Re-thinking Your Back Yard in a Pet-friendly Way
Mouth-watering Recipes for Fido & Fluffy
My Two Inspiring Pets

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Re-thinking Your Back Yard in a Pet-friendly Way

Some of you have just adopted a dog...hopefully from one of our wonderful shelters. Other pet owners may be considering some new land-scaping either as a direct result of fires or rainstorms here in Southern California, or are just considering updating the yard in general.We have multiple microclimates and geographical terrains here in San Diego and not all instructions are generally applicable. I would suggest before doing any new planting in your area that you call the Master Gardeners Association of San Diego County. They have a hotline number at (858) 694-2860 [also www.mastergardenerssandiego.org] and will be able to provide the latest information on your specific area.As for your new pooch, basic necessities for his safety and comfort include: good fencing, shady spots to lie in, shelter from the elements [unless you have a doggie door] and a good location for plenty of fresh water and food safe from insects...and dont forget toys! Checking out your dogs habit patterns can make the layout an easier solution. As you begin to think where everything should go, it would also be a good idea to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Where does Poochie like to sleep when hes outside?
2. Where is his favorite shady spot?
3. Where is he starting to make paths in the yard? This usually involves a border near the fence... is this area dangerous to your pet or plants?
4. Is he starting to dig or tear up the yard in general...or just certain spots?

Mouth-Watering Recipes for Fido & Fluffy

"Precious, Precious Kitty" Cat Treats

Ingredients:

1 12-oz can salmon with liquid
1 egg (free range)
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup instant oatmeal, ground in Cuisinart™*

Directions:

Combine the salmon and egg in a Cuisinart™ and mix until smooth. Add the oatmeal and blend well. Spray cooking spray on a 9-by-13-inch pan and spread the mixture in the pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Cool, then cut into bite-sized squares. Store in the freezer. Makes about 24 treats.

Note: Seafood fork and crystal feeding dish are optional, but your cat may appreciate it.

*Blender can be substituted for Cuisinart™

Pavlovs Meat Loaf - Youll Have ‘em Droolin for More! -

Ingredients:

1 lb ground turkey 1 egg
3/4 cup rolled oats 1/4 cup 2 percent milk
3 oz tomato sauce 1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 garlic clove, minced 2 tbsps canine supplement*

Directions:

Combine all ingredients. Mix well. Pack into 4 small loaf pans. Bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Makes 4 small loaves.

Note: One loaf will feed a 25-pound dog and is equal to one-half can of dog food. For normal-sized dogs, this would be considered a dog treat, not dinner.

*Powdered canine supplements are available at most natural pet food stores.

My Two Inspiring Pets

My husband was a firefighter in Pomona, CA. He was a Battalion Chief. In 1999 he was killed in the line of duty in an airplane accident, going to a coordinator’s meeting in Sacramento, CA. He was going to hit bad weather, so he landed in Bakersfield. He called me and told me he was going to wait for better weather. He waited three hours and decided to fly home. He hit bad weather in Gorman, CA, and flew his plane into a mountain at 140mph.

I was in an electric wheelchair at the time, because of a neck injury I had. I was contacted at 1AM in the morning that he had been killed and was in the LA morgue. I was absolutely devastated. I called my son and he went and got my Mother. How was I going to manage without him, and my being in a wheelchair forever didn't help. I couldn't work because I was permanently disabled.

My Mother stayed with me for a week. It really set in when she woke-up the following morning and said to me, "Carla, you're a widow now". I truly realized I was all alone in this difficult world.

My Husband's Dalmatian’s name was named Boot, like a recruit on the fire department. He rode on the ladder trucks when he went on calls. He was devoted to my husband, and he loved me too. Well, I was determined to get out of that wheelchair and walk again, by any means possible. I went to a new neurosurgeon and he said, "Carla, I think I can get you out of that chair some of the time". I was filled with joy and a new determination came over me. He sent me to Casa Colina, one of the best rehab. facilities in the state. They put me in braces up to my knees and I used a long walking stick, and by golly, I learned to walk with them. I used them for two years. Mean while, I still had my faithful dog Boot.

After two years, I developed a knot in my heal and went to a bone specialist, and he told me I had to get out of the braces and back in my wheelchair or I would distroy the bones in my ankles. I came home and threw my braces in the trash and walked with that stick and fell down a lot. I didn't tell you that if I fell and hit my head, my neck would break and I would die. I always fell on my bottom. I think God was protecting me. After several months, I started walking without my stick.

Today, I walk really well, and am starting a part-time pet- sitting business. But, alas, I had to consider putting down my dog, Boot, because he had arthritis so bad he was falling down a lot and was 14 1/2 yrs old.

I decided to get a yellow lab. His name is Joshua and he is the light of my life. We are totally bonded to each other, and he is my best friend. I trained him both in a novice class and in an intermediate class, and he won first place in one event and second in another. I walk him and play ball with him every day. I taught him how to fetch. He loves his children's swimming pool and just plain loves water.

I still miss my beloved husband of 23 yrs., but I'm content and happy now. God has been good to me. I have had two inspiring pets, so I am a lucky person.

Carla Murray,
Murray's Wet Nose Pet Sitting,
July 2007