Welcome to my blog, "Fill my Bowl." I imagine/hope this is what my dogs, Murphy and Emmy, will be mentally shouting to me by the end of my canine culinary journey.
So, tonight the kids will feast on 1/2 Beneful, 1/2 Cowboy Cookout by Merrick and a small can of Merrick food. Let the games begin.
Here's my story...
We've all heard the terrible stories about what happened when pet food manufacturers utilized contaminated ingrediants in their products. I was horrified every day that I read about or saw a news story detailing the heartbreaking and tragic deaths of people's pets. But, like many, I also felt helpless. Without a background in canine nutrition, what could I do? I looked more closely at ingrediant lists, but they still didn't make sense. I barely had time to make my own dinner, little less develop home cooked meals for my dogs. I felt frustrated, angry, and powerless.
At the end of June 2007, I completed my graduate studies, freeing up a considerable amount of personal time. A conversation over lunch one day turned my attention, once again, to how I might be able to make the lives of my beloved dogs better. Opportunity knocked!
The "bozos," as we affectionately call them, are delighted at this turn of events. In addition to being the center of our world, they'll now have their own blog? They are trying to act modest, but I know they are quite proud.
Our family consists of Murphy, a border collie/lab mix adopted about 8 years ago. Murphy is always on high alert, horks his meals down and will do anything for t-r-e-a-t-s. Agile and athletic, he loves to play fisbee, ball or hide and seek. He is, like most border collies, frustratingly smart.
Our sweet Emmy (full name: Emmagayle) is a chow/lab mix (we think) who moved in about 2 years ago. A kind soul in Schaghticoke, NY found Emmy and transported her to Shaker Vetrinary Hospital, in the hopes they might be able to find a home for her. Underweight with open sores, heartworm and tumors, the folks at Shaker nearly euthanized her. But something about this sweet natured dog persuaded them not to, and how lucky we are. Six months later, after heartworm treatment, being spayed, several tumor removals, etc., "Puppy" was on the market. A chance encounter at Doggie Day Care brought the bozos together, and now "Puppy" is our Emmy.
Today I will begin documenting and journaling the progression of their diet -- from Purina Beneful, to Merrick, to home cooked meals. As I make this progression, I will document their health, temperment, energy level, overall appearance, and food in (and out). In addition, if I find recipes, books, links or other helpful information, I will pass it along. My request? Tell your friends, relatives and fellow dog owners that this blog resource is being developed. Post comments, chime in, share your information. Make this THE dog blog for pet parents of distinction.
So, tonight the kids will feast on 1/2 Beneful, 1/2 Cowboy Cookout by Merrick and a small can of Merrick food. Let the games begin.
1 comment:
Very cool. A few synchronistic experiences all within a week of each other started me on thinking we should be feeding our 'girls' a better diet. So this is all very relevant information to me...it'll be nice having someone else do the research for a change!
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