Weekend Visitor, Frozen Yogurt, and Strange Odors

I had a guest this weekend. Intimate dinners, we snuggled, we walked in the park together, and I got A LOT of kisses.

And he shed all over my couch.

That's right, I got to take Murphy for the weekend.

It was a blast. I spoiled him. Like last night, we ate tater tots and watched kung-fu movies. He passed out during the second one, head in my lap, drooling on my leg. I also made pooter doodles (more about these later) and frozen yogurt. We also spent some time at the park on Saturday, chasing after squirrels and scoping out chicks. He had his eye on this one weimaraner but never had an opening. Doesn't matter anyway, since his more suspicious parts were removed years ago. Other than that, he spent most of the remainder passed out, having puppy dreams. I don't know if it was normal, the pure exhaustion he had, or just the change in scenery. But it seemed like every time he fell asleep he was dreaming up a storm.

My decision hasn't changed, though. And before you ask, I haven't heard back yet about Shadow. I do wish I could have both. But that's not feasible.

The choice did get a little shaky at times, especially when he would look at me with those big brown eyes and goofy grin.


So about the Pooter Doodles. They are treats that I developed when I was training Murphy years ago. He's motivated by his stomach. Anyway, I tried out various recipes (with very enthusiastic test tasters), and came up with one of my own. Not to pat myself on the back, but I have never met a pooch yet that would not voluntarily gnaw off his own leg for one. It's like crack for dogs.

I've posted the recipe below, but before you read it know that it's not very appetizing to make, cook, or even smell. You have been warned. But anyone that makes these will reap the rewards. These are treats made by people that spoil their dogs (or are on a diet and want to lose their appetite). If anyone wants to make these commercially, feel free to, as long as you send me a truckload of money.

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POOTER DOODLES

Ten Things You should Know...
1. They smell. Be prepared.
2. Save yourself the agony and buy cheap disposable baking sheets.
3. If at all possible, make them in someone else's kitchen.
4. Someone you don't like.
5. In another state.
6. Monitor your dog's whereabouts while cooling. They WILL disappear.
7. They smell.
8. Cool completely before storing.
9. Once you make these, you might have to keep making them for the junkies you've created.
10. They smell.

Ingredients
1 lb raw chicken livers
1 6oz can boneless salmon
1 pkg cornbread mix (this is easier than from scratch. I prefer Jiffy)
~2 c quick oats
1 egg, beaten
1/4 c olive oil
1/2 c peanut butter
1/4 c honey
1/2 t garlic powder

Preheat the oven to 375°

Liquefy the liver in a food processor (Not for the faint at heart or weak of stomach). Combine all ingredients except for the oats. Add half the oats, mixing well. Slowly add the rest until you get the consistency of a thick, wet paste.

You have 2 options here:
The best way: using a piping bag, drop about 1/2 t onto an non-greased baking sheet, about an inch apart. Bake for 20-25 min.

The easy way: Spread the mixture evenly onto an non-greased baking sheet. On a standard 11X14, it should only be about 1/4'-1/2' thick. Bake 25-30 min. When you pull them out, cut into 1/2' squares.

They're done when they appear dry and no pink remains. Don't worry too much about overcooking.

Let cool for at least an hour. Makes about 3 million. Light a candle.

They keep for about a week at room temperature, so I separate the batch into 4, freeze 3 of them, and thaw them out as needed.


Now go and treat the doggies!