Spring Has Sprung

This is such a beautiful time of year! It's a great chance for children and their dogs to get outside and have some fun--it will be good for both of them. During the winter months, it's hard to let the kids outside ever day. These pretty days, however, allow for exercie that is so important for everyone. Grab a leash, some shades, and your dog--then hit the trail or sidewalk! I know that it will be super fun for everyone. Scout...

Fun Spring Break Snack

Spring break is just around the corner, and those little ones will be hungry all day. It is not safe, though, for them to cook when they are home by themselves while mom is at work. Here is a tasty snack idea that doesn't require the stove:

SNACK KABOBS
Cheese Cubes
Ham or Turkey Cubes
Grapes
Cherry Tomatoes
Plastic Drinking Straws

Simply alternate the above ingredients on the straw. These can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

I hope you enjoy this fresh snack! Scout!!!

How Do We Say "I Love You"?

I love the topic of love. I am very lucky to have so many people in my life that love me so much. I can tell by their words and actions. It could be that special rub of my ears, the pat on my head or the long rub on my belly. These things do not go unnoticed. It makes a girl feel pretty special!!!

I like to show my love in return. In case you did not know, this is how we show it. We jump on you, shove our head under your hand to make you lay your hand on us, or give you "the eyes". You cannot forget my favorite the loud, loving bark.

I hope you enjoy this Valentine's Day with the ones you love. With Much Love, Scout.

Dog Training Basics

A dog is a very smart creature, like me of course. It does not take much to get us to do a few tricks. There are a number of options to gather information to start the training. You can get books at the library and pet store, the internet, training classes, and even your local 4-H group might have a dog project. These resources will show you where to start and how a little treat can get us to do just about anything. The first command you will want to start with is sit. For the "excited" dog, like me, this can be just a little more difficult. I blame it on my wonderful, wagging tail. With a little patience and a great treat it can be done. Start off with no longer than 5 minutes. You don't want to overwhelm your dog. You can try this during your walk, before you give them their food or just about any time. Well, keep up the good work--I can't wait to hear about your progress. Scout.

Your New Best Friend

A number of families added new pets to the household during the Christmas Holidays. It is important to remember that they need a little guidance and training to adjust to their new home. You need to put them on a schedule, just like a new baby. Dogs are really smart and can quickly fall into a routine with such things as feeding schedules, house training, exercise and sleeping. Before you know it, your pet will be reminding you what needs to be done next. This is a whole new world for them and this will allow them to adjust quickly. You can enjoy your pet even more with a good routine in place. Well, I better go....it is almost time to eat breakfast!! Scout

Lodging "Fit For A Dog"

So many times we are not able to travel with our families, but the wonderful places we get to stay are a vacation all their own. The special people that take such great care of us are a real blessing--sharing their love with us each day as they come and check on us, feed us and play with us. I want to say "Thank You." It means so much to me and my family. My family is able to enjoy their trip knowing that I am in good hands. Have a wonderful Christmas!!

Love,

Scout

My Special Gift For You

Are you looking for a special gift you can make for your Mom & Dad or Grandmother & Grandfather for Christmas? Why don't you try making them something? Here are the Paper Mache Bowl instructions from my book, Scout...The Dog Who Learned Mona Lisa's Secret.

1 cup flour

1 1/2 cups water

1 tablespoon salt

Newspaper, torn into 4-inch by 1-inch strips (approximately)

Petroleum jelly

Tempera powder paint

Clear sealing spray for crafts

1. Select a small bowl (with no rim) and turn it upside down on a cookie sheet.

2. Spread a thick layer of petroleum jelly over outside and top edge of bowl.

3. Put flour and water in a mixing bowl; beat with wire whisk until smooth. Mixture should be like thick glue (a little runny-not too thick).

4. Dip 1 newspaper strip at a time into the paste; pull strip between 2 fingers to remove extra paste.

5. Place wet newspaper strips on outside of bowl in an up-and-down pattern, covering all of bowl.

6. Dip more newspaper strips into paste and add a second layer of strips to the bowl, first going up and down, then going across.

7. Dip additional strips into paste and add 4 more layers of newspaper strips on the bowl, first going up and down, then going across.

8. Let dry for 24 hours; take paper mache bowl off regular bowl, using a knife to loosen around edges. Uneven edges may be trimmed with sharp scissors.

9. Paint inside and outside of paper mache bowl with tempera paint; let dry (it may take more than one coat). Spray sealer on bowl to make it last longer.

10. Fill bowl with small wrapped candies, nuts in their shells, potpourri, etc.

I am certain that those you share this bowl with will just love it.

Merry Christmas,

Scout