Happy Thanksgiving

Take a moment to reflect the good things you have in your life.

Thanksgiving and Gratitude

On Thursday, we are celebrating Thanksgiving. 

It is a time to reflect and give thanks. 

I have lots to be thankful and grateful for. You probably do as well. 

I believe that there are always things to be thankful 

about no matter what you are going through. 

The path to living life to the fullest is to have a grateful mind and soul.

I expect that you have many of the same things to be thankful for, as I do. 
Taking the time to think about these grateful things really give me a sense of joy and peace of mind. Nowadays, it is very easy to get caught in the trap of only longing and wanting for what you don’t have. It is very important to reflect, 
give thanks and count your blessings.

What are the things in your life that fills you with gratitude and joy?

Lots of Golden Woofs,

Tasty Thursday: Apple Cinnamon Chips

It’s about time for a YUMMY treat.
I’ve been such a good girl since my vet visit.

 Apples, Apples, Apples ... are one of my favorite healthy treats.
There are many kinds and colors of apples.
Are Apples Good for Dogs? YES
Apples are a good source of dietary fiber and Vitamin C.
Many believe that the Vitamin C can help hip dysplasia,
a very common ailment in large and purebred dogs.
It is considered a healthy snack for it is low in saturated fat and sodium. 
Apples consist of omega-3 fatty acids which provide a shiny healthy coat
and help prevent skin allergies (which I have).

 

 One IMPORTANT thing you need to be cautious in feeding your dog an apple are the seeds. APPLE SEEDS contain trace amounts of substance called amygdlin which is a form of cyanide and it is very poisonous. Cyanide hinders the blood from carrying oxygen throughout the body. If your dog swallows a few seeds, their body will detoxify itself. However, crucial harm can occur if your dog consumed large amounts of apple seeds, A simple suggestion on 

How to Serve Apples to your Dog:
AVOID the APPLE SEEDS and CUT APPLES INTO BITE SIZE.

One last thing: MODERATION
Yes apples are healthy snacks but the down side is its “natural sugar”.
Due to its sugar content, too much of it can lead to weight gain.
Too much apples can also cause stomach upset and loose bowel.
It is also not recommended to be given for dogs who has 

kidney and arthritis issues.(Please check with your vet.)

With all this said ... Here’s the Apple Cinnamon Chips my mom made.

 

 WOW! My mom is a wanna be Top Chef.
She made it really fancy this time.
Apple Cinnamon Chips are served on a white plate with
smudges of apple sauce on the edges.

 

 Does it really make any difference?
Mmmm, not really. I just want to eat it.
That’s it! I want more.
Oh! Yes, Apples are YUMMY tasty low fat-treat 

but must have it only in moderation especially when 

I have to watch my waistline (Just like my friend Sammie).

Here’s the recipe ... Enjoy!

Apple Cinnamon Chips

1 Apple (preferably Fuji or Honey Apples - great for baking)
Preheat oven 300 degrees.
Cut the apples into bites size (depending on the size of your dog)
(Take Note: do not cut it too small and too thin because Apples shrink when baked)
Place the apples on the baking sheet or pan.
Sprinkle it with cinnamon.
Bake it for 20 minutes.
Let it cool before serving.
Optional: Serve it with (homemade) apple sauce

 

Another tasty treat that you and your dog can enjoy!
“An Apple a day, keeps the vet away” 

(just be sure not to eat the seeds)
Woof! Woof! 

 Lots of Golden Woofs,

Sharing My Recent Visit to the VET

I’ve been laying low since my visit to the vet last Saturday.

I’m been contemplating for the past three days if I should share my weekend vet adventure. Well, it got me thinking ... one reason why we blog is to share both our good and bad life experiences.I’m aware two of my bloggie friends Eduardo and Max shared their health issues. I know for our family it can be difficult but at the same time I believe that it is very helpful to share and talk about. I also think it can be a great educational resource.

So here it is ... As you can see this is not my typical photo. 

I am not happy and not smiling. 

It was 9am Saturday morning and I was not given breakfast. 

Mom is typically good on keeping-up on my regular schedule and routine. 

Well, I begged for food for two hours and finally gave up. 

What’s going on?

I love car rides but this was not a fun ride. 

I curled-up on the far end of the back seat. 

It was a short ride but it seems so long.

We finally got to our destination. The vet. 

I’ve been here many times but it seems to be different this time. 

As always, I sat on a seat by the front door. 

I’m trying to get some attention so I can get a treat. 

I was able to get the admin’s attention but I was not rewarded with a treat.

I can sense that something is going on. 

I’m getting nervous. YES! Dogs do get nervous. 

When I’m nervous I typically  1) tuck my tail in , 2) stare while sitting still, 3) totally “expressed” myself (I hope you do know what I’m talking about).

Here I am in the Dr’s exam room. 

Dr. Golden recently moved south and so I’ll be seeing Dr. Mattson which I’ve also seen before. Not really sure what to expect from this visit. I am trying my very best to be such a good girl, good dog. All I can do is to stare at the door awaiting for the doctor to come in.

While Dr. Mattson checks me-up, lots of conversation between her and my family. LUMPS on my right side mid thorax and left flank abdomen. I had the lump on my right side for almost a year and it has grown in size. The lumps on my abdomen are new. Dr. Mattson explained that lumps are very common to occur on aging golden and especially on a girl golden. Very often what comes to our family’s mind when they hear the word “lump” is the word “cancer.” However, there are many other causes of lumps. A skin growth or a mass that is malignant, an abscess, a cyst, a hematoma(blood filled mass) or a simply reaction by the skin to an allergen. The good news is most lumps are often benign accumulations of fat cells called lipomas. 
However, in any circumstances all lumps should be evaluated for possibility of malignancy. So of course my family decided to do tests on my lumps.

I was finally taken to the back room (where my family are not allowed). 
Lots of tests were done. It was not “cool” at all. 
I was so nervous that I could not helped it but to totally “expressed” myself a lot. Oooops!!! The doctor needed to rinse my back side.

When I finally got back to the doctor’s exam room, 
lots of talking again occurred between the doctor and my family ... 
Here’s the good news ... the lumps are fat cells. 
My family just needs to monitor both growths especially for any change in size. 
What a relief ...

The ride home was a relief after spending two hours at the vet. 
I was looking forward to have my breakfast meal. 
This vet visit was not pleasant at all. 
It’s such a fearful experience that it took most of my energy. 
I am tired and just want to rest.

We received a call from Dr. Mattson yesterday and 
she confirmed other tests done are all good. 

I’m happy to be back to my old myself.

Lots of Golden Woofs!

From my family: 

“Sugar is not only a part of our lives. Sugar makes our lives whole.”

Woofully Thankful Friday: Circle of Friends Award

Happy Friday! My friends, followers, and guests.

It’s been two months since I posted my Woofully Thankful Friday. 

I’m still getting over the fact that I celebrated my first year of blogging. 

It is truly an honor to be part of dog bloggers. 

I am very happy and proud to have you as my blog friends and followers.

Recently, I’ve been given three awards by Ann. 
Yes, 3 awards: 

1)Best Blog, 2)One Lovely Blog, and 3)Circle Of Friends. 

Lots of Golden Thanks, Ann. 

I am going to break the rule on how to pass this awards. 

I know most of you have received awards 1) and 2). 

Nevertheless, it is only appropriate to pass award 3) Circle Of Friends Award. 

Here the terms of this award:

1. Publish a post on your blog - referring who awarded you. 

2. Share 5 things you like to do

3. Share or pass this award to 10 friends. 

However, I will not pass this to only 10 friends. 

If you read this post and/or leave a comment you receive this award. 

My way of saying Lots of Golden Thanks to Your Friendship.

Here are my Five Things I Like To do (in no particular order) are:

1.Play and take long FUN walks

2. Eat great tasty treats/meals

3. Snuggle & kisses with my family

4. Car rides

5. Sleep

I sincerely enjoy visiting and reading everyone’s blog.

I just LOVE what I see and read. 

So I hope you all take this award as a Big Thanks from me 

as an appreciation of your friendship and sharing your FUN lives.

Lots of Golden Woofs,

Sunsational Weekend: Chipmunk vs Squirrel

Very fortunate to have a great Fall weekend weather.

It was breezy and filled with lots of sunshine.

Definitely, took advantage of it ...

took long walks and had fun playing out in the backyard.

I saw my bunny friends ...

but no sight of Fred, my chipmunk friend.

This is the most recent photo of Fred taken last June from our patio. 

Many of you have asked : What is a chipmunk?

A chipmunk is a burrowing ground squirrel. 

It's cheek pouches and has a light/dark stripes running down it's body.

Chipmunks are among the smaller members of the squirrel family,

and are recognized by their stripes.

Here are some interesting facts I found about 

Chipmunks vs Squirrels.

1. Chipmunks live in holes. Squirrels live in trees and have nests.

2. Squirrels are larger than chipmunks.

3. Chipmunks hold their food in their cheeks.

4. Cats eat them both.

5. Squirrels are better climbers than chipmunks.

I got inspired and wrote a poem: Fred

Fred the chipmunk.

My furry backyard friend.

Makes squeaky chirpy blend.

Love to chase him but

He moves so quick.

Fred can run so slick.

Fred digs a hole

For his winter home.

Collects nuts and berries

To keep for his winter sleep.

Lots of Golden Woofs,

Tasty Thursday: Honey Sweet Potato Dog Treat

It rained for 22 days last month. 
Lately, my FALL outdoor FUN has been very limited due to the weather.

To cheer me up, mom surprised me with a healthy delicious treat: 

Honey Sweet Potato

It is a yummy treat that both you and your humans can enjoy together.

Sweet Potato contains beneficial nutrients such as 

carbohydrates, beta carotene, Vitamin C & B6, and fiber. 

It is a great choice to include Sweet Potato in your dog's diet 

especially if your dog is diabetic or suffers allergies (like ME).

The down side of making this Sweet Potato treat is TIME ...

Yes, it takes a long time ...

I waited and watched as my treats were being cooked in the oven.

I waited patiently ...

Finally, it was done. It was worth while waiting for it.

YUMMY! YUMMY! YUMMY!

Honey Sweet Potato

Here's the recipe. Enjoy!

Wash and clean 2 large sweet potatoes (with skin).
Boil the sweet potatoes for about 20 minutes on a medium flame.
Preheat the oven 250 degrees
If you are able to put a fork cleanly into the mid section, the sweet potato is done. Drain the water.
Cut the sweet potatoes lengthwise. 

You can either leave it lengthwise or make shapes by using a cookie cutter or 

cut into strips. Mom made pumpkins, leaves, and strips.
Drizzle some honey.
Place it on a baking sheet or pan.
Bake it for 2 hrs  - YES, 2 hrs. It makes it soft and chewy
Make sure to cool completely - It will continue to harden while cooling.

I guarantee once you make this Honey Sweet Potato Treat

your dog will let you know just how GOOD they are!

Lots of Golden Woofs,

Where's Fred?

Hope everyone had a Happy Monday!

First, Lots of Golden Apologies to all my Twitter 
Followers who received an odd DM.

Apparently, my Twitter account was hi-jacked.

I've taken the necessary measures to prevent this from happening again.

Anyhow, it was a sunny Happy Monday.

I had a chance to play out in the backyard.

But ... no one to play with. Where's FRED, my chipmunk friend?

I looked for Fred everywhere but could not find him.

I think Fred has left. 

Hoping to see Fred before the holidays.

Lots of Golden Woofs,

Happy Monday

Yes, It is Monday. What makes a Monday Happy?

I LOVE Monday.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the weekends too but

Monday represents a lot of things.

The greatest thing about Monday is that I lived through the weekend.

It does not mean an end to something good and 

the beginning of something bad.

I am very grateful for Monday and start a new week.

Monday is the beginning of the week that offers lots of potentials.

Monday is the promise of a worth while week of opportunity.

Monday is the key day of the week.

LOVE LIVE Monday.

End your Monday on a Happy note.

May it be the best it could possibly be.

Filled with LOVE, LAUGHTER, and HAPPINESS.

Lots of Golden Woofs,