This month we chat to therapy dog owner Claire Watson about what life is like as a therapy dog volunteer. As well as that we share a scrumptious birthday cake recipe for your dog to enjoy on their special day! We love hearing your thoughts and seeing your recipes. Keep the emails coming. Thanks for all your support!
DOG OF THE MONTH
After a recent stint in the pound, and then a recovery period from a nasty yeast infection, 11 year old Zeus is now looking for a new home.
Zeus’ tough life is evident in his appearance. His ears are scarred from fly bites, and his coat is patchy from years of infections. Despite what he’s been through in the past, Zeus is a very affectionate dog who loves to give and receive kisses. He loves his walks – and he loves his food!
Zeus is suitable as an only dog to a family with no young children. Could that be you?
After a recent stint in the pound, and then a recovery period from a nasty yeast infection, 11 year old Zeus is now looking for a new home.
Zeus’ tough life is evident in his appearance. His ears are scarred from fly bites, and his coat is patchy from years of infections. Despite what he’s been through in the past, Zeus is a very affectionate dog who loves to give and receive kisses. He loves his walks – and he loves his food!
Zeus is suitable as an only dog to a family with no young children. Could that be you?
MEET THE EXPERT
Name: Claire Elizabeth Watson
Job: Story Dog Volunteer
Tell us a little about story dogs/ tell us what a therapy dog does.
Story dogs is a non-for-profit organisation that started in Brisbane.
Dogs and owners are placed in school and read with selected children.
Often children can be uncomfortable reading to adults but with a dog with no
judgement they find it easier.
In Melbourne now there are about 5 Primary schools who receive Story Dogs.
The dogs are assessed so they are suitable to work with children and they are trained.
Matilda loves the children and is different with each one. She knows their 'energy' and loves the interaction with them. Matilda and I also visit retirement homes.
How did Matilda become a therapy dog?
I was aware that Matilda was smart. She needed more than just a walk in the
Park. She loved learning new tricks and was a fast learner. People seem to magnate
towards her.
As I was planning to work as a case manager for people with disabilities, I
thought it would be a good idea to have her therapy trained so I could take her
to work with me.
What makes a good therapy dog?
I believe empathy is the best trait to start with. You can tell if a dog has empathy By yawning in front of the dog. If the dog yawns also, it is a sign of empathy. A lot of Therapy dogs are labs or breeds that don't mind lying around for long periods of times. Matilda is more active and interactive. So there are many
breeds that work but its patience, intelligence, trust and obedience that helps.
What is the best part of your 'job'?
The reward of the joy she brings to people. In retirement centres, often people
are separated from their dogs and miss them terribly.
I burst with pride as she shows affection to all people and brings such happiness
into their lives (the children as well). They look forward to seeing her and she
always greets them with playful affection.
Name: Claire Elizabeth Watson
Job: Story Dog Volunteer
Tell us a little about story dogs/ tell us what a therapy dog does.
Story dogs is a non-for-profit organisation that started in Brisbane.
Dogs and owners are placed in school and read with selected children.
Often children can be uncomfortable reading to adults but with a dog with no
judgement they find it easier.
In Melbourne now there are about 5 Primary schools who receive Story Dogs.
The dogs are assessed so they are suitable to work with children and they are trained.
Matilda loves the children and is different with each one. She knows their 'energy' and loves the interaction with them. Matilda and I also visit retirement homes.
How did Matilda become a therapy dog?
I was aware that Matilda was smart. She needed more than just a walk in the
Park. She loved learning new tricks and was a fast learner. People seem to magnate
towards her.
As I was planning to work as a case manager for people with disabilities, I
thought it would be a good idea to have her therapy trained so I could take her
to work with me.
What makes a good therapy dog?
I believe empathy is the best trait to start with. You can tell if a dog has empathy By yawning in front of the dog. If the dog yawns also, it is a sign of empathy. A lot of Therapy dogs are labs or breeds that don't mind lying around for long periods of times. Matilda is more active and interactive. So there are many
breeds that work but its patience, intelligence, trust and obedience that helps.
What is the best part of your 'job'?
The reward of the joy she brings to people. In retirement centres, often people
are separated from their dogs and miss them terribly.
I burst with pride as she shows affection to all people and brings such happiness
into their lives (the children as well). They look forward to seeing her and she
always greets them with playful affection.
HAPPY ENDINGS
Maison lived a very sad life.
He was an outside dog who didn’t even have a bed. He was crawling with fleas, had fly-bitten ears and was being attacked by the other yard dog for his food.
He’d cower away from people and loud noises scared him.
Maison’s life changed as soon as he came into care.
Steroids treated his flea-allergy itching. A good diet, a warm bed inside and lots of loving care – and little Maison is thriving. He has been adopted by his foster carer and is now living the good life!
Maison lived a very sad life.
He was an outside dog who didn’t even have a bed. He was crawling with fleas, had fly-bitten ears and was being attacked by the other yard dog for his food.
He’d cower away from people and loud noises scared him.
Maison’s life changed as soon as he came into care.
Steroids treated his flea-allergy itching. A good diet, a warm bed inside and lots of loving care – and little Maison is thriving. He has been adopted by his foster carer and is now living the good life!
CANINE RECIPES
Is it your dog’s Birthday soon?
Why not make him or her this Grain Free Choc - Coconut Pooch Cake with Peanut Butter Icing!
It is delicious, nutritious and very easy to make.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups Organic Coconut Flour
2/3 cup water
1 cup Greek natural yogurt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup carob powder (DO NOT use cocoa or chocolate powder)
1 tablespoon Honey (raw, organic is best)
1 mashed Banana
1/2 cup finely chopped Organic Coconut Chips or Flakes (available from your Health Food Store)
1 egg
For the icing
3 tablespoons Greek natural yogurt
1.5 tablespoons smooth organic peanut butter
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 175 degrees.
Lightly grease a cake pan. A doggy themed one would make it extra special.
In a bowl, combine the flour with water, until it is nice and smooth.
Add the yogurt and mix well.
Add the remaining ingredients, making sure everything is well combined.
Pour the batter into the cake pan.
Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the top of the cake is dry and springs back when you touch it with a finger.
Cool completely before spreading the mixed icing mixture and serving.
Is it your dog’s Birthday soon?
Why not make him or her this Grain Free Choc - Coconut Pooch Cake with Peanut Butter Icing!
It is delicious, nutritious and very easy to make.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups Organic Coconut Flour
2/3 cup water
1 cup Greek natural yogurt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup carob powder (DO NOT use cocoa or chocolate powder)
1 tablespoon Honey (raw, organic is best)
1 mashed Banana
1/2 cup finely chopped Organic Coconut Chips or Flakes (available from your Health Food Store)
1 egg
For the icing
3 tablespoons Greek natural yogurt
1.5 tablespoons smooth organic peanut butter
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 175 degrees.
Lightly grease a cake pan. A doggy themed one would make it extra special.
In a bowl, combine the flour with water, until it is nice and smooth.
Add the yogurt and mix well.
Add the remaining ingredients, making sure everything is well combined.
Pour the batter into the cake pan.
Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the top of the cake is dry and springs back when you touch it with a finger.
Cool completely before spreading the mixed icing mixture and serving.
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