Tibetan Terrier Treats

I write the food blog, Bunkycooks, and am doing a guest post today for Suddie's Blog. I was quite flattered when I was asked to do this post for one of my favorite dogs, Suddie. Suddie first found Bunkycooks this past February when I made the Oh My Ganache! cupcakes and posted the recipe on her blog. Suddie’s dad had discovered my blog because of my “Things I Love” page about our Tibetan Terrier, Beamer. I think Suddie's dad must also like ganache, but Suddie can't eat it because chocolate is a forbidden food.

Suddie also enjoyed my creamed corn recipe and video of Beamer so much, that Suddie posted the recipe and video on this blog and called it Dogs of the Corn. Isn't it funny the things these dogs will do to get some attention? ;)

"Can you tell which end is up?"

We have remained friends since then via blogging and Facebook. In fact, I would really like another Tibetan Terrier from Deep Acres Farm, but Beamer might have something to say about that. I'm still hopeful. Beamer needs a little sister.

Since I was asked to write about Beamer and not so much about food, I thought that I would talk about how wonderfully intuitive dogs are when you are sick or injured and what a wonderful companion Beamer has been to Mr. Bunkycooks and me.

If you are not familiar with Bunkycooks, then you probably will not know that I had ankle surgery last Monday. When I was carried delicately brought into my house after surgery, Beamer immediately started to jump up on the sofa and sniff me and lick my face. He knew that I was not well and literally did not leave my side all that night and next day. He has remained close by since then.

"Beamer would like some ice cream bon bons, too!"

Beamer was also instrumental in Mr. Bunkycooks’ healing process after several of his surgeries over the years and in dealing with cancer. In fact, Beamer has visited two of the hospitals in Atlanta and would jump on the bed and stay by his dad’s side until we needed to leave (they let him stay all day). Even when Mr. Bunkycooks came home from the hospital and was bedridden for several months, Beamer remained by his side. I had to coax him out of the room to go outside and get his dinner. Just so you know, you are usually able to bring a dog into a hospital with special approval and proof of vaccinations and immunizations.

"A visit by Beamer is the best medicine."

Dogs do seem to understand when their dads and moms are sick and some have even been trained to smell cancer in patients. I feel certain that the comfort of having this dog by our side through many illnesses and surgeries over the last eight years has definitely helped us get through the healing process quicker. It is also a proven fact that petting an animal can lower your stress level and blood pressure.

There is definitely a bond that exists between an owner and his/her dog that is incredibly special. I also think that Tibetan Terriers are a delightful, intelligent and adorable breed (I might be just a wee bit partial to them...do you think?!). I do not think we would have any desire to own another breed after raising Beamer (as feisty as he might be sometimes!).



Since I do write a food blog, I cannot leave you without a recipe! I have had so many pumpkins this Fall, that of course I am going to give you a recipe for something with pumpkin...Fall Pumpkin Bites for your dog! Did you know that pumpkin is very good for dogs and their digestive systems? It is also good when their tummies are upset (as in when they eat whole corn cobs like Suddie has been known to do!).

Nothing says that you care for your dog more than a homemade treat (or a luxurious stay at The Ritz-Carlton...Beamer loves those beds!).

Beamer is very smart, so we often have to spell to have discussions about some of his favorite things. So, these T-R-E-A-T-S are made with fresh pumpkin puree, blackstrap molasses and whole wheat flour and are really good for your pup.

"He's so cute!"

I substituted Organic brown rice flour for the whole wheat flour because we try to keep Beamer's diet gluten-free. They browned a little quicker, but did just fine. Be sure to flatten them a bit more than I did so that they are crunchier. These were a bit chewy, but hey, Beamer wasn't complaining. ;)

Thank you Suddie for asking me to be a guest on your blog. It is always a pleasure to brag on Beamer and share our sweet pup with other TT and dog lovers!

Woof! Woof! That is dog speak for enjoy the recipe! :)

"Your dog will love these!"

Fall Pumpkin Bites
Adapted from Home Cooking for a Healthy Dog
Makes about 36 treats

1/2 cup pumpkin purée (made from a 1 pound fresh pumpkin, cooked and mashed)
4 Tablespoons blackstrap molasses
4 Tablespoons water
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups (9 ounces) whole wheat flour (I substituted Organic brown rice flour)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (I used 1/2 teaspoon)
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Blend together the pumpkin purée, molasses, water and vegetable oil.

Stir in the flour, cinnamon, baking powder and baking soda, to form a soft dough.

Roll the dough into balls, put on a baking sheet, flatten them and prick with a fork.

Bake for twenty-five minutes, or until hard and crisp.

* Store your treats in an airtight container in the frig.