Dogs in the Kitchen

The German Short-haired Pointers could not believe their luck. Someone was in their kitchen baking--yes, baking--treats for dogs. Mumsy wanted to see if they would like the co-op's green recipe for Breath-Freshening Biscuits for Dogs.

The cat was curious, but the dogs explained that the recipe clearly read "for dogs." She flicked her tail and left the kitchen.

They watched with curiosity as Mumsy gathered up wholesome ingredients:

¾ C. minced parsley leaves and tender stems
¼ C. finely grated carrot
1 tsp vegetable oil
¾ C. whole wheat flour
½ C. corn flour or finely ground corn meal
½ tsp baking powder
¼ C. water

One of the German Short-hair Pointers reminded Mumsy that he was allergic to corn. It gives him itchy hot spots on his skin. No problem. Mumsy substituted flax seed, freshly ground. She knew dogs should not eat any known allergens. If a human companion suspects an allergy, try eliminating common ingredients like corn.

After mincing and grating, the parsley and carrots were set aside in a bowl with the oil.

The flax seed was ground in a clean coffee grinder-one used only for flax seed, never for coffee. It was then whisked in a bowl with the whole wheat flour and baking powder. One of the dogs sniffed the air. She liked the earthy smell of the wheat.

Next, Mumsy used a hand-tool called a cutter to blend the parsley mixture into the flour mixture. It clanked against the bowl and all dog ears perked.

After that, the Mumsy poured water into the bowl and began using her hand to knead the mixture into dough. The dogs were fascinated.

Mumsy made a ball bigger than the ones the dogs are fond of fetching.

It was a pretty ball and smelled interesting.

Next Mumsy used a long wooden rolling pin to smash the ball all flat on the counter. The dogs wondered why Mumsy sprinkled the counter and wooden tool with flour. Mumsy told them it was so the dough wouldn't stick.

After that the dogs were asked what kind of shape they wanted for their biscuit. That caused a lot of excitement. They thought bones were a boring shape. One dog wanted loons and another wanted hearts. They all agreed on the carrot.

The dogs watched as Mumsy carefully placed each cut-out onto a lightly greased cookie sheet. It went into the oven that was pre-heated to 350 degrees.

The dogs had to wait 20 minutes for the biscuits to bake.

Then they had to wait for the biscuits to cool. But it was worth the wait, or so they told the cat. The cat didn't care. She knew she had a can of Spot's Stew from the co-op and while it made her breath just a little bit stinky, it had the highest quality of protein that made her toned and beautiful. Besides, she knows who Ellen D. is and the dogs do not.

The dogs (and the cat) want to remind the humans that what they eat is important, too. The dogs (and the cat) like the co-op because the food isn't itchy later. They also liked that Mumsy found them a recipe to bake. Carrots are yummy!