handlers.

What I like about the Premium Jerky Cuts

I like the short list of ingredients which are  Chicken, Vegetable Glycerin, Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Natural Smoke Flavor, Paprika Extract Color, Garlic Powder, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract.  

I also very much appreciate the re-sealable bags and the fresh aroma.  Considering how much comes in a bag I find $4.99 for the 4 oz bag or $12.99  for the 12 oz bag is quite reasonable. 

What Kirby likes about the Premium Jerky Cuts

When I opened the bag the aroma of chicken got his attention right away.  I know they make a smaller size for small dogs but he appreciated this size.  Being a voracious chewer it lasts a little longer than just a bite. 

They aren't as dried out as my homemade jerky but they have a really chewy texture he seems to crave. So good aroma + good flavor + chewy texture = 4 paws and a wag!

I so wish I had a picture to share! I had several and the cutest video of Kirby doing everything he could to get one of these treats.  Sadly, when I realized I couldn't find them, he had already eaten every piece of jerky.  

If you can't find these treats at your local pet store, then be sure to visit chewy.com for the top brands in dog food and treats. 

Disclosure:  Kirby the Dorkie is a member of the Chewy.com Blogger Outreach Network. We receive the products to review each month and are not compensated in any other way.  Our opinions are solely based on our experience with the product which we approve. 

We picked up a stackable thingamajig at Lowes which gave me more room even if many of the products sat precariously atop one another just waiting for a messy mishap. 

It was time to make a plan!   

I had some paint leftover from my office redo which was a light color so I decided to paint the inside of the closet the night before Doug was going to cut and install the shelves.  I don't think it had been painted since we built the house so you can imagine the dingy marked up white it was.  A typical man, Doug questioned why I had bothered since it was just a closet?  Not even going there!

The next day he cut the shelves and supports which I also painted.  Once they had dried installing them in the closet was quick and easy.  He made the braces long enough so I can always make the shelves deeper in the future if I find I need it.

I decided not to waste any paint on the door because I'm going to replace it at a later date with a more stylish paneled door to match all the other doors already replaced.  

Just look at how much more space I have with no worries of something toppling over to create a mess.  I love my new pantry! Thanks Doug - you rock in my book!

How about you? Doing any simple renovations in your kitchen?  

Grrreat Granola Bars

Homemade granola bars are easy to make, freezer friendly, and adaptable to whatever ingredients you want to use. Fact is the choices and combinations of ingredients for a granola bar can be endless and dog gone healthy depending on the ingredients chosen.  You can check my lists of Healthy Ingredients and Safe Herbs & Spices to create your own granola bars geared to your pupster.

According to Calorie Count each bar contains 95 calories with 36 calories from fat if divided into 35 squares. Don't let that scare you because they are packed with protein, whole grains, and healthy fats.  To lower the calorie content, cut them into smaller bars and feed sparingly. Sedentary dogs should have less while active dogs can indulge a little more.  They would be perfect for hiking, a day at the lake, or agility practice.

These are really chewy which Kirby enjoyed, however I would recommend having a big bowl of water handy as he took a few trips to his water fountain.  The blackstrap molasses imparts a bittersweet flavor Kirby likes. You can use honey, agave, or maple syrup for a sweeter taste.  Add a dollop of plain greek yogurt for some probiotic goodness. 

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1 cup (6 oz) shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1/2 cup ground flax seed
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1/3 cup blackstrap molasses
• 1/3 cup natural crunchy peanut butter
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1 1/2 cups chopped dried fruit

Preparation Instructions

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2.  Line a 9 x 13 pan with aluminum foil leaving a bit of the foil hanging over the edges of the pan to create a 'sling' so you can lift the granola out of the pan once baked. Do not use wax paper which I found the hard way will stick to the granola. Spray the foil with olive oil or a non-stick cooking spray.

3.  Finely chop the almonds with 1/2 cup of the oats.

4.  Toss the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut together in a large bowl and then spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.

5.  Transfer this mixture back to the mixing bowl and stir in the flax seed, cinnamon, ginger and salt. 

6.  Add the dried fruit. I used cranberries, cherries, and blueberries. I also chopped the fruit into smaller pieces based on Kirby's preference.

7.  Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.

8.  Place the coconut oil, molasses, peanut butter, and vanilla in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat constantly stirring. Cook for about a minute and then slowly pour it over the toasted oatmeal mixture.

9.  Now you need to mix it all together until it's completely coated.  Using the side of a large stiff rubber spatula cut through the mix over and over while rotating the bowl. This breaks up all the clumps of moistened ingredients so that any remaining dry ingredients can be incorporated.

10.  Spoon into the prepared pan.  Oil or wet your hands and press the mixture down firmly.

11.  Bake for 25 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 250 degrees and bake for another 15 minutes until light golden brown.

12.  Remove from the oven and press down using a spatula. They’ll seem like they are too soft but they will set once completely cooled.

13.  Let them cool for about 20 minutes then remove from the pan using the foil sling as handles. Gently cut the bars or squares with a very sharp knife but don't separate them until them are fully cooled which will take 2 to 3 hours. If the bars seem crumbly, chilling them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes sometimes helps set the “glue”.

Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap as soon as possible so they don’t dry out and crumble. They will keep in the fridge or at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can place the wrapped bars in a large freezer bag and freeze.  They will thaw within an hour or so. I’m not sure how long they will keep in the freezer but I would think several months.

 Overall, the bars stayed together. I stored the crumbly bits in an airtight container in the fridge to toss over his dinners.

I couldn't help but smile at the story behind this next picture.  I was posing and taking pictures of Kirby with the finished granola bar when he started eating it.  I have to confess I enjoyed a few myself so we may be sharing.

Today we are excited to be celebrating the 2 Year Anniversary of the Tasty Tuesday Blog Hop sponsored by Sugar the Golden Retriever and Kol's Notes who had some special requests:  Create or review a treat containing the secret ingredient "fruit" and/or record a video showing what your dog(s) would do for a treat.

 I can't wait to check out the other blogs to see what they did! You can too - just click on the individual links...

With a total of 3,680 entries including 47 comments, 59 Likes, 84 tweets, and 17 shares By Nature is clearly a winner!  I'm so excited to announce three winners who will each receive a 17 lb bag of the Salmon, Ocean Fish & Yogurt dry dog food. 

Drum roll please....... 

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Entry #2031         Lenny Glickman 

Entry #1847         Julie Bolduc

Entry #2242        Danielle Murgia

results powered by Random.org 

Congratulations to each of you!  Watch for my email which you must respond to within 48 hours! 

Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter and spread the word. If Rafflecopter didn't pick your name you can still get any of the healthy By Nature dry and canned dinners at a great price online at Chewy.com

Kirby has several more giveaways coming up so be sure to check back! You could be our next winner!

Summertime means hot days and hanging out by the pool, lake or shore. A quick dip might be fun for your dog, but before you head for the local swimming hole, keep the following safety tips in mind.

Yes, there is a stroke called the dog paddle, but it isn't necessarily instinctive for your dog. Like people, some dogs are good swimmers and some aren't. And dogs do drown. So if this is your dog's first time swimming, start slow and in shallow water. Don't push him to go deeper until he's figured out how to swim properly.

Swimming pools present another problem. Even dogs that are great swimmers often can't figure out how to get out of a pool. Before you let your dog jump in a pool to cool off, you have to teach him how to get out of the pool safely. This involves showing your dog where the shallow end and the steps are. It may take several times to teach him where he needs to go, but be patient--he'll get the hang of it. If the pool doesn't have a shallow end and steps, don't let your dog swim in it. In any case, keep your dog away from the pool when you can't watch him.

Swimming in rivers and in the ocean present problems such as strong currents and undertows. If you're doing any swimming with your dog, consider putting a life vest on him that is made especially for canines. And if you're planning a rafting or canoe trip, use a life vest because a strong current or rapids can pull a dog under very quickly. Your dog might also benefit from rubber dog boots (available through pet supply catalogues and on the Internet) if the river or lake bottom has sharp rocks.

When you and your pooch are done swimming, it's time to shower--that means your dog too. Chlorine or salt water salt can make his coat a mess, so be sure to rinse him off well and use shampoo and conditioner on his coat just as you would on your hair. Use a special pH-balanced shampoo and conditioner for dogs so that you don't dry his hair out. If it's warm, you can let him air dry, or use towels or a hair dryer made for dogs. (Don't use human hair dryers--they can burn a dog's sensitive skin!)

Margaret H. Bonham, an award-winning writer and pet expert, has written several books on dogs, including The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pet Health and Nutrition and A Dog's Wisdom.

Chicken Stock

I'm sure most, if not all, of my fellow pet bloggers know how to make chicken stock so this is for our readers who may not realize how simple it is.  Most store brands contain onion powder, etc which are harmful for dogs. The only truly natural brand I have found is  Swanson Flavor Boost  which doesn't contain any added ingredients - no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, MSG, or most importantly onion. I use it in a pinch but usually I find that not only it's not only simple but it's also much cheaper to make it myself. 

Whenever I cook a chicken (boiled, baked, grilled, it doesn’t matter) or buy a rotisserie chicken, I save the skin and bones for the stock, including leftover meat from the dinner plates. I also use the gizzard, heart and neck if available.  I throw everything in a large freezer bag which I store in my freezer until I'm ready to cook up a batch.

Ingredients: 

• chicken, whole or precooked
• Veggies (optional)
• Seasonings (optional)

Preparation Instructions: 

1. Place leftover chicken bones and skin in a dutch oven or large pot and cover with water.  Most often I make pure chicken stock so I can add what I want when making a certain dish but you can add any chopped veggies or seasonings that are safe for dogs when you make your stock.  

2. Simmer on low heat letting some of the water boil off for at least 4-5 hours. Leave the pot covered but slightly ajar until the last half hour or so.

3. Strain the stock through a small mesh colander. The fat will rise to the top and harden so just skim it off before using. It can be stored in the refrigerator up to 48 hours but any longer and it should be frozen. 

Even easier is using your slow-cooker! Cover the bones and skin with cold water. Start on highest setting and bring to a boil. Then slow cook for at least five hours on high or overnight on low.  

I like to freeze the stock in small silicone molds or ice cube trays.  Once frozen I pop them out and place in zip lock freezer bags with the date written on the bag. Each cube contains 2 tablespoons or 1 ounce.  12 ice cubes equal roughly 1 cup.

Whenever I need some chicken stock for a meal, human or canine, or some treats I just grab a few cubes from the freezer and I'm good to go! Do you make your own chicken stock? What ingredients do you like to use?

A few simple steps on your part could mean more years of happy times with your dog. You are likely your dog’s primary health advocate, playing a critical role in your pet’s continued good health and long life.

Too often, illnesses and injuries that affect a dog’s health and even shorten its lifespan are easily preventable, say the experts. Yet it needn’t take great effort on your part to avoid these canine health problems. “That’s how most of life is,” says Dr. Tracy Dewhirst, a Knoxville, Tenn., veterinarian who writes regularly for The Knoxville News-Sentinel and Exceptional Canine. “We find ourselves in these predicaments sometimes when we could have easily done the right thing. Most of the common dog diseases can be avoided.”

Helping to Prevent Dog Illnesses

You can hopefully look forward to a number of years filled with games of fetch, rambles on the beach and other pleasures of dog companionship if you work to prevent these health problems, say Dewhirst and other veterinarians.

Heartworm

“Heartworm tops the list,” says Dr. Duffy Jones, owner of Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital in Atlanta. The heartworm is a parasite spread through the bite of mosquitoes. Heartworm disease, which affects the lungs and sometimes the heart, can be fatal if untreated. “Heartworm is such a devastating disease, and it can almost be totally prevented,” says Jones. Consistently administer a monthly preventative, such as Revolution, to protect your pooch, he advises. In the past, dog owners in cold-weather areas might not administer prevention during winter months. However, the disease is spreading, and it’s critical to treat your dog year-round. “Get the monthly Revolution and don’t worry about it,” he says.

GI Upset

Your dog’s upset tummy is likely preventable, according to Dr. Katy J. Nelson, a veterinarian who hosts a local pet show on a Washington, D.C., TV station. “Pets’ GI tracts are not equipped to handle all sorts of different protein and carbohydrate sources as ours are,” explains Nelson. “We routinely eat high-fat, high-protein or sugar-loaded foods, though they might not be the healthiest options. Our pets, however, are accustomed to a more controlled diet.” Even the smallest morsels of people food can lead to anything from diarrhea to pancreatitis in your dog. Limit your dog’s diet to canine food.

Diabetes

Nelson considers this debilitating illness to be the No. 1 preventable disease in veterinary medicine. “Obesity is the predisposing factor to this awful disease, and the way to avoid it is to keep your pets slim and trim,” she says. Practice portion control as you feed your dog, and provide regular exercise. Diabetes can lead to multiple health problems for your dog, such as heart and kidney problems. “Weight is a big thing that contributes to disease, and it’s one of the things that owners can directly have some control over,” advises Dewhirst.

Dental Disease

Your dog’s dental health has implications throughout its body, notes Nelson. “Dental disease has been linked to heart disease, kidney and liver disease and even some cancers,” she says. Brush your dog’s teeth regularly, and ask your veterinarian for advice if you’ve never done this before. Regular veterinary exams will let you know when your dog’s teeth need cleaning.

Injuries and Trauma

Too many emergency veterinary visits could be avoided, says Dewhirst. Make sure fencing is secure if your dog spends time outdoors, and use a restraint, such as a leash, on outings. Dewhirst sees many traumas caused by dogs being bitten by other animals or injured while chasing cars. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight will help prevent injuries, says Nelson. Don’t engage in bursts of activity (e.g., weekend warrior outings), but look for steady, frequent exercise opportunities.

Take practical steps to prevent illness, and you’ll reap the rewards for years to come, says Dewhirst. “Your dog will live into its geriatric years very healthy, mobile and happy.”

Kim Boatman is a journalist based in Northern California. She is also the managing editor of ExceptionalCanine.com. Boatman's work has appeared in The Miami Herald, the Detroit Free Press and the San Jose Mercury News. She is a lifelong lover of animals, and a frequent contributor to The Dog Daily.

My Dog's Name         Plato

Age Of My Dog          3 years old

Gender                      Male

Breed                        Dorkie

Home                        Natchez, MS, USA

What you love most about your Heart Dog   I love that Plato and I have this tremendous bond in that we are always looking out for each other and with each other. When I am sick, he is right beside me. When I come home in the afternoon or from a trip, he is there to greet me and he makes his way through the other doggies at our house because he wants to see his Mom-Mom -- and even when I am away, I call home and talk to Plato. He's my Heart -- so he should be a Heart Dog!

Pawrent                   Sharen Willis 

Is your dog a Heart Dog? Check out The Heart Dog Page to learn how to submit your furry canine to the pack.

Barkaritas

What's better on a hot Saturday afternoon or a sultry night after a long day at Mr. Job? A slushy, cold margarita! My favorite summer drink par none.  Kirby always seems a bit miffed because he can't have one too but, well, there's alcohol in it which is a big no-no for dogs.

Enter the Barkarita! Same slushy coldness but with a flavor a dog can appreciate and no alcohol.  Safe, tasty, and a healthy way to satisfy a hot, thirsty dog.

Ingredients: 

• frozen homemade chicken stock

Preparation Instructions: 

1.  Crush two frozen cubes of homemade chicken stock.

2.   Place in glass, er bowl and serve.

Cheers!  

Check out how to make homemade chicken stock in out Tips & Tricks Section. 

I'll just take a taste...

Actually this pretty good...

Yep, this hits the spot!

The folks at By Nature were so happy with the review that they asked if we wanted to host a giveaway too. This is a dog food I can highly recommend so to be able to share the flavor and healthy ingredients with our readers is a win-win situation so of course I said yes!  

When I say giveaway I do mean giveaway! Not a sample size, not even a small size, but a large 17 lb bag of tasty, healthy kibble! And not just one bag, not just two bags, but three bags!  Yep, you heard that right! Three winners will receive a 17 lb bag of the Salmon, Ocean Fish & Yogurt dry dog food!  

We use the Rafflecopter Widget for FAST and EASY ENTRY! The only required entry is to leave a comment here on this post and then enter that you did so in the widget. There are many OPTIONAL entry methods to give you additional chances to win so just choose the ones you want. All entry methods are subject to verification so please make sure you provide all required information or your entries won’t count!

This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents age 18+ and ends August 10, 2013.

Disclosure: By Nature Pets is providing the prizes to the winners. 

Visits to the acupuncturist and the chiropractor aren't just for humans anymore.

Interest in alternative health options for dogs has grown so much that the American Veterinary Medical Association now recognizes alternative medicine as a valid form of treatment, as do the 800-plus members of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association.  But what exactly are the options -- and when might they be right for your canine companion?

What's Available
According to, Michael Dym, DVM, a New Jersey-based veterinary homeopathy specialist, when vets talk about alternative health care, they're typically talking about the following:

• Acupuncture involves placing needles into the body's energy channels to relieve pain, increase blood flow, relieve muscle spasms, stimulate nerves and regulate the immune system. Though the prick of a needle may cause momentary discomfort, many animals become immediately relaxed, or even fall asleep, after the needles are in.
• Homeopathy is a system of medicine that looks at the patient's entire emotional and physical symptom history -- from the beginning of a dog's life onward -- as one illness. A sequence of herbal remedies is then prescribed over many months, or even years, to stimulate the body's ability to heal itself.
• Holistic medicine also focuses on stimulating the body's innate healing capabilities, but it does so by looking at -- and ultimately adjusting -- everything that is going onto or into your pet's body, such as diet, vaccinations and oral and topical pesticides, like heartworm and flea medications.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners do a physical exam to determine where there is too much heat or dampness in the body, indicating disease-causing blockages of chi, or energy. Based on their findings, they prescribe a course of herbs to restore the energy flow.
• Veterinary chiropractic is relatively new for dogs that have vertebrae out of alignment or other spinal problems. Treatment often is by hand or with a hand-held tool. Some dog chiropractors believe spine misalignment is linked to other problems, including ear infections, organ dysfunction and constipation.

When to Visit the Holistic Practitioner
"From puppyhood on," says Dym. "A holistic veterinarian can help you make the best choices for your dog from the beginning [of its life]."

The second best option is to visit an alternative practitioner as soon as your dog begins manifesting symptoms of a chronic illness (skin diseases and allergies being the most common of these for dogs, but any chronic or infectious symptoms that are not mechanical -- e.g. a malformed hip -- can be addressed with alternative treatments). What is key is to get an opinion from a holistic veterinarian before beginning any potentially long-term conventional treatment.

If you or your dog become unable to tolerate a conventional treatment, it is not too late to see an alternative practitioner, though what they can offer at that point may be limited. "I get a lot of visits from people at the end of their rope," says Dym. "After years of therapies, I'll tell them that I can improve their animal through supplements to help with the negative effects of the medications, but in some cases, by that point, the bodies are too sick to get healthy on their own. In those cases the patients may still need their medications to allow them to live comfortably." 

What to Expect From Alternative Treatment
While traditional practitioners will give your canine drugs to suppress its symptoms, a practitioner of alternative medicine will determine root causes, and prescribe dietary and lifestyle changes -- as well as possibly herbs, acupuncture or chiropractic treatments -- in order to eliminate the problem altogether. Says Dym, "Clients will spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on drugs to suppress symptoms, but these drugs are Band-Aids. They don't work at making the immune system stronger."

Once you and your pet have started an alternative treatment, a good deal of patience may be involved. "Treatment can last months, and improvement might not be immediately evident," explains Dym. "Before choosing, say, homeopathy and acupuncture, pet owners should become comfortable with the fact that medicine does not have to be about, for example, killing bacteria, but rather about helping the body be better able to withstand that bacteria." That understanding will enable a smoother treatment relationship between doctor and dog owner.

When to be Conventional
Alternative treatments, of course, are not always the best medicine. "You need conventional medicine when there are mechanical things, like malformed joints -- there are wonderful orthopedic treatments for dogs. Additionally, if there is too much pathology, or a condition requiring surgery, conventional medicine is also more viable, though homeopathy can help with the healing process," says Dym. Consult with your veterinarian, or a specialist, when in doubt as to whether an alternative treatment might be right for your pet's specific condition.

Darcy Lockman is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to The Dog Daily. Her work has appeared in The New York Times and Rolling Stone. She lives in Brooklyn with the prettiest pug dog in the five boroughs.

My Dog's Name         Marley

Age Of My Dog          2 years this October

Gender                      Male

Breed                        Dorkie

Home                        Milwaukie, Oregon

What you love most about your Heart Dog    He has such a gentle soul and gives us so much love and joy. He's also a clown who likes to make us laugh, and seems to understand every word we say. Since we'll both be 70 very soon, he's "our baby" and knows it.

Pawrents                  John and Kathleen Hall

Is your dog a Heart Dog? Check out The Heart Dog Page to learn how to submit your furry canine to the pack. 

My Dog's Name         Quincy

Age Of My Dog          7 months

Gender                       Male

Breed                         Teddy Bear

Home                          Middle Island, NY, USA

What you love most about your Heart Dog    Quincy was born the day after my heart attack. He is my angel.

 Pawrent                     Gene Mullen

Is your dog a Heart Dog? Check out The Heart Dog Page to learn how to submit your furry canine to the pack. 

Who is By Nature?

A small, family owned company located in Muscatine, Iowa who produce natural and organic pet foods for dogs and cats under the umbrella of the Kent Nutrition Group, Inc. at their plant in Arcade, New York.   By Nature believes in pawing it forward so they donate dog food to NEADS (Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans) and are the exclusive pet food supplier of Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Wellington, Florida.

The Product Line

The natural line consists of eight dry kibbles, four canned dinners, four 95% meat dinners, and dog biscuits in five flavors.  The organic line consists of one dry kibble and four canned dinners.

What are the ingredients? 

First, let's start with the ingredients not found. No wheat, soy, or corn which are known to cause allergies in many dogs.  I finally narrowed down my choice to the Natural Salmon, Ocean Fish & Yogurt Flavor kibble since Kirby is a fish monger.  I very much liked the ingredients listed:

 Ingredients: Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Ground Barley, Ground Oats, Ground Brown Rice, Herring Oil, Sunflower Oil, Yogurt, Flaxseed Meal, Tomato Pomace, Natural Flavors, Alfalfa Meal, Salt, Yeast Culture, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Blueberries, Cranberries, Dried Chicory Root, Raspberries, Turmeric, Niacin Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Selenium Yeast, Sodium Selenite, Rosemary Extract, Dried Yeast Fermentation Solubles.

What did Kirby think? 

I believe dogs need foods with a lot of moisture so Kirby only gets a small handful of kibble in the morning before I go to work.  To provide a proper review, he not only received a handful in the morning but also a small sprinkling as a topper on his evening meals.  Each time he ate every last morsel so I have to conclude he liked the flavors.  I know he appreciated the small size of the kibble which made it easier to chew. 

I am also happy to report he hasn't experienced any upset stomach and his poop has remained firm with low odor. 

Final Word

 Dog Food Advisor highly recommends this above average kibble with a 4 star rating while Whole Dog Journal lists this dog food on their Approved Dry Dog Food List for 2013.  

Disclosure:  We received this product to review and were not compensated in any other way.  Our opinions are solely based on our experience with the product which we approve. 

The walls are painted a blue I simply adore. I love a paint with a slight sheen which also makes it a snap to clean. Trust me when I say this blue isn't going anywhere!  Most designers would choose a wall color from the fabrics used in the room.  I, however, had to do this backwards so several years ago I purchased a beautiful full bed set including matching drapes.  At the time I loved the opuIence of the gold background with the small embroidered red and blue flowers but it soon grew to be too heavy of a feel in the room.  Almost a dreary, depressing look. I got rid of the bed set a year ago but couldn't figure out what to do with the window so I left it alone. 

I had been searching online for new curtains of and on for some time but I couldn't find a delicate pattern or I couldn't find the right blue or I couldn't afford the price when I found something I liked.  One day I came across a blog demonstrating how to add shirring to drop cloths for an inexpensive yet elegant pleated look.  I decided that was what I would do except when I went to purchase the drop cloths they were all a dingy off-white or brown color.  I checked Lowe's, Wal-Mart, and even Home Depot when we traveled to Atlanta a few weeks ago. So much for that idea!

Then I stumbled across a husband/wife blog called Young House Love and found my inspiration. If you haven't discovered this blog, you really need to check it out.  They recommended Ikea curtains for their beauty, durability, and ease of care meaning machine washable. Another huge plus is that these curtains run 98 1/2 inches long so they can be hung from the ceiling to floor. I purchased the Vivan Curtains for only $9.99 per pair. I purchased two because I wanted the softness of a panel in the center of the window. They can be hung on a curtain rod through the hidden tabs or with rings and hooks or use the heading tape to create pleats. What's not to love?

These curtains allow light in which is really too sheer for me in the bedroom so I needed a layer behind them. This couple likes using bamboo blinds in their window treatments but I just didn't think they would make me all that happy so I decided to keep my roman shades for now.  Imagine my excitement when I came across 2" faux wooden blinds at Wal-Mart of all places.  I could visualize my beautiful window and best of all my check book immediately said "oh yes you can"! 

I went home and measured my windows which are actually one large window with an attached wooden divider in the center.  Friday I stopped by Wal-Mart after work and bought two.  That night I was so excited I immediately took down the ugly window treatment, opened the first box and prepared to install it.  Grrrrr.  My pathetic woman's drill couldn't force the first screw into the window frame.  Is this why we need husbands?   Furious I hung the wrinkled curtains and called it a day.

The bare window

The next day Doug came to my rescue.  He brought his drill and voila! He did have to use a handsaw to trim a slither from one end of the blinds but they were both up in record time.  Absolutely gorgeous!

The new faux wood blinds

Next I washed the curtains to allow any shrinkage before hemming.  Once they were dry I hung them back up and marked where they needed to be hemmed. This part was quick and easy since i used Heat N Bond no sew tape rather than the sewing machine. Easy peasy!   

A quick press of the iron and my curtains were ready to be hung.  I just love the new look - feminine, fresh and breezy. Now about those gold colored lamps...

A beautiful framed view of our backyard

Plenty of privacy when closed

Do you have a less than attractive window just begging for a re-do?   

A day spent unleashing your dog's inner Lassie is also a great way to share some quality time with your children. Although it does depend a little on the breed of your dog and its temperament, most canines can be taught a new trick in less than a day. The process of teaching your pooch fun tricks can also be an excellent bonding moment between all parties involved: parent, dog and kids, alike.

What You Will Need

• Treats
• Leash or training collar
• Quiet location with few distractions
• Patience

Sit

If you've already taught your dog to master the necessities, like using a PetSafe pet door to go potty, the next thing you and your children need to work on with your dog is the command for sit. It is the basic first step for almost every other trick. Start by gently pushing on your dog's rear end, while saying, "Sit" in a firm voice. When his bottom touches the ground, you should praise him enthusiastically and give him a treat, advises well-known dog trainer Cesar Millan. After a moment, ask your canine to stand and then repeat the process.

After a few minutes, allow your dog to take a break. When you start the lesson again, don't be surprised if he seems to have forgotten what he has learned at first. Typically, most dogs will remember how to do the trick after a few false starts. If your dog is not picking up on it at all, sportdog.com suggests incorporating a training collar with adjustable correction levels for better results.

Once your dog seems to be sitting on command, ask your children if they want to try to ask the dog to perform the trick. Tell them that your dog will need to hear the command as close to the way you said it as possible. Your canine, of course, may or may not respond at first. If he doesn't, talk to your children about patience and why it is important not to get frustrated with the dog.

Most children are very excited and delighted the first time a dog responds to their command. They may want to do the trick over and over again or they may start shouting the command because they are so thrilled with their accomplishment, so you will have to reinforce to them what you have taught them. In some instances, you may be spending as much time training your children as you are teaching your pup.

Shake Hands

Once your pup has learned to sit, you can move onto "shake hands." However, it is best not to teach more than one trick to your dog at the same time. So give him a day or two off before starting with the new command. For "shake hands," start by having your dog sit, then gently pick up his paw with one hand while saying, "Shake hands" and extending your other hand. Place his paw in your hand, praise him enthusiastically, and then repeat the process. The ASPCA stresses that it is always important to keep dog training sessions short.

High Five

Once your dog has picked up "shake hands," set him up as if you were about to ask him to shake hands. In the same tone as you would say "Shake hands," instead say, "High five" and raise your hand. Your dog will probably be confused at first. If he is, flip your hand like you were asking him to shake hands and repeat, "High five." Often that will help the dog understand, and he will touch your hand. Try again until your dog understands that you want him to touch your hand at the higher position. After a while, your dog will understand that the raised hand means high five and the lower hand means shake hands.

 About the Author: Dylan is a musician and writer from Albuquerque, N.M.

Chicken Liver Meatballs

Chicken livers are an excellent source of high quality protein and a rich source of Vitamins A, D and virtually all of the B vitamins. They are also relatively inexpensive so stock up and bake these easy meatballs.  I save a lot of time when making meatballs by using a cookie dough scoop.  They may not be perfectly round but Kirby doesn't seem to mind. 

Ingredients:

• 1.37  lb chicken livers*
• 1 green pepper, finely chopped
• 1 cup spinach, finely chopped
• 2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. light olive oil
• 1/4 cup parsley
• 1 egg
• 1/4 tsp. sea salt
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp. ground egg shell
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup coconut flour

Preparation Instructions:

1.  Rinse and pat dry the chicken livers. Heat the olive oil in a medium size pan and saute the green pepper and spinach over medium heat.

2.  Add the garlic powder and chicken livers.  Cook until the outsides are a light brown.  Remove from heat and let cool.

3. Puree the cooked mixture in a blender and pour into a medium size bowl.  Add remaining ingredients and thoroughly combine.

4. Add more flour if needed to form small meatballs.  Coconut flour absorbs a lot of moisture so if using a different flour use only 1/3 cup. 

5. Place on lined baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes until crispy and browned. 

* Chicken livers are sold in small tubs ranging in weight. The one I used happened to weigh 1.37 lbs. Whatever size you get can be adjusted by the amount of flour.    

These will last covered in the refrigerator for about 4 to 5 days or in the freezer for several months.  Kirby likes them warmed for 30 seconds in the microwave. 

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I remember I need to pick up some laundry detergent as I realize Wal-Mart is just down the street.  Noticing the parking lot is half empty I rationalize it won't take more than ten minutes to run inside.  I'm lucky enough to find a parking spot close to the front door.  It's a warm 85 degrees so I crack all the windows about three inches and tell Kirby I'll be right back. He whimpers a bit but understands he has to stay behind.

I walk quickly into the store to the back where the laundry detergent is. As I'm walking back I notice the cutest little doggie shirt hanging on a nearby aisle.  It's in his signature blue color so I stop to search for his size.  I also notice a really fun toy he would love so I grab it too.

In that ten minutes the temperature in the car has risen to 102 degrees. Kirby's body temperature has also risen causing him to drool and pant heavily as he breathes in the hot air. It’s slowly becoming more difficult for him to breathe as his blood begins to start clotting.

On my way to the register at the front I run into a friend so we chat for just a few minutes then I tell her I have to go cos Kirby is waiting in the car.  I get to the registers which, as usual, have long lines.  I get in the shortest line and wait.

Ten more minutes has allowed the temperature in the car to now reach 120 degrees. Both Kirby's heart rate and respiratory rate have risen as his body desperately pumps blood to his internal organs. He is feeling weak and dizzy. He begins to vomit and has bloody diarrhea. He is now beginning to go into shock.

Finally I reach the register and pay for my purchases.  It took a little longer than I thought but I figure Kirby won't be angry with me when he sees the fun toy I jut got him. 

Kirby's internal organs are now starting to cook causing him to have convulsions. In a panic he begins jumping around in his car seat searching for a way out.  Fluid begins to fill his lungs as he begins gasping for air. Finally he slumps into his car seat as his body shuts down. Filled with pain and fear, he drifts into a coma.

I finally return to my car to find his lifeless body. In my hand is the bag containing the laundry detergent I needed, the really cute shirt, and the fun toy.

This was just a dramatization but I really want to get the message across because so many good owners have lost their loved dogs just like this. No one ever said I'll be right back and meant I hope you die.

It's summer which means hot weather.  So many people love to take their dogs with them when running errands or visiting friends.  We take Kirby with us as often as we can but we leave him home when we know it's safer for him.   

Whenever we travel with Kirby and want to do a little shopping, we tag team which means one goes in while the other stays with him.  It makes for a longer trip but we know he is safe. No inanimate object would ever be worth his life. If I'm alone with Kirby then we only go through the drive-thru or stop at stores he is allowed in.  It's that simple.

It's time for Blog The Change, a quarterly blog hop where we write a post about a cause near and dear to our hearts.  I usually write about fostering rescue dogs but with the weather heating up I wanted to talk about dogs and hot cars.  Too often I hear about a dog who has died in a locked car.  The owners are always devastated because they are good owners who dearly love their dogs.  I don't think it's murder, I think it's negligence from a lack of common sense.  So we must spread the word so all dog owners realize the dangers a locked car on a hot day can and will become. 

My Dog's Name          Calvin

Age Of My Dog          15 weeks

Gender                        Male

Breed                          Dorkie

Home                          Arlington, SD

What you love most about your Heart Dog     We LoVe EVERYTHING about Calvin.  Especially his cuddles & kisses.

Pawrents                    Lance Erin & Damon Larsen

Is your dog a Heart Dog? Check out The Heart Dog Page to learn how to submit your furry canine to the pack.