DOG OWNERS PRAYER- Lord, help me to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am... Amen
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DOG FOOD BY THE BUCKET

WHAT YOU'LL NEED: 4 large pots with lids, a food processor, a 5 gallon bucket with a lid, a strong handled BBQ spatula.

INGREDIENTS:
1 Whole turkey,(or BIG chicken) baked
(do not stuff)

1 5lb. bag frozen peas

1 5lb. bag frozen mixed vegetables

1 big bag of spinach (2-3lbs.)

2 family size, quick-cooking oats

1 2lb. bag brown rice

1 5lb. bag white rice

DIRECTIONS:

Strip all meat from turkey carcass, skin, gizzard, heart, liver too. Separate equal quantities into 4 freezer bags, retaining one, freeze other 3 for subsequent batches.

Cook 4 cups of veggies, saving broth... cool.
(For this batch, use some from all 3 bags, the next batch just peas, etc.)

Cook 4 cups quick oats... cool.

Cook 2 cups white and 2 cups brown rice together for 20 minutes... cool.
NOTE: Some say use only brown rice (more nutritious) but if you read the nutrition info on the bags they are identical. And don't sweat the difference in the cooking times... trust me, your dogs won't notice.

Now for the fun part:

Process the bag of turkey, adding vegetable broth as needed, until it's of spreading consistency (like deviled ham) Dump into bucket.

Process the veggies, adding broth as needed, until
pureed. Dump into bucket.

Dump in the oatmeal.

Dump in the rice.

Mix all ingredients together well with spatula.
Add hot water if it's too sticky.

Makes 1/2 a bucket... enough to feed my yellow lab, my akita/pit and my rottie once a day for 5 days. (longer if you mix with a small amount of dry kibble, maybe 1 to 2 cups for each dog)

Store covered in refrigerator.

My dogs spin and dance at dinner time now. My 12yr old "Rotten/Lab" and 8yr old rottie have lots more energy and my 2 yr old akita/pit's coat is soft and shiny.

THE MOST NOTICIBLE BENEFITS OF USING THIS RECIPE...?
NO discernable dog farts and less dog poop!

Ever tried to find a brand of dry dogfood that didn't contain corn? I mean no corn gluten, no corn meal, zero-zip-nada...NO CORN...period? HA HA,yeah, right!(Those that have been on this seemingly simple quest will recognize the sarcasm in those HA's!)
There is virtually NO SUCH THING! After reading the labels on every brand of dry food PetSmart carried, from the el cheapo's to the highest priced, I found ALL of them (except ONE) contained corn or corn products somewhere in their ingredients list.

NUTRO MAX brand "Weight Control" dry formula is the corn-less exception at $24.99 for a 30lb. bag. (Their canned, Chicken & Rice dinner for Senior dogs fits in the corn-less category as well) I promptly bought 3 30lb. bags and over the next week switched all of my dogs over from the Ol'ROY,($10.95 for 50 lbs)that they gobbled up as it poured from the bag, to the NUTRO MAX Weight Control.

Neither of these products contain "Meat Meal" or "glutens" of ANY type.

The hit to my budget was significant and sure, I received dirty looks from my dogs for the decision. Adding my Dogfood by the Bucket recipe fixed one of those problems and as for the budget, I view it as a necessity in lieu of the recent Dogfood Recall.

Now it's turned out to be the best thing I ever could have done for them.

Below are some videos about Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.

I own a Rottie, an Akita/Pitbull and a Rott/Lab mix. I steadfastly vouch for their good nature and character. However, I learned early on that my Akita/Pit can be aggressive towards other dogs. The solution was a simple one... I use caution and common sense if he is to be around others...people or dogs!

DOG FIGHTING IS WRONG and "Breed Specific" laws are ignorant. They don't punish those responsible for the crimes, the OWNERS of the dogs! These laws mandate death sentences to the individual dogs who were only doing their owners bidding.

I hope that after watching the following videos you will clearly understand how wrong these laws are and vote AGAINST any that may come up in your state and/or community.

"It is owners who must be held criminally accountable when their negligent, cruel and criminal practices result in a severe or fatal dog attack. Law enforcement and judicial system professionals who investigate the circumstances surrounding severe or fatal attacks are now placing the blame squarely where it belongs. Owners are being charged and convicted of offenses ranging from murder and reckless homicide to child neglect and child endangerment in cases of fatal dog attacks." National Canine Research Foundation

When I was a puppy,I entertained you and made you laugh.I became your best friend.When I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me then rub my belly.I remember listening to your confidences late at night. We took long walks in the park and car rides.I slept in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.
Gradually,you began spending more time at work-more time searching for a mate.I waited for you patiently and comforted you through heartbreaks.Then you fell in love.Your wife was not a "dog person" but I tried to show her affection and obeyed her.I was happy because you were happy.When the babies came I shared your excitement. Only "she" worried that I might hurt them and I was banished to another room.As they grew,I became their friend.I loved their touch-as yours was now so infrequent.I'd sneak into their beds and we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.
Now,you have a new job in another city.You'll be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets.I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter.You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find her a good home." Your son screamed "No, Daddy! Don't let them take my dog!" and I worried what you had just taught him about friendship,loyalty,love,responsibility and respect for life.You gave me a good-bye pat on the head.You had a deadline to meet and now I have one,too.
Later,the two nice ladies said you probably made no attempt to find me another home.They shook their heads and asked "How could you?" I lost my appetite days ago,retreated to a far corner and waited.When she came for me I padded down the aisle after her to a blissfully quiet room.She placed me on the table and told me not to worry.My heart pounded but I was more concerned about her.I know this task weighs heavily on her.As she placed the tourniquet around my foreleg,a tear ran down her cheek.I licked her hand remembering how it comforted you so many years ago.She slid the hypodermic needle into my vein and as I felt the sting of the cool liquid coursing through me,I sleepily looked into her kind eyes and thought"How could you?" Perhaps because she knew dogspeak,she hugged me and said "I'm so sorry." and explained it was her job to make sure I went to a place where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned-a place called the Rainbow Bridge.
I tried to convey with the last thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her.I was thinking of you My Beloved Master.

I found your dog today. No, he has not been adopted by anyone. Most of us who live out here own as many dogs as we want, those who do not own dogs do so because they choose not to. I know you hoped he would find a good home when you left him out here, but he did not. When I first saw him he was miles from the nearest house and he was alone, thirsty, thin and limping from a cactus burr in his paw.

How I wish I could have been you as I stood before him. To have seen his tail wag and his eyes brighten as he bounded into your arms, knowing you would find him, knowing you had not forgotten him. To see the forgiveness in his eyes for the suffering and pain he had known in his never-ending quest to find you...But I was not you. And despite all my persuasion, his eyes beheld a stranger. He did not trust, he would not come.

He turned and continued his journey; one he was sure would soon bring him to you. He does not understand you are not looking for him. He only knows you are not there, he only knows he must find you. This is more important than food or water or the stranger who can give him these things.

His purpose demands that he travel during the day. He doesn't know that the sun and heat will claim his life. You see, he is not of the desert. He only knows he has to find you.

I worried. You must understand that many people would not attempt to help your dog. Some would run him off, others would call the county and the fate you thought you saved him from would be preempted by his suffering from days without food and water.

It is hours later and a good distance from where we first met, but I have found your dog. His thirst has been stopped, it is no longer a torment to him. His hunger has disappeared, he no longer aches. The burrs in his paws bother him no more. Your dog has been set free from his burdens, you see, your dog has died. I kneel next to him and I curse you for not being here yesterday so I could have seen the glow, if just for a moment, in those now vacant eyes. I pray that his journey has taken him to that place I think you hoped he would find. If only you knew what he went through to reach it.... and I agonize, for I know, that were he to awaken at this moment, and (if) I were to be you, his eyes would sparkle with recognition and his tail wag with forgiveness.

Author unknown

NOTE: This story was carefully edited to fit in this module.

DUMPING YOUR DOG IS NOT ONLY REPREHENSIBLE, IT'S
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

Dear Master, here are 10 Things I'd like you to know:

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any permanent separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you take me home with you.
2. Do not break my spirit with harsh treatment.I'll learn much faster with patience and understanding.
3. Place your trust in me, it's crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as a punishment, you have your work, your entertainment,and your friends. I have only you and I like being with you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand the tone of your voice when you are speaking to me, especially when you use friendly tones.
6. Be aware that I am normally a social animal, however I need to make positive associations at a young age to feel confident and well adjusted around other dogs and humans.
7. Remember that I was bred for activity, both mental and physical and I enjoy playing games, taking walks and an occasional good run.
8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something may be bothering me.Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I may need medical attention, or I may just be getting old. But keep in mind I respond very well to praise.
9. Remember that I only want to love you and please you... it is my life's one goal.
10. Take care of me when I get old; for you, too, will grow old. And when it is time for me to make my way to the Rainbow Bridge, please help send me on my journey. The image of your loving face as I take my last breath will make my life complete.

Always with unconditional love,
Your Best Friend

A Dog's Plea

Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger:

And, my friend, when I am very old, or I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun. Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.

What if the loving family you gave your dog to wasn't real? What if they decided he was just "too much trouble"? Here are some of the horrible scenarios your dog could face:

ABANDONED TO THE STREETS.
Street animals suffer every day. They are hit by cars, fatally injured by other strays fighting for food, die from disease, or from starvation and/or dehydration.

ABUSED.
The new owner won't make the effort to properly train the animal. This often leads to inappropriate discipline and abuse when it "misbehaves".

HANDED OVER TO ANIMAL CONTROL AND EUTHANIZED.
There are people who simply tire of taking care of a dog, especially if it has behavior problems. This is their easy way out!

CON ARTISTS
People who practice the despicable act of rounding up strays to sell them for profit. They also have no problem with opening gates and simply taking your pet, luring them out with treats if necessary.

These people routinely obtain animals by answering
"Free To Good Home" ads. They are usually very friendly and know all the "right" answers to your questions (because they do this sort of thing for a living). Some may even bring their kids along to make you think they are a loving family!

After you've confidently placed your dog in their hands they have numerous ways to make a profit from the aquisition:

"LIVE-TRAINING" for fighting dogs. The animal you expected to be a beloved family pet is sold into the "sport fighting" trade. Dogs are staked out as bait to train fighting dogs and are literally torn to pieces.

SOLD AT AUCTION to anybody who happens along. Most of the time these animals are neglected, kept in cramped, unsanitary conditions and often become sick and diseased.

SOLD TO A CLASS-B DEALER who then resells the animal to a research facility.
Research animals are hard to come by. Restricted from obtaining animals due for euthanasia at shelters, labs around the country are desparate. Research labs pay up to $500 for trusting, gentle, obedient dogs that will sit still while they are disected and examined. Your dog will then be euthanized, if it survives the experimental process, that is.

BREEDING STOCK IN A PUPPY MILL.
The conditions in these places are deplorable. Bitches have continuous litters, one after another.

SACRIFICED IN CULT RITUALS.
Don't think it doesn't happen in your town... it DOES!

LIVE FOOD FOR EXOTICS like snakes or alligators. Need I say more?

YOUR DOG LOVES YOU. BE THE PERSON HE THINKS YOU ARE.

I recently joined DOGSTER.com. It is as easy to use as Squidoo and the members are some of the most genuine and sincere folks I've come across.

You can post pictures, your dogs bio, keep a doggie- diary, read owner stories, write about your own dogs adventures and lots of other cool things related to your pet.

Does your dog do something unusual? You can correspond with other owners of your dogs breed to see if that behavior is a common one.

It's also a good place to spread the word about any pet products you feel are exceptional or voice your opinions regarding those you feel are un-worthy.

Anyway, I think it's definately a website worth visiting. I believe you'll think so too!

www.Dogster.com