Did you know?

Don't forget to treat your dog to something special on International Dog Biscuit Day!
February 23rd

Crime Fighters come in all sizes

Yeah, He's a Fighter.
A Crime Fighter.

The Nov/Dec 2007 issue of Bark magazine features a story about Neville...a pit bull scheduled to be destroyed in Ontario as a result of the Bill 132 breed ban...rescued by Bullies In Need...and now working in counterterrorism with his partner trooper Dave Dixon of the Washington State Patrol and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

This is truly a success story. It's also a story that depicts how absolutely terrible our Ontario breed ban is. I know, I know. Lots of people are frightened by the pit bull stereotyping. I truly believe that these are wonderful dogs who are victimized by some irresponsible and criminal owners.

For the full story of Neville, pick up a copy of Bark magazine.

Bullies in Need is always in need of food and donations to help with vet bills. For more information please see their website.

Meet Beanie from Nova Scotia

This is Beanie. He lives in Kentville, Nova Scotia. (some of you know that Nova Scotia is my favourite part of Canada to visit!)

He is a Boston Terrier and is 4.5 years old.

And...a really terrific dog and best friend of Lynne.

Beanie...your Barking Biscuits are on the way. Enjoy!

Lesson One

Remember this gift that Angelique sent me last April? Well, it is one of the reasons that Cassie and I have gone back to school. One of Cassie's little tricks is that she is a counter cleaner. That is, if you leave something on the counter and go away and leave her...she'll kindly remove it from the counter and tear it apart. I had taken my biz card holder from one purse to put into another...left it on the counter...et voila! No more biz card holder. Ordinarily it wouldn't be a big deal, but it was special to me because someone made it for me...and now it is no more.

Anyway, our first lesson in basic obedience started off in a bad way. We arrived a little early (thank goodness). I put Cassie's leash on her while I was still in the car. I got out of the car...and Cassie leaped out the driver's door after me. Dog on the loose! Do you think she would come back to me? Not a chance. She was hyper. I tried, tried to remain calm but all I could think of was that it was dark...and we were in a parking lot...and that there were going to be other people arriving. It seemed like forever, but I did get her back. Needless to say, I started the class off quite stressed.

The hour long session was a good refresher (I need it just as much as Cassie). My biggest problem was that Cassie loved...LOVED...the 2 male instructors. She wouldn't take her eyes off them the whole time...even when the 2 of us were supposed to be practicing. She sat and wagged her tail constantly. Hello! Take a look at me...you're my dog. What's so great about those guys anyway? My ego took a little beating.

So, my mind is full of stuff. Do this, do that, don't say this, don't do that. Oh well, I figure if we practice as long as I get her to look at me during a training class, I'm ahead of where we started. Ha!

Back to school

Isn't this a picture of contentment? This is our cat Phantom (the oldest member of the crew) and Cassie (newly adopted in September). It's not always like this. Sometimes Cassie is chasing Phantom around the house. I consider it Phantom's exercise program. He's going to be 15 shortly and he does get outside in the summer (only in our fenced yard) but he's not too active in the winter. His idea of action is moving from the pillow in front of the window onto one of the beds.

Cassie has been progressing nicely. We had some really rough days in November and December. Very, very rough days. So rough that we didn't think we'd be able to cope. But we took her to see an "animal intuitive" and reiki practitioner in December for 2 sessions, and the results were quite amazing. If you had asked me if I believed in someone being able to "talk to the animals" before this, I would have been a big skeptic. But it sure helped Cassie, and us as well. I would definitely recommend Elizabeth Wright if you are interested. She is located just outside Merrickville and you can reach her at 613.283.3692. Her website is jasper'sspaw.4t.com.

We do still have some work to do with Cassie, so it's back to school for her (and me too). We're starting tonight with the first of 5 sessions. I'm not sure what to expect from her so it will be quite interesting. One of our problems is that she is agressive with some people and some dogs. It's not consistant, so we're not sure what her triggers are. I'm hoping the sessions help her. I know the sessions will help me!

Milestones

Cinder is our Giant Schnauzer. We've been a little concerned about her health for a while now, but she has surprised us. Cinder had her 12th birthday on January 11th and she's going strong. Well, her heart is still going strong...and her big bark is still going strong...but she is pretty shaky getting around.

We love her to bits. She's our GS with a GIANT heart.

Another milestone we're celebrating this year...it's the 10th anniversary (yes 10 years!) for The Barking Biscuit. When I started baking dog biscuits in my home oven 10 years ago, I never dreamed I would be selling dog biscuits for 10 years. It goes to show that you never know where life is going to take you.

So...a BIG THANK YOU to all our friends and customers! You are the ones who have made our 10 years a big success. 2008 promises to be an exciting year!

Meet Xena from Alberta

Meet Xena from Wainwright, Alberta.

Xena received some Barking Biscuits for her 10th birthday on Jan 1st. She couldn't wait for her mom Shellene to open the box.

Shellene sent us a few photos, which of course we love to receive. We love to "meet" our customers! It certainly looks like she's impatient to get into those bags.

Isn't Xena beautiful?

Paws for Charity 2007 Donation

On December 31st, we made our 2007 Paws for Charity donation to the Cancer Society - Breast Cancer Research. Thanks to your generous support we raised a total of $1517.50!


From left to right: me, Sharon (Canadian Cancer Society), Suzanne Bird (Urban Dog Photog), and Julie Kelly (Chilly Dogs). Absent: Char Harding (Around the Hounds)