Again, apologies for the lapse in blogs, but if you’re a regular follower or a family member (hi guys!), you’ll know that there’s been a big distraction lately. He goes by several names, depending on time of day and energy level: Boone, Velociraptor or Captain Crazypants.
Spoiler alert: This blog is going to be filled with gratuitous puppy photos, so if that kind of thing doesn’t make your heart melt, I suggest you do something else. Like find your heart.
I’m going to give you a recipe too, don’t despair. But since there’s such a doggie theme going on, the recipe is literally for the dogs.
I confess. YES, I’m one of THOSE people. I make my dogs’ food for them. It’s not because I’m completely nuts (although that’s true), our first dog, Kayla, has a very sensitive stomach and can’t handle most dog foods on the market. I’m not going to explain more, because no one needs to know the details of that scenario.
And, of course, these pets being child-substitutes, I want them to live as long as possible. And, like me, I’d like them to stay healthy so we don’t have to decide whether or not we’ll pay $10k for cancer treatment later on down the road.
So, here’s a bunch of pics of the new puppy, Boone, and none of the dog food. Because, as the English say, it really does look like a dog’s dinner. And it’s not pretty.
Boone, however, makes his full Internet debut today. At 12 weeks and 20+ pounds, he’s full of the joys of spring and enjoys long walks in the wilderness. He’s a great kisser and is smart as a whip. That said, as of today we are zero days without incident, as the carpet was the recipient of an unexpected puddle last evening. He has, however, already learned one of the most strict and necessary commands in the household: Out of the kitchen. (This is rarely used on The Husband, because he’s usually in the kitchen to make me a cocktail or pour me a glass of wine. Which is rewarded.)
Boone is a Pit/Lab/Rottweiler mix, and was rescued by the lovely people at Old Yeller Ranch Rescue. And before you freak out at the name (yes, the dog does die at the end), the woman who runs the shelter is the granddaughter of Fess Parker, star of the screen. He was in Old Yeller, and also starred as Daniel Boone on TV.
Requests for audiences with Boone will be carefully considered.
St. James Dog Food:
6 garnet yams, roasted, skin on
6 garnet yams, grated
6 zucchini, grated
8 carrots, grated
2 apples, grated
1 lb. frozen peas, cooked and drained
1 lb. rolled oats, uncooked
Blend the peas and the roasted sweet potato in a food processor. Puree them separately, and usually in a few batches. Add a little almond milk if you need to in order to get a smooth purée. Actually, if your dog will eat peas whole, don’t purée them; Kayla will pick out the peas unless they’re hidden.
Get a ginormous bowl and mix all the ingredients together. Use your hands or you’ll break your arm trying to stir it. I’ve just started using gloves to do this, and it’s a wonderful trick.
Freeze in batches, because this makes A LOT. I use about 1.5 cups for my 60 lb. dog, plus 1/2 lb. ground chicken or turkey. This I get at my local Whole Foods, as there’s a butcher there as crazy about dogs as I am. He takes all the organic turkey and chicken parts and grinds them up. Costs me $2.99/lb and I don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen doing that myself. Which I did for a while. Wonder why I’m not blogging as much? Yikes.
++THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PART: You NEED to use supplements when you make your own dog food. I recommend Missing Link, but there’s several on the market, like Balance It and Nature’s Logic.
Note: I use all organic ingredients.
And here are more puppy pictures. You’re welcome.
Looking like he owns the place.
Boone and Monkey: A Love Story
Kayla’s looking a bit pissed off in this pic. I think she finally realized he wasn’t just visiting.
Big sister has finally gotten used to the little pest.
Had his “operation”, so needed a cone. Boone was not pleased with the ProCollar, but he fell asleep before he could get it off.
I love this shot. We went to visit him at 8 weeks, before we took him home.
First day home. Found the mirror.
First bath at home. Excuse the toilet.
First off-leash walk at Hale Park.
tinykitchenstories 
So Cute! Glad to see you guys are having fun!
Happy labor day to you all, Jeff
Happy Labor Day to you all too! When will you be back in SB? Can’t wait to see you!
Beautiful photos of my new nephew. As his Auntie I believe I have already been audience approved!! :0)
Of course, Auntie Mary!
“Captain Crazy-Pants” OMG! LOL!!!
It’s SOOOO fitting for him! Especially with those brindle paws…
Boone is an absolute love. You cannot have too many photos.
Thank you, Annie! I’m definitely in puppy love.
Such a cutie, both of your furry children! Kudos for the effort for making your own doggie chow! A great idea which I’m sure many a canine lover wish they could do to provide for their furry little friends. Hope all is well and the seasons slowly wind down in the north and fall begins just think, comfort food soon!
I’m so looking forward to comfort food, too! You’ll be ramping up to yummy spring dishes and light summer fare, eh? And the dog chow–if it keeps them healthy, I’m all for it!
Such cute pups! Thanks for the pictures and the dog food recipe!