Pet Pampering Popular with Animal Lovers
(ARA) - When people need pampering, they've long
retreated to their favorite spas, treated themselves to special gifts and savored their
favorite foods. With increasing frequency, more and more pets are enjoying the same kinds
of tender loving care. In a recent survey by the American Animal Hospital Association, a
majority of pet owners said they had cooked special meals for their pets, given them
holiday and birthday gifts, and played special music for their animals.
According to the survey, 93 percent of pet owners said they felt that love and
attention contributed more to their pets' quality of life than anything else.
"As a longtime pet owner, I know what an important part of the family pets can
be," says lifestyle expert Sandra Lee and creator of the Semi-Homemade(R) philosophy.
"People do more for their pets sometimes than they do for themselves, and they're
always looking for new ways to shower their pets with affection."
By combining affordable items available at stores like Wal-Mart with personal
creativity -- the foundation of Lee's Semi-Homemade(R) philosophy -- pet owners can
indulge their pets with flair. Sandra Lee offers the following tips for dog, cat, and bird
lovers:
* All dogs love to eat. Cook a special meal to celebrate your pet's birthday, to
celebrate a special holiday, or to soothe nerves after a harried trip to the vet. Homemade
snacks such as Bone-nanza Bones (see recipe below) will leave your pet feeling perfectly
appreciated.
* Dog parks are all the rage these days, but it's always risky to introduce pets that
aren't familiar with one another. Instead, consider coordinating a dog party among friends
and neighbors in the backyard or a local park. Pets can interact while owners mingle.
Doggie treats made from scratch or selections such as a Dentabone or jerkey strips can be
the party favors for pooches.
* Cats love to groom. To help kittens maintain their claws (and save furniture), make a
personalized scratcher. Cut 45 to 50 strips of corrugated cardboard so that they fit
snugly into the lid of a shoe box. Attach double-sided tape to the inside of the lid, then
pack the strips vertically and tightly into the lid. Press down lightly to adhere the
strips to the tape. Finish by sprinkling the top with dried catnip. Or visit your local
discount retailer for a variety of feline-loving toys and treats.
* Parakeet owners can make an edible ladder that is both nutritious and fun. The ladder
can be made using Popsicle sticks tied together with lengths of cotton twine. Coat the
ladder with parakeet food by using a pastry brush to cover sticks with egg whites that
will hold sprinkled birdseed in place. The ladder should be baked for five minutes and
cooled for two. This process should be repeated until all surfaces are covered and seed
coating is thick. It should be allowed to cool completely before being placed in the cage,
approximately 30 minutes.
* For those who are not pet owners but love nature's little creatures, treat them to a
"Critter Granola" that will appeal to a variety of outdoor animals from bunnies
to birds. Simply combine 2 cups each of popped popcorn, spoon-size shredded wheat cereal,
sunflower seeds, rabbit pellets, and wild bird seed. Place in an outside-appropriate
container.
Sandra Lee shops stores for the materials referenced above and the ingredients listed
below.
Bone-anza Bones* (Makes 10-12 dog bones)
Ingredients:
1 jar (6-ounce) turkey and rice baby food
1/4 cup prepared savory beef gravy
1/4 cup water
2 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 egg white
1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon whole milk (optional egg wash)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper. Mix all
ingredients (expect egg wash) together in a large mixing bowl until a dough forms. Place
dough on a floured work surface. Roll out dough to 1/2 inch thick. Using a bone-shaped
cookie cutter, cut out 10-12 bones. Transfer bones to prepared cookie sheet. Brush bones
with egg wash (optional). Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool
completely.
Storage and Leftovers: Store in a resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to five
days.
