Puppy Love

There's just something about puppies. All my life, I have had dogs - my first was a beautiful German Shepard who was larger than life. Eventually we took in a beautiful Lab mix and a feisty Cocker Spaniel that rounded out our family perfectly. But my heart has always belonged to Labs. Labeled as the wildest of puppies, Labs become some of the best dogs - loyal and smart, affectionate and great with children.

Naturally, as an adult I found myself in need (yes, I said need) of a black lab. My husband and I watched as our sons grew up with our dogs, their protectors. Playtime was one of my favorites - as I watched little boys run through the grass playing fetch with our two four legged friends. I watched them learn kindness, learn to respect and most of all learn to love. As we all know, our four legged friends are never with us long enough, and when that time came for us, I watched my children with angst as they said goodbye to their beloved friends.

The joy came again when it came time for us to bring another furry friend home. A beautiful golden girl found her way into our lives - sweet and cuddly, warm and fuzzy. She became the princess of our house and so adored. Joined later on by yet another lab and together these two lent new meaning to spoiled. We lived by the rule of "if you love a dog, spoil a dog." Fancy treats became a favorite in our household - and with a mixer and some imagination, the options are limitless.

One of our very favorites are Peanut Butter dog bones. Our Bella just has to hear the pantry door opening and the peanut butter jar opening, and she comes running!

Dog Bones 

 

1 cup crunchy peanut butter

1 large egg

1/4 cup honey

1 cup oats

2 cups whole wheat flour

1/3 cup oil

1/3 cup water

Icing
4 squares white almond bark
1 teaspoon oil
assorted sprinkles

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. In mixer, combine ingredients beating until stiff dough forms. Pat out dough into a rectangle, about 1 inch in depth. Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter - my favorite of course, is the dog bone. Bake 30 minutes, flipping after 15 minutes. Let cool completely.

To decorate, melt almond bark with oil in microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir every 30 seconds or so. Color melted almond bark if desired. Decorate after dipping, and let set for at least 30 minutes.

Since there are no preservatives, make sure your biscuits are completely dry before storing them in an airtight container.

'til next time.......