“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole” ~Roger Caras
Gardening with Frisco
Do you love to garden? Does your dog, Frisco, also love to garden?
Despite what you may have previously believed, the two of you can co-exist in the garden. With a little planning, understanding, training and compromising it is possible to share the yard with these few tips.
If you have a fenced yard, leave a two foot space between the fence and your garden for Frisco to pace the perimeter without trampling the plants. Some safe, resistant large shrubs to hide the fence include scented Vibernum, Burning Bush or Bamboo. Deer fencing is also a good alternative to protecting bushes and water ponds. If Frisco has a natural path he likes to travel, consider using pavers or pea gravel and turning it into the actual garden path.
If Frisco loves to dig, consider creating a sand pit for him. A great place to locate the pit would be under the deck or in another shady spot in the yard where he generally likes to lounge. You may need to spend a little time redirecting him to his designated digging area. The digging pit can be hidden with lattice or shrubs. Chicken wire over areas where you want to avoid digging will also help to discourage Frisco’s passion for dirt diving.
Another fun idea for the water loving lab is a kiddy pool or shallow pond that is easy for Frisco to get in and out and can be camouflaged with potted, flowering plants. It takes a little research to determine the best plants to place in your garden that are safe, and non-toxic for Frisco. The ASPCA is a great resource to find out about toxic plants. A couple of perennials that are Frisco friendly include: Verbena, Creeping Phlox, Black-eyed Susan, Shasta and Dahlenburg Daisies, Mexican Primrose, Cornflower, Russian Sage, Marigolds, and Liriope.
Also, decide where you would like Frisco to “go potty” and create the space with good drainage, water access and an easily cleanable surface. Perhaps even place some upright objects that Frisco may like to claim as his own territory; a bird house on a post or a large boulder, log etc. The older Frisco may take some time to retrain but the younger Frisco can be trained initially.
By providing some safe and acceptable places for Frisco to play, and some training, you will be able to enjoy spending time in the yard together.
Doggie Daycare is now Open!
Cascade Kennels now offers full day and half day doggie daycare! No longer will your dog be content with sitting at home being a couch potato while you are off at work.
At Cascade’s Doggie Daycare your dog’s day will be spent socializing, playing and sneaking in some nap time on one of our raised cots. When you pick your dog up in the evening you will have a relaxed and content friend to take home and snuggle the evening away.
To find more information on our Doggy Daycare please visit our website
Bacon Bars
Makes 24 bars
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup melted bacon fat
1 egg
1/2 cup cold water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix by hand until dough forms. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky. Add more bacon fat or water if the dough is too stiff.
Roll out onto a floured surface, to a thickness of just under 1/2″. Cut into 1×4″ bars and transfer to a cookie sheet. Poke divots into the bars and bake in a preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes (until lightly browned). Turn the oven off, flip the bars, and place back in the oven until cool (this will further crisp them).
