Exciting News Revealed!

In my last post, I teased the exciting news John & I wanted to share. Well, here it is without further ado.

John & I adopted another puppy! Her name is Lana Lane and she is (now) 4 months old.

She is a lab/Yoda mix. Look at those ears!


If you're my mother, you might be wondering why we decided to adopt another dog. Well, here's the breakdown of our thought process.

First, we got Boyboy because we wanted a dog. Dogs are cute and they extend your life. Plus, we wanted an excuse to exercise daily. We found Boyboy who was old enough to be house trained and was chill enough to walk on a leash and not chase after cats. Perfect.

Second, we got Belle because we thought that Boyboy was lonely at home by himself when we were at work. Yeah, he was only alone for 4 hours but still. We didn't want him being depressed. So we got Belle who was 5 years younger and more active. Plus! She'd make him play and they would tire each other out.

Well, then we saw that Belle wasn't getting as much exercise as she needed because Boyboy is old and gets tired. We wanted a puppy for Belle. Someone who could match her energy level. Belle and the puppy could play and Boyboy could join them whenever he wasn't tired.

Well, we went to the Humane Society just looking at the dogs & puppies. We weren't even looking to bring one home. But then we went to the puppy house and we started playing with the puppies. We played with two other puppies before we chose Lana. She was actually outside by herself while they were cleaning her cage. We saw her running around the outside kennel and knew that she was perfect.

We played with her outside and we fell in love.


We brought her home.


I'd like to say that Boyboy & Belle fell instantly in love with her like we did...but that simply isn't the case. I've learned a lot from Lana that neither Boyboy or Belle had taught me. Puppies are a whole 'nother animal.


But we're three weeks in now and things are starting to go smoothly. Now there is love all around.

Easy Pet-Parenting with IAMS & Target

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #1StopPetShop #CollectiveBias

Before we got Boyboy last year, I had never had a pet dog in my life. Goldfish and birds? Yes. A dog? No.

But John had been wanting a dog and I always loved their little doggie faces. So when we went to our local pound and found him, we instantly fell in love.

He was house-trained, knew how to walk on a leash, and loved just lounging around the house. But we thought that he was bored without a companion so we went and got Belle a few months later.

She's five years younger than Boyboy and it shows! She loves running around the yard, chasing after squirrels, and her loyalty to us is obvious.


John and I love them both to bits. I can't believe it took me over 20 years to finally get a dog. But John can tell you that I was hesitant at first to make such a commitment.

I was scared that caring for dogs would be a lot of work.

And at first it kind of was. We'd get their food at one store, their leash at another. Do they like these snacks or those?

But then I discovered the pet aisle at Target.

*cue angels singing*

And it instantly became easier. I was able to find Belle the perfect pink collar and Boyboy an orange one to match his fur. I realized that I could pick up some IAMS treats while running to get toothpaste. We ran out of milk at the same time the babies ran out of dog food? No problem I can pick up some milk and dog food too.

At first, we got whatever dog food was cheap. But then I heard that IAMS offers Healthy Naturals & Grain Free Naturals.

Just like humans, dogs need a healthy balanced diet that goes along with their age, needs, and lifestyle. The fact that IAMS offers so many different kinds of dry dog food was a big help. Both of our doggies are adults but I like knowing that in a few years, when Boyboy becomes an old man, we can buy two different types and both of our babies will still be getting everything they need which makes IAMS a lifelong brand.

IAMS also makes healthy dog treats which we use to train our dogs and to supplement their meals. They love them! We use the small treats.

Once we figured out that Target not only had IAMS Naturals and pet toys, and pet accessories, and even pet costumes - having two dogs became a breeze.

Well maybe not a breeze but breezier.

If you're looking to try out IAMS and its many treats, wet food, and dry food -- for dogs & cats -- snag these coupons on Target's Cartwheel app!

10% off IAMS dog (wet or dry). - Expires 7/25/15

10% off IAMS dry cat food.  - Expires 7/11/15

5% off IAMS wet cat food.  - Expires 7/11/15

So, what tools do you use to make having a pet easier? What are some of your favorite pet-parenting stories? 

Liver & Mashed Potato Dog Cake

I mentioned in my last post about our furbabies birthday that my Mum had found a recipe that I used in part to make our dog cake. Well, here is how I made this totally delicious (to dogs anyway) liver and mashed potato cake.


For the cake you'll need: one and a half pounds of liver, two eggs, and a half cup of flour. I used all purpose but you can use whole wheat or whatever you have lying around.

We found that blanching the liver really helps the stinkiness of it when it bakes. Your kitchen will still smell funny but nowhere near as bad as if you didn't blanch it at all.

When you first add the liver, the blood will turn the water red. I take the liver out when the water turns from red to murky which will just depend on how much liver you bought or your stove settings.

You can see the water is no longer red but is murky with foam. 

Drain your liver.

You can see that some pieces are still not cooked but we'll be throwing it in the oven so it's okay if not everything is ready yet.

To a food processor add your liver, eggs, and flour.

Then pulse until everything is incorporated and the liver is in small chunks.

Add your mix to a 13x9 jellyroll pan lined with parchment or silicon. Bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven for about 15 minutes.

While that's cooling I made my instant mashed potatoes. I ended up using about two cups.

When the liver is cooled, cut it into four rectangles - these will be the layers in the cake.

Add the first layer to your platter and put some mashed potatoes on top, like you would frosting. Continue adding the liver and potatoes in layers until you have liver on top.

I rolled my mashed potatoes in between two sheets of plastic wrap to get it looking like a nice, smooth fondant but you can just scoop and frost it like a normal cake.

Crush your dog's favorite doggie treats and sprinkle on top. Voila! Great looking & great tasting dog cake.






This recipe is based off of: Diabetic Dog Treats from AllRecipes.com

Liver & Mashed Potato Dog Cake

Ingredients
For Cake

• 1.5 lbs Liver
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 flour

For "Frosting"

• 2 cups instant mashed potatoes

For Topping

• 3 Beggin' Strips or your dog's favorite treat

Cooking Directions

1. Take all of your liver and blanch it in boiling water. Leave it for a few minutes. I take the liver out when the water turns from bloody to murky.
2. Strain the water. Some pieces of liver may not be fully cooked and that's okay.
3. Using a blender or a food processor add the liver, eggs, and flour. Pulse until everything is incorporated and the liver is in small pieces.
4. Spread the mixture onto a 13x9 inch pan lined with parchment.
5. Bake in a preheated 375F degree oven for about 15 minutes.
6. While it's cooling make your potatoes according to box instructions. Reserve half for the top frosting. 
7. When the liver treats are cool cut them to make four rectangles.
8. Place your first "layer" of liver on your plate and add some mashed potatoes on top, spreading it like you would frosting on a cake. You don't need a lot, just enough to ensure that the next layer will stay on top. 
9. Place the next layer of liver and add more mashed potatoes on top. Do this until you have all four layers of liver.
10. Reserving one cup of mashed potatoes, put them in between two layers of plastic wrap and using a rolling pin or can, smooth out the potatoes into a rectangle a little bit longer than your liver cake.
11. Take one plastic sheet off and using a cookie sheet, plate, or whatever you have around flip the potatoes onto the liver cake. You should end up with the plastic wrap on top to help you smooth out any lumps or bumps.
12. Lastly, crumble up your Beggin' Strips or whatever treat your dog likes and sprinkle on top.

Happy Birthday Babies!

When we adopted Belle we were surprised to find that she and Boyboy celebrated a birthday only a few days (and 4 years) apart. This excited me because when the time came around I would be able to throw them both a cute little doggie party.

And doggie party it was.

I wanted to make them  a doggie cake but neither one really likes their fruits or vegetables, even in dog-approved treats. Carrots and carob? Forget it. Apples and pumpkin? No way. Our doggies like meatmeatmeat.

Mum had found a dog treats recipe a while back on All Recipes. We've been whipping some up ever since. They LOVE them. They go absolutely crazy for them. When John takes Belle to her obedience classes he uses them as her special treats. I figured that this would be the best way to make their cake since

1) I already know they like it and
2) it only has three ingredients.

I think it came out pretty great, if I do say so myself. If you want to make this cake - just click here! to be taken to the recipe.

Don't worry - they didn't eat it all in one sitting!

You can find out how I made this cake by clicking here! 

At the Dollar Store I happened upon some fun party hats and a cute princess tiara for Belle. She loves anything pink & bright. Seriously. Only my brightly colored clothes are ever in danger of being eaten. She leaves John's drab clothing alone. She just wants to be ohsopretty. I totally get it.

She's so dark I have to tweak all the camera settings just so you can see her. 

I may have gone a little overboard. But they are just too cute and we love them so much.

Happy 2nd Birthday to Belle and Happy 7th Birthday to Boyboy!

Another Addition to our Family!

John and I have been loving our Boyboy since we adopted him on April Fools.

This is what he looks like when he hogs the bed. 

He's super chill, literally plopping himself down onto the floor whenever he gets tired or bored. He barks like mad at the postlady, any big truck like UPS or FedEx, and completely ignores the annoying kids who lives next door whenever they call him to play.

He's basically my hero.

He's about 6 years old and though technically over-the-hill he loves going on walks and running around chasing squirrels and small cats. (He doesn't chase big cats.)

I try to walk him every morning before it gets too hot out. We leave around 9 and make our way home about an hour later. Even at this time of morning the sun beats down, so Boyboy has found a way to cool himself before heading back to the car.

Though John and I work at different times and different days we felt bad about leaving Boyboy alone at home.

So last week we decided to visit our Humane Society and take a look around at the dogs. And wouldn't you know it, we fell in love.

Go check out their dogs for adoption! 

We walked through their dog kennels to see if we could find one we liked. At first we found this huge, super nice German Sherpard but when we introduced him to Boyboy, he tried to be all dominate and manly, snapping and growling.

So next we came across Maribelle.

When we saw her, she was sitting straight up looking out into the window as we pressed our faces against it. Her ears were perking up and drooping as we moved and we could tell she was just really happy and active.

We took her out and brought Boyboy along to make sure that they would get along. Since Boyboy is so cool and not at all aggressive we were able to see that they would get along right off. She started giving him kisses and trying to get him to play. He seemed a bit annoyed with her effusiveness at first but then they went off to scamper.

So we decided to bring her home.

I know I cut off John's head but she just wouldn't stay still! 

She's still getting used to the way things work at our house. She's not very good on a leash and she's young so she's very active. She was found on the street and since it took us twenty minutes to show her how to get into the house we think it's safe to say she's never been an indoor dog.  But she's definitely adjusting to her lavish lifestyle.

She's so cute even if she does drool on the bed. 

She's grown on Boyboy who's showed her where to poop, how to get into the house, and how to jump onto the bed. We'll catch them playing in the yard with toys or running around trying to catch each other.

They are perfect and awesome and we love them!

Boyboy Had a Bone

It's been a little over a week since John and I got Noah but we decided to change his name to Boyboy. Animal Care Services said that his name was Noah but we'd call him over and he seemed to get confused. So we'd say "Come here, Noah" and he'd start to walk over and then stop since he understands the word "no". At first we couldn't decide what to name him so we'd say "Come here, boy," or "Good boy," and eventually we just capitalized it.

Anyway, I absolutely love him and am convinced he is the smartest dog to ever walk on four legs.

I walk him every day either at the small park by our house or the trails that connect downtown to the Missions. On the weekends, John and I walk him together. I feel a lot healthier even though I don't usually run and break a sweat with him. I also feel more accomplished because I wake up early to ensure that we don't end up walking in the glaringly hot noon-day sun.

But when we do, it's okay because he loves snow cones. 

I've already learned so much about myself now that I am a dog person.

For instance when walking Boyboy on his leash it is not important that I'm completely out of shape or that I have the knees of an 80 year old -- I will run so that he can still run, even faster in front of me. His waggy tail and swaying butt make my heart attack worth his smiley, drooling, happy face.

I also bought him the cutest little armadillo stuffed animal. I had no idea that they even made stuffed animals for dogs but once I saw it, I had to have it...I mean I had to get it for him. He loves it. John will throw it and he'll chase after it and then try to tear the poor little armadillo's legs off. It's the sweetest.

I've always had to deal with my hair coming out in the shower, when I make a pony tail, when I take my pony tail down, when I brush my hair...basically anytime I mess with it but it's totally weird having to get used to fluffy, white, fur balls all over the place that are not my own. Boyboy loves his belly rubbed and all you need is one pass over it to see your hand covered in his long white fur. His fur gets stuck in our grass and makes little furball tumble weeds that float across the driveway when a wind blows.



I've also become very irrationally protective of him. If, at the park or down the street, another dog barks at him or tries to nip him I get all crazy-eyes and hate stare them down as if they understand what I'm doing. Boyboy just keeps on walking and doesn't even give them the time of day. He's so much more mature than I am.

So basically he's the best dog ever! I'm so glad that we found him at the shelter and decided to take him home with us.

Call Me Mommy

I have been busy with work, life, and house-cleaning/working/organizing so I haven't had the chance to type up a proper blog post.

But yesterday John and I had a major life-changing moment. We'd been discussing it for a while and finally decided it was time to take the plunge.


And get a dog!!!!

We went to Animal Care Services on Monday and looked at all the dogs they had there. We fell in love with some German Shepard puppies because they were all fluffy and tiny but ultimately decided that puppies would be a bit too much to take on.



So then we found a 2 year old German Shepard/Horse blend. He was huge!!! But very friendly so we took him out on a walk. Well...John took him out on a walk. And he was so energetic! Running every which way and trying to chase the other dogs that were being walked. We thought that he might be too rambunctious so we decided to take out Noah, a 6 year old, Border Collie blend.

And he was the sweetest thing ever! He was so well behaved. He didn't chase any cats or other dogs and he seemed to know sit, stay, and what a leash was.

We decided that he would be perfect for us. So we went back on Tuesday to fill out all the paperwork and we brought him home later that day.

Well we actually went to my mum's house first and she loved him too. He loved her big backyard and he liked that we were all sitting outside petting him.

He also loved when John would throw and try to get his stuffed armadillo. Yes, I bought my big, old dog a puppy toy but it was too cute!

He's the perfect mix of fun-loving and energetic mixed with let-me-guzzle-some-water-and-rest-a-minute.



So even though Noah can't CALL me mommy, I am going to consider myself one.